Ok yall, good news and bad news. Good news is, here's another chapter for yall! Bad news is... it's midterm week and I have a lot of essays to write :( It's amazing how much i enjoy writing this story, but give me a school topic and I instantly despise writing xD I don't know how much time I will get to devote to this which means it is possible that you won't be getting a new chapter next week. If this is the case, I will post a lil chapter preview on my tumblr for those who are interested. I haven't been posting anything on the tumblr so far but that's because I've been keeping up pretty well. If you don't see the teaser than, hooray chapter's almost done.
blog/warstang
Have a blessed week everyone!
Tauriel POV
Armand let out a deep sigh as I tightened the girth around his belly. I ran a hand along the horse's neck to reassure him that the work would not be to tedious. The trail would be long, but I assumed that my companions would prefer a slow journey. The wizard was old and the hobbit seemed to prefer the ground over horseback. I finished attaching the breast plate and brought the horse out of the dwarven stables to meet the others. Armand stood tall amongst the herd of ponies, but they treated each other as if there were no differences between the two. I curiously thought of the ways of the animals, thinking that maybe we could learn something from them.
I led the horse out of the mountain and into the fresh air of the cool morning. I found no sign of the wizard so I brought the animal to a grassy area and allowed him to graze while we waited for the others. As he ate, I gazed upon the mountain. The morning sun shone brightly amongst the stone walls of Erebor. After I parted from Kili last night, I had debated long into the night about whether or not I should tell him about my departure. I had finally settled that it would be best if he found out from his kin. I kept him awake far longer than I should have last night and he needed his rest. Plus, I was also embarrassed to see him. I did not like to appear weak, and last night my emotions had been out of my control causing me to look like a child. Although, as much as my pride hated to admit it, I was grateful for him finding me. Having someone so willing to offer comfort around was one thing I might be able to get used to.
Armand nickered to alert me of Gandalf's approach. The wizard brought along a horse and a small pony while Bilbo walked tiredly behind him. He yawned and stretched his little arms out to the sky.
"Mornin'," he groaned. He glanced between the wizard and I. "Wait, is Thorin not coming?"
"Of course not," the wizard mounted his horse. "He has a lot of work to do here, rebuilding the Kingdom and all."
"But Gandalf, do you not remember all the danger we were put in?! There's no way we can make this journey with only the three of us?" I climbed up into my horse's saddle while the two conversed.
"What on earth are you talking about Bilbo?" Gandalf asked. The sound of trotting hoof-beats brought my attention up. Two new figures rode up on ponies and when they reached him, they grabbed the hobbit to lift him up onto his pony.
"Ah!" Bilbo gave a shriek of surprise but when he noticed who the culprits were he laughed. "Fili! Kili!"
My heart jumped in my chest. Three other dwarves appeared on ponies.
"Bofur, Ori and Dwalin! You are all coming?"
"Of course master Baggins!" Kili clapped the hobbit's back with his hand. He caught my eye for a moment and smiled. "We wouldn't let our burglar come all this way and not see him home safely."
The rest of Thorin's crew slowly walked into view until finally the King appeared at the head of the group. This part of the company was without ponies, so I assumed that they would remain here in Erebor. The King appeared to be in a good mood this morning, which I was thankful for. Not much could damper my spirits now that I knew that the dwarves would accompany us on the journey to the Shire. Specifically one dwarf.
"Master Baggins, you have done more than fulfill your end of the bargain," he looked up at the hobbit sitting on his pony. He patted the large bag of treasure that was seated on the back of the saddle. "This is what little we can give you, know that you are welcome in Erebor at anytime."
"Thank you Thorin," Bilbo smiled. "And if any of you are in Bag End, do come and visit! Tea is at four."
The dwarves chuckled, some even wiped away a few tears from their eyes. I had not realized how close he was with the dwarves. One by one, the dwarves on the ground walked up to say parting words to the small hobbit. Meanwhile, Kili directed his pony to walk and stand beside us.
"You're in trouble," his angry expression caused me to worry. What had I done? Was he angry for my weakness last night? "I get the feeling that you were going to leave without saying goodbye."
"I just thought…" my heart relaxed when he interrupted with a smile.
"Don't even try," I was pleased the smile, but I sensed it was only a cover. I could hear a small amount of anger in his voice. "But, if you try something like that again, I'll have to devise some form of punishment."
"I suppose I will have to heed your warning, I would not want to find myself caught in a nest of angry wasps." I went along with his joke, as I recalled the encounter with Dwila. He looked at me surprised.
"I would never threaten you with wasps, they are nasty little buggers! I was thinking more along the lines of a butterfly, or a puppy," he smiled. I raised my eyebrows.
"How would that be threatening?" I became confused.
"It wouldn't. You're lucky I like you." He gave one final smile
"Alright, you can all chit-chat on the way," Gandalf kicked his horse forward. I glanced up and noticed that the dwarves had finished their goodbyes and those staying were already on their way back to the mountain. "I would prefer to make this journey before the snow sets in."
We all steered our mounts to follow him. The rest of the dwarves rode alongside Bilbo, while Kili traveled beside me. "How are you feeling?"
I became embarrassed, knowing that he was referring to last night. I supposed that I would have to get used to so many personal conversations since the dwarves talked freely about almost everything. Plus, he deserved to know considering he was the one who had to see me in such a state. "Better."
"Oh, before I forget," he began reaching into his bags. I nearly sighed out of irritation, I did not want more gifts. I was happy to be wearing his necklace, however even that was far too generous of a gift. He pulled out a small package and held it out for me. "Mum made some elvish bread for you as a small gift for you for keep me and Fili alive. It's not much but she didn't have a lot of time, she found out even later than we did that we'd be leaving this morning."
"When did you find out?" I asked curiously.
"Shortly before dinner started," he stated.
"And you were angry with me for not telling you that I would be leaving, when you knew all along?" I became angry. The knowledge would have saved me from such a stressful night. He gave a guilty look.
"I was going to talk to you about it, but then I found out you weren't coming to the dinner and I guess I forgot about it when I found you," he explained nervously. Guilt immediately replaced my anger, realizing that it was my fault after all. Had I opened up to him about my worries of leaving, I could have spared the night of much distress. I nodded to him in understanding and reached for the gift he had presented me with.
"How does she know this recipe?" I attempted to change the topic. He shrugged.
"I assume she worked with some of the elves before the fighting started, she must have learned it then." I packed the bread away, thankful for his mother's kindness. We walked in silence for a while, casually listening in on the other conversations. Bilbo was pleased to have his friends tagging along. I was curious to know more about the hobbit, I had never before come across his kind. If all hobbits were as kind as him, I would enjoy meeting more of them.
Kili POV
We did not ride long before passing through Dale. Fili was tasked to alert the new King of our travels. I was happy that Thorin was resolute in keeping in contact with the city. Every morning since the battle, I have woken up fearing that the dragon sickness would be back. I was slowly gaining the hope that his sickness was far behind him. We rode our ponies, and horses, to Bard's home and dismounted while we waited for Fili to deliver the message.
"Lad, if ya' don't stop your yawnin', I'm gonna slap you until your awake," Dwalin threatened our tired burglar. Bilbo shot up straight on his pony, looking more alert than ever. I couldn't help but laugh at the frightened hobbit.
"Bilbo, you can't still be afraid of him? You should know by now that his bark is much bigger than his bite." I smiled. Dwalin only grunted.
"I'll shove ye' off that pony lad. That darn thing looks ready to drop anyway."
"Hey, her name is Lily and she's got a fierce spirit!" I patted the pony's neck. The animal responded by nickering and throwing her head in the air. "That's my girl, don't listen to that big grump."
"When you're all ready to take this mission seriously, I'll be waiting for you at the edge of the city," Dwalin grunted and began walking away from the group. Bilbo's expression turned sour.
"Have I done something wrong?" He asked.
"He just wanted to stay in Erebor is all. He's not too fond of leaving home when we just got there." I responded softly. "Don't worry, he'll be the first to start crying when we leave you back in the Shire."
"I highly doubt that," Bilbo chuckled.
"It's true, I'll be the third, after Ori of course," I joked, trying to lighten the hobbit's mood. We were all a little down, knowing our days with him were limited. He had become part of the family through the many months we spent together. Even Thorin valued his friendship. I wouldn't be surprised if he organized a few visits to the Shire in the future.
Fili stepped out of the house and the newly appointment royal family stepped out to say their goodbyes. Gandalf thanked Bard for his courage during the battle. His son stood loyally beside him while the youngest, Tilda, made her way towards our group. She ran up to Tauriel and brought her little arms around the elf in a hug. Tauriel looked surprised but she awkwardly returned the hug. I smiled at the sight. I was determined to break her of that hard elven shell. She has already become more open with me, but years of living in Mirkwood would take time to change.
"Thank you for saving us," the young girl told her. Tauriel looked uncomfortable but she smiled to the girl anyway. She then turned her attention towards me, but before she could reach me I bowed to her.
"I owe you thanks, young Princess, for giving me a place to wreak havoc while I was sick," I smiled wide for the girl. She blushed and fiddled with the teddy bear in her arms, but she could not resist putting on a smile. Finally, she ran into me and buried her shy face into my chest.
"Dwarves really do bring good luck!" She stated and we both laughed. I figured Bard would disagree. The town had been destroyed because of our tampering with the dragon. However, in the end they did reclaim this great city and they became a rich family.
"Only the ones that crawl through your toilet," I laughed and hugged the girl tightly. When I released her she ran to interrupt Fili's conversation with her sister to do the same.
"Toilet? What on Earth did you all get yourselves into while I was gone?" Gandalf questioned. Bilbo shook his head.
"You have no idea," he grumbled. "Nearly eaten by spiders, captured by elves, captured by Laketown, climbed through a toilet, nearly getting incinerated, Kili's Morgul wound…"
"Morgul wound?!" Gandalf looked to me worriedly.
"Aye, that's some nasty stuff. Bloody orcs," I grumbled, remembering the pain that was brought on by such a simple arrow. Gandalf did not look pleased by my response. "Relax, it's healed. Tauriel saved me."
She shifted at the sound of her name, but Gandalf continued to stare at me. His glare was very unsettling. Finally, he mumbled, "Perhaps we should make a stop at Rivendell on our venture. Lord Elrond should take a look at the wound."
"It's fine Gandalf, Tauriel fixed it weeks ago," I insisted. "I hardly notice it anymore."
"But you still notice it nonetheless," his voice grew angry. It wasn't my fault I got shot with the bloody arrow, or that it got a little sore from time to time. "Morgul wounds are not easily treatable, I suspect it will never fully heal."
I glanced at the elf who was now equally as worried as the wizard. I wanted to give him a jab right to the face for doubting her. She saved my life, she deserved praise, not have her work be questioned.
"He is right," she spoke. "I am not a skilled healer, Lord Elrond should see it. I was lucky to achieve what little I was able to do. Do you think the poison still lingers?"
Before I could argue, Gandalf began asking her about the process. He was testing to make sure she had done everything correctly. I wanted to kick the old man but it wouldn't do any good. She was concerned that she did not do a thorough job, which was absurd. The more they talked, I knew there would be no skipping Rivendell on our journey.
"Alright, we must get going," Fili finally left Sigrid's side. "Mount up everyone."
We followed his orders and the wizard rode alongside my elf to continue their discussion over my illness. Fili was the last to leave the family and he had to trot his pony to catch up with us. We found Dwalin at the edge of the city and without saying a word he rejoined the group. Great, I thought, we have a grumpy homesick dwarf, a concerned wizard and a panicked elf. What a great way to start an adventure.
A/N – Since it is midterm week, I want to catch up on review replies since I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a chapter out next week. Again, if you are a guest reviewing, leave a little username/nickname so I can respond to you personally :)
Jamie(Guest) – For some reason your full review is not showing up for me so I will reply to what I have :) First of all, thank you for the lengthy review! All your feedback was wonderful. I enjoyed your theories on Tauriel's departure, but it ended up in a happier situation ;) I'm afraid your review got cut off due to length but thanks again! I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Enchantedstarlight – Thanks! There won't be extensive Fili/Sigrid moments in this story but there will be mentions but I don't think they will be large enough to bother the non-shippers. I'm planning to write a Figrid version of this story after I'm done but as for this story, I don't think you really have to worry too much. I understand about the "too many couples" thing, I was the same way until about two weeks ago somebody slapped Figrid in my face lol Thank you very much for your kind words!
Edger2deadly – lol all will be well! Or will it? I don't want to spoil ;) all your fears have been answered in this chapter :) Thanks for the feedback!
Ithilur – Aw! You brightened my day when I read your review, glad you like it! I noticed the same thing with a lot of other FF which is kind of what lead me to write this. Plus, it helps cope with the movie ending lol Your English sounds great, I hope my writing is easy to understand :)
Mfaerie32 – lol Perhaps I'll do a lil one-shot one day of Sigrid confronted Dwila, that does sound entertaining! I'm glad to hear you find the relationship realistic, that is what I am going for. I never pictured their relationship picking up right away. :)
Oud – Thank you very much! Glad to hear, I'm trying to be as realistic as possible with their relationship.
.grace – Aw, thanks! Yes they are finally getting somewhere lol even I'm getting impatient and I have the timeline down in my head XD but I have a good idea of what I want to happen and I don't want to rush. Not sure what you mean about whoo hoo, only hugging occurred, if that helps? Thanks for all your reviews!
AnnabelleLily3 – Thanks!
Skybird – Thanks!
WoodElfJedi – I'm very glad you still like it :) Thanks for keeping up with the story!
Margaritasc – lol yeah Thorin can be a buzzkill! Only Kili gets to make her feel warm and fuzzy, and I suppose Sigrid or Tilda, but mainly Kili lol Thanks for keeping up with the story!
StarkWinter – Thanks for the review! Lol nope, I'd say its pretty normal xD
