Chapter 38
After a while the dwarves began to grumble to Bilbo. I sighed and rolled my eyes. As I was about to defend him Bilbo stood up.
"What else to you suppose a burglar is to do?" asked Bilbo angrily. "I was not engaged to kill dragons, that is warrior's work, but to steal treasure. I made the best beginning I could. Did you expect me to trot back with the whole hoard of Thror on my back? If there is any grumbling to be done, I think I might have a say. You ought to have brought five hundred burglars not one. I am sure it reflects great credit on your grandfather, you cannot pretend you ever made the vast extent of his wealth clear to me. I should want hundreds of years to bring it all up, if I was fifty times as big and Smaug tame as a rabbit."
"Rabbit stew sounds good right about now." I said.
"Aye that it does!" Agreed Bombur.
Of course after Bilbo's little speech, the dwarves begged his pardon.
"What do you propose we do then Mr. Baggins?" Thorin asked politely.
"I have no idea at the moment- if you mean about removing the treasure. That depends entirely on some new turn of luck and getting rid of Smaug. Getting rid of dragons is not at all in my line, but I will do my best to think about it. Personally I have no hopes at all, and wish I was safe back at home."
"Never mind that for the moment! What are we to do now, to-day?"
"Well, if you really want my advice, I should say w can do nothing but stay where we are. By day we can no doubt creep out safely enough to get air, and I am sure Gilraen shall need it," His words were true! "Perhaps before long one or two of us could be chosen to go back to the store by the river to replenish our supplies. But in the meanwhile ought to be well inside the tunnel by night.
"Now I will make you an offer. I have got my ring and will creep down this very noon- then if ever Smaug ought to be napping- and see what he is up to. Perhaps something will turn up. 'Every worm has his weak spot,' as my father used to say, though I am sure it was not from personal experience."
Naturally the dwarves accepted his offer eagerly. I was worried but I knew Bilbo and his ring was our best chance. Bilbo had become the real leader in this adventure. He had begun to have ideas and plans of his own. When midday came he got ready for another journey back down to the mountain. I wished him good luck and then practically ran to the crack in the door for air. I was not used to be shut up in a mountain. Yes I had stayed with Thranduil and Legolas for long periods of time, but it was no dwarf mountain.
"I take it you are not accustom to being in the mountain." came a voice.
I turned and smiled. Thorin walked to me and sat down beside me.
"Not a mountain like this."
"During my grandfather's rule there was a great look out and there were windows."
"I am certain it was beautiful. And still is." I said.
Thorin looked thoughtful. No doubt remembering his home and childhood. I smiled and took his hand.
"Thorin yesterday when Balin and I were down in the tunnel awaiting Bilbo's return…I heard what all of you said."
He seemed confused at first but then his eyes grew wide.
"How could you have…."
I raised my eyebrow. He nodded and then took a deep breath.
"I know you are not one to remain in one place for long…."
"For you…..I would stay anywhere for the rest of my life." I whispered.
He turned and looked at me and I smiled.
"What Fili said is true. It would seem he knows me well."
"You would stay? Here in Erebor?"
"How could I not. It is the first place I ever called home. And if you remain here so shall I. Of course from time to time I shall wish to travel to see my friends…"
"I would not be one to stop you. Though you will not go without me."
I smiled and nodded.
"I would not want it any other way."
He smiled and touched my face. I leaned forward and lightly pressed my lips to his. I pulled back slightly and smiled.
"Are you not going to ask me?" I whispered.
He chuckled.
"Gilraen, daughter of elves and men, will you marry me?" He asked.
That day was the day a great smile spread across my face.
"Yes I will!" I said happily.
I kissed him hard on the lips but was interrupted by an almost undetectable cry for joy. I reluctantly pulled back and looked over Thorin's shoulder just in time to catch the retreating forms of Kili, Fili and Ori.
"Perhaps we should start to chain Fili and Kili to the wall."
He sighed and then laughed softly. I silently made my way back down the tunnel with Thorin. Fili, Kili and Ori had told the others what they had heard and there was excitement among them. I had snuck up behind Fili and Kili. They had their backs to me whilst the others saw me and hid their laughter. I placed my hands on the shoulders of Fili and Kili. They slowly looked up at me.
"You do know that eavesdropping is considered extremely rude."
They gave me innocent smiles and I laughed softly. My laughter faded as we heard a growl and I could smell smoke coming from the lower end of the tunnel. My eyes grew wide with fear.
Bilbo!