The Hobbit: Odd Love in Strange Times

Chapter 10 of my Hobbit story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
Marina Ka-Fai: Yeah, well, it all stems from wanting to protect his sisters; well, she's trying to avoid any embarrassing exposure after all.
Canonman89: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks; yeah, true :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson and all associated companies.

Chapter 10

Bard stood, observing their surroundings, as Legolas and Tauriel scouted on ahead. They were all looking for a trail to follow, regarding the orcs. Fili and Kili were with Bard, standing just behind him as he searched the area around them closely. The Dwarves were deeply concerned; observing Bard's clear turmoil.

'He is fearful and with good cause.' Kili noted to himself. 'His children being held prisoner by orcs; likely being tortured…They won't have killed them yet, that won't happen until Azog arrives and surrender is refused.'

He looked over at Fili and saw that he was thinking the same as his brother.

Kili nodded; speaking quietly. "We won't let that happen to them."

Fili nodded in agreement as the two Elves returned and explained what they had found, there was a trail, but it was faint. The five continued; following the Elves. Bard forced himself to stay calm, despite the turmoil he was feeling.

Bard's thoughts raced. 'We have to hurry, we can't afford to delay, ever second we delay those orcs will…'

He tried to stay calm; however this lingered in his mind. He wasn't as good as he thought at hiding it however.

"We will find them and return your children to you." Legolas said quietly to him.

Bard started and then sighed. "I can only hope. These orcs, they…"

Tauriel spoke up gently. "We know what they can do. But we will stop this."

"We will find them, I promise you that." Kili said seriously.

Bard nodded carefully; allowing himself to hope.

They continued to follow what trail there was; the clearest marks had been left by the cage as it had been pushed onwards. However then they found themselves faced with difficulty, as they found the cage, abandoned and empty. They stopped and carefully examined the cage, verifying that the captives had indeed been taken from the cage, quite roughly by the shredded bits of clothing and small drops of blood visible.

"They, no…" Bard choked out; shaking his head.

Shaking his head in frustration, he proceeded to kick the cage, splintering part of the already damaged wood, breaking another part of it. He dropped to his knees and let out a shaky breath. It was then he spotted something and picked it up. It was a small necklace, handmade and instantly recognizable to him.

"This is Tilda's…" He whispered.

As he remained, staring at the necklace, Fili, Kili and Tauriel began scouting the surrounding area. Legolas meanwhile went a little further afield, searching for any signs of a trail. While working on his search, Fili was deep in thought; he was pondering over his feelings, his love, for Sigrid. It was after all, his main motivation, as well as to save the other children, in joining this search. He would give his all to ensure the safe return of the captives; he also hoped to finally bring his feelings to light.

He looked up from where he had been searching for a definite trail, up to where Kili and Tauriel were looking together. They were quite close, somehow finding time, even in a crisis, to display their mutual affection for each other.

He smiled lightly; thinking to himself. 'It is truly remarkable; they've overcome so many barriers. Just looking at them, it's easy to see that, despite everything, their love stays strong. I wonder…would Sigrid and I; does she even…?'

He was broken out of his thoughts by Bard's voice. "Fili."

He looked up quickly. "Yes…what is it?"

He noticed that Bard was standing now; he had pocketed his daughter's necklace. He seemed calmer now, yet also more determined than ever.

"I have to ask…I've been noticing the way you've been…acting, around my daughter Sigrid." Bard explained. "Is it true, do you have…affections for her?"

"I…" Fili stammered, shocked by this.

He had thought he had been subtle, but here was the father of the woman he loved, questioning him about it. He clearly knew about it; which led Fili to wonder, did anyone else?

Bard raised an eyebrow, waiting. "Go on?"

Fili sighed and finally admitted the truth. "It's true; I…I love her. I would do anything for her. I know she probably doesn't…I mean…"

He bit his lip unsure how to continue.

Bard however nodded slowly, seemingly deep in thought.

"I see."

Fili cringed; he knew that, with their new status as the Dale Royal Family; things were different for Bard and his family, in terms of situations such as love, marriage and alliances.

He quickly explained. "I…I understand that, you may have other plans for Sigrid; therefore I thought it only fair, I let you know the truth…"

Bard however smiled. "Actually, I approve."

Fili froze at that. "You do?"

"Yes, her whole life, Sigrid has faced hardship, living in Lake-Town under those circumstances you found us. Yet, those times I saw her with you, she smiled, laughed…You made her happy." Bard remarked. "You make her happy and anyone who can do that, I can only say I approve of them."

Fili also smiled, relieved. "I wasn't expecting that, but thank you."

Bard nodded and they returned to scouting for a trail. As they did so, Fili found himself working alongside his brother.

"So, it's true?" Kili said at last. "You and that girl, Sigrid?"

Fili felt his face heat up and he sighed. "Yes, Ki, it's true…Why?"

Kili smiled. "Hey I'm not judging; after all, I am in love with Tauriel."

Fili smiled and nodded, understanding what Kili meant. The two of them had found love, out-with their own race, something mostly unheard of around Dwarves.

It was then that Legolas returned.

"There's a trail, just up ahead; the orcs took them from the cage and dragged them away on foot." He said quickly. "It's rather fresh, we're getting close now."

Bard was immediately on his feet. "Good, we must hurry."

The others nodded and together they hurried onwards. They soon found the trail and began to follow it, Bard praying they would find his children soon.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.