I knew what was going to happen in the movie and still cried. As I stuffed my face with wonderfully buttery popcorn.
"That bloody fool!" Gandalf swore as he reentered the tent with Thrandiul, having followed him out while the others enjoyed a meal. Thrandil's eyes were narrowed in what looked like irritation, though Cricket was fairly sure it wasn't from the wizard. "He's bound and determined to get everyone of his company killed!"
"I'm guessing that the talk didn't go too well?"Nori hazarded, getting a glare from the wizard."I could have told you that it wouldn't before you even bothered to leave the tent."
"No, Master Nori, it did not."Gandalf replied, plopping down on a cushion next to the thief.
Thrandiul gracefully lowered himself into a chair next to his son, eyes flickering to Conner nibbling on a piece of cheese before coming to rest on Kili."Your dear uncle has demanded that we return you to him. He is somehow convinced that we have kidnapped you."
Kili and the others gape at him in shock."You're kidding, right? He watched me leave of my own accord, how could you have possibly kidnapped me?"
"Don't ask me to explain the workings of his mind. He also tried to say I was trying to ransom you for the silver gems inside the mountain, and that I would get them over his dead body. While I would indeed like to have those gems, I wouldn't debase myself to that level to receive them, even if among them is a necklace I commissioned made for my wife.."He trailed off a bit at that, his eyes showing the faintest sign of sadness, but it quickly was replaced by his usual mask.
"Told you, bat-shit crazy."Nori mumbled, getting a smack over the head from Cricket.
"So what now?"Cricket asks, after a brief measure of silence."We can't just leave them up there, they will eventually die from either lack of water or starvation. That or someone will piss off Thorin again."
"Luckily there is a bit of good news to come out of all of this."Gandalf says, puffing on his pipe thoughtfully."Thorin has agreed to meet with us for talks on returning the heart of the mountain. Not that I really want him to have it, considering how bad he is now, but it's a start. If anything, it will help prevent a war. And considering he sent that message to his cousin Dain, that is a very good thing. Thorin is definitely the more reasonable of the two, if that tell you anything."
"When is he coming down?"Bilbo asks quietly from Crickets side, the first words he has spoken in a while. He had eaten little since they had been brought the food, simply pressing up closely against Crickets side, every once in a while absentmindedly scratching Conners head when he came close, soothed a bit by the dragons presence. Cricket had managed to get half a roll into him, but she knew he would have to eat more if he was going to keep up his health.
Gandalf looks sadly at him at the dejected looking hobbit."Tomorrow afternoon. He is bringing two of the company members with him, and has requested that Kili be present at the proceedings to make sure he is being well taken care of." Bilbo nods silently and fiddles with the ring in his pocket."You don't have to worry my dear Bilbo, we won't let him hurt you."
"I'm not worried."Bilbo says softly."Just disappointed."
"What about Cricket and I?"Nori asks from his corner, drawing all the attention to himself and away from the little burglar."I'm guessing he wasn't that worried about us?"
"He said something about your brothers missing you, and that they wish you would come back."
"Pssh, trying to play that old card."
"As for Cricket...it might be best her name not be brought up around Thorin, nor Conners. He has already tried to go after the young dragon, and injured her."
"It was just a flesh wound, I barely even bled."Cricket muttered under her breath.
"I would hate to have to put an arrow through his eye if he tried to touch either of them again."Legolas growled, the anger in his eyes showing the exact opposite.
"Cripes, you all act like I'm some delicate flower. I can take care of myself, and I already warned him that if he touched me again, I would hit back."
"Believe me, I'm very aware you can defend yourself."Legolas says, giving her a small smile."But it's a natural instinct to want to protect someone you care about, so you'll have to forgive me if I get a little defensive. The last thing I want is either of you to get hurt. It's the last thing any of us wants."
Nori snorts at that, and Kili nods enthusiastically at the elf princes words, reflecting his own thoughts. Conner pops up from his food, in dragon form still, and gives a little snort.
*I won't let anyone hurt Mamma Cricket, that's a promise. I'll set anyone who tries on fire!* To illustrate his point he puffs a small flame out, roasting the cheese wheel in front of it and melting it slightly.
"Indeed."Thrandiul says, smiling slightly at the young dragon, envisioning him setting Thorin's beard on fire.
"You're a very fierce protector."Cricket says with a laugh as he digs into the melted cheese."Beware anyone who gets in your way."Conner nods, snout covered with cheddar, and they all smile, the atmosphere finally lightening up a bit. As it does, an elf soldier makes his way through the entrance of the tent and heads straight to the king, whispering something slightly in his ear before straightening back up and heading back the way that he came.
"Both of your tents are ready."Thrandiul announces, standing up."As promised, they are right next to mine, as well as next to one another as you requested, if you would like to put what things you have inside of them. Lady Cricket, I put another cot inside your tent in case Conner decides to sleep in his human form, though I would suggest against staying in dragon form too often, seeing as we are surrounded by men who would sooner kill you then question why you were here in the first place. Do you understand?" Conner and Cricket both nod, knowing how dangerous getting caught could be for him."For now, why don't you go back to your tattoo form?"
Conner complies, getting a hug from Legolas before he does. Once he is on her skin, Thrandiul leads them to their tents, Nori and Kili first, then Cricket. Bilbo stays behind in the elf kings tent, still in the floor with one hand in his pocket.
"Why don't you get some rest?"Legolas says to them all."It's been a long day for everyone, and it's going to be even worse tomorrow."
"Splendid idea."Gandalf agrees, puffing on his pipe and nodding."A nap can do a world of good. As it is I need to send a couple of messages of my own. Come, young prince, and escort an old man to where he needs to be. These three need some alone time."Legolas rolls his eyes but complies, giving Cricket another smile before walking away with the old wizard.
"He is right, though I hate to admit it."Nori says with a yawn."All that drama and food, I'm beat. See you for dinner tonight." Kili watches him enter and Cricket sighs, knowing he is staying for her benefit.
"Go on, you go too. You will need all the help you can get if you are going to talk with Thorin tomorrow, and you know it."
"Yes, but will you be ok by yourself?"
"I'll be fine, go on. Go take a nap, even it it's just an hour. For me. Afterwards we need to have a long talk anyway, and I need to ask a favor of you."
He gives her a curious look and nods, slowly going into the tent. She sighs, knowing that it was a small victory, and sees Thrandiul still standing there out of the corner of her eye, a bemused look on his face.
"He cares a great deal for you."
"Yes, and I for him. The same way I would for a brother, and him for a sister. Thank goodness, because I don't think I could handle both of them being attracted to me. I have enough drama in my life as it is, including someone trying to convince me to marry his son."She raises an eyebrow at him and he merely smiles, shrugging.
"I don't apologize for that, and do not regret making the offer. My son cares for both you and Conner a great deal, and it would be a good match."
"That may be true, but I would rather have someone ask me themselves. Plus, you know, actually being courted would help."
"I..you do have a point there. On another note..it would probably be best if you stayed out of the dealings tomorrow."
"Why?"
"As much as I enjoy seeing Thorin Oakenshield riled up, tomorrow would not be a good day for it. Hopefully having his nephew there will pacify him enough that everything goes smooth enough, and we can avoid any unnecessary bloodshed. It's for the same reason that I am going to ask the hobbit to stay away as well, though that may not be necessary seeing how he is now."
"Bilbo I can see, but don't I have just as much right to be at that meeting? Who all is going to be there?"
"Myself, Gandalf, Bard, Kili, Thorin, and a few other specially picked individuals. There is no need for you to be there, you need to stay out of danger until we get this whole mess sorted out. You should stay in your tent, perhaps thinking of who would be a good choice to partially bond Conner to in case you are taken back. That should be a carefully thought out choice, not one made lightly, and it should be someone with his best interests at heart." She crosses her arms and scowls at him, and he raises an eyebrow at her."You know I speak the truth."
"I know, and it is something I have been thinking about, I just don't like being told to stay put."
"I know you don't, but as I said before, it is for you and the young dragons safety."With that he bows slightly to her and turns away to his own tent, leaving her to enter hers. Entering, the first thing she notices are two plush cots, a small table with a lantern, and a washbasin. Sighing, she puts down her bag and sinks down on one of the cots, putting her head between her hands.
*Why are you so upset about being told to stay away from the dealings tomorrow?*Conner asks, curious as to her mood change.
*I had couple of things I wanted to throw in, about what I wanted done with my part of the treasure, and I figured that If I requested them then and there they would be more likely to be accepted, and I would have witnesses to make sure they happened. Plus..I'm kinda tired of everyone telling me what I need to do, telling me it's for my own good.I'm a big girl, I can handle it. I know it sounds silly, but that's just how I feel.*
*It's not silly!*Conner protests, and she smiles despite herself at his defense of her.*Is that all that's wrong though? I can still feel you being sad.*
*No..I wish I knew where Bard had went, I'd like to talk to him, explain things a little bit better. He got a horrible first introduction to you, and I just want to make sure that he's ok.*
*Why don't you go looking for him? Mister Thrandiul just asked you to stay inside tomorrow, he didn't say not to go exploring today.*
*That is true..can you sense where he might be, kind of like you did with Legolas? There are so many people here I probably won't be able to find him otherwise.*
*I think so. If anything I can point us in his direction.* Conner concentrates for a moment, the now dual-colored bond pulsing a small bit, before quickly answering.*I got it! Let's go!*
Cricket pulls on her hooded coat and peeks out the tent flap to make sure no one was guarding it. Luckily, the one guard there was turned away, so she flits out before he can turn around and starts weaving through the various tents and groups of soldiers towards the area Conner had honed in on. Most in the area she was in now were elven with a few men scattered here and there, their golden bows and Armour glistening in the afternoon sun. It was quite a difference between the two armies, seeing the well-oiled, well armored machine that was the elven army, and the band of men thrown together from Lake town, most still in their normal clothes, with what looked like dusty old armor on a few, the weapons definitely from a different age.
As got closer to her destination, it changed to more men then elves, and she found herself in what had to be the crumbled, burnt ruins of the city of Dale, people from Lake town bustling too and fro, and she found that there were women and children were here as well."He must be with his family."Cricket thinks to herself as she slips through, trying to hide her face in case someone sees her and tries to take revenge for Thorin being an ass. Truthfully, Laketown hadnt been that badly damaged, but in the chaos everyone followed the army back to Dale. She made her way to what looked like the center of the old city, and Conner closed in on a building right in front of her, not as badly damaged as the rest.
*He's in there.*Conner says to her. She walks through the doorway to find the building full of children and the few wounded, staying out of the elements in what was likely the safest building they could find. As she starts to head up the stairs, one of the children from her story time looks up in time to see her face and gives a small gasp, recognizing her. Before he can react further, Cricket puts a finger up to her lips and shushes with a little smile. The young boy looks confused for a minute then smiles back, putting his finger to his lips as well and nodding his head eagerly. She nods gratefully back at him and starts up the stairs to where Conner can feel Bard, knocking on the door at the top quietly but firmly. She waits for a couple of seconds, hearing scuffling inside, before the door is opened slowly to reveal Bain peeking through.
"Who's there? Father is resting and...Miss Cricket?"He says, sounding surprised, opening the door a bit wider.
"How are you Bain? Is your dad here? I need to talk to him."
"Yes, he's here. Do you know why he looks so sad?"
"I think I do, and if you let me in I can try and help."Bain studies her for a moment then nods slowly, taking the latch off the door and opening it the rest of the way, closing and latching it back once she is in."What's with locking the door, Bain? Surely no one wants to hurt any of you here."
"The opposite, actually. Everyone is calling Father the new king for slaying the dragon and saving all of us, and he can't get a moments peace, especially from the master and Alfred, the little boot lickers. They are trying to get in his good graces, and he just wants some quiet."
"King Bard, huh?"She says, the reason for the elves hailing him making sense now."Looks like the elves have accepted it as well. Well, lead me to him."
He takes her to small room in the corner of the building, opening it up to reveal Bard sitting on the floor, leaning against an old pillow, an uneaten bread loaf next to him, as well as a glass of wine pilfered from Thrandiuls stocks. He looks up as she enters and his eyes widen as she lowers her coat hood, a sad smile on her face."What are you doing here? How did you even find me?"
"I have my ways."She says, walking closer as she hears Bain close the door behind her. She gets right next to him and sits down as well, finding another old pillow beside her and using it as a cushion."And I wanted to talk to you alone. Explain some things, without Nori's smart ass comments or Thrandiuls judging looks. Is that ok, or should I just leave?"
"No, you can stay. I would like some clarification on how you found me though."He says, to her relief."Not even the oily Alfred knows where I am, and the children are very good about keeping my secret."
She blushes slightly before answering."Well, um..Conner is good at sensing where people are that he has been around before, and he honed in on your location. I snuck out of my tent while the guard wasn't looking and had Conner lead me to you."
He narrows his eyes a bit at that, but doesn't look angry."Conner led you here? Where is he then?"She lifts her coat sleeve up to reveal the dark blue dragon tattoo circling her wrist, tail flicking at Bard, and he blinks."Ah...I forgot..he can apparently do that."
*Do you not like me anymore, Mister Bard?*Conner asks, to the surprise of both of them.*I'm sorry we didn't tell you.*
Bard looks taken aback at the question."How..how do I answer back?"He asks Cricket curiously.
"You can talk out loud and he will be able to hear you."
He nods before clearing his throat, looking serious."No Conner, I still like you, the both of you."He says, looking at Cricket and smiling slightly at her."It was just a surprise to hear what you were, that's all. I grew up my entire life thinking dragons were evil creatures, and to meet one as innocent and good as you..it just threw me for a loop, that's all. I needed some time alone to think, to expand my horizons a bit. I can very much understand you not telling anyone."
*Good, I don't want you mad at me. You and your kids are really nice, , and I like you. Mama Cricket likes you too, and I don't think she would want you mad at her either."Cricket flushes at that, and Bard gives out a small laugh.
"So, is there anything else I should know about while we are letting it all out? Are you really an elf with rounded ears? Do you have a peg leg?"When her face turns serious he frowns again."There is something, isn't there? What could possible beat taking care of a baby dragon?"
"Well, um..."She pauses and sighs, leaning back on the pillow."All right, you deserve the whole truth. Thrandiul knows, so you should too. Do me a favor, and finish off your glass first. Actually, first.."She grabs the glass and takes a swig, then hands it to him. He cocks an eyebrow at her, then finishes off the glass himself, looking at her expectantly when he puts it back down."Good grief, how do I even start.."
"How about the beginning?"
"Sounds about right..here we go..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An hour later, the two of them are sprawled in slightly more comfortable positions, Cricket having finished her story up to where they were now, this time not leaving anything out. Bard had been quiet for a while after she finished, tapping his chin thoughtfully as he took everything in. She took it as a good thing that he hadn't asked her to leave yet, and now she was just waiting for a reaction.
"This...actually explains a couple of things."He says after a while, and she peers up at him.
"Like what?"
"That strange metal thing you let the children watch, for one. Your accent is different than any I have ever heard, and you are much more independent that any woman I have ever met. Also why the dwarves you came with are so protective of you."
"So..I haven't scared you away by telling you everything? Because I have to say, it's quite a relief to get it all out in the open."
"I probably should be, or in any other situation consider you deluded and walk away, but no, you haven't scared me off."He says, smiling at her, and she sighs in relief."I do have to say, for someone not from here in any sense of the words, you sure do have a lot of responsibility piled on you."
"I know, right? Though, I'm actually wondering if not being from here is one of the reasons that Conners egg hatched for me, was drawn to me, and me to it. Everyone here was already so prejudiced against dragons, though not without good reason. Maybe Conner needed someone who wasn't going to automatically have something against him, or a reason to be scared of him."
*When I was in my egg*Conner interrupts*I could sense the people around me, if was like I was waiting forever for that one person for me to come by, and when you finally got close enough, I could sense you were different from everyone else. You were brighter than anyone else, and the moment you touched my egg, I knew you were the one for me, that you would love me.*
"Conner, that's so sweet."She said, tearing up a bit at his heartfelt words, so serious coming from him."And I do love you sweetie, I really do. And I won't let anyone ever hurt you."
*I know, Mamma Cricket. I love you too.*
Bard watched the little exchange with a serene smile on his face, glad she had came to tell him everything, that everything was out in the open."So basically, you don't know when you are going to be sent back, or even if you will?"
"Nope. I don't even know who did it in the first place."
"That must drive you crazy."
"That's an understatement. Until a couple of days ago, my main concern was what was going to happen to Conner if I got sent back, but that concern has a solution now. All that worries me now is the waiting game of will I get sent back, and if I do when will it happen. Will it be instant, or a slow process that lets me say goodbye? Where will I even end up[ back home once I'm there? Will I remember anything that happened here? It makes my head hurt."
"Hey"Bard says, leaning forward and placing his hand on hers, looking into her eyes."You can't worry about that now. If it happens, it happens. All you need to worry about is the present, and about yourself and Conner. The rest is moot if you have no control over it."
"Easy for you to say."
"Hey, I have responsibilities of my own waiting for me. Once this is over, most likely I will be considered King of Dale once we rebuild. That means leading people, making peace treaties with the neighboring areas, trying to grow food, start up trading again...it's quite a step up from what I was doing. Right now I just need to worry about keeping my family safe, here and now."
"You..have a point there."Cricket says, noticing that his hand is still on hers, how warm it is, and a flush comes to her cheeks as she remembers that night in his house, how safe she felt in his arms. Time seems slow to a crawl as they continue looking at one another, and it almost seems like they are inching closer. Crickets eyes are drawn to his lips as he licks them, and she wonders how soft they are.
It's at that point that there is a banging on the door, and it startles them both out of the bubble they had been in, both looking slightly guilty for some reason."Miss Cricket! There are children outside the door saying that there are people looking for you, and you should be warned."Bain says through the door, and she closes her eyes and sighs, knowing her bit of peace is over. bard, however, has a slight smirk on his face.
"Looking for you already are they? That's right, you slipped away from your guard, didn't you."
"Yes..so much for my peace and quiet. I suppose I should go and let them know I'm ok."
"Why don't I escort you back, that way you have a good excuse?"
"And leave your little haven?"
"Sure, I've hid for long enough I suppose. Besides, I need to find out what Thorin wanted to talk to Thrandiul about." He helps her up and she dusts herself off, both heading to the door.
"Oh, I can tell you that. He is somehow convinced that we kidnapped Kili, and they are having negotiations for the return of the arkenstone. I figured you already knew, since you are actually invited to be there." He cocks his eyebrow at that as they exit the little room, staying silent as they see the group of children guarding the staircase. They all nod at Cricket as she passes, putting their fingers over their lips and smiling, and she can't help a little laugh as they exit the building. Once they are out of the hearing of the children, he asks."I take it you arn't for some reason?"
"No, Thrandiul gave me some story about needing to stay safe, and said I need to stay away. I'm tired of people treating me like I can't make my own decisions."
"Can I give you my own opinion?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"From what you have told me, with you being bonded to Conner, you are actually in a position that you don't have to listen to anything he says, or anyone says for that matter. There is only one person..thing that could possibly give you orders, and they aren't around anymore. In my eyes, that makes you a force of your own. Beholden to none, friends to many, an army of one."
*Two you mean.*
"Right you are Conner, two. Who says you have to follow his orders? He may be a king, but he is not your king, as you so delicately told Thorin. I would rather have you as a friend and an ally, then try to order you around."
She looks at him incredulously while Conner giggle wildly.*He's right! You don't have to listen to him! What's he going to do if you don't do what he says, punish you? Throw you in the dungeon?*
She smiles to herself and looks softly at Bard."You know, the two of you may have a point there. Maybe I need to do some thinking of my own about things." Bard simply nods, taking her arm and leading her out of the Dale center and back towards the elf camp, her hood down this time as no one would question her if Bard was escorting her, though she did get a couple of surprised looks. Once they were out of the broken city, they were spotted not 5 minutes later by an elven soldier who had been on the lookout for her.
"Come with me."The soldier said, and both Cricket and Bard arched an eyebrow at him.
"What's the magic word?"She asked, and Conner giggled again. The elf narrowed his eyes, remembering who he was talking to.
"Please come with me."
"That's better. Good manners are always nice to have. You can lead me to whoever is freaking out about my being gone now."Bard hid a laugh behind a cough as he continued to escort her along with the elf soldier back to the Kings tent. Once they reentered, she immediately saw a frantic Kili pacing back and forth inside, Legolas watching him pace from a chair to the side, Thrandiul acting as he was bored in the center, while Bilbo looked to be asleep on a pile of blankets in the corner."I swear, I leave for an hour and the place goes to hell." They all look up when she says this, and Kili runs over, giving her a fierce hug, Thrandiul cocking his head to the side when he notices her company, Legolas smirking at the scene before him.
"Where were you? I woke up from my nap and you weren't in your tent!"Kili says after releasing her from the hug.
"Calm down Kee, I just went exploring a bit, that's all. I found Bard and talked to him a bit, explained thing more clearly, and lost track of time. I'm sorry for worrying you."
"What exactly did you explain to him?" Thrandiul asks from his perch in the room before Kili can answer, and she gives him a smile.
"I decided that he deserved to know the rest of the truth about me as well, after seeing how he took the news about Conner. After all he has done to help me, it only seemed right."
"Ah, I see. Well I wish you had discussed it with us first, that way we wouldn't have worried so."
"It wasn't really your call though, considering it is my secret to keep or give out, so what was there to discuss?"She asked sweetly, and Legolas and Bard both to hide laughs this time as Thrandiul stared her down. Kili merely looked at her and shook his head, recognizing her tone and not wanting to get involved, merely glad she was back and not hurt."By the way, guards work better when they are actually paying attention to what they are supposed to be guarding."
At her sass Thrandiul gives her a tiny smirk of his own, nodding his head at her as he apparently accepts her decision."I will keep that in mind. Now that everyone is calm again, I suggest all of you go and enjoy some dinner, while I discuss with Bard a few things." He said, clearly dismissing everyone. As she leaves, Bard gives her a little nod which she returns, and she follows Kili out of the tent towards their own.
"Was Nori not worried as well?"She asked as they stopped in front of her sounded good right now, and wanted to see just what she could pull out of her bag.
"No, and he tried to tell me not to worry either, said that you can take care of yourself and would be back when you wanted to be."
He's right, bless him for thinking so."
"I know, I couldn't help it though. Sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about, it shows that you care, which I appreciate."
"Do you..like Bard?"
The question comes from him out of the blue and she frowns a bit."Why do you ask?"
"I just..he seems to like you. And he's not bad, for a human. Actually, now that I think of it, Legolas seems to like you too."
"Argh, this is not a conversation I need to have right now..listen Kee, even if they do like me...I'd like to get all of this nonsense over with before I think about that. Chances are I won't be here long anyway, so a relationship probably isn't the best idea, no matter how I feel."
"You're right, I'm sorry. I just wanted to let you know I'm here for you, no matter what happens or what you decide. But if they do decide to court you, they will have to deal with me, and I won't go easy on them."
"Are we talking about the lovesick puppies?"Nori asked, popping up from behind her."Aye, she'll have more than you to defend her in that respect, no matter who tries for her. Like we told you before, we'll make em run the gauntlet." He smirks as she rolls her eyes at the both of them."Oh come on, you know you want to see that."
"Oh yea, I want to see you tell people they aren't good enough for me and threaten to remove body parts if they hurt me."
*Can I set them on fire?*
"See, even the runt is in on it. You're stuck with us, so get used to it."
"Thanks Conner, thanks a lot."
*You're welcome! Are we going to have that talk with Kili now?"
"Oh yea.."Nori raises an eyebrow at her.
"What talk?"
"Well, we were going to have it in private, but I suppose it would be better to have another opinion..come on, get in my tent, we might need a while for this. Besides, I need to sit down, I feel a little nauseous."
As they pile in, a dizzy spell hits her as she sits down, but she shakes it off and blames it on her blood sugar being low. Bringing out her bag, instead of concentrating on a specific thing she just concentrates on food in general before sticking her hand in. Surprisingly she manages to grab onto something, and when she pulls her hand back out it seems to be one of her protein bars. Smiling to herself she opens it up and takes a bite, enjoying the dark chocolate taste. A cough in front of her breaks her out of her sweet bubble, and she opens her eyes to see both her dwarves looking at her expectantly.
"Well, you said you had something to talk about, so what is it? Or did you bring us in here to watch you eat one of your strange goodies?"
"Oops, sorry, was just enjoying the taste. Yes, I do need to talk to you about something, though it will affect Kili more."They both sit up straight, serious looks on their faces as they wait for her to continue."I told you about how Smaug transferred his power to me, and his reason for doing it, right?"
"Yes, so that when you went home Conner would sink into depression like he did."Kili answered, while Nori sat back thoughtfully."How exactly does that work, by the way?"
"Basically, I would be taking the smallest bit from the bond and transferring it to you. Since you weren't the original person he was bonded to, it's all you would be able to handle. The reason I can handle Smaugs is because it basically melded with Conner and mines. Anyway, that small bit allows Conner to stay with that person and still feel the bond, so if I leave it will still kind of be like I'm here, even though I'm not. It will allow him to go into tattoo form on that person as well, though not much else as far as I know. It's only been done two other times according to Smaugs memories, and there wasn't much writing on it, so there may be more. The way it was done before was that the two people sliced their hand open and pressed them together, and the bonded one concentrated on the bond until the small bit traveled from one to another through the flow of blood. Once it happens there will be a small mark on the persons hand like the one on my neck to indicate that it worked, and what the person now is. Smaug called that person the anima di fiducia, or trusted soul."
"Trusted soul..I like the sound of that. And the blood bond the two people together as well, in a way."
"Exactly. That's why I have to choose someone I know I know I can trust Conner with, that wil care for his safety and well being, as well as someone I have a close kinship anyway."
Kili is quiet for a moment, though Nori smiles broadly, knowing where Cricket is taking this."And have you chose someone yet?"
"Actually Kee..I was wondering if you would do it."She says, and grins at Kili's shocked expression."The only other person I might trust him with is Legolas, and you are the best choice, admit it."
"But..but...me?"
*Would you please do it Kili?* Conner asked, pleading with him.*I like being around you, and I know that is Mamma Cricket isn't around, I won't feel as sad with you.*
"But what about his training? I have no idea how to teach him what he needs to know?"
"I have an idea about that. Please Kili, will you do it? For me and for Conner?"
"I think you should, lad."Nori adds in from beside him."She's right, besides the elf princling, you are the best suited for the task. And since you don't harbor the same dislike for elves as your uncle does, it would make you a good ambassador to go back and forth between, perhaps getting some learning for the runt while you're at it."
Kili continues to look surprised at her request of him, and stays silent for a while. When he finally speaks up, it's to ask a question."I will do it under one condition."
"What's that?"
"That when we do the process, you agree to be my blood sister. It will make you an official member of my family, and since I already see you as a sister anyway it won't change much, other than you will have a Durin family bead to weave in your hair next to your eagle feather."
"Thorin probably won't like that..."
"I don't care what uncle thinks, he isn't very high in my graces right now as it is. This is what I want, and it's my price. Do you agree?"
She smiles broadly at him, inwardly thinking that Fili probably won't like this either considering, but agrees anyway."I accept your terms." She says, giving him a big hug, Nori smiling at the two of them, thinking at least part of the Durin line had some sense.
Once they let go, they both grin at each other, looking over at Nori to catch his grin as well."What do you say we get this over with, that way no one can try and change our minds?"
"I say let's do it."
That night, as everyone started off to sleep, they could swear at one point there was a rush of power that swept the camp, as well as a dull light coming from the center, but as they were all too occupied by the negotiations tomorrow, no one really paid attention. However, once they three conspirators finally drifted off to sleep, each had strange dreams.
Nori dreamt of life in the upcoming years as spymaster for the King of Erebor, finding a place to hide the arkenstone for good so that it could do no more harm.
Kili dreamt of battles and flying once more, as well as a female voice in the background telling him his destiny could go two ways at this point, and that he was well on his way to changing it for the better.
Cricket started off dreaming of home, but it soon changed to a dream of both Katlan and Smaug standing in front of her in their smaller forms, smiling at her...
I used Italian for trusted soul, as I couldn't find it in elvish, and didn't feel like making up a word lol. What do you think of Cricket becoming a member of the house of Durin? Are children really that good at keeping secrets? Will Fili be happy that he had drunk sex with someone that's now his sister? Oh the drama!
