To Crickets relief, the princes had been informed by Thorin there were places that weren't really safe for her and her family to tour, so the mines were obviously out, as well as Raven hill due to the climb being almost impossible for Cricket at this time. Dis had already taken them to the hot springs so there was no reason to show that off, while Dwalin had already claimed the honor of taking her to the tombs, so that she may show her respects to the fallen from the battle, as the lads were likely not fit for the task. While depressed about this, Fili and Kili immediately perked back up when they realized they could still show her the library, the main stretch through the mountain where the small shops were kept, the training grounds where Dwalin works his magic with the troops, and the kitchens as they both hoped that Cricket would get the chance to try and cook something from her world soon for everyone.
As they make there way back down the hallway and towards the large building housing both the library and the schooling areas of the mountain, Conner holds her hand, going back and forth between pointing out neat things to both Cricket and Jace and looking up happily at her, though holding on to her hand tightly, as if he worried she would disappear at any moment, like last time. Cricket, feeling his worry, would simply squeeze back gently and reassure him she was still there, though she had no idea if she would actually vanish like last time. All she could do was act like every thing was normal around the two of them, and deal with any crisis's when the time came.
She had actually done a bit of thinking in her sleep the night before, going over everything that she knew so far about what happened after the Hobbit novel back home. Her memory was luckily not a blur this time, with sections being blocked off so she couldn't reveal too much, so she remembered quite a bit. She was pretty well convinced the reason for that was that she had already changed enough without knowing, with several people being alive who shouldn't be, mainly the three Durin males, and the ripples from Conner being hatched. She even had plans to change things further if she was allowed too, for example already planning to help take back the Mines of Moria and warn them to not dig too deeply, so that they don't unearth the Balrog. Getting Bilbo and Thorin back together was also high on her list...actually first on her list...and even though she didn't plan on warning Thorin or the princes ahead of time, she did want to get Nori in on it.
Maybe she could even try and get rid of that damn ring early and save everyone involved a whole lot of heartache. Hell, maybe that was why she was back in the first place. If it actually was she wasn't going to complain, but she desperately wanted to figure out a way to at least keep in touch with Conner this time if sent back home, and try and keep him from missing her as badly as he did the past three years. Of course she would be happier if she could also some how figure out a way to go back and forth between the two worlds whenever she wanted, but the contact with Conner was much higher priority. In the meantime, she would let Kili and Fili show her and her family around, would enjoy the time spent with all her old friends, would argue with them about whether she was a princess with all the perks attached, would get back to completely healthy and make sure no one was hurt under her watch.
Meanwhile, as they walked through the mountain with their princely escorts, they were given all sorts of strange looks from the dwarves they passed while walking to the library, luckily with no stairs to go up and down just yet. Most were just double takes, surprised to see the Men there at all, but some eyed them in suspicion, while others stopped to stare in surprise. One group of what looked like nobles gave them all a look of disdain and sniffed, turning the opposite direction so that they wouldn't have to interact with them. Dawn silently wished they had been given a guard after all when she noticed the few hostile looks they were sent their way, even if no one dared to try and get past the princes leading them though the enormous mountain kingdom. Jace thought it was neat that there were so many short people around, most of them with the biggest beards he had ever seen, even some of the women!
It didn't take too long to get to the library, much to Crickets relief, and as soon as they entered Fili led them to a large oval desk in the center of the building, surrounded by shelves of books and scrolls that had been safe from Smaugs destruction to due the distance from the treasure room and the small hallway through the rock that led to it. Sitting at the desk was an excited Ori who jumped up to greet them the moment he realized it was them, as well as a pretty red-headed female dwarf wearing a pair of gold plated half moon glasses with a puzzled look on her face."You're here!"Ori cried in contagious excitement, running all the way around the desk and grabbing her hand gently, his own stained with ink and dust."I didn't think you would come to visit me so soon, if at all! The library is hardly an exciting place to tour, after all!"
"Of course we came."Cricket said to the young dwarf, giving him a gentle smile."They were giving us a tour of the mountain anyway, and I heard how much work you'd done here after Thorin put you in charge."
"It's amazing."Dawn said in awe as she stared at all the texts surrounding them all, Cricket getting her love of books from her."Are all of these written in your language?"
"Not all, no."Says a bright voice from behind Ori, and they all look to see the female dwarf walking up to them."Some of them are written in Elven, while others are written the the language of Men. However most of them are in fact written in Khuzdul. We have been asked to start translating over some of the texts here for the treaty feast, though."
"Who's this?"Cricket asks a bit teasingly, noticing the blush on Ori's face as he hears the pretty dwarf speak."She must be pretty smart to be working with you, especially in a place like this."
"Oh, yes, um.."Ori stammers a bit nervously."This is Alda. She helps teach the dwarflings their letters, as well as helping me clean and translate over the texts here. Alda, this is Lady Cricket and her family. Lady Cricket is going to be staying here for some time, and was one of the members of the company who helped take back the mountain."
Alda's eyes widen a bit at that, before narrowing to give the young woman a once over, lingering on the bead braided into her hair."This is the Cricket you wrote about in her journal? I must admit, even with your description she isn't quite what I expected. Welcome, my lady...or should I say princess?"
Kili and Fili both grin at that, while Cricket face palms mentally, though winces for real."I would prefer you call me Cricket, though stick with lady if you have to. I had no idea it would be such a big deal when Kili inducted me into his family. The last thing I want is a bunch of people bowing and groveling and kissing up to me just because I'm an adopted Durin."
Alda gives a very real smile at that."As you wish."
"Miss Alda, can I show my friend Jace my study room and desk?"Conner asks the teacher, running over and pulling on her practical dark grey dress, sleeves tied up to her elbows so they don't spill the ink."I want to show him my picture books and where you teach me everything!"
"I don't see why not, as long as you have an escort."
"Momma, can we go see?"Jace asks excitedly, jumping up and down and looking at Dawn pleadingly."I want to see the books, I love books!"
"Of course, I'll even go with you to see it. Maybe you can study with him while you're here."
"Oh, that would be so awesome!"
"Kili, will you go with us to my study room?"Conner asks, turning to the brunette prince."Mister Thorin said we can't go anywhere without one of you, an I don't wanna make him mad."
Kili pouts for a second before nodding, tiny smile on his face."Of course, I's rather not make Uncle mad either. Let's go!" Cricket takes the chance to sit in one of the surprisingly comfy chairs at the large desk, looking at all the opened scrolls around her in wonder while Conner, Kili, Alda, Jace, Donald and Dawn go off to see the study rooms. Ori goes around the desk as well to sit next to her, pulling something gently out of one of the drawers next to him, while Fili hovers nearbye, quickly eyeing the areas she was wounded to make sure none of them were bleeding through yet. Amad had sent him off with a small bag of bandages and poultices, as well as a poin potion just in case all the walking around caused some of the wounds to give her problems, informing him she had shown Dawn how to apply them just in case.
"I have something to show you."Ori says seriously, though she can see an excited glint in his eyes."You know I took notes the entire journey to the mountain three years ago, trying to write down everything that happened to us on our travels."
"Yea, I remember every time we took a rest you were writing in that thing, you're lucky it survived to tell the truth."
"I know."He says, remembering the trip down the river they took in the barrels."A good thing it was the barrels with our gear was sealed, else I would have lost everything. Anyway, when Thorin appointed me to this position, whenever I had a chance I gathered all my notes and writings and started rewriting them in another tome, one I could take my time with and put everything in the order it happened, adding in any little bits I missed on the way."Grinning brightly, he takes the blue fabric covered object off of his lap and places it softly on the desk in front of her, unwrapping it to reveal a large dark leather book, the front etched with a picture of what had to be Erebor, a small dragon circling it."I finished it about four months ago."
"Oh, Ori."She said softly, gently stroking the cover of the book, then opening it to reveal a small copy of the map Gandalf had given to Thorin the begining of the journey, intricate in detail with the words written in the original elven."This is amazing. I'm so proud of you for finishing it, I just wish I could read it."
"Thank you."Ori says with a dark blush that reaches all the way to his ears."But you can read it, actually. I wrote it in the language of Men, in case you ever returned. I wanted you to be able to read it, just as well as everyone else would be able to."
"Really?"She says, opening to book to a random page. Sure enough, all the words are in perfect English(or the language of Men if you prefer), and the page she had opened it to describes the first impression of Beorn to all of the company, as well as his strange collection of animals."Your handwriting is so neat, Ori! You're an amazing writer! When can I read it?"
"If you'd like, I can have it put in your room today, so that you might try and read some of it once you return to it later. Other than Thorin, you'd be the first of the company to read it."
"That would be wonderful, Ori, thank you."She says, closing the book and giving the still blushing Ori a hug from her chair, careful of her shoulder."I can't wait to read it. I'm surprised you haven't let that cute Alda read it yet though."
If possible, Ori blushes even harder when she pulls back."She may have read one or two sections to check my spelling of certain words. Nothing about Conner, of course, but she was very interested in what she called my mystery project. You...think she's cute?"
Fili snorts at that."You certainly do, you can tell every time someone mentions her name. She seems to hold in interest in you as well. Should we be giving you a lecture on the birds and the bees?"
"What? No!"Ori exclaims, covering his mouth quickly as he realized how loud he had gotten."No, of course not. I...I am thinking of going to her family, however, and asking permission to court her. She's amazing, and doesn't seem to mind at all that I'm more knowledge inclined than warrior inclined."
"Well of course not, you're quite a catch."Cricket assures Ori, while Fili nods beside her."She would be crazy not to be interested in you."
"I hope her family thinks the same way."Ori says a bit morosely, before making himself perk back up."But come, I must show you the rest of the library, no need to mope around!"
*************************
After Cricket has finished the tour of the library, and Conner has finished showing off his study room to Jace(bringing one of his books along with him to show Jace on the wagon ride to Dale), they all say their goodbyes to Alda and Ori and set off once more, Ori promising to send a few books to Dawn and Donalds room to read if they are interested in learning more about middle-earth, written in the language of Men. This time they set off the opposite direction towards the main shop stretch, taking a left down a hallways then starting a slow trek uphill towards the entrance of the mountain, which was the direction of both the shops and the training grounds. Once again they catch the stares of all who pass by, but luckily not one of them is as detail orientated to notice the bead in her hair as Alda did, or else they might have had a small crowd following them around. As it was, most of the subjects were too scared to approach the princes anyway, even with their reputation for being open and friendly, but too much time with the rudest of the nobles had made them wary.
Most of the shops were small, as Dale was only a short walk away and Erebor shipped a large amount of metals and jewels out, as well as armor, jewelry and weapons. However, the shops that were there, other than a medium sized general store, were catered to specific needs and sales. Kili and Fili took her slowly past most of them, explaining what they were for and who mainly went to them, even pointing off a side section that had tavern like buildings for those who just wanted to drink and boast loudly(Donald joked that he wouldn't mind visiting there, to which Fili said if he was serious they could arrange it with one of the company members who frequented it), as well as a building for those who simply wanted to order what they wanted and have it sent to their homes, not wanting to brave the outdoors. They did, however, stop by Dori's tea shop, letting the group visit with the immaculately braided old dwarf for a short while, as well as Balin and Oin who were having a short break to relax with a steaming cup.
Oin took a moment to take her to the back room and ask her a couple of questions, making sure her wounds were still healing ok, checking the wound on her arm quickly and commenting on how he was relieved she was so unlike most of his patients, refusing to get out of bed for even a simple stubbed toe. Once he was convinced she was healing nicely and that the princes weren't dragging her around too much, he let her back into the main room and had her sit down with a cup of a hot spiced tea, brewed to help with her with her energy for the rest of the day. Everyone else was given a type of sweet, hot berry tea that Conner enjoyed quite a bit, partly to make sure she was allowed time to finish her own, and partly to give them a short break from running around. Conner, as hyper as he could be, luckily knew the rules for being in Dori's shop, and whispered them to Jace covertly as to make sure his friend didn't get into trouble. The main rule was don't run around like a hellion as Dori had several breakable and expensive things in the shop, a rule that Kili actually had a harder time following than Conner, while the secondary rule was use quiet inside voices as the shop was a place of relaxation, and that people came for the calm aura of it.
Once they were finished with the shops, they climbed slowly up a range of stair flights, Fili making sure to help Cricket up them as she was bound to have issues after a while, and made there way to the training center kept right next to the entrance to Erebor. Conner and Jace were both excited about this as Conner had explained that Dwalin was the strongest warrior in all of Erebor, and beat all the soldiers into shape, as well as overseeing any other fights of honor performed to try and prevent deaths, as well as keep it fair. Jace liked playing fighting games at home, and wanted to see the real thing very badly, his friend assuring him they could sit up front close to watch the proceedings, his parents next to them, of course.
They get there in time to see Dwalin finishing up with a group of young warriors, all of whom look to be just under the correct age to join the army, though with dwarves it could be hard to tell. Dwalin has them collect their things and leave for the day, noticing out of the corner of his eye Kili and Fili helping Cricket to a seat up front, Conner and Jace sitting on either side of her while her mom and step-dad sit behind them. Dwalin gives a smirk and heads towards them as a small group, about four or so, of dwarves enter from the side and stand in a group muttering amongst one another, another fairer than the rest standing off along and polishing a sword, trying to ignore the comments being directed at him."Well, you did say you would be stopping by, and a good time by the look of it. You're just in time to see the conclusion of a little squabble Thorin judged while we were all out, bunch of little shits the lot of them."
"What's Uncle having them do?"Kili asks curiously as Conner and Jace split a large cookie they nabbed from the kitchens with the help of said dwarf.
"Oh, the blonde one insulted their fighting skills, said they needed to practice more. Something about being naked with his hands tied behind his back, whatever it was they took offense to it."Dwalin says with an amused snort."I personally think blondies right, but Thorin wants him to prove it, so he'll be fighting each of the snots one on one to prove himself. They win, he owes em apologies. He wins...they have to drop it and have extra training sessions with me, no exceptions."Dwalin gives a feral grin at the thought, always up for laying the law down on some spoiled noble brats who think their shit don't stink, then looks over at the dwarf actually preparing for the fights, instead of standing around and talking."You, blondie, come'ere! Yea, you!"
The dwarf looks reasonably nervous as he makes his way to the intimidating commander, sword at his hip and wearing nothing but some light leather armor. Cricket approved, as he would be able to move around much easier in that, rather than wearing full on armor. A quick glance again and she noticed he had two daggers inserted into his boots as well. The armor was older but well made, and the sword grip looked as if it had been used quite often. The dwarf in question was younger than Fili and Kili, with shining blonde hair braided into what was surprisingly a ponytail, with a well trimmed shorter beard and bright bottle green eyes."Yes sir?"
"What's your name blondie?"
"Olif, son of Bolif, sir."
Dwalin frowns a bit at the name."Bolif huh? I remember your father, he was one of the few nobles that actually fought in the battle for the mountain. What did you do again to rile those lads up so bad?"
Olif glances quickly at the group watching him curiously."I uh..I told all of them they needed to practice more, because they couldn't hit me with a sword if I was naked, painted bright red and had both hands tied behind my back."
There's loud, unrestrained laughter to the side, causing both Dwalin and Olif look over and see Cricket, her face red and body shaking as she lets it all out, Conner and Jace giggling beside her. Kili and Fili are laughing as well, though not quite as hard, mostly just glad to see her in such a good mood."I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh."She says when she finally stops laughing enough to take a deep breath, the nobles brats looking at her like she was feeble-minded."It's just, that's the greatest thing I've heard in a while, and it reminded me of home. Olif, I want you to know I'm rooting for you because of that, so please don't let me down."
"I..thank you."Olif says, cheeks a light pink."Lady..."
"Cricket."She says lightly, smiling at the nervous boy.
"She's our sister!"Kili says brightly, coming up and throwing an arm around her.
When Olif gapes, Dwalin sighs loudly, grabbing Kili and dragging him up to the front."What happened to keeping that little piece of info to ourselves for now?"He asks, saying it lowly into the princes ear.
"Well, Alda already figured it out."Kili says with a shrug, not seeing the big deal."And if we wanted to keep it a secret, Amad probably shouldn't have braided the family bead into her hair."
Dwalin shakes his head and lets go of Kili, turning back to Olif."Well, you heard the princess, she's rooting for you. Are ya gonna let her down, or are ya gonna live up to your words? Either way someone gets extra training with me, and you know how I treat those who've shirked in the first place."
"No sir, when I say something I mean it."Olif says with a serious face for one so young."They need to learn they can't boast about having skills when they never practice them. Being a noble doesn't mean you can wave a sword around and be automatically right about everything, my father taught me that" With that he stomps to the middle of the sparring ring and turns to face the audience."I dedicate my victories to the Lady Cricket, as she has expressed a desire to see me succeed." The nobles give each other amused looks, one breaking away from the others and joining Olif in the center, smug look on his face.
"Look at you, already making the nobles fight each other."Fili says in amusement."Though, if he pulls this off I say he deserves some sort of award."
"You mean other than getting to beat the snot out of a bunch of spoiled brats? Hell, I suppose I could ask if he would be interested in joining my private guard. I only accept those I approve of, and the missions I send them on are ones I need to be able to trust completely in the people working with them."Dwalin considers it for a moment."That might work, actually."
"Um, Dwalin, you might wanna go and referee things."Cricket says, pointing to the center of the ring."I think they're about to start, and I don't trust the other guys to not cheat if they think they can get away with it."
************************************************
Olif wins no contest, even with the noble sons attempting to cheat. His father had taught him extremely well, and he moved like he was born with a sword in his hand, the armor moving along with him and causing him no problems at all. One of the last nobles actually shrieked at one point when Olif pulled out his daggers to block the hand axe coming at him, kicking his feet out from under him then pinning him to the ground with said dagger. All it took for the first smug noble, in fact, was a punch to the nose, as neither of them had even pulled their swords yet before Olif was being insulted, and once he looked at the blood leaking from his nose he went pale and fainted straight away. Now, all the fights weren't like that, but Olif still ended up coming out victorious, the two young boys actually running towards the dwarf and jumping round him excitedly when they realize he was the winner.
When they finally managed to drag the boys away from the confused dwarf, Dwalin takes the chance to whisper into Crickets ear that after dinner he needs to show her something as well, so not to make any plans. Cricket agrees, curious as to what he wants to show her that Kili and Fili can't, then allows him to escort her down to the wagon taking them all to Dale, Dwalin himself lifting her into the wagon before heading back to the sparring ring to have a long talk with the young dwarves still there, being watched over by his guards to prevent any further violence. He had even made the days of the two young boys by handing them both blunted wooden swords to stick through their belts, painted silver with no sharp points in case of being jabbed at someone. Both Jace and Conner take the swords with awed looks on their faces before giving the grizzled warrior a hug on each side of him, much to the amusement of everyone around watching.
As the wagon makes its way down the road to Dale, Jace and Conner keep both swords in their laps tightly, Conner showing Jace the book he brought with him and explaining all the pictures, the book full of elves and dragons and dwarves and other mysteries to the blonde boy. Jace sat in Dawns lap, while Conner sat in Crickets, and she watches the two boys adoringly as they converse with one another."You know, it's funny."Fili says to her about halfway there, him sitting next to her while Kili sits across, all of them grabbing onto the wagon for a moment as they hit a particularly rough patch of road."Those two get on amazingly well. They almost remind me of myself and Kee. They even have the colors right."
Cricket cocks her head at him before looking at the two boys thoughtfully, then at her adopted dwarf brothers. Sure enough, even though their hair was much shorter and they were both likely to be taller, the boys showed an amazing resemblance to the two princes. Jace looked like Fili, with his shining blonde hair and technically being older than Conner, and Conner having that dark curly hair and friendly demeanor, both of them sticking together no matter what."Wow, you know you're right. They could almost be your mini-me's the way they look and act. We should dress all of you up like one another and show Dis, I bet she would get a kick out of it."
"You're probably right."Fili says grinning back at her while Conner shows Jace a picture of Smaug, all teeth and fire."Since we haven't given her any grandchildren yet, she would likely just abandon us and take the boys instead."Fili misses the frozen look of fear and regret on Crickets face as he's turned away from her, and she manages to put a mask back up before he glances back up at her."She's ready to try and play matchmaker for the both of us, most likely at the treaty feast. I as the crown prince have to find a match worthy of ruling at my side as Quees, but Kili over there has more options."
"Aye, mother is planning on throwing quite a few eligible young women his way."Kili chortles as his brother glares at him."Since Uncle isn't likely to find a bride, the responsibility is left to Fee."
"Is that how it usually goes?"Donald asks curiously, not used to any type of arranged marriage, or the way royalty would work."Your parents find a bunch of likely people and throw em out in front of you?"
"If you haven't managed to find someone yourself before a certain time, yes."Fili says somberly."I'm not expected to choose one of them right then and there, but it does push me to find someone faster, and the treaty feast is, as Amad puts it, the perfect time to make an acceptable alliance with someone, or to find a possible one. Even if I did find someone, though, I would still have to appeal to her father and family, then court her for at least a year before we were considered properly engaged. This just starts the process."
"Lord, that sounds more trouble then it's worth."
"It is, but unfortunately it's our way, and as the prince I'm even more required to follow it."
Dawn frowns at that, then looks at her daughter."You aren't required to go through all of that mess, are you? Being an adopted member of the family and all."
"Cricket is a special case."Kili says to the worried mother, patting her arm."And mother knows that. We won't be forcing her into anything, even if we could."
"The thing is, I don't know how long I'm here."Cricket adds in."What if I get involved with someone, then get suddenly sent back home, with no way back and no memories again? Leaving behind children and a family?"
"We're working on that, though."Kili says, making her look over at him quickly."Thrandiul thinks that with the type of powers Conner is showing to have, he may be able to adapt them to the point of shadow traveling between worlds. He can already travel the mountain by hiding in the shadows, after all. It can't be too hard to stregthen it from there. So...a relationship might not be too far fetched for you now."
Cricket goes silent at that, holding Conner and staring off at the scenery, her mind a whirl of thoughts. Fili glances at her, worried as he notices a strange gleam in her eye, wishing once more his brother hadn't adopted her into the family so he could have offered her the ring he had picked up from the treasure room, and a place at his side as the future queen of Erebor. Mother was fond of her now, so he had no doubt she would had accepted Cricket as a daughter-in-law. She was a warrior not afraid to defend herself, as well as kind to those around her, which his people would have appreciated in a queen. Not only that but as a Dragon Knight she would be more than qualified to defend the kingdom with Conner at her side. Sure, there was always the chance she could be sent back home, but with the leaps and bounds Conner was making in his training it would be no time at all she could come back of her own free will. He cared for her a great deal, though admittedly he was ashamed of the way he had acted after their one drunken night together. He had been a coward, too afraid of how everyone would react if they found out to ask how she actually felt about the whole situation, and by the time it was too late the only solution he could think of was to ask for her hand. Even now he kept the ring he had planned to offer her in a pouch always at his side, to remind him of his stupidity.
He could just barely hear Kili talking in the background, telling Crickets family more about the courting rituals of the dwarves and how the company had all agreed to step in as the males in her family if anyone did ever make an offer for her hand, but he was barely paying attention as he kept an eye on the woman in front of him and the contemplative look on her face as they trekked ever closer to the rebuilt city of Dale, wondering what could possibly be going through her head at the moment.
***********************************
Dale was simply amazing. The last time Cricket had been here, it had been a city of rubble and ruin, the buildings left over threatening to topple over at any moment, but since she had been gone it had been transformed to a beautiful city full of well-built homes and shop buildings, with a thriving marketplace stretching all the way from the entrance of the city in a series of roads and side shops, to the large circular center of the town filled with peoples of all races. The very center of the town had a small park surrounded by flowers, a clear pond along the side of it with a large tree giving its section of the park shade and a perfect place to rest and watch the goings on around oneself. The main landmark of the park, however, was a memorial set in the back of the pond, a monument to everyone who lost their lives getting back the mountain and the city, human, elf and dwarf alike. It was clear the dwarves had made it from the craftsmanship of the granite, while the elves had most likely nursed all the beautiful flora encompassing it, kept in a city of Men who kept it clean and tidy and paid for.
Surrounding the jewel of a park was a bustle of trade and activity that put the Laketown marketplace to shame, the smells alone making all of their stomachs growl loudly as they pass one of many bakeries, though the variety of food stands were astounding, as they discovered there were apparently several different food you could serve on a stick, much like a state fair back home but to a much lesser degree. Along with the food stands and shops there were venders selling jewelry, clothes, armor, knick-knacks, fabrics, spices, groceries, furniture and so on. Fili had to stop several vendors from pulling the in awe visitors to the side to try and pass on their wares, wondering for the first time why they didn't take a few guards with them after all, if anything to try and keep them from getting scammed. Both Donald and Kili ended up grabbing a boy by the arm and dragging them away from a stall filled with brightly colored dragon and warrior toys, both of them pouting the maximum amount when they finally stop protesting. Cricket finally tells them that if they agree to be good the rest of the time at the marketplace, they can each pick out one toy each, to which they agree to with wide eyes.
The next hour is spent with Kili and Fili taking the family to some of the calmer shops, ones that Dis herself suggested to get the best deals on what they needed to get while there. Cricket and her mother both pick out about five dresses each, while Donald and Jace get the same amount, both shown what all they would need to be properly dressed while in the mountain and most other places, much like when Kili was sent back to Crickets world and she had to help him pick out an outfit. In addition to the dresses, however, Cricket also picks out a couple of black and brown pants and leggings, as well as several loose shirts, undershirts and vests to train in once she heals, as well as stuff to travel in as she can't stand wearing a dress all of the time. Once they pick out some clothes, they go to get boots and belts, then stop by and get some toiletries so that Donald could shave and they could pick out some of their own things to wash with. By this time Cricket was starting to get tired, her wounds aching a bit, so she asks if they can take a short rest at the beautiful park before going any further. Fili and Kili take the rest of the group to sit next to the pond, while Cricket goes to one of the bakery stands to get some snacks while they sit.
"Oh my goodness!"The lady at the counter exclaims when they bring up what they want to buy."I remember you! You were with the company of dwarves that came through, hoping to take back the mountain! You would come by and tell stories to the children in the center of the old Laketown marketplace!"
"Oh, hi there!"She says, not thinking anyone would recognize her here from the last time."Luckily they did manage to take the mountain back after all. I'm glad you were able to come and reopen your bakery!"
"Oh, me as well. It took a little bit of time once the battle was finished, but once the dwarf king gave us the gold promised, all of us came back to help rebuild the town and start out lives back up, with the dwarves helping quite a bit. Oh, no no no."The woman exclaims when she sees Cricket trying to pull out some coins for her purchase."After all you did for us, the least I can do is give you a free bit of food!"
Cricket thanks the woman and quickly leaves the shop before she can be offered anything else, then heads to the park to join the rest of her company, grateful for the patch of grass she sits down on as her body aches from the strain of going for so long. It almost seemed like the old days, all of them relaxing with cookies and lemonade as they gaze at the hustle and bustle around them, with the only thing missing being a story told by Cricket. Once Conner and Jace finish their cookies and drink they throw the crumbs to the birds swimming around in the pond and run around the tree in a fast paced game of chase while the adults look on and finish their own snack, chuckling every once in a while as one of the boys would run over and tag someone, then jolt away giggling. After a while a few other children joined in on the fun as well, the parents looking on with smiles as it turned into a giant game of tag.
After a while they got so entranced at watching the game, they didn't notice when the crowds around them quieted down a bit, parting to allow someone through the masses of people behind Cricket and her group. The children in front of her stop the game suddenly and give cheeky little bows and curtsies, while Conner looks up and gives a wave to who ever is behind her, a large grin on his face."Hello Conner, good to see you again. Are you here with Kili again?"Cricket pales as she hears the familiar voice behind her, while Conner nods excitedly.
"He sure did, but he's not the only one I'm here with!"Conner runs behind her, her still sitting frozen from the sound of the voice, her mom and stepdad looking at her strangely while Fili glares down at the ground, Kili smiling back at the man approaching.
"Oh yes, who else did you come here with? Is it Lady Dis again? The girls do enjoy her company when she visits."
"No, even better!"Cricket closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before opening them back up and turning slowly in place, using Kili to pull herself up, if painfully. When she finally turns and rises completely her blue eyes meet startled brown ones, as he finally realizes just who is standing in front of him."Momma Cricket came back to me, and we're showing her around everywhere, isn't that great?"
"Hey there Bard."Cricket says softly, still gripping onto Kili's shoulder."Good to see you again. It looks like you've done well for yourself, and the city."Bard looked very well, in fact, dressed in a fine blue-grey tunic with darker grey pants, held together with a light grey belt. His hair was pulled back into a half ponytail, but instead of its usual messiness she was used to it was neat and shining with a little bit of wave blended in. There was even a silver circlet around his head indicating his status as the King of Dale, set with tiny sapphires and opals.
Bard gapes at her for a couple of seconds, not quite believing he is seeing her, before rushing forward and gripping her in a tight hug, Cricket smiling and hugging him back around the neck."I didn't think you were coming back. I knew you said there was a chance you could disappear but I never thought so soon after the battle.."
"None of us did."She says back, hugging him back around before letting go, wincing in pain as her arm suddenly yells at her, her side as well from the tightness of the hug.
"Are you ok?"Bard asks worridly as he notices the wince of pain on her face, as well as the way both of the princes jump to her side.
"She's injured."Fili practically growls, and Cricket gives him a strange look at his change in tone.
"I'm fine."She shoots back reassuringly, though she decides she might need to check on her side bandage."We were attacked by a band of Orcs when we first came back, and I got hit a couple of times. Luckily though, Oin knows his stuff and got the poison out, now I'm just waiting on the wounds to heal."
"We?"Bard asks with a confused look on his face."More than you came this time?"
"Crap, I'm sorry. Bard, this is my mom Dawn, my step-dad Donald and my..brother Jace. Guys, this is Bard, formally the bowman, now the King of Dale."
"A pleasure."Bard says with a little bow at her family, which makes her mother blush."You've raised quite an amazing young woman, and I count myself extremely lucky to know her."This time Cricket blushes, which causes Fili to scowl at the ground again."How are you finding your time here?"
"It's definitely..different here than back home."Dawn says, cautious about what to say and not confuse people."Other than the getting attacked, it's very beautiful, and the dwarves have been very accommodating. Your city is amazing as well, and very full of life."
"The cookies are really good!"Jace says loudly, Conner grinning beside him.
"I'm glad to hear it."He says, eyes darting back to Cricket, while Kili grins to himself noticing the tension between the two."Are you going to be staying in the city long? It would be my honor to have all of you over for dinner, and my children would love to see Conner and Lady Cricket again. What do you say?"
Cricket opens her mouth to speak, but Fili beats her to it."I'm afraid we have plans already, as Dwalin has claimed Lady Crickets time after dinner, and we need to take her home and replace her bandages, as well as finish up any shopping we have to do here. So I'm afraid we must decline your invitation this time, Sire."Cricket and Kili both frown at him for that, while Bard looks a bit let down to have his plan rejected.
"However.."A voice to the side says, cocky in its tone as it interrupts the staring between the four."It might be easier if we found a place to replace her bandages here."Everyone looks over to see Nori walking over to stand beside the group, the crowd finally dissipating to give them some breathing room as they go back to their sales and purchases."Maybe his majesty wouldn't mind showing us his home, so she could find a place and change them out there?"
Fili throws a glare at Nori for that, not happy to see him there, while Bard visibly perks up at the idea."That's a wonderful idea! I'd love to show all of you my home, and Cricket could see the Dragon knight apartments built for her and Conner! Would that work for everyone?"
"That works fine for me."Cricket says before Fili can step in again."As long as we're back in time for dinner, I have no problem with it, and I'd like to say hi to your kids as well. Is that ok with the rest of you?"There is a murmured consent from the rest of the group, the quietest from Fili as he keeps he eyes on the ground, not trusting himself to look back up lest he melt the monarch into a puddle of goo with his glare."Nori, I don't know what you're doing here, but are you coming with us?"
"Oh, I suppose I could."The spymaster says with a smirk, tucking a small bag into his belt."I was here to pick up some inks for Ori and a couple of..trinkets for myself, but I might as well stick around till you head back yourselves, help keep an eye on the lads. You know how boys like to act up, you can never have too many eyes on them."He may have been talking about the two younger boys when he says this, but he aims a fast wink at Cricket, leading her to believe it wasn't just them he wanted to help keep an eye on.
"Well then.."Bard says, offering Cricket an arm as his guards go to stand on either side of the group, and starts leading them through the marketplace towards the main castle."Let's make our way there now, and get those wounds of yours looked at. I may not have a healer with quite the reputation as your Master Oin, but my own is quite talented in her own right, and would be more than happy to reapply those bandages for you."Cricket smiles at him, letting him lead her through the city, the rest of the group following close behind them as Bard points out various spots in the city to everyone, leading them slowly through the streets as Cricket quietly tells him what all has happened to her since she returned to Middle-Earth. Nori keeps himself in the back so he can watch everyone, not at all missing the way Fili seethes as he follows behind Cricket and Bard.
Boy, it was going to be an interesting rest of the day. Cheerfully whistling he slips both of the boys a piece of taffy, he finds himself glad he decided to shadow the group.