Chapter II: To Erebor
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
The next morning, Bramble woke up far earlier than she wished. Even after retiring from the party earlier than intended, she slept little. Her body trembled with held back emotions of abandonment and betrayal that turned out to be neither. Thorin had been her best friend in her early life and she had wanted the best for him soon after they had met. To know she had wished ill on him…
After lying in bed feeling sorry for herself, Bramble decided that as long as she was up, she might as well check up on her charity, R.I.N.G. (Readers in the Next Generation). As she spoke with one of her representatives, she began to pace in the hallway outside her room.
"No, Sméagol, we will not go to S.A.U.R.O.N. for help. Why? Because they are a bunch of greedy a-holes with no care for their environmental impact or that they use conflict materials or that they use child labor. Yes, well, I understand it's a lot of money, Sméagol. Thank you for talking it over with me. Okay. Send my love to Deagol. Don't forget your meds. Okay. Bye."
Bramble ended the call and pinched the bridge of her nose. Sméagol was a sweetheart when he took his medication, but he was a bit dense at times.
"Why would S.A.U.R.O.N. wish to aid a literacy charity?" a female voice said.
Bramble turned and bowed. (Curtsying was difficult in pajama pants.) "Your Royal Highness."
"Princess Belladonna, I have had neither my only cup of tea of the day nor have I put on my make-up. Dis is perfectly acceptable."
Bramble smiled at the Princess of Erebor. Dis was almost a decade younger than her, but had always been well-loved by the Shire for her calm manner and smiling eyes. Her daughter, Princess Fíli, made the citizens coo as babies made just about anyone better in the Shire's estimation.
"You may call me Bramble. Dis, it is a pleasure to see you. I fear I missed you at the party," Bramble said.
"I stayed for only an hour before claiming fatigue from the little one," Dis said as she patted her round stomach, "Which, in this case, was entirely true. This child is far more tiring than Fíli was. Would you walk with me to breakfast?"
"I am not dressed for…"
"Just grab a robe. No one is properly awake yet, anyway," Dis said.
Bramble wished to deny Dis, but both the political implications (a princess snapping at a princess) and the societal ones (a woman snapping at a pregnant woman) made it impossible to deny Dis' simple request. "A moment, Dis."
After Bramble put on her patchwork silk robe, she walked arm-in-arm with Dis to the small dining room set aside for the visitors from Erebor. Dis asked Bramble about R.I.N.G. and its various connections with literary organizations in other countries. When they entered the empty dining room for a continental breakfast, Dis said, "Well of course Erebor would be a pain in the neck. Stubborn bunch the lot of us. Your speaking Khuzdul helps though. They wouldn't have answered the phone otherwise."
"Hobbits are hardly better," Bramble said as she made up her plate and tea.
"Why are you called Hobbits?" Dis asked.
"Well, it all began back with the Fall of the Roman Empire…"
Dis waved her hand and laughed. "Long and complicated with no real answer?"
"Of course," Bramble said.
Dis rolled her eyes. "Typical of linguistics. I'll see if I can't do something to connect you with one of my family's literary organizations. Mother will be thrilled that someone is interested."
"You don't have to put yourself to any trouble," Bramble said.
"Nonsense. I need a project while I wait for the little one to show up. Helping you will give me that AND make the playmates of my children just a bit smarter." Dis grinned. "Oh, jelly-filled donuts. My favorite."
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
There was no way to speak with Thorin and Bramble would not have had words even if they were able to meet. What was there to say that would not be utterly ridiculous? I do wish you well? I wish to be friends with you? I want to take this hurt from you?
Everything Bramble could have said felt hollow. She was certain there was no way to repair what had been lost.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
A week after the party, Bramble sat in her small office at R.I.N.G. headquarters when an older gentleman with a long white beard was led into her office. "A Mr. Balin Durinson to see you, ma'am," Deagol said.
"Thank you," Bramble said as she stood up and held out her hand, "Bramble Baggins at your service."
"Balin Durinson at yours, Lady Baggins," the man said as he shook her hand.
They both sat down as Bramble said, "Ms. Baggins is the most formal I will allow for anyone who is out of secondary school, Mr. Durinson. No need for ceremony here. You would not happen to be related to one Fundin Durinson, are you?"
"Indeed. I am his eldest son," Balin said.
"A double pleasure to meet you. Mr. Fundin was always patient with me whenever I had questions when I was little. Oh! You're Dwalin's brother! I remember you when you visited the Children's Retreat sometimes. A triple pleasure. How is Dwalin?" Bramble said.
"Dwalin is doing well. And, indeed, my Father always loved teaching little ones about history and languages which I believe are two of your favorite subjects. But that is not why I am here, Ms. Baggins. I am here on behalf of Princess Dis."
"Oh?" Bramble said. She vaguely remembered she had talked about various charities with Dis the day after the party. Bramble had not expected anything to come about it.
"Yes, she wondered if you would be willing to come to her home for a week or so to go over negotiations for R.I.N.G. to become partners with Princess Gemma's Literacy Fund."
Bramble thought for a moment as she believed she could not have heard what Balin had just said. "There is only one Princess Gemma, correct?"
Balin chuckled. "Princess Dis' mother, yes."
"Ah. I thought so," Bramble said. She internally screamed and jumped up and down for joy. Princess Gemma's Royal Literacy Fund was the largest non-profit educational organization in Erebor.
"Do you accept the invitation, Ms. Baggins?" Mr. Durinson asked.
"When would these negotiations take place?" Bramble asked.
"Tomorrow, of course," Balin said.
Bramble was quite proud of herself for not squeaking. "Tomorrow?"
"Yes. Princess Dis is due in two weeks and she already put her doctors on edge with her travels last week. It would be much appreciated if you would come to Erebor tomorrow," Balin said.
"Oh… dear. Um… yes. Let me speak with my P.A. and I shall have it all settled. Where should I…"
Balin placed a folder on her desk. "Here are all of the travel arrangements. You will also have to sign a non-disclosure contract. Just the usual arrangements."
"Of course. I will send this to my lawyer immediately for him to go over it. Send my regards to the princesses for their generosity. I should have this all settled within the hour. Would you like to come back, or shall I fetch you some tea?"
"Tea would be lovely, Ms. Baggins."
And it was settled within the hour.
"My husband, Dori, will be there to greet you. Have a good day, Ms. Baggins."
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
"FREAKING TOMORROW?" Lobelia hissed over the phone.
"I know, right? And people wonder why I don't spend much time at court," Bramble said as she packed her clothes for the next week.
"But what about all of your meetings?" Lobelia said.
"I have various other people in the organization covering for me. This is HUGE Lobelia. Erebor almost never accepts outside help. They are 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' kind of people," Bramble said, "Should I pack evening wear?"
"One dress at least," Lobelia said, "The blue one. Isn't sapphire and silver the royal family's colors?"
"You're right! Brilliant! Where would I be without you Lobelia?"
"Pondering over how much underwear you should bring while your ride is waiting to pick you up," Lobelia said dryly.
"I wish you were joking, but unfortunately it's true," Bramble said.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
Bramble took the train from Hobbiton to Erebor reaching the conveniently named capital, Erebor, in three hours. When she exited the station with her luggage, she found her driver and another man waiting for her.
"Hello, Lady Baggins. The name's Bofur Beaumont. Just call me Bofur. I'm part of the Royal Family's PR department and welcoming crew. This is my cousin, Bifur. He's a guard and driver. Nice chap. Only speaks Khuzdul and sometimes only in our sign language. Will that be an issue?"
Bramble said with a near perfect accent, "Ms. Bramble Baggins at your service. I am sorry, but I do not know any sign language. I shall have to study on that while I am here."
Bifur smiled and returned the greeting.
Bofur laughed. "I like you already Ms. Baggins. Now, it's about an hour and a half to Princess Dis' estate and I'm to go over some basics while we get there, just to make sure you're comfortable."
"Of course. How thoughtful," Bramble said. She secretly thought it would have been thoughtful to have a bit more warning about the visit, but that was neither here nor there.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
Bofur was a cheerful soul and Bramble knew that they would be friends. Not much had changed over the past few years since her last visit to Erebor for Princess Dis' wedding to Lord Víli. Bramble was easily able to get Bofur to talk about his brother, Bombur, a royal architect, and the many nieces and nephew Bofur had from said brother.
In almost no time at all, they reached what used to be known as the Children's Retreat. It was an early nineteenth century manor. Though not as vast as some of Erebor's other palaces, its lands were some of the few green places in the mountainous country, but not large enough to feed its people. The Children's Retreat became a place for the royal family to relax when Parliament was not in session. It was the place Bramble knew best of Erebor as she had spent five summers there. A memory came unbidden to her of when she was four years old.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
Just outside the front doors of the Children's Retreat, Bramble was introduced to the Crown Prince's son. Bramble's mother had told her to be "extra nice" to Thorin, but why Bramble did not know until she was older.
"So, this is the Hobbit," Thorin said. He was her age and about Bramble's height, but at the time he seemed huge to her.
"Well, I'm a Hobbit. I think the Old Took is THE Hobbit," Bramble said.
"Have you done much fighting?"
"What?" Bramble said. Her parents had told her fighting was unseemly.
"Ax or sword? What is your weapon of choice?"
"Um… I'm pretty good at horseshoes?"
Thorin smirked. He spoke in Khuzdul, believing Bramble did not to understand the language. "Thought as much. She looks more like a grocer than a princess."
Bramble decided to show off her limited fighting skills from watching TV and kicked Thorin in the groin before running away from various nannies and tutors.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
Surprisingly enough, Thorin took that well-placed kick as the beginnings of friendship. He seemed quite concerned for her after and often nicked her snacks from the kitchen when she was supposed to be on a "diet". (Though why anyone would put a four-year-old on a diet was beyond Bramble.) The reason why Bramble put up with such mothering from Thorin was both because she liked food and Thorin seemed to think princesses were born fighters. ("Only princesses can become both kings and queens. Kings aren't necessary, but they're nice to have. Princes can only be kings. It's good to have a princess around, or at least that's what Grandfather told me.")
Bofur escorted Bramble into the house. Dis appeared seemingly out of nowhere and hugged Bramble before any introductions could be made. "Oh, thank you for saving me from such dullness. They have put me on somewhat-bed-rest and I am not allowed to do a thing."
"Are you and the baby alright?" Bramble asked.
"Oh, perfectly fine. They just fuss when it is so close to the birth. Dori! Can you lead us to Lady Baggins' rooms? This is Dori. He is the butler of the estate," Dis said as she dragged Bramble up the staircase.
"Oh, yes. Balin's husband. Hello. Rooms?" Bramble asked.
"Yes, dear Hobbit, rooms," Dis said, "A study, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a walk-in-closet. The basics unless you require more."
"Goodness that is a lot more than I ever remember having here. I don't want to put anyone…"
"If you say another word about putting anyone out, I shall force you to watch one of Thorin's Durin's Day speeches," Dis said.
Bramble snorted and covered her mouth. "Sorry."
"Oh, even Thorin knows how ridiculous it is. Grandfather is the only one who thinks it is a good idea," Dis said.
"After I am settled, when would you like…"
"Oh, we need to have some food for you, dear Hobbit. After you freshen up, we'll take our tea out in the garden. How does that sound?"
"It sounds lovely. But Dis, what about…"
"Here is your room, Lady Baggins," Dori said. "Would you like for someone to unpack your clothing and such for you while you freshen up?"
"Thank you, Dori, but no thank you on the unpacking. However, is there someplace I could send off my dress clothes to be taken care of?" Bramble said.
"Of course. Lay it out on the bed and we'll have it fetched while you are at tea with the princess," Dori said.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
Dis was a delightful conversationalist who could put many of the most proper Hobbit princesses to shame. Fíli was introduced, but the little princess was shy around strangers. (Bramble understood entirely and was not insulted.) The two-year-old only spoke Khuzdul, but tried hard to say "Hello" in Westron. The tea was excellent and the pastries were perfect. It was all quite lovely…
… except Dis would not talk about the reason Bramble was visiting.
Every time Bramble would turn the conversation towards literacy, Dis would change the subject again. Bramble was quite put out. She was not an amateur when it came to business or small-talk. (Flirtations were a disaster and she tried not to think about how pathetic her love life was.) Dis deftly avoided what she did not want to talk about before finally asking for some time to rest. (Bramble now doubted that Dis was tired at all with how she skipped out of the garden with Fíli.)
Bramble requested to speak with Bofur in her study. "Am I missing some sort of etiquette, Bofur? Am I not supposed to talk about business first?"
"That is odd," Bofur said as he scrunched up his nose in confusion, "We Ereborians prefer to get straight to the point once everyone is present. I know that Princess Gemma is coming later this week, but Princess Dis is to talk with you first and lay out the groundwork." He scrolled through items on his tablet. "Hmmm… I wonder where they're running off to. Idiots, the lot of them."
"Who is?"
"Nothing to worry yourself about. The young princes have gone off the schedule again and Balin hasn't told me anything about it. Prince Frerin is known for going off on adventures and Prince Thorin often has to save him from whatever scrape he's in. Nothing malicious. Just… foolish."
"Prince Frerin is a lively soul, yes," Bramble said.
Bofur smiled. "He keeps Prince Thorin lively too. I'd hate to see what sort of sour-puss Thorin would be without his little brother there to annoy him."
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
Dis rested until dinner that evening. Bramble spent the time working as best as she could away from her office. The study was a pleasant room with two windows that overlooked the garden. The Hobbit barely noticed time passing until the sun was setting and Dori informed her that dinner was to be served in a half-hour. It was not a formal event, but Princess Dis was not patient when it came to Princess Fíli being fed.
Bramble had just gotten Fíli to talk about her favorite Disney characters at dinner when Dori conspiratorially whispered something in Fíli's ear. The young princess grinned and jumped from her seat shouting, "IDAD! IDAD!"
It was not a word that Bramble remembered precisely. She knew that it was a word for a family member. "Are you expecting visitors, Dis?"
"Oh, they said they would drop by, but I expected them tomorrow," Dis said as she took a sip of water.
Fíli spoke in a speedy and somewhat garbled Khuzdul down the hall. Two male voices responded with encouragement. Bramble was not entirely sure of everything that was said as the walls muffled the words, but there was obvious affection amongst the speakers.
Thorin entered the dining room carrying Fíli, not noticing Bramble. He smiled broadly for his niece. Frerin followed close behind, holding a shoe Fíli had lost in her rush to greet her uncles.
"And your little sibling gave several kicks? Good. That means the baby is strong like you, Fíli. In a few years, they'll even be able to play with you," Thorin said in Khuzdul
"Lady came," Fíli said.
"Which lady?" Thorin asked.
"Lady," Fíli said as she motioned to Bramble.
Thorin looked over to where Fíli pointed and the change in him was almost instantaneous. A neutral look replaced his grin and his manner became stiff. He nodded his head. "Lady Baggins, I did not mean to interrupt your meal. Please, don't get up. I have some business to attend to and will miss this meal."
"Of course, sir," Bramble said.
Thorin returned Fíli to her seat and Frerin replaced her shoe. Thorin leaned over Dis and whispered something in her ear. Dis smiled innocently and whispered something back. The eldest prince glared at Frerin before escorting him out of the room.
"I am so sorry," Bramble said, "I did not mean to…"
"They came too early. You are not to change anything. Please, don't let my surly brother ruin your meal," Dis said.
"I'm no longer hungry. Please excuse me," Bramble said. She curtsied and left the room as quickly as she properly could.
BbBbBbBbBbBbBb
A/N: Siblings are sneaky creatures. And if it is not clear, bold is flashback and italics is generally Khuzdul unless it is Bramble's inner thoughts.