For Katari Michelos, who wanted Bombur having a little feast to himself while in Rivendell and causing the Elves confusion!
Bombur was starving. He could feel his stomach gurgling as well as hear it, and he sighed, wistfully thinking of his beautiful wife and her equally beautiful dishes. Cottage pie, apple crumble, carrot cake, warm, soft bread, sticky, delicious jams, roast chickens, cooked breakfasts... What would he give for a plate of her special sugar biscuits!
"'Ere, Bom, shut your tummy up, would you?" Bofur requested sleepily.
Perhaps, Bombur thought suddenly, the Rivendell kitchens were 'round here somewhere! And there would be more than mere lettuce leaves and tomatoes in there! Quietly, he shuffled his feet back inside his boots and tiptoed as silently as a hungry Dwarf could, out of the room and in search of the kitchens.
He followed his nose. It had served him well through the years and he could sense the scent of bread and was that the smell of cake? Mouth watering, he ambled along until he found a set of pale wooden doors, which he hastily pushed open and then marched inside.
No one was there. He had the whole, wonderful room to himself!
He stepped towards a tall cupboard, easing the door open. The lower shelf had vegetables, such as onions and carrots which was a little disheartening, but the shelf above had baked goods! Sweet -smelling loaves, dainty cupcakes, yummy-looking muffins and a lace bag of cookies. He took a cookie, enjoying the crumbly taste of almonds and cranberry as it rolled over his tongue.
Not as good as his wonderful, talented wife, but still delicious!
He hunted around again, peering in doors, the cookie becoming a distant memory, when he suddenly hit upon the jackpot. A cold joint of cooked ham, sitting innocently on a golden plate, strong herbs and a honey glaze adorning it. It was the most delicious thing Bombur had seen all day.
Was there any ale? One couldn't have a slice (or six) of such wondrous meat without tasting a drop of ale with it! Looking for it, he was forced to the pitiful realisation that there was no ale, but he did discover a closed pitcher of something fizzy that smelled like lemons, which he supposed would have to do.
The ham was so tasty, so incredible, that he ended up eating near half of it before deciding to leave it alone. Wouldn't do for the Elves to get suspicious!
He was still a little peckish and padded over to the treat cupboard, grabbing an iced bun with a cherry, shining like a ruby decorating the cake. It was soft and sweet, but disappeared far too quickly, making the Dwarf get another once he'd finished with it.
He also sampled the muffins, promising himself that he would have to come back for more of these fantastical delicacies before they left. They were firm and so tasty, he closed his eyes in pure bliss as he devoured his fill.
Finally full, he closed the cupboard up, sighing with content. He'd needed a good feed.
The next day dawned, bright and sunny. Bombur helped Bofur braid his hair and followed his brother and cousin to the breakfast table. He wasn't particularly hungry from his midnight snack last night, but had decided he wouldn't say 'no' to a spot of breakfast.
It was nice to have a day off from cooking for once.
"-Don't know how it happened!" Lindir was telling Elrond frantically. "We had plenty of food last night and now it's gone! Even the ham seems to have halved itself."
Elrond closed his eyes. "Never mind, Lindir. These things happen. I'll ask Elladan and Elrohir if they know what happened."
Bombur could see Thorin badly disguising a smirk. He smiled. He'd had a good night.