The Forge in the Shire

Fili - 60, Kili - 55

"I'm going to miss you, Fee," Kili said. He didn't even try to hide his tears. There were times to be strong and not show emotion, but this was not one of those times. He had never been apart from his brother for more than two days. Now, Thorin was taking Fili away and it would be at least six months. He didn't care who saw him, Kili was going to miss his brother.

Fili wasn't in much better shape. He had never been away from his parents and brother for long. He was excited for his adventure with Thorin, but he wished Kili could come too. Thorin promised the next time he did this, he would take them both, but this first time, he just wanted Fili, his assistant in the forge.

The winter had been harsh. Several dwarrow had died from the cold and lack of food. Thorin took every hardship his people endured personally. It was his failure when they didn't thrive. There just wasn't enough work, money or food in the Blue Mountains this spring. In years past, when this had occurred, Thorin had gone out into the world to seek work in the villages of men. He had traveled just about everywhere this side of the Misty Mountains. Every penny he earned, except for a scant amount to keep himself fed, was sent back to Ered Luin. His cousins, Balin and Gloin would handle the money, buy food and whatever else was needed for the village.

He decided this year, he would take Fili along. Together they would earn more. Thorin had warned Fili that their living conditions would be tough. They would sleep where they could and eat as little as they could live off of. Fili understood the hardships and was ready to face them with Thorin. After all, one day, he would be in charge of Ered Luin's care, so he needed to learn how to provide.

Kili begged to go, but Thorin wanted him to continue his craft and act as regent, with his mother's and Balin's help, while he and Fili were away. Kili was thankful for the huge responsibility that Thorin was trusting to him and he would do his best to care for the village as Thorin would, but it didn't make saying goodbye to his brother any easier.

"I'm going to miss you, too," Fili said. They hugged once more and Fili went to his pony. "Bye Adad and Amad."

"Goodbye, my son," Joli said. "Behave and do what Thorin tells you."

"I will," Fili smiled.

"Bye, dear," his mother wiped at her eyes with her apron. "Take good care of each other."

"We will," Thorin said. "See you in a few months."

They watched Thorin and Fili ride away. Kili wiped at his face. "A few months? It's going to be forever."

Joli patted Kili's back. "It's not forever. It will only feel like its forever."

"That didn't help, Adad." But, Kili couldn't help but smile at his father.

The journey went smoothly. Thorin led them out of the Blue Mountains.

"Where will we go?" Fili asked.

"The Shire," Thorin answered.

"Hobbits?" Fili's eyes were wide.

"Aye. I've worked the Shire before, but it's been a few decades. It's really not a profitable place to go. They don't have need of weapons or armor. They like to eat, so there are a lot of pots and pans to be mended and menial household items like that."

"So why go at all?" Fili asked.

"Because it's been a long time and they probably have need of a blacksmith. From what I gather, they don't always have a full time smith. The pennies we make from mending their pans will add up," Thorin said.

"But wouldn't it be better to go to Bree or a large town of Men?" Fili looked over to his uncle.

"Aye, it would, but I think The Shire would be a good place to start. It's a safe place."

Now Fili was confused. "A safe place? That doesn't seem like a good reason for Thorin Oakenshield, the great warrior, to go to the Shire."

"It's a safe place for you," Thorin growled.

"You don't think I can take care of myself?" Fili was offended.

"It's not that Fili," Thorin sighed. "This trip has two purposes. I only told your mother one reason, and it is the biggest reason we go – to earn money for Ered Luin by getting work elsewhere. But," he paused, looking to Fili with some sadness, "I have also heard rumor of my father being spotted not far from the Shire. I must go look for him."

"For Grandfather Thrain?" Fili was surprised. "Well, yes, of course, you must search for him, but what does that have to do with me coming along or going to the Shire?"

"We need to make all the money we can for our home. But, I can't do that and search for my father. I want you to work alone in the Shire for a while, while I go searching. You can work there and you will be safe, alone. When I return, we will move on to Bree or somewhere else where the money is better."

Fili couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You want to leave me on my own in a strange place?"

Thorin nodded.

Fili blinked his eyes several times, taking in what Thorin was suggesting. "You trust me like that?"

"I do trust you, Fili. But, I couldn't tell your mother my plans, or Kili. I won't be gone long. Only a few weeks," Thorin wouldn't look Fili in the eye.

Fili looked to his uncle, the Prince of Erebor. Thorin was strong, brave, confident, everything a good leader and king should be. Fili also knew Thorin as a loving uncle and protector. But here, he was seeing Thorin in a new light, as a son who missed his father, just as Fili missed his Adad. His heart ached for his uncle, who had not seen his father since when he was younger that Fili was now. Of course Thorin should go looking for his adad. If it were Fili, he would want to go looking for his adad, too.

"You do what you need to," Fili said, confidently. "I will be fine on my own."

Thorin smiled sadly at Fili. "Thank you."

Thorin didn't simple abandon Fili to the Shire. He spoke with the local mayor, received permission to use the small forge, and helped Fili set up shop. He stayed with Fili a few days, teaching him what little he knew of the gentle hobbits who preferred food to swords. He instructed Fili on what to do with the money he earned. He was to sleep in the forge and spend as little as he could on his food, but still keep himself healthy and fed.

Fili was nervous as he watched Thorin ride away. If his mother knew what he was doing, neither he nor Thorin would be allowed to see the light of day again. He was excited and scared. Thorin had told him the Hobbits didn't care much for dwarves, but they wouldn't be rude to him. They were all about propriety. And it turned out, Thorin was exactly right.

His first full day open as a blacksmith to the Shire brought in little business. Only a few curious hobbits came in with small things that needed mending. Fili was polite to them, charged them what was acceptable, and was quick to return to them the items left for him to mend. He gave them his very best work. By the fourth day, word had spread about the dwarf who was working in the forge.

A few female hobbits came in. Fili was very curious about them. They were pretty, in their own way. Beardless, curvy and soft. Small children hobbits came in to see the dwarf. They were less proper in the things they said, being more open and honest in their thoughts and feelings, but Fili was pleased to find that most of the hobbitlings were more accepting of the dwarf among them than their elders were. Fili was amazed by the sheer number of small children in the Shire and there seemed to be as many, or more, of girls than boys. Girls were so rare back in Ered Luin.

He worked hard and was fair and honest. The forge was not as comfortable a home as he was used to, but the fire kept him warm and the pile of straw in the back, was a decent enough place to sleep. He went to the market earlier in the week, collecting just enough food to keep him fed day to day, but now he had run out. He missed his mother's cooking and the serving sizes he was allowed back home. Here, he was hungry, but the money he saved would go to feed his mother, father, brother, Thora, her family, Gimli and all his cousins. It was worth a bit of hunger to know they would eat better. He hoped Thorin was faring well and had found his father.

The night had been colder than the others and his thin blanket had not been enough. He had moved closer to the forge's fire during the night, which kept him warm, but it was also more uncomfortable a place to sleep. He was out of food and needed to get to the market, but he had a small line of work to do and decided getting his work done was more important right now. Some hard work would build up his appetite and make his trip to the market all the more rewarding.

But as he got to work, he realized his tiredness and hunger weren't going to make his day easy. He pumped the bellows and set about his first bit of work for the day. It was a large iron kettle that had lost one of its legs. He worked at the kettle and felt a cold breeze as the forge door was opened and closed again. He looked up and saw a female hobbit standing there. She was smiling kindly at him, which was surprising. Most looks he got from hobbit females were distrusting scowls.

He put down his work and bowed to her.

"Master Dwarf," she said. She pulled out a long bundle from a basket that she carried. "Lucky you. It's nice a warm in here. And here I thought spring was on its way. I guess Old Man Winter decided it wasn't time to let the sun warm the land just yet."

Fili was surprised. No one had made any casual, friendly conversation with him. "It is a cold morning, isn't it? Now, how may I be of service?"

She passed him the bundle. "My knife needs some repairing and a sharpening," she said.

He unwrapped the bundle and found a long hunting knife, not the usual kitchen knives he was often given to sharpen. The knife was small for a dwarf, but looked like it would be a perfect size for the smaller hobbits. It had a few nicks in it and seemed quite dull. Easy enough to repair.

"When should I return?" she asked.

"This afternoon. I will have it ready for you," Fili replied.

"See you this afternoon, then," she said with a smile.

Fili's heart felt a little warmer. He missed his mother, but he didn't realize how much he missed her until the she-hobbit had showed him kindness. The work he had to do took longer than he expected. His stomach gnawed at him, but he wouldn't stop until he was done. Thorin wouldn't have stopped. So Fili worked and worked. He was just finishing the kind hobbit's knife when she walked back in. She smiled at him. Hers was the last job for the day.

"Here you are, ma'am," he held the knife out for her to inspect.

She took it and looked it over. "Oh, it's perfect. Just like new again."

"It's a fine blade," Fili said. "Dwarven made."

She nodded. "Yes, my grandfather gifted it to me on my birthday when I was twenty. He said he had bought it from a dwarf working in Bree. The last time we had a dwarf blacksmith in the Shire, I brought it to him to have it sharpened. But, oh, that's been eighteen, nineteen, twenty years now?" She looked thoughtful for a few moments. "Funny thing is, the dwarf who was here last and sharpened it for me, told me that it had been one of his own creations from decades before. Imagine! The very dwarf who crafted it was the one to sharpen it for me so many years later. I rather hoped it would be him again."

Fili suspected she was talking of Thorin. "Do you remember his name?" Fili asked. "I might know him."

She shook her head. "I'm afraid not. I believe it started with a 'T' or maybe a 'D', but I can't be too sure. He was tall, and had long, black hair. He was intimidating to look at, but surprisingly polite. I had never met a dwarf before and if you'll forgive me, I hadn't heard too many kind things about them, but my Grandfather had known a few in his day and told me that not everything I had been told was true. He said the one he had bought my knife from was very regal for a blacksmith and I found that to be true when I met him. You are like that too, Master Dwarf. Are all dwarves so regal and polite?"

Fili laughed. "Not as many as I would like, but you'd be surprised at how many are. We are a proud race and love to have the work of our craftsmanship recognized and admired. But the blacksmith you speak of, I know him and he is as you say, polite, regal and the best blacksmith you could find among dwarves."

"You know him?" the woman asked.

"Aye. You describe my uncle, Thorin."

"Thorin, yes, that's it! Your uncle, you say?" She sat down on an old anvil in a corner, making herself as comfortable as possible in the forge. "No wonder you remind me of him. Not in looks so much, but your bearing and manners are like his." She chuckled again. "Is Master Thorin well? Is there a reason he did not return and sent his nephew in his place?"

Fili smiled, enjoying the kind, familiar, frankness the small hobbit spoke to him with. "He is very well, but on an errand. He will return in a few weeks. He will be pleased to know you still treasure his knife."

"Oh, of course I do. No one in the Shire has a finer knife than I. Of course, not many in the Shire have a knife of this sort at all," she laughed at her own words, although Fili didn't understand why. "Only those whose trade is to raise animals to slaughter for food, possesses knives such as this," she answered his unasked question. He supposed she must have seen the confusion in his face. "I don't raise animals, but when I was younger, before I was married, I would go out on little adventures. Well, they were hardly true adventures or long journeys, just long walks through the paths of the country roads. Grandfather encourages my adventures and gave me the knife to protect myself. Of course, there is nothing out here to be protected from. The Shire is an exceptionally safe place. Still, I feel better having a sharp knife at my side. I thank you for repairing it for me, Nephew of Master Thorin."

"Fili," he said. "My name is Fili."

"How do you do?" she asked ever so politely. "My name is Belladonna."

He bowed to her. He had enjoyed her easy chatting. Such a strange little creature, this hobbit was. She stood suddenly. "Well, I had better be getting back home. My husband and son are, I'm sure, eagerly awaiting their supper. Have you eaten, Master Fili? You look half starved."

Fili shook his head. "I have not eaten, but I am well enough. I will be going to the market soon for a bit of food."

She looked at him with wide eyes. "Oh, but the market has closed for the day. Did you not realize how late it has gotten?"

Fili's heart sank and his stomach cramped uncomfortably. "No, I didn't." He looked out the small window. It was darker out than he realized.

"Then you must come to my house to sup with us," she invited easily, as if they had been lifelong friends.

"Oh, no, thank you, ma'am, I couldn't do that," Fili took a step back. His stomach was trying very hard to disagree and make him accept her invitation. Somehow, he had a feeling she was probably an incredible cook. But he was a son of Durin and heir to a king. He couldn't accept charity.

"Of course you can. I can't let you starve in the night."

"I assure you, I won't starve."

"Please, as nephew to the kindest dwarf I've ever met and creator of the finest knife this Shire has ever seen, I insist you join me and my family for dinner."

Fili debated. It would be rude to decline again, when she was so insistent, but to accept something for nothing, it was against everything Thorin had taught him. He came up with a plan. "I will, on one condition. You allow me to fix anything that needs fixing at your home. I will not accept a meal without paying for it."

"Oh pshaw!" she waved her hand at him. "You are my guest. Obviously, you don't know much about hobbits, but it's a great insult to a hobbit, to turn down supper or pay your hostess."

Fili was very uncomfortable. His stomach gave a great grumble. Belladonna laughed. "Well," she said. "That settles it. Your stomach has spoken for you. Come along now, you need supper."

"But your husband and son," Fili said.

"Don't you worry yourself about them. I've made plenty of food. My husband is not the most open minded about dwarves, but he is terribly proper. He will be hospitable," she laughed.

Fili didn't feel much confidence in that statement, but he couldn't argue any longer. He was compelled to follow her. She reminded him too much of his own mother. You don't argue with her once she's made up her mind. He would accept her offer, but refuse payment for his repair of her knife.

He bowed slightly, "Then I accept your offer for supper."

"Excellent," she clapped her hands. Fili put away his tools and locked up the forge. He followed the little hobbit down several lanes until they came to a great hill. She led him up a path to a round door. He followed her in and was greeted by a warm home and tantalizing smells.

A male hobbit came to greet Belladonna and looked to be ready to kiss her cheek when he saw the dwarf in the doorway. Fili bowed. "Fili, at your service."

"I'm Bungo," he said with great politeness that didn't reach his eyes.

"I've invited Master Fili to supper with us," Belladonna said as she walked to another room.

Fili didn't know what to do, follow her or stand in the doorway until Bungo moved out of the way. First things first, he removed the few knives he had in visual view on his body and then removed his boots, like his mother would make him. Bungo watched with great curiosity.

Belladonna's voice came floating to them from another room. "He was going to get food at the market, but today is the early closing day and he was busy repairing my knife, so he missed getting to go get his food. Oh, my, Bungo, you will never guess," she reappeared in the hall, her eyes wide and sparkling. "but, this dwarf is the nephew of the one who crafted my knife."

Bungo hadn't taken his eyes off Fili. His eyebrows went up at his wife's announcement. "Is he indeed?"

"Don't just stand there," Belladonna looked to Fili. "Go wash up, then come into the kitchen and sit down. Where's Bilbo, dearest?" She turned her attention back to Bungo.

"He went to see some of your cousins. He'll be dining with them," Bungo answered.

"Oh, what a shame. I'll have to bring Bilbo around to your forge one day," Belladonna stood over the hearth and stirred a pot.

"It would be my honor, mum," Fili said. He couldn't see what she was doing, but suddenly, the air was filled with the sounds and smells of sausages cooking. His mouth watered. It had been a long time since he had eaten more than hard bread and dried fish.

Fili was set down at the table and Belladonna did all the talking. Fili quite enjoyed himself. Bungo never smiled or showed much kindness towards the dwarf, but Belladonna had been right, he was polite and never said a rude word. She served him a meal unlike anything he had had in a very long time. The winter had been hard on the dwarves of the Blue Mountains. Food had been scarce and fresh meats had been rare. It must not have been so here in the Shire. She cooked a feast and Fili ate all he was given. She continued to pile more onto his plate until he felt he would burst.

He thanked her profusely for the generous supper and insisted he could eat no more. She packed a small linen filled with biscuits, hard cheese, and thick slices of dried salted pork.

"This is more than kind," Fili said, accepting the bundle.

"Think nothing of it," she smiled. "I wish you all the best during your time in the Shire. Now that you know where I live, I expect you and your uncle to pay me a visit before you leave."

Fili bowed. "I will, Mistress Belladonna, thank you." He turned to Bungo and gave a small bow. "And thank you, sir, for your kind hospitality."

Bungo grunted and nodded his head once. Fili left and returned to the forge. He slept soundly for the first time since arriving here. Good company and a full stomach made for a nice change.

Thorin returned two weeks later, alone. He had found no trace of his father and Fili could see how upset he was. He did not ask questions, but tried to show his happiness at having his uncle back with him again. He had missed him. Aside from the kind Mistress Baggins, whom he had only seen once more, he had had little conversation or company. His trips to the market were quick affairs. He would get only what he needed and return to the forge. The Hobbits, while never impolite to him, showed little kindness. Thorin explained that they rarely left the safety of the Shire and knew very little of the outside world. They didn't trust any whom they didn't know.

Still, Fili had managed to earn quite a bit of money during his time there. Thorin was very pleased, but he noticed his nephew seemed thinner than when he left.

"You didn't take care of yourself, lad," Thorin looked him over with a critical eye. "Did you not eat?"

"Of course I ate. I wouldn't still be alive if I hadn't," Fili said.

"Tell me then, did you ever go to sleep hungry?" Thorin gazed at Fili.

Fili couldn't look his uncle in the eye any longer.

Thorin grunted. "Thought so."

"But uncle, I was treated to a fine Hobbit meal a while back. The lass said she knew you. She had one of your knives."

"Did you pay for your supper?" Thorin asked.

"No, but she wouldn't allow me too. I tried. Instead, I did not accept any payment from her for the work I did for her," Fili spoke quickly, eager to explain to his king that he had not taken charity.

Thorin sighed. "The lass had long, dark hair? Green eyes and an easy smile?"

Fili nodded.

"I remember her. She did the same to me last time I was here. To be honest, she reminded me a bit of your mother. I didn't dare cross her," Thorin gave a small smile.

Fili laughed. "That's exactly what I thought. She wishes to see you again before we leave. She still treasures the knife of yours that she possesses."

"I'm glad to hear it and yes, before we move on, we will stop by to say hello," Thorin said. "Now, what work have you left to do here?"

Fili showed him the few items that had been left for him to work on. Between the two of them, they could have it done by the end of the day. Tomorrow they would lock up the forge, return its key to the mayor, and buy some supplies from the market before heading to Bree for better work and more money.

Fili was rather sad to leave the Shire. It had been a nice place filled with gentle, funny characters. He hoped he could return one day and work here again, maybe with Kili. He and Thorin journeyed early to the market, before many locals were out.

"Master Fili!" a feminine voice called out.

Fili turned to see the lass, Belladonna, walking towards him. He bowed to her, "Mistress Belladonna."

"You are out early," she said.

"Yes, I'm afraid my time here in the Shire is over. My uncle and I head out today."

"Thorin is back? Where is he? You promised to visit me," she said, looking around.

"And we planned on doing so after the market," Fili assured her.

She spotted the large dwarf her eyes had been searching for. She quickly walked over to him, "Master Thorin!" she waved.

He smiled kindly and bowed, "Mistress Belladonna."

"Oh dear me, you remembered my name. Your nephew had to remind me of yours. I had quite forgotten it, but I never forgot you. I can't tell you how pleased I was to find your nephew here. He has been very courteous and hard working."

"I'm glad to hear it," Thorin said, struck once again at the similarities between this lass and his sister, except the lady hobbit was far more talkative and open than Dis.

"Why don't you join me for second breakfast?" she asked.

Thorin smiled, "I'm afraid we cannot, but your offer is greatly appreciated."

She laughed. "My, my, you are well-mannered. Well, I understand that you must be moving along and I'll not keep you, but here," she reached into her basket and pulled out a thick round pie. "Take this. It's the finest meat pie you will ever eat."

"That isn't necessary," Thorin said.

"Nonsense. I want you to take it." She leaned in closer to Thorin. "And, to be perfectly honest, I've been worried about your boy, Fili. He's not looking to healthy, is he?"

Thorin looked to his nephew, whose cheeks turned red in embarrassment. "He is well enough," Thorin said, although he quite agreed with the lass. Fili looked like he had almost starved himself.

"Does he have a mother?" she asked.

Thorin was surprised by the question. "Aye, that he does."

"Well," Belladonna went on, "I doubt she would be too pleased to see her son looking so thin. Take it from a mother who loves her son, that boy there is in need of a hearty meal." She held out the pie. "So, for a mother's sake, take this and feed him."

Thorin couldn't argue. He took the meat pie. "You are very generous. His mother and I thank you."

She smiled. "Safe journey's Master Dwarves. Don't let it be another twenty years before you visit the Shire again."

Thorin and Fili bowed to her. She giggled and went on her way.

"Well lad, you heard the mother, you need to eat and I agree with her. Why have you not fed yourself as I instructed?"

"To save money," Fili admitted, quietly. "The less I ate, the more money you could send back to Amad and Kili. The less I ate, the more money our kin would have buy food with so they wouldn't need to feel the pains of hunger."

Thorin sighed sadly. "You have a generous heart, but you need to care for yourself, lad. As a king, you can't care for your people if you are not healthy."

"Then I am too much like you," Fili said. "I see how much you give up for our family and our people. I have seen you get by on so little so others could have more. Don't lecture me about these things when it is exactly the way you are."

Thorin was taken aback. Trust Fili to be so observant. "Perhaps you're right," he said, slightly defeated, "but I have to answer to your mother if you return to her half the size you were when we left. She would use that sword of hers on my skull. Eat, Fili. Don't let your poor uncle be the target of your mother's wrath."

Fili laughed and broke the meat pie in half. "Here, you look half starved, too."

Thorin nodded. During his fruitless journey to find his father, he had survived on very little and was hungry too. They bought a pint of ale each and ate their meat pie, courtesy of Belladonna Baggins, before heading out to Bree.