AN: I have made my decision.
Ugg I don't know why this was so hard!
Lots of POV changes hope it doesn't get confusing
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Bilbo
By the time camp was set and they had eaten the company were exhausted. Bilbo even ended up falling asleep with his new maps as a pillow. They had had a long day and even longer night with the trolls.
Hobbits rarely sleep during the day and even, tired as he was from the stress of the previous night, he couldn't rest long. So Bilbo woke not long after noon, he decided to have some fresh meat if he could get any. He penned a short note and placed it on Dwalin's sleeping chest before leaving the camp to hunt for some birds or rabbits.
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Bombur
Bombur was the next awake. His nose pulled him out of the dream lands. He could have sworn he smelled rabbit. Looking around and sure enough there burglar had a nice fire going. There were 3 rabbits on skewers and his own soup pot boiling merrily.
"Where did you get rabbit?" He asked
Bilbo squeaked and jumped not having heard Bombur coming over. "I went and caught them."
Bombur smiled and easily took over the stew. He was even more pleased to see carrots and taters in the pot too. He had noticed the vegetables going bad but they didn't have much use for them. Most dwarves won't eat vegetables unless they are hidden in a dish or covered in some kind of gravy. But he had seen Bilbo eating them raw.
The two of them worked well, they talked quietly about their favorite recipes and of things that had gone horribly wrong in the kitchen. Bilbo had to bite his hand when Bombur told him of his his brother catching his beard on fire leaning too close to smell a dish. Bilbo in turn told of his cousin Tadeus Took who put a whole, right out of the oven, mini pie in his mouth not realizing it was hot. How he squealed and near choked his fool self to death had Bombur roaring with laughter.
His booming laugh which, like the rest of him, was very large woke several of the company. He was still laughing though. And every time he would about get a hold of him self he would look at Bilbo and the hobbit would raise one eyebrow and it would set him off again. Soon the heavy dwarf was near on the ground and tears were in his eyes. Bilbo for his part had a large smirk on his face.
"Your better than a dinner bell Bombur. I'll have to tell you about the time Yasmine Mayflower ended up in the middle of the marshes. It's quite hilarious." He said smiling fully down at his friend. Bombur lay on his back arms wide.
"You do that you silly hobbit." He chuckled some more. "Well don't just stand around lunch is ready."
Kili
The others needed no farther prompting. Everyone save Kili was happy that their Burglar was at least a capable hunter. Kili was unhappy because that was his job. IF not for hunting he and his bow were useless. So while the lunch was good he ate slowly and pouted the whole time.
He didn't know how Fili felt but the farther they went on this quest the younger and more useless he felt. Kili was not to proud to admit their lives had been saved by the quick thinking of Bilbo. He was clever, could move silently and undetectably and... and now he was a hunter too. Kili expected to be out done by the other dwarves that were twice his age at the youngest but not the hobbit. He frowned and soon as he was done he stood and left the camp.
Fili
He couldn't tell what had his brother in such a mood but he was going to find out. When Kili left Fili quickly finished his meal and followed. It wasn't hard to find him. He did know Kili's mind better than Kili himself most of the time.
"What's wrong Ki?" He asked sitting by him. Kili just shook his head. Fili sighed Kili had fallen into that habit a few years back. When his voice was changing it would crack terrible when he was upset. Some of the other children had made fun of him for having a high pitched voice when he was bothered by something. This of course didn't help anything. Kili had learned to keep quiet to prevent ridicule. Children were some of the cruelest people in the world.
Kili's problems with bullies was one of the reasons he wanted to go on this quest. IF they took Erebor they wouldn't just be another set of refugees they would be princes and no one would dare bother his brother again. They may have been twins but were very different. Fili had taken their fathers looks and was better accepted as being a Blue Mountaineer. But Kili, according to their mom, looked near identical to Thorin when he was young. This made him a target, not only for being an outsider but Fili knew there were several factions in the West that couldn't stand Thorin or the line of Durin. They had lived so long with no influence from the line of kings, and they didn't want to change that.
The worst for Kili though was his ever growing height. Several of the cruelest said Kili was adopted or worse yet the bastard son of one of the elves from the Havens or some random human traveler. But they would show them. When they took Erebor he would tell Thorin all those things they had kept secret to keep the peace and let there Uncle the king release his fury on them.
But it wasn't old haunts and bullies that had his dear brother silent now. No something happened back there that he missed. "Come on Ki. I can't help you or fix it if you don't tell me what's wrong."
"You can't fix it." He said in his pouting voice. Fili knew it well and couldn't help but smirk.
"Well I can at least join you in misery if you share it." He nudged his brother in the side.
Kili sighed dramatically. 'Ga my brother is such a girl sometimes.' Fili thought. "I'm useless. I'm too young, I can't do anything right and even a hobbit, a hobbit Fi can hunt better than I can. And he doesn't even have a weapon. Well other than the knife Dwalin gave him."
"You are so upset because you were out hunted by a little creature that lives in lands like this and can move about with out a sound or foot print?" He asked sarcastically.
Kili blushed. He hadn't thought about it that way. "I'm an idiot aren't I?"
"Yes you are little brother. But I'm here to get your head back strait."
"Who are you calling little. I'm near a hand taller than you and you are only 20 minutes older."
"20 Minutes is a lot of wisdom. And being closer to the ground is an advantage, I'm less likely to get bird brained ideas."
They quickly devolved into name calling and wrestling.
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Ori
He was a bit nervous when Bilbo came to sit by him and Balin. He was still shocked by the hobbits reaction to asking about the language. While he understood why, Ori was a shy dwarf by nature and didn't have the courage to approach Bilbo.
"Hello Ori." The hobbit said taking a seat. "Balin could you help me with these. Most of the places on these maps are not labeled and I only have the most basic knowledge of anything beyond the Misty Mountains."
"Sure. Ori here will be a great help. He's got quite an eye and likes to draw too." The older dwarf said.
Bilbo smiled handing him the other map. He was right the map showed the whole of Middle Earth, from the sea in the west to Mordor in the east. But not one of the lands were labeled. The other map showed east to the mountains but only the southern parts, Moria and Lothlorien being the northern most regions of that map. "How would you like them labeled?" Ori asked shyly.
Bilbo thought for a moment. "I don't like too much on a map at once. How about you and I copy the maps one time each? Then on one we can label the land marks, one the cities and the other the territories."
Ori smiled that was a great idea and then they could all 3 have a copy of the maps. The two set to work right away. The two spent the time it took to make the copies telling about their shared love of recording things. They promised to show each other their journals when they got to Rivendell.
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Balin
He had trouble suppressing a chuckle when he got up and the two didn't even notice. Ori and Bilbo got on very well, both shy, well educated and very sweet. He was glad for their obliviousness when he saw the dark look in his brothers eyes. If poor Ori noticed that Dwalin was trying to flay him with his mind the boy would be terrified.
Balin stepped right into the line of daggers his little brother was glaring at their scribe. "You have no right." He stated simply when he had Dwalin's attention
His brother just looked up at him with a raised brow.
"You have no right to glare and growl at Ori. The boy is doing nothing wrong."
"But he's.."
"Doing nothing wrong. Even if he were flirting with Bilbo. Neither has a claim. No one has asked to court either and both are of age to make their own decisions."
Dwalin glared harder.
"If you are so bent on having him you should ask. OR state a claim in a more official manner. But until you pluck up the courage Bilbo if free and available. And if I do say so myself there are more than a few dwarves that may not wait around. Bofur and Ori are prime candidates. Both have things in common with Bilbo and he seems to enjoy their company. And you had best hurry brother, because I fear that before this trip is over you will have the competition of a king."
Balin wasn't a fool and he knew Thorin very well. The King Under the Mountain would change from loathing to respect with the first truly brave thing the halfling did. And from respect it wouldn't be long before he became smitten if Bilbo was unattached. But Thorin also loved his family too much to ever see Bilbo as more than a dear cousin if he was with Dwalin or Ori for that matter. Their leader may challenge Bofur for the hobbits heart but not kin.
Dwalin stood and grumbled something inappropriate in Khuzdul that Balin choose to ignore. He then walked off. Balin sighed. He hoped Dwalin would act soon. He liked Bilbo and would have no trouble seeing him as another brother.
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Thorin
The illustrious leader was stuck. He knew that the Burglar had been clever and got them out of a tight spot. But then again he had placed them in said spot. But on the other hand he had helped rid the world of 3 trolls and got his hands on all 3 purses, which was impressive. Oin was also right he had been overly harsh and demanding. So he decided to wait and see. He would keep his judgments to himself till the hobbit proved himself one way or another.
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General
The company stayed at the camp for the rest of that day and trough the night. The next morning at day break they were off again. The day was warm and the rain was long gone. For several hours they made good time riding at an easy pace.
They had reached the open lands before the fords of Rivendell when it all went down hill. Out of the south there was a pack of Orcs riding Wargs headed strait for them. Most of the horses panicked but weren't able to unseat their riders. They did dance around and try to bolt, but the dwarves took firm hands and reined them in.
Bilbo and Gandalf were in the best shape. Their horses were calm and didn't startle at he foul beasts. Sceimh proved even more valuable when a warg charged Bilbo the horse turned and double kicked the beast in its chest causing it to crumple to the ground. But her rider was near useless. Poor Bilbo was scared stiff. It was all he could do not to fall to the ground in terror. He hated and feared wolves more than anything. These giant wargs scared any sense and fight right out of his heart.
They fought and felled several wargs and their riders but there were still more to come. The company had no choice but to flee. There was little safety in the woods so they made for Rivendell.
They had lost the road some way to the south. Gandalf was in the lead and urged his horse down a steep embankment. The others was soon pressed after him. Once they were down in the shelter they heard the screaming of orcs but above that was the call of horns... Elvish horns.
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Thorin
Thorin was not a happy camper. He knew they were heading for the elvish city but being shown up (as he saw it) by those same elves didn't set well with him. He growled out his greeting to the elf Lord. Just to infuriate him farther Elrond just smiled at him as though he was indulging a small child. Then the elf spoke to them.
"Greetings honored guests." Elrond said in a calm inviting tone. HE had the others led to the dinning hall so they could eat while he spoke to Gandalf and Thorin.
The 3 discussed the map, the trip and the key. Elrond agreed with Gandalf that the door was likely shut with dwarf magic and would be impossible to find unless you knew where to look. Elrond took the map and promised to look for hidden runes until he found the secret or they had to leave.
Thorin was not pleased with that idea but bit his tongue. He knew, even if he didn't like it that Elrond was the only person they could go to for help.
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Bilbo
The next morning Bilbo woke refreshed and more relaxed than he had been since Dwalin showed up at his door. HE looked in on the others and found them all still asleep so he headed out to explore the elvish city his mother had told him about. Bilbo was enchanted with the architecture and even happier when a kind elf showed him the library.
Bilbo was looking over the books trying to find a title that caught his attention. What he found instead was a young boy. What caught his attention was that the boy was human. Curious as ever Bilbo approached.
"Hello there."
The child turned and looked at him. Bilbo was struck. The boy looked near identical to his lost friend Arathorn. "Oh hello. Who are you?" The child asked
"My name is Bilbo Baggins. And what is your name might I ask?"
"I'm Estel." the child replied with an elvish gesture.
Bilbo gave the correct gesture in response. He had been taught from his mother and by Arathorn who worked with the elves that they were a particular species and the smallest moves and waves had meaning. To give them incorrectly was rude or offensive but to not respond at all was worse.
"You know Estel you remind me of an old friend of mine. HE had a boy around your age."
"Really?" Estel asked looking at him. The boy was clever and knew he was not an elf or truly Elrond's child. But he knew next to nothing of his father, or mother.
"Yes his name was Arathorn, and his son Aragorn." Bilbo told him
The boy lit with excitement "That's me! That's my father! Can you tell me about him? Did you know my mother? Was she as beautiful as an elf maiden?" Estel/Aragorn shot off his questions one after another.
Bilbo laughed. "Yes, no, I think so."
Aragorn looked at him confused. "What?"
"The answers to your questions. Yes I would love to tell you of your father. No I never met your mother. But from what Arathorn told me she put all other women to shame. In his eyes there was none more beautiful nor sweet as your mother."
Aragorn looked at Bilbo in awe and delight. They wandered the halls and gardens for the rest of the day. Aragorn telling the hobbit about his life here and the elves while Bilbo talked of Arathorn and the Rangers. He also told Aragorn the tales his father had told Bilbo. The two were well on their way to making a tight loving bond, much like an uncle to his nephew.
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Dwalin
Over the next 3 days his mood deteriorated quickly. Bilbo was often gone by the time any of them woke. Dwalin didn't mind when he saw the hobbit with Aragorn, son of his dear old friend, it was when he was with the elves that Dwalin's temper got out of hand. Bilbo and Aragorn were often in the company of Arwen and the twin sons of Elrond. They were getting far to friendly with HIS hobbit for his liking.
Worse was that the few times he was with the company all Bilbo talked about was the dammed elves and their thrice be dammed library. HE knew Bilbo loved to read but couldn't he do that at home? Away from the too pretty and graceful elves that made Dwalin look inadequate by comparison.
Their 4th day in Rivendell Dwalin got up extra early so he could catch Bilbo. The hobbit looked shocked to find him standing outside his door this early in the day.
"Dwalin? Can I help you?"
"Yes. I need to talk to you."
"Do you want to come in or go else where?" Bilbo asked even more confused
"inside please." Bilbo just nodded and opened the door for him.
Once they were in Bilbo took a seat on one of the chairs in the room. Dwalin paced a few times in front of him. "Is there something wrong?" the hobbit asked.
"I... well.." Dwalin's cheeks turned red and his courage failed. 'What if he says no? What if I read things wrong? Well atleast he's close to home if I scare him off.' Dwalin thought. He then took a deep breath. "May I have the right to court you?"
Bilbo just looked at him blinking. "Do what?"
"I, you... I wanted to court you." He repeated in a softer voice losing confidence again.
"I heard what you said I don't understand what you mean." Bilbo asked
Dwalin blinked. "Well. um... courting, it's like courting." HE said lamely
"I don't know what that is." Honestly confused. He could see that it was an important question to the dwarf he was growing feeling for but honestly had never heard the term before.
Dwalin sighed. "Just a minute." He left the room and went to wake up his brother. Balin was none to pleased to be woke this early but the look on Dwalin's face made him come.
"Good morning Balin." Bilbo said when they returned and shut the door
"Good morning."
"Can you tell me what is going on?" Bilbo asked
Balin just looked up at Dwalin for answers from the chair he had taken by Bilbo's side.
Dwalin blushed but spoke. "I asked Bilbo if I could court him but he says he doesn't know what courting is."
"Ahhh." Balin said. "And I am to explain it?" His brother nodded. "Bilbo a dwarf asks to court some one they are attracted too. IF things work out a courting will lead to life bonds. Do you understand?"
Bilbo turned bright red. "Your talking about marriage?"
"Well... yes but not like a human marriage. Dwarves bond for life."
"But what is a courting then? Do you marry the same person twice?"
"No. You court for several months or even a year before the bonding to insure you are right for one another." Balin said
Bilbo gasped and looked between the two. "You don't know?"
"Know what?" Dwalin asked anxious
"You can't tell when someone fits? You don't just know if your union has the blessings of the Lady on it?"
"The Lady?" Balin asked
Bilbo blinked at them for a few moments. He then blushed again. "I'm sorry I forgot that Dwarves and the children of Aule while us hobbits are the children of Yavanna. She blessed us and continues to bless all our unions. Only by her will can we mate and reproduce."
Balin just stared for a moment. "So you can tell if the person your are with is compatible? How?"
Bilbo blushed. "Well when a hobbit is interested in someone they preform the Hand-fasting on one of the Great Days, preferably Lady's day. If the Hand-fasting is blessed by the Lady then the couple is considered bound. Then the families prepare for the marriage. During the ceremony the two will make pledges to one another and preform the hand-fasting again. Then the couple are considered mates for all eternity. And are then faithful even after death."
"How do you know if the hand-fasting is blessed?" Dwalin asked interested in Bilbo's culture.
"The pair are marked." He motioned to his hand. "the binding of the Hand-fasting will sink into the skin and form a tattoo of sorts. After the second Hand-fasting the mark will grow so that your loves name will be written on your wrist in Hobbit runes." He motioned to his wrist, stroking the area with what looked like longing.
"Courting is not quite like that." Balin said. "Dwarves don't know by blessing or instinct but have to learn if their partner is the one. If it turns out you are wrong then the courting is broken and both go on their ways. But if the courting goes well then the 2 will bond. The bond is like yours but it can be broken by death. In the most loving of bonds the living mate will often choose to follow the other in death."
Bilbo looked at him. "I have seen hobbits that have lost their mate. They often look half dead themselves. But they will remain alive so long as there are little ones to care for. Once their youngest has reached maturity they will often die as well." HE said looking down saddened.
The two dwarves nodded.
"I will retire and let the 2 of you work this out." Balin said after the silence got awkward.
Once he was gone Dwalin took his seat. Both sat in silence thinking for a long while.
"Dwalin?" HE looked at Bilbo. "Do you really think we could be together?"
"Yes. I have felt compelled to claim you as mine since that first day." He admitted
"We will have to forge a course between our two peoples. I'm sure there will be more differences as time goes on. Are you willing to work at this?"
"Yes I am. Are you?"
"Yes, I would like to try. It is not completely unheard of, and if nothing else at least your not an elf."
Dwalin laughed. "I thought you liked the elves."
"I do. I'm becoming good friends with several. But their culture is far to complex and alien to me. I don't know how hobbits have managed in the past."
Dwalin smiled, glad that he didn't want an elf at least. "Hobbits have mated elves in the past?"
"Yes. I think it would be a cruel fate. A truly blessed bonding will see the hobbits life extended to fit that of their mate. So any who bonded to an elf would have to watch the centuries march by, as all their friends and family dies. There have only been 2 recorded and they sailed over the sea long ago unable to stand watching as age took their loved ones."
Dwalin frowned at the thought. But he was glad on the other hand. From what he had learned Hobbits only live around 100 years to a dwarf that was a short time. They usually lived for nearer 300-400 years. He was happy to know he wouldn't have to watch Bilbo fade.
"But you would have to watch the same if you were with me. Dwarves live for up to 400 years."
"Yes but I would know there was an end to the years. All things are meant to die. That's one of the first things a hobbit learns. To go on with no end is unnatural, that's why we don't bond with elves."
Dwalin nodded that made sense to him. "So what are we going to do?"
"IF you want we can court" He said the strange word slowly. "till Lady's day then do the hand-fasting to see if we are blessed. If not we can break the courting as friends."
He smiled that was a good compromise.
"How do dwarves court one another?"
"Well the male... uh... more male?" He said unsure, but Bilbo nodded. "Will braid a bead of their house into the hair of the other. It shows other dwarves he is taken. Then they will each braid in a bead that is person to themselves in each others hair." Dwalin brought forth his 2 beads. "this is my house, or clan bead." It was onyx with an anvil surrounded by tiny runes. "and this one tells others I have one sibling." It was a plain white bead that stood out in his dark beard also carved with runes but no picture. He pulled 2 beads he had made and showed them to Bilbo. "If your willing I'll add these to your hair." Dwalin blushed at the thought hair being a very intimate thing among dwarves.
Bilbo took them. One like Dwalin's was an anvil surrounded by runes but the bead looked to be an emerald instead of onyx. The other was cats-eye and had what he presumed to be Dwalin's name one it. "Do the colors matter?"
"Not really. It's more a personal preference."
"What do they say?"
"This one says; Son of Fundin Line of Durin" Motioning to the emerald. "As does mine." meaning the onyx. "They other says; Intended of Dwalin." they both blushed at that. Dwalin cleared his throat. "My other one says Brother of Balin, but using the rune for younger in place of the one for equal since we are more than 40 years apart."
Bilbo nodded. "If we bond you will have to teach me Khuzdul and I will teach you Hobbit." Dwalin nodded. Only a dwarf could learn their language but as his Bonded Bilbo would be considered a dwarf. "You may put the beads in."
Dwalin stood behind Bilbo's chair and pulled out his brush to fit it for braiding. He had only made a few strokes enjoying the intimacy when Bilbo jumped out of his chair and away. "What's the matter?" He asked shocked at the speed of the move.
Bilbo turned scarlet. "Please be careful of my ears. They are very, very sensitive." He said rubbing one of the pointed peaks.
Dwalin nodded. He assumed that he had harmed the sensitive ears. "I didn't mean to hurt you." He said looking away. Not even official and he was already failing at this.
"You didn't hurt me." Dwalin looked and saw Bilbo was near purple in the face, his ears and neck also going red. It took a few seconds for the response to click but when it did he also reddened. He would store that information for later.
"I'll be careful." Bilbo nodded and sat again. Dwalin waited for him to calm a bit before having a strand of Bilbo's own hair brush and ear. The hobbits cheeks darkened again and Dwalin gave a predatory smile. But he was careful of Bilbo's discomfort. He avoided the sensitive ears as mush as he could. The braids when he was done hung one in front of and one behind his left ear. The One with Dwalin's mane in the front. He thought it was very fetching the 2 braids hanging lower than the rest of his hair due to it's curl.
Bilbo stood and looked at them in the mirror. "They are strange." Be said touching them. "But I think I like them. Would you like to watch me make yours?"
"How are you going to do that? I didn't know you were a craftsmen."
"I'm not. And if you come you can never tell another how I did it." Bilbo said very seriously.
Dwalin nodded intrigued.
"alright if we go now I should be done my breakfast." They headed to a deserted corner of the valley where there were no elves around, or even in elven hearing range.
Dwalin looked even more interested. He was amazed when Bilbo opened his mouth and began singing.
Mathair mianach chloisteail mo amhran
agus bless dom le do ghra
eisteacht mo focail
agus a sheoladh chuig dom
le bronntanas an domhain
Dwalin didn't know what to do. The song was obviously magic. As he was singing the verse a small sprout grew and once he was finished the bud at the end opened. Inside was a deep blue flower unlike he had ever seen before and in the center of the petals lay a brown bead. Perfectly shaped whit delicate runes like vines over the surface.
"What is that?" was all he could ask
Bilbo chuckled. "That was Hobbit power. I asked the Lady for a bead to go in your hair and she gave me one. It doesn't always work." He blushed and looked away "Do you like it?"
Dwalin took it in between his fingers and looked the bead over. It was like wood but not, like stone but also not. It was something new and different. "It's amazing. What does it say?"
"Their is no real word or rune for intended in my language so it says; Bonded of Bilbo Baggins."
Dwalin smiled "Do you know how to braid?"
Bilbo nodded and braided his bead into Dwalin's beard. And gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.
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When they arrived at breakfast the dwarves were thrilled for them. They all asked about his bead but once he said it was a trade secret they asked no more. Though he did tell them what it said. He was also embarrassed by the complements on his work, since it wasn't really him that made it.
He latter had to tell all 4 or Elrond's children about the beads and what they meant. Even though the 3 elves were older than him by many centuries it was obvious he was their elder mentally. They all looked to him as an uncle now, and called him Uncle Bilbo. Dwalin was quite dismayed to have the 4 call him Uncle as well. Balin and Elrond both found it amusing.
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Bilbo split his time over the next two weeks between his 'niece and nephews' playing games and telling tale, with Ori in the library looking at and talking about books and with Dwalin. Sometimes Dwalin would play with him and the young ones as well, or nap in the library with him and Ori. And other times Dwalin was teaching him how to weld the knife/sword they found in the troll horde.
During their stay Ori and Balin were almost always in the library. Bombur was often in the kitchen learn some of the elvish recipes and cooking for the company, who didn't like all the fruits and vegetables in the elf dishes. Gloin, Dori, and Dwalin (when not with Bilbo) were in the forges or sparing each other or the rare elf bold enough to join. Thorin frequented the library, gardens and Elrond's office. And when not in those places he was speaking with Gandalf. Ori was found in the healing houses doing what he loved. Nori... no one knew where Nori go off to most of the time. Bofur was often seen carving bits of dead would he found in the forest of the valley. He was content to walk the ground enjoying the leisure and peace. Fili and Kili found a pair of kindred spirits in Elrond's twins and when they were not distracted by Bilbo's game and tale the 4 were off causing mischief. Kili and Fili also picked up the elves name and began calling him Uncle Bilbo, which annoyed Dwalin. They only called him Aunt Dwalin once in joke and then had to run for their lives.
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Gloin
They had been in the elf city for 9 days now. He didn't care for it either way. But was at least glad for a rest and the piece. He agreed with Bilbo that they needed to plan places to stop for supplies on the road. He was happy for their burglar and Dwalin. He could see they were already nearly in love. Gloin smiled. He had just come from talking to Thorin about their route when he hear Bifur's voice.
The crazy dwarf was talking to himself in Khuzdul again. He listened for a moment to make sue he wasn't just speaking to another in the company when he heard... bells? Yes tinkling little bells...
He looked around the corner no not bells she elf laughter. Bifur and the she elf were talking... in Khuzdul... and laughing. 'What is going on? How does this elf know their tongue?' he thought.
"/Hello./" the elf lady said in Khuzdul
"/Gloin? Was their something you needed?/" Bifur asked
"No. I... How do you speak our tongue?" he asked in Weston
"I am very old master dwarf. I was born long before the none sense that broke the trust between our peoples. And long, long before the dark lord framed Thror for the death of my sister." She said. "I learned your language from Durin the first. HE saved my life and I in payment showed him the caves of Caradhrars, which he and his kin later turned into Khazad-dum."
He looked at her struck dumb.
"What do you mean, framed Thror for the death of your sister?" Thorin asked from behind Gloin
"Just what I said. My sister and her hotheaded husband visited Erebor, then not 4 days after she days mysteriously by poison. Thranduil thought his wife was murdered by the dwarves bit never had the proof to do anything so he instead became hostile and uninviting to the dwarves, especially those of Erebor."
"You are the Queen of Mirkwood's sister?" Gloin asked in shock
"Yes I am her sister, Evaranii, was younger than me by little over a millennium. I was on my way to see my nephew when Bifur saw me. A company of dwarves was intriguing so I spoke to him."
"So you were talking to an elf and not a tree?" Thorin asked
"/you thought I was talking to a tree? That would explain why Balin kept looking at me like I was cracked./" Bifur said with a smile. The she elf laughed.
"/Perhaps they should have their eyes checked before continuing their journey?/" She added between giggles.
"Who are you by the way?" Gloin asked
"I am Arianna." She gave an elaborate bow. "Warrior maid of Thlim Gothodrum or House of the Hammer of Wrath."
Thorin blinked looking at her. He didn't know there where warrior maidens of the elves. "What does that mean?"
"It means that like myself Arianna is one of the few elves to escape the Fall of Gondolin." Said a tall proud male elf from behind Arianna.
"Good day to you Glorfindel." she inclined her head.
"And to you My Lady." He replied with a tilt of his head as well.
Glorfindel nodded to the dwarves but continued on his way.
"Who was he?" Thorin asked
"Glorfindel is an Elf Lord, which is someone you do not want as an enemy. He is old, little younger than I am. He is also very powerful and a fierce warrior. Now IF you don't mind Master Thorin, Master Gloin, Mellon." Without another word she turned and walked away.
"She is a strange one." Gloin said
"She is an elf." Thorin replied.
"/She is also old and powerful. I urge you not to make an enemy of her./" Bifur told them before turning to leave.
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AN: going to cut it off there. Sorry it took so long to update. So many good plot's I've read from different fics were clogging my brain.
Arianna and her sister Evaranii are OC's. Evaranii is Legolas's mother if you missed that. I think she died by spider bite in cannon, but iN this one she was poison just before or just after leaving Erebor so Thranduil blames the dwarves. This is my way of explaining the hostilities toward the company.
Arianna will not be joining the company, but she will show up again. No she will not be with Bifur or any of the company. Nor with Glorfindel, if that was going to happen it would have happened an age or two ago.
On LOTR wiki it says the House of the Hammers Wrath was destroyed in this fic Arianna and her then infant sister are the only survivers.
Bilbo's song/ poem
Mother mine hear my song
And bless me with your love
hear my words
and send to me
a gift of the earth
I made this up and used Google translate. If this is the incorrect translation let me know.