Warnings: None.


Day four, early in the morning

Sam


The sun had only just risen when I stepped out of the front gate. It was cold, really cold, and my breath formed small clouds in front of my face.

Fortunately, I wasn't alone; five other people were standing next to me. Bilbo planned to go home, and Gandalf would accompany him. Fíli and Kíli had packed their bags, too, because they wanted to go back to their mother. Tauriel would go with them.

The remaining Dwarves were still standing inside, with somewhat sad looks on their faces. They probably didn't want to say goodbye yet, to all of us.

Bilbo turned around and waved at them – he and Gandalf were starting to leave, now.

"Goodbye!" he said. "I hope I will see you again. All of you."

He turned around, but then seemed to change his mind, and shouted over his shoulder: "Tea is at four. There is plenty of it. You are always welcome."

He waved one last time, and then he had disappeared in the morning mist.

I turned around to see Kíli and Fíli hugging their uncle tightly. He grinned and pulled back to look both of them in the eyes.

"Be safe," he said softly. "Do not get yourself killed. And tell Dís that I send her the best regards."

Fíli nodded. "We will. Goodbye, Uncle."

The three of them group-hugged one last time before the two brothers walked over to me.

"We cannot thank you enough," Kíli said. His brother nodded in agreement.

I grinned.

"You already have thanked me way too many times," I replied. "It's making me feel awkward. Nothing personal, but..."

My voice trailed off when I saw them glance at each other, and a mischievous grin appeared on their faces. Before I could even ask what was going on, they had wrapped their arms around me.

Well, that was pretty much the peak of awkwardness. I had no idea how to react, so I just stood there with a bright red face.

The worst thing was that we were all three about the same height, so when I finally decided to hug back, I accidentally headbutted them.

"Ow!" Fíli yelped, pulling back and rubbing his forehead.

I felt my eyes grow huge.

"Sorry, sorry!" I shouted, but he just laughed and replied: "Just kidding, I was just kidding."

I fake-scowled at him and hit him on the back of his head, but he couldn't stop laughing. I felt a smile take over my face.

God, I was already missing these guys.

"Shall we meet again next year?" I asked. "Same place, same time, Just make sure there aren't any wars on the planning."

They chuckled and nodded.

"Okay," I said. "See ya, guys."

They waved at me and started to walk away, Tauriel going with them. She spun around as soon as she was past me.

"You have courage, kid," she said. "Just try to watch your language a little next time."

I grinned. "Will do. And thanks."

She gave a nod and ran off to catch up with Fíli and Kíli. When they had disappeared from my sight, it was time for me to leave.

I waved at the group of Dwarves in the doorway before taking off my ring and spinning it around in my hand three times.

The world started to fade away; the mountain, the ground, even the mist disappeared. A dizzying feeling took over my mind, and I closed my eyes, knowing that when I'd open them again, I'd be back in my own, boring universe.