Chapter 14

I don't any of Tolkien's work.

Sunlight poured into the room and birds chirped happily back and forth at each other. My eyes opened and I sat up smiling. Today will be a perfect day. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and scrunched up my nose in disgust. Man, did I smell horrible. I haven't showered since the day of the adventure, so I grabbed my bag and headed toward the bathroom. Most of the dwarves were out cold from the night before so I had no problem crossing the room.

The bathroom door shut with a snap and I locked the knob as I undressed. As I peeled my clothes off, I had to watch out for my bandaged arm, so it took me a while before I managed to fully undress. The faucet squeaked when I turned it on and I jumped back as the water came out with force. This bathroom sure does echo and I hope it isn't loud in the room because the dwarves would wake up cranky with hangovers.

Once the water reached the top, I eased my body in the steaming water. I relaxed and closed my eyes for a moment, letting the water clear my head. When I opened my eyes, I reached for the lavender scented soap and began washing my dirty hair and body. I was careful not to get my bandage too wet as I scrubbed the dirt and grime away.

I finished, stood up, and drained the bathwater. My body was red from the hot water, but I felt squeaky clean. I patted the towel around my body and through my hair until I was dry.

I only had one more pair of clean clothes so I took the outfit out of my bag. My outfit consisted of dark brown pants that I tucked into my boots, a forest green long sleeve tunic, and a simple leather belt. I tied my new sword to my belt and wrapped my cloak around my shoulders. Then l brushed the knots from my hair, wincing the whole time, until it was silky smooth. I towel dried the rest of my hair until it lightened back to its original color of chocolate brown.

Satisfied with my appearance, I gathered my belongings and walked out of the bathroom. I quietly crept down the stairs and into the dining area. The innkeeper was standing behind the counter when I approached him. "Excuse me, sir." He looked up, "Where is the laundry room?"

"Right down that hall and to your left." He pointed in the direction of the room.

"Thank you." I hurried off into the laundry room. The room had dull lighting and a large washing basin in the middle. Clothes lines were hung all around the walls.

I dumped my dirty clothes into the basin and started washing them. It took me a good ten minutes to rid my clothes of dirt and filth. I hung them up to dry and exited the room. When I entered the dining area, I spotted Ori sitting alone at a table. I ran over and sat opposite Ori with a smile on my face in greeting. "Good morning!"

Ori's face lit up. "Good morning, Ilana! Want to eat breakfast with me?"

"Yeah! That would be perfect." I looked at the menu until I found a meal that I liked. I glanced around the room casually and saw Thorin and Dwalin sitting down across the room. Both of them had their head rested lazily on their fist with scowls. Dark colored drinks sat upon their table. I looked at the menu and saw that the drink was for people with headaches. I'm guessing they are in a bad mood and suddenly started to dread the time when Thorin will look at my wound.

"What do you two want for breakfast?" The innkeeper interrupted my thoughts.

I came back to my senses and said, "A pancake and milk please."

"Bacon, eggs, and sausage." Ori grinned and the innkeeper stalked off into the kitchen to prepare our food.

We waited in silence until the food came out. Ori and I dug into the food and finished in about ten minutes.

"Well, that was delicious, but I'm going to go back upstairs to hang out with my kin. I haven't talked to them since early in the day yesterday. I hope you don't mind, Ilana." Ori announced with a hopeful expression.

"No, not at all. Go ahead. I'm waiting for my clothes to dry." I assured him. He nodded and waved bye as he took off up the stairs. I checked if my clothes dried yet and when they were, I folded them into my satchel. When I left the room, I noticed that Thorin and Dwalin were gone. Some part of my mind urged me to go into town and I decided to take up that offer. The dwarves were either sleeping or resting and I would be back before they know I'm missing.

I left the inn and strolled into the blacksmith's shop for a minute. The familiar smell of metal and fire engulfed me as I entered. Flint was busy hammering an iron strip into a sword. I walked around the shop to look at the daggers and throwing axes. Maybe I can have hidden weapons like Fili and kick orc booty. There were about three dozen daggers to choose from ranging in sizes and shapes. The clanging of the hammer paused.

"Hey there, Ilana! What brings you in here?" Flint greeted with a smile. He set his hammer down on the anvil, wiped his sweaty brow, and strode over to me.

"I was just looking at daggers. Your work is beautiful. The daggers look like elven weapons."

"Why, thank you! It takes me a while to get my weapons to perfection, but I'm dedicated to my job. Are you going to buy one?" Flint asked. He grabbed a rag and cleaned his blackened hands.

"I think I should wait until I master my sword fighting techniques first." I gestured to the sword at my hip. "I was also wondering if my sword has a name. Don't all weapons have names?"

"Yes, they do, but only when they have been used in a battle. A name will come to you in time, Ilana. How is your training?"

"It's really challenging, but I'm determined to try my best. I do get a little beat up, but I can handle it." I looked down at my injured arm and back up into Flint's liquid gold eyes. An encouraging smile lifted at the corners of his lips. "Can I see how you create weapons? I'm curious."

"Of course! First you need to get a fire going." He walked over to his station and pointed at his circular fire pit. "Then you need your metal and tools." He grabbed the iron piece he was working on and showed me. "Put the metal in the fire and once it is hot enough, start hammering the strip. Then you cool it in the water tub. It may sound easy, but it takes effort and patience to create the best weapons since you don't want the metal to break during battle."

I looked at him in awe. "That is awesome! Your job is the best. Does anyone work with you or are you always alone?"

He chuckled and answered, "I have an apprentice, but during this time of year, he works in the fields with his father. I guess you can say I'm alone for now until Aaron comes back."

I laughed and looked out the window. All of the shops were open for business and many people were crowding the streets. "Well, I should get going. I want to take another walk around town before I leave with the dwarves. It was great talking with you again! I will see you again sometime!"

I waved to him and he exclaimed, "I hope we meet soon! Farewell, Ilana! Good luck with that sword!" I exited the shop with a smile.

The sun moved up higher in the sky and I realized that I had to go back to the inn soon. I stopped dead in my tracks and thought about what Thorin said to me last night. I totally disobeyed him, the king! I can't believe I snuck out without Thorin's consent. Dread crept its way into my body. He is going to kill me. I'm so stupid! Why did I sneak out again? Maybe no one noticed I was gone…

I hurried back to the inn to see if the dwarves were still sleeping. My heart almost pounded out of my chest and my hands were shaking and sweaty.

When I reached the inn, my heart stopped. All of the dwarves, including Bilbo, were outside packing the ponies. Thorin knew I left and I don't think I can face his wrath, but he wanted to look at my arm before we leave. I'm going to avoid him at all costs because he looks beyond upset. Thorin's moves were forceful and stiff, his lips were fused together in a tight line, and his eyebrows were drawn inward, causing his whole face to contort into a grimace.

I swallowed down the fear and headed over to Fili and Kili. They stood the farthest from Thorin and I felt safe around them, especially Fili.

As I approached the brothers, Fili turned with a worried expression. I put my finger up to my lips to shush him before he asked questions. "Don't worry. I went to Flint's shop." I whispered.

"There is something else wrong. What is it, Ilana? You can tell me." Fili's expression softened and he lowered his voice, looking me directly in the eyes.

"I'm scared, Fili…" He immediately embraced me and I squeezed back, feeling a little better. "Thorin… he is going to kill me… I snuck out… without telling him." I trembled and buried my face in his broad chest.

"Shh. Do you want me to talk to him?" He tried to calm me down, but to no avail.

"No! Please don't!" I wanted to disappear right now. Fili sighed and slowly rubbed my back. My heart race quieted and I took deep breaths.

"What's goin' on over here? Getting' cozy, brother?" Kili remarked with a smirk. Fili let go and glared at his brother. I would have laughed under normal circumstances, but I am too distressed.

"Knock it off and keep quiet." Fili ordered.

Kili quickly glanced at me and the smirk slid off his face. He nodded and resumed packing.

Fili's attention switched back to me. "Ilana, do you need help packing? We are leaving in a minute."

I reluctantly agreed and cautiously scanned the scene that lay before me. Thorin was still facing the other way on the opposite side. Fili led me to my pony and attached my bag on the saddle. When he finished, he walked away towards his pony. I sighed. He hasn't noticed me yet. Hopefully we will leave without any arguments.

"Where is Ilana?!" Thorin's voice boomed from across the stable area. Uh-oh. Here comes the explosion. The dwarves aimlessly looked around and my knees could not stop shaking. I stared at the ground to avoid Thorin's death glare.

Footsteps thundered in my direction. I was debating whether or not I should run for it, but decided against it. If I ran, he would eventually catch me since I'm slow and I would be in even more trouble. Thorin was also in a bad mood earlier which means he will blow up at full force.

The footsteps abruptly stopped. He is right in front of me, I just know it. "Look at me, Ilana." Thorin growled, but he said it calmly, which put me more on edge. I whimpered and slowly looked up at his frowning face. "You realize that you disobeyed me, right?"

I nodded, "Yes, Thorin, but-"

"Silence! How dare you sneak out! This time you did not even go with anyone! Did I not tell you to inform me when you leave this company?! I warned you, Ilana." The anger in his eyes flared up and he glared into my soul. My eyes widened and I blinked away my tears. "You think it is a joke to ignore me?! Well you are wrong…" Thorin huffed and shook his head in disappointment. "I had it with you, Ilana." He spun on his heels and commanded to his company, "Let's move out! I do not want to waste any more time!" He left without another glance.

Fili rushed over and held his arms out to me. I hugged him and all thoughts of Thorin's kindness blew away. I erased the memory from yesterday when Thorin apologized and when his face was inches from mine.

Fili released me and said, "Ilana, Thorin is in a bad mood. He probably has a hangover. His anger clouded his judgment and his emotions. I promise you he will apologize. He needs time. He's not used to anyone disobeying his orders. I know that he cares for your safety, but he has a weird way of showing it. I'm going to have a talk with him."

Fili hoisted me up on my pony and smiled up at me before mounting his own steed. I saw him trot up beside Thorin and Kili followed on the other side. I rode alone while I let my mind wander. Fili will calm Thorin down and everything will be okay.

I realized something. Every time Fili talks to me or I think about him, I get butterflies in my stomach and my face turns red. I have a crush on Fili! I can't believe I didn't see that before. He is always comforting and encouraging me to make me smile, but what was I feeling when Thorin touched my chin last night? My chest tightened and my heart raced drastically. No, it was nothing. I like Fili , not Thorin. Thorin can't control his emotions and he scares me senseless. What if I talked to him? I need to apologize to him. I was the one who disobeyed him.

My thoughts kept going back and forward for the next couple hours. I looked back at the village one more time before we exited through the large wooden gates and we did not stop until dusk.

Hey everyone! Sorry this chapter is a little short, but I wanted you to get this a little earlier. I have been very busy lately. I apologize, my fellow followers, but I think I am going to start updating every two weeks. Don't get mad! I will make sure that every two weeks, my chapters will be delightfully long and you won't be disappointed. Once summer hits, I will update weekly again. I thank you for your patience! If I get a chapter done in a week and I'm satisfied with the length, I will post it earlier. So be on the lookout for any new chapters. I hope you have a lovely evening!