CHAPTER 50 - HOPE IGNITES

CHAPTER 50 - UNBELIEVABLE! I never really expected it to go this far to be honest :) Thanks for all of you still reading and reviewing - I hope you liked that 'little' plot twist in the last chapter...
Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hobbit or any of the characters/story lines that belong to it, all credit goes to J.R.R. Tolkien, in all his glory.


"So you were moved to a different orphanage to me?" Hayden asked.

Harvey shrugged and nodded, "I suppose so."

"No one ever bothered to tell me you were still alive," Hayden said, "I just assumed you had gone… when mum and dad did."

"I thought the same about you," Harvey said heavily.

Hayden and Harvey had been sitting on the steps of the main chamber in Erebor talking. There hadn't been a dull moment in their conversation so far.

Hayden wanted to find out everything there was to know about her newfound brother, and Harvey the same. He had lived in England all his life, just like her, and was attending university.

Harvey was also extremely interested in the journey she had had to get to Erebor and how she had ended up in Middle Earth in the first place. Like her, he was a Tolkien die-hard too, and had a small mental breakdown when he found out he was in the Blue Mountains with the granddaughter of Thror, King Under the Mountain.

"So you and Thorin," Harvey said, raising his eyebrows, "You're getting married?"

Hayden nodded and smiled, "I told you how we met, and he proposed to me during the journey."

"Wow," Harvey said, running his hand through his thick brown hair. "I'll add that to my list of 'unbelievable things to happen in one day' – my sister is marrying Thorin Oakenshield."

"Honestly, you do get used to it… eventually," Hayden smirked.

"Isn't he like 195 years old?" Harvey frowned.

"Yeah," Hayden shrugged.

"Right," Harvey nodded, deep in thought.

"This is all great," Hayden frowned, "But it still doesn't explain how you got here… what did you say happened?"

"Well I was moving to my new apartment actually," Harvey explained, "And I was so exhausted I ended up crashing on the floor. When I woke up I was in the Blue Mountains."

"And then what?"

"Then Dís found me," he continued, "At first I thought I was having a mental breakdown when she introduced herself. But then things started to make more sense."

"Like what?"

"Like the orc raid," Harvey explained, "No one puts that much effort into a prank… and then there was the dragon-"

He stopped talking and shivered slightly at the memory.

"That was real," he said, "Definitely real."

"So how long have you been here?" Hayden asked.

"I honestly have no idea," Harvey frowned, "I kind of lost track of time after a while."

Hayden frowned, deep in thought, "Gandalf would know… if only he wasn't off saving the world."

"Gandalf?" Harvey sat up in interest. "Have you met him?"

"Yes," Hayden grinned, "And he is definitely as cool as you could imagine."

Harvey grinned with her, "And Bilbo?"

"He's wonderful," Hayden cooed, "And so sweet aswell – I can introduce you if you want?"

"I'd love that," Harvey smiled.


Thorin watched Hayden interacting with her brother from beside the piles of gold, though suddenly his grandfather's treasure wasn't so important to him anymore.

There was no doubt in his mind that this lad was Hayden's brother. Not only did they look alike, but their mannerisms were also the same now that he examined them from afar.

It was all he could have hoped for his Hayden. He had felt so lost these past few weeks, after they had lost the baby. He had distanced himself from her because he thought he had failed her. He couldn't offer her anything. He had no treasures or gifts to give her or a home. He couldn't even protect her enough to keep their unborn child safe.

But now she had her brother and his sister was alive and well, he felt a new surge of hope that he didn't have before.

"They have much alike, do they not?" Dís mused, noticing her brother's gaze.

"They do," Thorin agreed.

"I will never let you live this down, you know," Dís said casually.

"I know," Thorin sighed, but he didn't mind so much.

"She is very beautiful," Dís observed, "And she seems smart."

Thorin nodded, "Though much too beautiful for me."

Dís now turned to face her brother and examined him curiously.

"Tell me, brother," Dís said, "Does it feel like I said it would?"

"Worse," Thorin said, turning to smile at her. "But worth it."

"I never thanked you," Dís said, "For keeping my boys safe."

"I care for them too," Thorin said, "Though I may not show it as much."

Dís raised her eyebrows.

"Or never," Thorin remarked, "They are very close to Hayden. I have never seen them so attached to a lass."

"Indeed?" Dís raised her eyebrows. "Well, if she has their approval then she certainly has mine."

At that moment Hayden and Harvey stood from their seats on the steps and began walking to where the Company were, spread out in the dungeon.

"… And I'm not kidding, I had to try hide them all in my apartment while this massive party went on," Hayden was saying and Harvey laughed.

"I'm definitely glad I didn't have to go through that," Harvey smirked.

"So now that you have a brother," Kili said, slinking over to Hayden, "Doesn't mean you'll love us any less, right?"

"Do I detect jealousy, Kili?" Hayden smirked.

"What-? No!" Kili scoffed, "I just… don't want you to think we might come to like Harvey more than you."

"Oh, that's only if he's unique enough," Fili droned, "The last thing we need is another Hayden around here."

"Excuse Fili and Kili, they have a degree in being assholes," Hayden said, glaring at the young dwarves.

"Oh I don't know," Harvey shrugged, "They always seemed pretty cool in the movie."

"I like him already," Fili grinned.

"If only we had landed in your apartment," Kili told Harvey, "You would have let us have a bit of fun at least."

"I let you come to that party," Hayden growled, "And you came shopping with me – not that you helped me much… girls giving them phone numbers left, right and center."

"Nice," Harvey grinned approvingly.

Fili and Kili beamed.

"I think we'll get along just fine," Fili said, clapping Harvey on the shoulder. "The things we can show you-"

"I already know I don't want anything to do with this," Hayden sighed.

She made to walk over to Thorin and Dís, when Bilbo's voice echoed around the hall.

"The thrush!" the hobbit called, gesturing them all to the entrance of the secret tunnel. "The thrush is back!"

Hayden and Kili exchanged a quick glance and hurried off to Bilbo. The thrush stood on the post of the tunnel door, staring at them curiously.

"I think it wants to tell us something," Bilbo observed with a small frown.

"Oh great – does anyone here speak bird?" Kili scoffed sarcastically.

"There's a note on its foot," Harvey pointed out, "Look."

Sure enough, there was a small scroll wrapped around the birds left foot. Bilbo reached up and gently unwrapped the scroll. As soon as he had, the thrush took flight and fluttered away back up the tunnel.

"Thorin!" Hayden called.

"What is it?" Thorin asked.

"The Great Wyrm has been slain, shot down by Bard the Bowman, who discovered a weakness in the dragon's armor over its left breast," Bilbo read aloud and looked up in surprise.

"How did he know that?" Fili frowned, "That Bard fellow?"

"It was the thrush," Bilbo smiled softly, "It was listening when I told you of my conversation with the dragon."

"Well," Kili grinned, clapping Bilbo on the shoulder, "That was surprisingly easy."

"The beast is dead then?" Dís asked.

"It appears so," Bilbo said, rereading the short letter.

Dís gave a sigh of relief and smiled, "It's over – you did it brother." She turned to smile at Thorin.
"I could hardly take credit for this," Thorin said, looking to Bilbo, "It is our burglar who we should all thank."

Bilbo smiled, a little taken aback that Thorin had made such a kind gesture.

"Well then, Master Baggins," Dís smiled and curtsied, "We are all at your service."

"Thank you," Bilbo smiled, unsure of what else to say.

"I'll go inform the other lads then," Dís said, "This calls for a celebration."

As Dís left, Harvey frowned and cleared his throat.

"Hang on," he said slowly, "If Smaug's only just been defeated, then that means there's still the Battle of- ow!"

Kili had quickly aimed a subtle kick at Harvey's shin to stop him from talking.

"Harvey, may I have a quick word with you?" Kili asked innocently, putting a hand behind Harvey's back and pushing him away. "Parker, come along won't you?"

"Right, sure," Hayden said distractedly, smiling as innocently as she could to Thorin and Bilbo before rushing off after them.

"What was that for?" Harvey groaned, rubbing his bruised shin.

"They don't know," Hayden said.

"About what?"

"The Battle of Five Armies."

Harvey's eyes widened.

"You didn't tell them?" he asked incredulously.

"Of course not!" Hayden said indignantly, "I haven't interfered in anything since coming here and I don't plan on starting now."

"So they have no idea what's to come?" Harvey asked, and Hayden nodded. "But Hayden, some of them-"

He broke off awkwardly, looking nervously at Kili.

"It's fine, I already know," Kili said.

"How does he know?" Harvey frowned.

"He kind of read the book," Hayden grimaced.

"And what about Fili and Thorin, do they-?" Harvey stopped. He looked from Hayden to Thorin and gaped. "Oh no… Thorin…"

Hayden crossed her arms over her chest and looked to the ground uncomfortably.

"I'm guessing you plan on interfering with this?" Harvey asked.

"Well I can't let him die!" Hayden said, a little too loudly, and she quickly lowered her voice. "I'm trying to think of a plan but I just don't know… unless there's some way to just avoid the Battle altogether?"

"That's unlikely," Harvey frowned in thought, "If everything goes as it's supposed to, at least."

"There has to be something I can do…" Hayden sighed.

"Didn't you think about this before you got involved with him?" Harvey asked.
"Of course I did," Hayden said stiffly, "I just always thought I could change it."

"Well, that's not the smartest of plans," Harvey said, "I mean really, you should have thought this out before you even came here."

"Look I didn't exactly plan on falling in love with him," Hayden snapped, "It just happened."

"But you planned on coming to Middle Earth with him, didn't you?" Harvey pointed out, "You must have known the dangers-"

"Yeah alright, it was just a freaking impulse decision," she said, her voice rising slightly, "And I really don't think you have any right to be lecturing me on my decisions – I don't even know you!"

"You asked for my help, and I'm giving you my opinion," Harvey crossed his arms, "I am your brother, after all."

Hayden growled and shook her head, "You know what, forget about it. I'll figure it out by myself, like usual."

"Hayden-" Harvey began.

"I'm fine," she snapped. She walked off and growled in annoyance.

"Hayden?" Bilbo asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Just freaking dandy, Bilbo," she said stiffly.

"Where are you going?" Thorin asked.

"To get some fresh air," she said, "I've had enough of men." She stalked away without looking back.
Harvey sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He and Kili walked back over to join Thorin and Bilbo.

"Is she always like that?" Harvey asked. The three others shrugged and nodded.

"What did you do, if I may ask?" Thorin asked.

"I just-" Harvey frowned, thinking of how to tell him without revealing the true topic of the conversation. "-I gave her my opinion on some of her decisions and-"

Thorin grimaced, Bilbo bit his lip and Kili tried to hold back a smirk.

"Was that the wrong thing to do?" Harvey asked.

"Never tell Hayden what to do," Kili said, "That's a big no no."

"Oh, so is that why she stormed off?" Fili asked, standing beside his brother. He looked at Harvey sympathetically, "Ah well. I think you managed to break the record, though."

"Record?"

"Most of us haven't managed to piss off Hayden that fast," Fili observed, "Even Thorin lasted at least three days."

"But then again, he has special circumstances," Kili grinned. Harvey stared absolutely clueless.

"Someone has to keep her sexual frustration under control," Fili chuckled.

Bilbo cleared his throat uncomfortably and Thorin growled, smacking Fili hard on the back of the head.

"That's uh-" Harvey frowned and cleared his throat, "That's not a mental image I want."

"Me either," Bilbo said weakly.

"So should I go talk to her?" Harvey asked, in his desperation to change the subject (though he did avoid looking at Thorin for a considerable amount of time).

"Definitely not," Thorin said, "It is best to let her calm down or-"

"Or she'll cut your balls off, to put it bluntly," Kili said casually.

"Oh," Harvey frowned, crossing his arms over his chest in thought, "Having a sister might be harder than I thought."

"Welcome to the family," Kili grinned, clapping Harvey on the shoulder. "You'll never be bored."


Hayden was cooling down, walking through the corridors of Erebor deep in thought.

The nerve of him! She thought bitterly. I've just met him and he already thinks he can lecture me!

He is your brother though, a voice in the back of her head said. He's the closest thing you have to a real family… and he did have a point.

Hayden inwardly groaned and shoved a sock in the mouth of her voice of reason.

She concentrated instead on examining more of the intricate patterns engraved on the walls of the stone corridors.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Hayden jumped slightly and saw it was Dís, watching her considerately.

"Oh yes, very," Hayden said.

"My grandfather used to have people cleaning these walls spotless everyday," Dís said distractedly, running her hand over the wall. "He was always very proud of his home…"

"He should have been," Hayden smiled, "It really is wonderful."

Dís nodded and sighed, tearing her eyes from the patterns to look at Hayden.

"So, you are from England also?" Dís asked curiously, and Hayden nodded. "Harvey told me a lot about it… tell me, did you work?"

"Yes- oh, well I was about to anyway," Hayden said, "I'm an architect, you see."

"Impressive," Dís said, "I would love to work, to earn a name for myself… though unfortunately that is not the way our culture works in this age."

"I think you could still make a name for yourself," Hayden said, "I know women from this age who achieved high statuses on their own."

Dís chuckled and shook her head, "You know when I was younger, I used to pretend to be a warrior… try join in with my brothers whenever they went on there own little adventures."

"Really?" Hayden asked.

"Thorin would let me sometimes, whenever he was in good spirits, but most of the time he would shoo me off," Dís shrugged, "Frerin always included me though… I think he felt sorry for me."

Hayden frowned, "Why?"

"Because he knew all I wanted was to be like them; to be able to fight for my Kingdom, for my family," Dís said, looking to the floor, "But as time went on and we grew older, the less they would include me… they began fighting real wars and I- well I was being taught how to be a good wife – every woman's dream, I'm sure."

Hayden smiled considerately, "I know I really don't know what you went through – if it had been me I would have done the same thing… but wives can be heroes too, I think – I mean, look at Fili and Kili; you made them."

"Aye, it is hard to believe that at times," Dís smiled genuinely, "Their father would be so proud of them…"

Hayden tentatively walked to Dís and took her hand, "I think you'd be a better warrior than half the men here, as much as I love them."

Dís smiled and squeezed her hand in return, "I think you're right, Hayden… and after all, where would they be without us?"

Hayden smiled and she felt oddly at peace. She was glad to have had this moment with Thorin's sister, after worrying so much she wouldn't like her. But at the same time it was just good to talk to a woman for once.

"So," Dís said. She locked her arm with Hayden's and led her back down the corridor, "Why is it you stormed off?"

"Oh, right… well to be perfectly honest, I'm just sick of men," Hayden said bluntly, "I've spent the last few months surrounded by a whole heap of them and I'm starting to crack."

Dís laughed, her grey eyes sparkling, "I do not blame you… though I must point out you are to marry one of the stubbornness men in all of mankind."

"I know," Hayden smiled, "But in all fairness I'm just as stubborn as he is."

They were silent for a while, continuing to walk through the corridors, while Hayden examined every inch of detail she could.

"Why my brother?" Dís asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"Why my brother, why Thorin?" Dís repeated, "He may be the future King and I suppose he's alright looking from certain angles-"

"More than alright," Hayden smiled.

"But let's be honest, he is a right pain in the ass," Dís stated simply, "Half the reason I was so surprised to see you was not because I doubted he could love, I merely doubted whether a woman could ever put up with him."

Hayden laughed loudly – the most she had laughed in a long time.

"You're sure you're really related to Thorin?" Hayden asked in mocking disbelief.

"Unfortunately," Dís smirked.

"Honestly, I don't know," Hayden shrugged and smiled, "It just happened… one day I was reading in my apartment, the next I was in love with a dwarf."

Dís smiled and stopped walking, turning to fully face Hayden.

"You truly love him, do you not?" Dís asked.

"I do," Hayden smiled genuinely.

Dís nodded and returned the smile, locking her arm back in Hayden's, "Then I am honoured to have you as a sister."

"Hayden!" Bilbo's voice echoed down the corridor, "Hayden!"

"Bilbo?" Hayden frowned.

Bilbo's small figure came running down the corridor and he skidded to a halt in front of them.

"The thrush is back," Bilbo said, catching his breath, "It has more news."

"Great," Hayden sighed.

"What other news could there be?" Dís asked.

"I guess we'll have to see," Hayden said, though she thought she had a good idea what it might be.


They reached the main chamber in no time. The Company dwarves were crowded around a perch in the hall, where the familiar black and yellow thrush sat. Next to the thrush stood a decrepit old bird, with faded black wings and a long beak.

"What is happening?" Dís asked.

"The raven has news from Esgaroth," Balin said.

"Does it have a note?" Hayden asked, standing beside Thorin.

"Not exactly," Kili said.

"What do you mean-?"

"My ladies," came a croak from the perch.

Hayden gaped and stared at the raven, whose small beady eyes were locked on her.

"Did it just-?" she asked weakly.

Everyone nodded.

"I am Roäc, son of Carc," the raven cawed, "I bring news from the kingdoms around the Mountain."

"Okay, it's talking," Hayden gaped, shaking her head, "The bird is talking."

She turned to look at Thorin with unbelievable eyes, "You're hearing this too, right?"

Thorin smirked and nodded, "Just listen."

"The guardians death has not gone unnoticed. Already the news has spread far and wide," the raven said, "Many are eager for a share of Thror's wealth. A host of men and elves alike march to the Mountain, for they believe they will find amends in your treasure."

Thorin clicked his tongue angrily and Hayden put a hand on his arm to keep him silent.

"You will not find trust in the Master of Esgaroth, but in the man who shot down the beast – Bard, is his name," the raven croaked, "My kin and I wish to see peace between the dwarves, men and elves after the long years of desolation, but to do this may cost you dear in gold. Heed my warning."

"You have my thanks, Roäc, son of Carc," Thorin said, his jaw clenched tightly in his anger, "But while I live and breathe, no gold shall leave the Mountainside."

The raven's piercing gaze inspected Thorin, his expression unreadable.

Of course it's unreadable, Hayden thought bitterly, it's a freaking bird.

"I must ask of you a favour good raven," Thorin continued, "That you bring news to us of any who draw near to the Mountain and, if you are well enough, to send word to my cousin Dain in the Iron Hills of this news."

"I will do what is in my power," the raven croaked one last time, before stretching its large wings and flying off back up the tunnel out of the Mountain.

They stayed uncomfortably silent for a while, thinking of the raven's warning and the future threat.

"We may have reclaimed the Mountain," Balin said heavily, "But I fear this journey is far from over."

Hayden bit the inside of her lip and looked to Kili. He met her gaze for a moment before turning uncomfortably to stare at the ground.

"Well, we cannot just stand here like statues," Dís barked, "It seems we are to be stuck here for a fair amount of time, and we will be needing food and water."

Now she's sounding more like Thorin's sister, Hayden inwardly smiled.

"I can make us a supply of cram, if needed," Bombur said, "It isn't much, but it will give us energy."

"Very well," Dís nodded, "I'm sure there are fresh streams somewhere outside the Front Gate – Fili and Kili, my dears, would you fetch some water for us?"

"Alright, mum," Kili said, and Fili nodded.

"Now, Hayden," Dís said, turning to Hayden while tying her long hair back in a braid, "Are you any good at cooking?"

The dwarves snickered between themselves and Bilbo even managed a small smirk.

"Oh, shut up," Hayden said, "I'm not that bad…"

Thorin next to her cleared his throat pointedly and shook his head subtly to his sister, which Hayden did not miss.

"Okay, so it's not my specialty," Hayden admitted, "I think I'll have to find another way to help, Dís."

"Not to worry," Dís smiled, "Let me organise these lads, then I'll find something for you to do."

"It's beginning to feel like old times," Thorin sighed exasperatedly.

"Hush, Thorin," Dís ordered firmly, "I do not see you taking any action – anyone would think I was King Under the Mountain."

"You probably are," Dwalin smirked.

Thorin growled at his cousin for encouraging her and turned back to his sister, "Did those orcs pillage your manners, sister?"

"I believe that was the dragon," Dís retorted quickly.

"If father heard you talking like this-"

"Well our father is not here and he never will be," Dís snapped, her voice surprisingly steady, "You are no longer the Prince who can run off at his own foolish will, Thorin – you are our King. You could try acting like it."

"And what would you have me do, Dís?" Thorin asked, "Have the few of us suited and armed to fight off our enemy?"

"The men and elves are not our enemy," Dís said, "Those men have just as much right to this treasure as you or I."

"Because they lost a few of their kin?" Thorin asked incredulously, "Our people burnt, our homes, our livelihood – I will not give away our grandfather's treasure to sons of men who do not know the true hardships of life."

"That is one thing I have not missed in you Thorin, and that is your arrogance," Dís spat, "You are foolish enough to deny our allies simple generosity – you will start a war and kill us all."

"Not if I can help it," Thorin growled.

Hayden backed away silently and made her way around Dís to Harvey – not that either of the dwarves noticed, they were so busy bickering.

"Come with me," Hayden whispered to Harvey. He nodded gratefully and followed her away from the argument.

"I've never seen her so wound up," Harvey said, looking back to Dís.

"If she's anything like Thorin, then it won't be anything new in a few days," Hayden said, "I'm just glad it's not me arguing with him this time."

"He is quite stubborn though," Harvey observed, "If he just gave the men and elves what they wanted he could avoid a huge mess."

"I know," Hayden sighed, "Listen, I'm sorry for walking out on you before… I guess I'm just a little stressed about everything."

"No, I understand," Harvey shrugged, "You've been through a lot…"

They continued to walk down corridors with no real direction, Hayden running her hand along the smooth cold stone.

"You really do love him, don't you?" Harvey asked, staring curiously at her.

"I really do," Hayden nodded.

"Alright," Harvey said, taking in a confident breath, "Then I guess we'd better start brainstorming how to keep him alive."

Hayden turned to beam at her brother, "Really?"

"Really," Harvey shrugged with a small smile.

Hayden continued to smile and rushed forward to hug him, taking him by surprise.

"Thank you, so much Harvey," Hayden said.

"Uh… it's fine," Harvey smiled, patting her back awkwardly.

"Oh, how cute – sibling love."

"Way to ruin a perfect moment," Hayden growled. She turned to glare at Fili and Kili, who were holding large water skins over their shoulders.

"Why aren't you with the others?" Fili asked.

"Dís and Thorin were having quite a… loud argument," Hayden said with a small grimace. Fili and Kili simply shrugged.

"That's quite normal," Kili said.

"They used to fight all the time in the Blue Mountains," Fili explained, "And they'd last for hours."

"Wonderful," Hayden sighed mockingly.

"Come on," Kili said, gesturing them back to the main chamber, "We'll sort it out."

Hayden nodded and followed Fili and Kili back to where Thorin and Dís raised voices still echoed off the stonewalls, with Harvey walking alongside her. And she thought, with a small smile, that perhaps she could pull this off after all.


Let me know your thoughts in a review :)

Stay tuned to see what happens next in Chapter 51 of An Unexpected Journey!