Bilba stayed in the shadows as the bull riding began. To many people who would watch the sport on T.V thought it would be so simple to last eight seconds on the back of a 1500 pound animal. But that 1500 pounds of animal was anything but gentle, and it took great courage to risk your life like that, or great foolishness, it depended on who you asked. But it was the greatest crowd drawler there was to the rodeo, everybody wanted to see the bull riders.
Her eyes traveled to Dwalin, Bifur, and Thorin who stood next to the stock pens heads bowed as if in prayer as they carefully braided their hair. Bifur and Dwalin had a lot more to work with their beards making sure that they were tightly braided so not to get caught in any of the equipment. Thorin just had to deal with his hair. He had put it up in a low ponytail, and pulled the tail onto his head where he slipped the helmet overtop.
Bilba had missed their first ride yesterday after her breakdown, so she felt honor bound to be there now. It would be Bifur's score that determined the ranking the Company got in the competition, since his had been the best score yesterday. Though all three were competing. Every score would help in determining if one of them were good enough to go to the World Championship in Las Vegas.
None of the Company besides Bofur had been present to watch her perform the second time around. She guessed that they didn't want to witness her failing a second time. Even though she had performed a textbook run. Despite what happened yesterday, she had been able to put it behind her and perform her best.
Dwalin was the first one up for the Company. He was riding a roan colored bull called Tough Choice. It look longer that expected for him to get settled on Tough Choice. Tough Choice had decided to go a little wild in the chute and Dwalin had to wait for him to calm down a bit before he could climb on.
With a nod to Bombur, Tough Choice explored out of the chute, trying his damdest to get Dwalin get off his back. Bofur watched with a sharp eye, ready to move within a moment's notice to distract Tough Choice when Dwalin came off. Dwalin managed to hang on until the sound of the buzzer.
Now came the toughest part, dismounting the still raging bull without getting stomped on. Despite wearing the protective vest and helmet, a man could still get seriously injured while attempting a dismount.
Dwalin managed to let himself be launched as the bull came to his apex in one of his bucks, letting the seasoned bull rider be thrown safely away from the bucking animal, landing on his feet. From there Dwalin headed towards the sides of the arena to stay out of the way of Tough Choice as he was herded back into the waiting pens.
Bifur was up next, his bull was a black baldy with short horns and was a little smaller than Dwalin's bull. It's name was Whirlwind. Within moments of bursting from the chute, Whirlwind began to turn and buck in a circler motion, living up to his name. Bifur might have been able to hold on till the buzzer if it wasn't for Whirlwind coming to a sudden stop and change direction. This caused Bifur to lose his center of gravity and he went flying off the right side landing soundly on the dirt floor.
Bofur raced in front of the bull's nose, efficiently distraction the 1400 pound bull from the form of his cousin getting up and running towards chutes where Bombur was. With a leap Bifur landed on the chute's door and climbed to safety.
Bilba knew that Bifur would be taking it hard, she was taking it hard. With Bifur's no score, there was no way that the Company would win the grand prize money. Bilba knew that her score could have made up the difference. But as her Mother said, no reason to cry over spilled milk. What happened happened and there was nothing she could do to change that.
Bilba continued to watch, wanting to see how Thorin would do. There were a few men in-between Bifur and Thorin. One was unlucky as he came off wrong and the bull finishing his rotation landed his left back hoof on the young man's chest. Though he was able to sit up and walk out of the arena by his own power, he was being checked out by the waiting emergency help just in case.
Another man had been a no score because his free hand had came down and clearly touched the side of his white bull called Cloud Jumper. None of Bilba's Took cousins lasted the full eight seconds. But to the Tooks, the rodeos were a hobby, they did not have as much riding on doing well in the circuits as the Company did.
Finally it was time for the final ride, and it happened to be Thorin's. Thorin had the honor of having chosen the largest bull the rodeo had in the holding pens. It looked as if someone had taken a red bull and splashed white paint all over his body and was called Splatter. Splatter was nothing but muscle, and built like a box. It almost looked as if Splatter was too big to fit in the chute, but somehow it was managed.
The crowd seemed to quiet down as they waited, all on their edge of their seats as Thorin gave a nod to Bombur and the chute door was open. And Bilba saw what she had missed the night before as Splatter jumped and spun, achieving great heights, but it didn't effect Thorin.
It didn't even look as if the bull was moving as Bilba watched Thorin ride. He sat up so straight on the bull's back, knowing absolutely where his center of gravity was. It almost looked as if Thorin was just an extension on the bull's back as he rode with utter ease.
Bilba had seen some good bull riders growing up around rodeo folk. But Thorin made them all look pale by comparison. All to soon the buzzer rang and Thorin with more of the same grace slide from Splatter's back safely. The crowd erupted with applause and Bilba watched as Thorin took off his helmet and smiled at the crowd.
It was the first time she had seen him smile at anything besides his nephews. Even though she wouldn't admit it allowed but Bilba thought Thorin looked much better with a smile on his face than the frowny, broody look that usually was on his face.
Shaking her head at these thoughts Bilba turned back to her trailer to get ready for the night. This would be there last night at Bree. Tomorrow they would be heading South and Bilba would need a good night's rest if she was going to be driving all day tomorrow. Checking on Myrtle one last time Bilba settled down for the night.
Bilba was surprised when as she was about to back out her trailer the next morning that the door to her truck opened, and Bofur jumped in. "What's hanging Bells?" he said in greeting.
"Bofur what are you doing in my truck?" she asked even as she began to back her trailer up.
"Bifur driving today, and as you know driver picks the music and passenger shuts his cake hole. Well I can't stand another day of Bifur's slow jazz so I jumped ship and here I am."
Bilba laughed, "Well jazz happens to be a favorite of mine, so it would seem you're out of luck Bofur" she said sweetly.
Bofur shudder and tried to get the door open, "On second thought, maybe Nori needs a riding partner."
Bilba simply locked the door and started moving. "To late Bofur."
"Dang it" mutterd Bofur as he leaned back in the seat with his arms crossed. Music began to drift through the speakers, but instead of the jazz he expected to hear, he was surprised at the sound of George Straits voice began to get louder.
"That was a cruel trick Bilba Baggins" he grumbled with a smile.
Bilba just smiled back. "Jazz is good on occasion, but I prefer my country. And you can't beat the King of Country."
The Company continued to drive through the day heading South on the Interstate at Gandalfs insistence. After mid-day Bofur and Bilba switched places, giving a chance to relax. When it was heading towards evening time the Company pulled off onto a little resting area and gave the horses a few minutes to stretch their legs.
Of course this gave of time for Gandalf and Thorin to discuss what the plans for the night was. Whether they would find a city park where they could camp for the night and cook supper or find a cheap motel to bed down for the night. And of course Gandalf managed to throw a wrench into the spammer.
"I already have reservations for you Thorin. A place where you can have a good night's sleep after these last few nights on the road. There are even stables where the stock can be put up" said Gandalf.
Thorin was immediately suspicious. Though Gandalf was on their side, it wasn't unusual for him to have another agenda up his sleeve. "And what would the name of this magical place be?" he asked.
"The Last Homely Home" answered Gandalf smoothly.
Thorin's mouth thinned dangerously, "No."
"Be reasonable Thorin. Elrond is not his cousin"
That mattered little to Thorin and he opened his mouth to tell Gandalf just what he thought.
Bilba sighed at the stubbornness of men, having return from putting Myrtle back into the trailer. As Thorin and Gandalf continued to argue, Bilba let her eyes scan the rest of the Company who looked as bored as she felt. Only Ori seemed content as he scribbled in his book. Bilba smiled at the sight and looked around for Fili and Kili, becoming concerned when she did not see them. She could have sworn that they had been standing next to Dwalin when they had pulled over. Now it seemed that the boys were no longer anywhere to be seen.
Getting up from the picnic table Bilba left the group of men and began looking around, certain that the boys hadn't returned to the trailer. She had only gone a few steps when she heard the sound of Fili laughing. Heading towards the noise, she crested a small hill and looked down at a small playground that was settled at the bottom near the edge of the woods.
Bilba smiled and began to make her way down to them. When from behind Fili and Kili from the woods stepped out two large men. They were some of the biggest men Bilba had ever seen and completely bald with a good amount of dirt covering them. Bilba immediately began to walk a little faster, warning bells sounding in her head.
The men seemed to call out to the boys and Bilba saw them motioning for them to come closer, closer to the woods. Fili and Kili shook their heads and began to back away when one of them made a lunge at Kili. Bilba immediately broke into a run, trying to reach the boys.
"Fili, Kili get away from those men!" yelled Bilba running towards the boys. It didn't occur to her that there might be more than two as she tried to reach the boys as the two men grabbed them.
She only heard the sound of Fili and Kili yelling her name before a great weight slammed into her from the side. In those few moments of confusion a large hand yanked both her wrists behind her back and held them there. While another snaked around her front and wrapped itself around her neck. The hands kept her securely against the large frame of the man who was holding her. The smell coming off the man, made her want to gag.
"That isn't very nice lady, was it Bert. Yelling at these boys, one would think that we are dangerous" laughed the man holding her as he applied slight pressure to her throat. It wasn't enough to choke her, but it was a clear warning to tell her who was in charge.
"We just wanted to play with them little lady" aid the one holding Kili, who mockingly began to pet the brown boys hair.
"Let them go" Bilba demanded in the calmest voice she had. "Or you will be sorry."
The one holding Fili leered, "Not as sorry as you're going to be when the sun comes up, haven't seen a sweet little thing like you in a while."
An icy fear crawled up Bilba's spine with that threat, but she pushed it away to focus on the boys. Bilba wondered how long it would take the Company to realize that not only were Fili and Kili gone, but her as well. So she decided to pay a dangerous game.
"You wouldn't know what to do with a woman like me" she challenged. "Such large men, I'm sure your probably compensating for something."
The one holding on Fili let go, his eyes flashing with anger. "You need help controlling your mouth woman." He raised his hand to strike Bilba, who was slowly choking as the hand around her throat got tighter.
"Get away from them" called a voice, that Bilba immediately recognized as Thorin. Bilba was torn around suddenly and she was relieved to see the whole Company standing a dozen feet from them. Armed with everything that they had in their trucks and trailers. The three troll like men were faced down by more than one pistol.
Thorin had an old fashioned pistol in his hand, one that you never saw any more outside of the T.V. His eyes looked like they could freeze the sun as he stared at the trolls and cocked back hammer. "I say again get away from them."
"Put that down, or I'll break this one's scrawny neck" threatened the one holding Bilba. To illustrate his point he tightened until Bilba was sputtering and trying to wretched her arms away as she struggled to breath.
It seemed as if the threat worked as Thorin slowly began to lower the pistol. But the three trolls had forgotten one thing. The one had dropped Fili when getting ready to strike Bilba leaving the little boy free.
While everyone had been focused on the standoff between his Uncle and the troll holding Bilba he had slowly grabbed a big tree branch. Holding it steadily in his hand he reared back and slammed it with all his might at the one holding Bilba at the same time Kili bit the hand of the man holding him. The distraction worked as the one holding Bilba turned to look at Fili, and the one holding Kili dropped him in shock screaming about his finger. Thorin didn't hesitate and fired a round that clipped the arm that was holding Bilba's neck. The man screamed in pain and released Bilba to cup at the wound. Bilba reached down and scooped Kiliup, and grabbed Fili's hand before the one uninjured man could grab them.
"The Dawn Patrol shall take you all!" came the voice of Gandalf. Bilba looked up the hill to see Gandalf surrounded by police officers who came running down the hill to take control of the situation.
Bilba was never so relieved in her life as she saw the police efficiently take down the three brutes and handcuff them. Bilba was immediately ushered to a nearby picnic table where Oin looked the three over as Thorin hovered in the background along with the police. With the three now in custody, the police were going around and taking statements.
"You might get some bruising, come to me immediately if it feels like your throat is closing upalright?" ordered Oin removing his fingers from Bilba's tender neck.
"I will Oin" assured Bilba. "Thanks."
Oin reached out and roughly squeezed her shoulder, "Thank you Bilba for watching out for the boys. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't gone looking for them."
Bilba shuddered at the thought. Turning her eyes she located the boys sitting in Thorin's lap as they told their story to the police. Being so young they hadn't realized quite what all had happened, but they knew that their Uncle had saved them and that was all that mattered. Already Kili was bouncing around on Thorin's lap as he got to the part where Thorin shot the bad man that was holding her in the arm. Bilba smiled slightly, Fili and Kili would have no lasting fear from this event. The trolls had not harmed them. As if they knew Bilba was watching both boys turned and waved at her with a smile. Bilba smiled and waved back. They both were good boys.
"Ms. Baggins if you can just give us your statement, we will be all done here" said one of the officers coming to sit next to Bilba with his notebook in hand. Bilba quickly went over what had happened.
"You were very brave Ms. Baggins and thanks to you, you have helped put away three dangerous criminals. We've been after these three for months. They've mostly been robbing unsuspecting travelers that use this camping spot at knife point as well as a few assaults. But by the time we arrive there usually gone, and even the gods couldn't seem to track them. But now we have enough evidence for them to go do some serious time."
"I'm glad that I could help" said Bilba softly. The officer smiled and tipped his cap and walked over to where Thorin and Gandalf were standing.
"Is there any place that you might be staying in the area so that we might contact you if you are needed?" asked the officer. "I don't think we will need your people further, but just in casethe next day or so."
Thorin opened his mouth to respond when Gandalf beat him to it. "There is indeed, we shall be spending the next few days at the Last Homely Home, you know of it?"
The officer nodded, "Elrond Pedhill's place, I know of it. We will be sure to contact you if your assistance is further needed."
"You had no right" began Thorin when the officer had left. But again Gandalf cut him off.
"Thorin, the boys and Bilba had just had a very trying experience. You might not like Elrond because of his family. But his place is one of the safest in the county."
Thorin seemed to deflate at this fact. He couldn't believe he had been so wrapped up in his argument that he didn't notice his nephews absence until the voice of Bilba came floating back over the breeze. His heart had almost stopped when he topped the hill with his pistol in hand to watched the third man grab Bilba. Gandalf had immediately went to call the police as the Company slipped forward. Thorin admitted that he had felt a flash of fear when the one had threatened Bilba, but he couldn't believe it the next moment when Bilba had just egged it on. He didn't care that it was just a distraction to buy time and to also keep their attention off of Fili and Kili. Bilba had been playing with fire and she had almost gotten burnt.
"Fine, for their sake we will go to Pedhill's but we will not stay there for long Gandalf. Every day we waste, the more our chances slip through our fingers."
Gandalf chose not to point out that the next rodeo in the Middle Earth circuit was nine days away, and it did not take nine days to reach Oklahoma from Missouri. But he had pushed his luck getting Thorin to Elronds. He would not push anymore for the night.
"Alright everyone, we're moving out" he yelled.
Bilba was about to get up from the picnic table when her foot connected with something in the long grass that had been under the picnic table. Reaching down Bilba though she would just find a forgotten bottle, but was surprised when the object she pulled out was not a bottle at all but a knife in a holster.
It was a beautiful example of a classic bowie knife. A long blade that tapered at the front. The handle appeared to be made out of a deer antler. It was perfectly balanced in her hand, and Bilba knew that if she threw it, it would fly true. It wouldn't be right to just leave the knife hear were any child could pick it up. Testing the blade, Bilba knew that it was sharp enough to shave with. A child could do how much damage with just a single nick with a blade like this.
Slipping it back into the holster Bilba decided to keep the blade. One could always need a knife, if they knew what they were doing with it. A knife was like a gun, you had to respect it. It was not some toy, it was a weapon, a dangerous weapon.
As she walked back to her trailer, Bilba couldn't help but feel a little giddy at having such a knife in her procession. It made her feel like she had just stepped out of a Western, like Tell Sackett. Or like Crocodile Dundee.
She wasn't surprised when she opened the truck door to find Bofur already riding shot-gun. "Thought you would have already made a run for it" she joked.
"Nah, you not that bad of company and your seats are comfty" replied back Bofur. "Where did you get the knife, you sure didn't have that before you left the truck or did you?"
"No found in the grass when I was leaving" she said handing the knife to him as she reached down for the ignition and turning the truck back on.
Bofur whistle lowly, "Now that's a knife. We should totally fix it so that you can reach out and take it out of your cloths when someone else hassle's you. Where is that camo coat of yours, I know it's here somewhere. You usually wear it like it's a second skin."
"I do not" protested Bilba as she pulled out behind Gloin.
"Keep telling yourself that" joked Bofur finally locating the coat. "Now this is simple down. We cut a slit right here, sew the edgesso that it doesn't further rip and shove the holster down in it. So the knife's resting right between the shoulder blades. You can just reach back and grab that handle and just stab someone in the rump and they won't know what stung them."
Bilba shook her head, "No you are not cutting my coat. And if you're not careful I might just sting you with it" threatened Bilba.
Bofur smiled, I'll be sure to keep a look out for you and Sting."
"I like that, Sting" said Bilba.
Bofur shook his head, "Only you would name a knife Bilba."
"Hey, you named it. I just happen to like it" shot back Bilba. "Plus I can't name it that same thing that I named my gun."
Bofur raised an eyebrow at her, "Really you named your gun, what did you name it. Thing that Spits Fire?"
"Close, I call it Boom Stick" she said with a serious face.
Bofur mouth twitched, and she could tell he was trying so hard not to laugh but it was a losing battle as he began to chuckle. "You're alright Bells, you're alright."
Bilba grinned back at him. "You're not bad yourself Fur."
"Furbells, we could be a dynamic duo. Or a replacement for a swear word" mused Bofur.
"I think that if we did become a dynamic duo, our name would become a curse" replied Bilba.
The next thirty minutes were spent discussing the merits of themselves becoming a dynamic duo. It was a conversation full of laughter and by the time they pulled up to the Last Homely Home Bilba couldn't help but wonder if this was how it felt to have brother who was your best friend. It just seemed so natural to joke around with Bofur and have a good time.
But like all good things it had to end as Bofur left to rejoin his brother and cousin and Bilba was left behind. Getting out of the truck, he was immedieatly in love with the Last Homely Home. It was built in the sides of a cliff. But it looked so natural that it gave the appearance of being there for last hundred years. It was green everywhere Bilba looked and large ponds and fountains gave it the appearance of being on top of a waterfall. She went into the trailer to grab a duffle that she filled in with a few different sets of clothing before she went out to where Gandalf was standing.
"is it as beautiful as you imagined Bilba?" asked Gandalf softly.
Bilba shook her head, "No, it's even more beautiful than I imagined" she replied.
Gandalf smiled softly at her and motion for them all to follow him. Bilba ended up walking beside Dori and Ori. Ori seemed pleased at this fact and didn't hesitate to reach up and take Bilba's hand in his own, his other was being held in Dori's hand. Bilba looked at Dori who only shook his head fondly at his younger brother. Seeing that Dori had not problem of Bilba holding Ori's hand, Bilba turned to look around her.
Bilba looked around in awe. She had heard stories of the last Homely Home from her Mother. Belladonna had promised that one day she would take her to see it. Bilba let the old grief wash through her before letting it go. It was time to let go some of the constant grief she felt every time she thought of her parents. She missed them, but no matter how much she missed them, they were never going to come back.
"Gandalf, we expected your party a few hours ago. I was worried that you perhaps had changed your mind old friend" came a friendly voice that sounded vaguely familiar to Bilba. Coming out of the front door was a tall lean figure of a man with long dark hair. In a way the man seemed timeless, because he looked exactly the way Bilba remembered him being. But as he drew closer, Bilba could see the fine lines around his eyes and mouth that gave away his true age.
"We had an unexpected detour my friend. But allow me to introduce the Company. This is Thorin, Fili, and Kili Durin. Balin and Dwalin Fundinson, Oin and Glion Groinson, Dori, Nori, and Ori River, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur Broadbeam, and last but not least Bilba Baggins" introduced Gandalf. "Company this is our host Elrond Pedhill."
Elrond managed to pull his eyes away from Bilba to properly look Thorin over.
"You have your Grandfather's bearing" said Elrond gazing at Thorin. "I knew Thror back in the day, when he was still in the Circuits."
"Funny, he made no mention of you" snarked back Thorin rudely.
"I can see why, I was quite young then and only starting out" returned Elrond smoothly, refusing to take Thorin's bait. "But come, you all must be tired from you travels. My staff will see to your stock and vehicles. Come I will show you to your rooms and you can wash up as the kitchens prepare a meal for you."
The Company seemed reluctant to hand over the keys to their trucks, but a stern glance from Thorin had them surrendering their truck keys. Once that was accomplish Elrond beckoned for the Company to follow him. If Bilba thought that the outside was beautiful, with it's graceful arches she was wrong as she entered the main house. It was how Bilba imagined grand houses in story books to look with rich colors and not a single detail out of place. Each room flowed into the next one. It was hard to pay attention to what Elrond was saying as he led them out of the public rooms and into the guest room area.
There he assigned every member of the Company besides the boys their own separate rooms. It would seem Gandalf had told Elrond about the boys because Dori and Thorin's rooms had special accommodations for the small boys. Bilba waited patiently for Elrond to get to her room. She knew that the man would probably want to talk. There was no mistake that he didn't recognize her. When Gandalf had introduced her, Elrond's eyes had widened in surprise.
Her suspicions were correct when Elrond gave her her room last. He stopped in front of the door and turned to her. His eyes gazing at her from top to bottom.
"Ms. Baggins, you have grown much since the last time we saw each other, though you might be too young to remember" Elrond said, with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Bilba smiled warmly at Elrond."I do remember you Mr. Pedhill, my Mother spoke fondly of you."
A look of sadness passed Elrond's race and eyes flickered to a picture of the wall that showed a young Elrond and Belladonna with a few of their friends right after the World Championship when Bella had won. "I'm sorry to hear of her passing, and I regret not being able to attend her funeral."
Bilba nodded, she remembered hearing of Elrond's own troubles with his wife's attack from her Mother. "The flowers you sent were beautiful."
Elrond smiled weakly, "A poor substitute, Bella was a dear friend and I feel the flowers fell short."
Bilba reached out and squeezed his hand. "I knew you would have come if you could have." She said gently. Elrond squeezed back a look of understanding crossing over his face.
"You are an understanding woman, Ms. Baggins."
"Bilba please, Ms. Baggins sounds so formal."
Elrond dipped his head, "Then you must call me Elrond, all my friends do. Now if you shall excuse me, I know that you are probably eager to freshen up. Your Mother couldn't stand spending days on the road without being able to freshen up."
Bilba laughed softly, she remembered her Mother being like that. "I am not quite as bad, but I am my Mother's daughter."
Elrond chuckled, "Dinner will most likely be done in twenty minutes, you can find your way back to the dinning hall?"
Bilba nodded. Elrond gave her one last smile before turning and walking down the hallway. As Bilba turned to open her door, she did not notice the pair of blue eyes studying her from down the hallway. But Bilba was too preoccupied in getting into a room that didn't carry the slight smell of horse. The room was tastefully done is dark green with matching dark brown furniture. The coverlet was plush and Bilba knew that it would be as warm as it looked. Setting her bags down she went into the suites bathroom and fell in love immediately.
The room was brightly lit with a jet tub in one corner with a walk in shower with side to resist the temptation of a hot shower, Bilba quickly stripped and got in. She would take advantage of the large bath later. For now she turned the water as hot as it would go and stepped underneath.
If it wasn't for the pressing matter of her stomach constantly growling for food. Bilba would have stayed under that stream for a lot longer. She quickly dried and wrung as much water as she could out of her curly hair. Knowing she would have more trouble if she let it dry without coming it, Bilba attacked her mess of hair with a teethed comb, pulling all the knots out of the curls. Squeezing it one last time, Bilba went out and got fresh clothes out. She pulled out a simple blue sun dress, though simply was really pretty. It had white embroidery flowers along the hem, and her cap sleeves. Throwing her hair into a messy bun, Bilba decided it was good as it was going to get. Slipping on a pair of flat sandals he walked down to the dining room and was glad to see she was not the last to arrive.
Like that first night Fili and Kili claimed the chairs on either side of Bilba the moment she sat down. Well except for the fact that Kili actually climbed in Bilba's lap and promptly ignored Thorin's glare that all but screamed at him to get down. It wasn't until Balin's arrival did Thorin calm down enough and quit sending glares at his nephew.
It was an interesting meal as Kili chattered about everything that came to mind as he ate his food. Bilba concentrated on making sure that the food Kili ate made it to his mouth and not her dress and to answer Kili when he expected a response from her. This made her unable to really focus on any of the other conversations going on. Or the considering looks many of the Company were sending her. It didn't escape their notice that Bilba was an attractive woman, and very good with children. She was also not the faint of heart, since she held her own against Thorin a number of times.
Though he didn't realize he was doing it, Thorin Durin's eyes were often less focused on his nephews and more on his barrel riders face. Unfortunately the only two people to notice were Elrond and Gandalf and the two only shook their heads with a small smile.
It was quite late when the meal was over with and the Company decided to turn in early. Though despite knowing that she should be tired. Bilba was still to wired to sleep after the events of the day. Bilba slipped out of her room and headed towards the gazebo that she had seen when they had arrived. The air was surprisingly fragment with the perfume of flowers though it was still early spring and the was still a chill in the air. Bilba had wrapped her camo coat around her, but neglected to put on any shoes as she crossed the stepping stones to reach the gazebo. It was only when she made the final step into the gazebo did she realize that it wasn't as empty as she thought it to be.
"Oh Thorin, I'm sorry I didn't expect anyone to be in here" she said in apology as Thorin. She turned to leave when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"You don't have to leave, I do not mind the Company."
Bilba was surprised but seeing as she had already made the trip out here, it seemed a waste to go back inside. With a small nod, Bilba accepted and made herself comfortable on the wide railings by hoisting herself up. So that her back was to a supporting post, with one leg tucked under her and left the other one dangling over the side.
At the sight of her bare foot Thorin raised an eyebrow. "Aren't your feet could Ms. Baggins?"
"Bilba" she insisted and wiggled her toes at him. "No, I feel perfectly marvelous without shoes on."
Thorin shook his head and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like women. "So what brings you out so late Bilba?" he asked instead resting his forearms against the railing next to Bilba's knees.
"I couldn't sleep" she admitted, "Not with what happened today."
Thorin nodded, "I wanted to thank-you. You tried to help my nephews at a great danger to yourself."
Bilba shrugged, "I had to, I couldn't let something happen to those boys. It's what any woman would have done."
Thorin wanted to open his mouth and tell her that no, not every woman would have done what she did for children that were not her own. He wanted to tell her how many women went running for the hills when they learned that he was taking care of his nephews. Not everyone was as loving as Bilba Baggins was. But he didn't say those things, he was suddenly to afraid to say those things. Instead he said the one other thing that came to his mind.
"I was unaware that you knew our host" said Thorin, side eyeing the woman standing beside him.
"He was a good friend of my Mother's, they met back in her competition days" admitted Bilba, her eyes focused upward to study the stars above her. "I've only met him a few times, the last was when I was still a child."
Thorin shifted his weight from foot to foot, "Ms. Baggins, I would like to apologize for my actions the other day. Well for my actions and another for the back handed apology that I gave for those actions. I should have never blown up on you like that nor demanded Gandalf to tell me you story."
Bilba smiled, "Apology accepted Mr. Durin."
Bilba watched as Thorin's face slowly broke out into a small genuine smile that reached all the way up to his eyes. "Thank-you Bilba."
Something seemed to crackle in the air, and Bilba felt that they were on the edge of something. "Thorin-" she began when giant strike of lightening filled the air, followed by a loud boom.
Thorin reached out and plucked her down from the railing and grabbed her hand. "Let's get inside before the rain starts."
Still holding her hand he began to lead her back to the house. They only made it half-way before the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down. Bilba started to laugh as the cold rain came down. As if her laughter was contagious, Thorin also began to laugh. By the time they made it to the foyer they both were soaked to the bone. They were both still giggling softly they made small puddles on the rug.
"Oh were making a mess" said Bilba when she finally controlled her laughter.
Thorin chuckled one last time, "You should go get out of those soaked cloths Ms. Baggins and into something warm. I will clean this up."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "You're in soaked clothing to Mr. Durin."
"I'm sure Ms. Baggins, good-night."
"Good-night Thorin" Bilba said gently before turning and making her way back to the suites. Thorin watched her leave, not understanding the strange feelings that he was happening inside his chest. With a sigh he went in search of a mop and bucket to clean up the small lake that had formed on Elrond's foyer.
This chapter is brought to you because of a 24 hour train ride. So hoped you like please review!
