Ch. 2 - Departure
As the days were nearing October, and Autumn had set in, Erebor for some time now had known well the chilly breezes that signified that winter winds were soon to come - a gateway to a darker world. The shadows close, and the light wanes, and the mists rise like dragon breath. Yet… the stars always seem to shine brighter in the cold…
That's what Bilbo thought to himself anyway while he hugged his thin blanket closer over his shoulders as he gazed up at the tiny, distant pricks of light.
There are still stars.
The day after Bilbo's birthday had carried on like any other, save for the few belated good wishes and late present-givings. Yet the hobbit could not seem to retain his previous good spirits. It weighed on him. It was still there… And he was still here when he should be going… Going where? To Mirkwood… Right. Mirk… wood.
Erebor's facade sure was lonely that night while the stars continued to blankly shine on the city of Dale far below, giving no messages of comfort to a lonely hobbit crouched and shivering atop the front gate.
Gandalf had left that morning to ride southbound toward the Brown Lands to cut across to Isengard. However, he did not leave Bilbo completely in the dark. The old man spoke with Thorin beforehand, encouraging him to urge the hobbit to make haste for Dale and then Lake Town before the week was out - hastily enough but without drawing much attention.
"Thorin, a word, if I may." The tall wizard had interrupted the King under the Mountain's midday meal of roasted mountain rabbit and damson cordial.
"May I ask, oh great wizard," Thorin sighed "what weighs on your mind so greatly that you must suspend my good enjoyment of food? Don't tell me it's the twins again?"
"No, master Thorin," Thorin twitched at the oversight of his rightful title. "Though if you approve of the plan that I will tell you, it may indeed involve those two. However, we must continue this conversation in utmost secrecy." Gandalf whispered his last sentence so that Bifur (incidentally trying to balance his cutting knife on his nose to the entertainment of his brothers) could not overhear as he was the dwarf seated closest.
"Very well." Thorin excused himself from his meal but mightn't have bothered since all the other dwarves at the table were occupied with applauding Bifur's successful achievement.
Even ten years of renovations had still not quite cleared the stronghold of Erebor from its dusty nooks and crannies, grand abandoned halls, and silent delvings. However, knowing the entire layout like the back of his hand, Thorin led the wizard to such a place where he turned toward the old man slightly annoyed once the wizard had lit the area with his staff.
"Well, what is it? There are to be plans of finishing the procedures for further excavations of the city, and I would prefer if I were there to oversee it. What need does this conversation have in order that we must talk with such secrecy?" Gandalf seemed to increase in size as his face darkened, casting more shadow over the already-dim room.
"Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King under the Mountain, it would be in your best interest not to test the patience of wizards. Although you may hold the current title of 'king,' you hold no power over me." His face softened. "Though you influence and lead so many of these Dwarves of Durin, you must remain strong against yourself. There be no need for suspicion in your heart. I am only here to help you. You, and Bilbo Baggins who will not be seeing his home in the Shire for a while longer, I fear." Thorin's expression changed from surprise, to alarm, to discomfort, to surprise once more. The wizard continued.
"I have spoken with many other influential leaders about this matter, yet because of the dangers that are arising, I cannot entrust much information to you. You must understand that winds have changed, and times are darkening, yet no one can place how urgent this matter truly is. Only its gravity is clear. Though I cannot say much, you must know that there is the possibility that Bilbo Baggins is in danger, and there may be more. I fear he must leave Erebor as soon as possible. This matter is serious, for I would expect not too far off in the future, evil beings may come knocking at your door - none too kindly - asking for news of hobbits and the Shire. You must keep this information secret; you must keep it safe."
If it weren't for the earnestness in Gandalf's eyes, Thorin would have suspected the wizard had taken leave of his senses. "Bilbo, our simple ex-burglar and friend is in danger from evil… beings?" Thorin's tone betrayed his skepticism.
"Indeed. Have Bilbo leave before the week ends. Send him discreetly through Dale and have him come briefly under the protection of king Bard there. It will be safer in the city on the way to Mirkwood. He is to come to Thranduil's halls in the heart of the dark forest. Fear not, I have already arranged an experienced guide who will meet him in the city of Dale and perhaps another at the edge of the wood." Thorin nodded curtly.
"I shall do as you say, yet why did you not speak before this time. How long have you known of this… danger?"
"Not long at all. I have only recently discovered the true nature of a gathering evil, but there is still time. It's strength is not so great yet. However, if we play this game poorly, it will only result in its heightening." Gandalf seemed to sag slightly as if the world wearied him. "Poor Bilbo Baggins. Much depends on him, and he must carry such a burden. Indeed, I swore to see the end of his birthday before I burdened him further… It was the least I could do for an old friend." The wizard straightened and tightened his grip on his staff.. "Unfortunately, I must return to Isengard immediately and speak with Saruman the White. I trust you to carry this out. Will you do it, Thorin Oakenshied?" Thorin thumped is fist across his chest twice.
"By my oath as King under the Mountain, it will be done. I swear it on my ancestors, the Longbeards - Durin's folk… my folk." Gandalf returned the dwarven king's nod.
"Good. Though I suspect your choice rabbits may have gone cold, I believe that is all I am able to tell you at the moment. However, upon your approval, I would much prefer that Bilbo not go alone. Therefore, I am requesting the aid of both Fili and Kili to accompany him as far as the edge of Mirkwood. I trust the guide I have arranged, but I suspect Bilbo will be in want of closer companions." Thorin again gave a nod of acceptance.
"I suspect you will tell them even less than you told me, but as long as they are sensible enough to to responsibly depart, I shall permit my nephews to leave."
"That settles that, then. I shall speak to them myself."
Fili and Kili were none to pleased when they realized they had to leave their brethren on a journey to the edge of Mirkwood. However, their faces changed to horor when the wizard revealed that there was a possibility of Bilbo's endangerment.
"I didn't know!"
"What will become of him, Gandalf?" The two inquired in astonishment.
"I can tell you nothing. Only travel lightly, softly, and hastily to Dale. In the city, you will find a trust-worthy guide whom I have arranged to lead you thereafter. I can only hope he is not delayed. You shall recognize him by the ring he wears on his left index finger." Gandalf proceeded to give the twins a description of the man and his ring and the location where he was set to meet them in Dale. The entire time, Fili and Kili bore grim expressions. They knew well when they must be hard-set and ready to fulfill their duties. Now was that time. If their friend's safety was on the line, now was not the time for rough-housing and firework escapades.
"I trust you shall carry this task out with the utmost care. I shall tell you what I have told only Thorin: You must keep this information secret; you must keep it safe. As you travel, be sure not to be followed by suspicious folk - we do not know if any sort of strangers may be trusted. In fact, I don't expect you ought to make yourselves known in Dale at all except to Bard. We do not know how extensively this potential danger's grasp has reached." The twins nodded with the gravest of faces and were sent off to pack provisions.
Meanwhile, Gandalf the Grey could afford no more time at Erebor; he left within the hour.
It was only two days after Bilbo's zero-and-sixtieth birthday that the three companions departed from the dwarven stronghold. A number of the Dwarves of Durin saw them off at the foot of Erebor's front gate, including the entirety of Thorin and Company. From then on, their fellowship was disbanded once more, but their friendship never would be.
None of them understood why Bilbo had to leave so soon after his birthday celebration (he would have been set to make the return journey to the Shire no less than two weeks after the 22nd of September); they only understood his situation was an emergency, nothing more. The whole of the company bore sorrow in their eyes but hope for a safe journey in their hearts for their dear hobbit friend.
As Bilbo walked past them with the River Running below to his right, he mulled over Gandalf's words from two nights ago. When he said "you must be alone on this path," Bilbo now knew he was speaking of the burden of the ring. Though two of his friends may be close by for partway of his adventure, no one but he must share in the heavy weight of the One Ring.
Looking up, Bilbo suddenly realized - whether by chance or design, he knew not - the company were all lined up in the exact order he had first met them, ten years prior in the Shire. Only Fili and Kili were walking behind him, leading ponies which were laden with provisions. As Bilbo passed his friends, they each gave him a sweeping bow and bade him farewell.
"I know not where you are going, but I wish you well, friend," voiced Dwalin.
"Good luck, Bilbo. I am sure you shall need as much of it as you can get," said Balin. Fili and Kili each put a hand on the hobbit's drooping shoulders.
"Farewell, friend," said Dori.
"May your road be short and your luck long," called Nori.
"You'll be on our minds; your presence can't leave our halls so easily!" declared Ori.
"I hope you find what you are looking for," nodded Oin.
"May the hair on your feet never grow thin!" choked Gloin.
Bifur could only wipe a tear from his eye and bow ever lower to Bilbo as he passed by.
"Good fortunes to you, friend. You will be missed here," said Bofur.
"I'll be sure to save you the best seed cakes on your return," bobbed Bombur.
"You nearly forgot this, good friend." Bilbo stopped when Thorin spoke. The king held out a loose parcel out to the hobbit. Turning, Bilbo reached out and gently took it from his friend's offering arms.
"Your mithril. You might need it. For the journey. Dangerous, you know. Never know..." Thorin trailed off as Bilbo clutched the parcel and bowed low to his king.
"Thank you, Thorin, son of Thrain. So long as the memories of my friends never fade, any darkness that may threaten my heart will never take me over, and I shall say that all things are endurable. I thank you, Thorin Oakenshield and all my lasting friends here. Though I may walk in dangerous paths, I will fear nothing. And while I know my destination, I know not where this next adventure may lead me. Farewell to you all."
The three continued along the path - two young dwarves and a hobbit - while beside them, the River Running rushed by, washing away the painted leaves that were just beginning to fall.