At long last, Thorin came to a decision. It had taken him many meetings to do it, but Gloin wouldn't say a word about a leader taking the proper time to weigh the options. Much better than leaping into things blindly! Or on a whim. Rash leadership was the last thing they needed on a quest like this.
Tonight's meeting had gone well past dark, and Fili, Kili, Ori, and Bifur had retired for the evening. That left the rest of them (sans Gandalf and the halflings) to conduct business.
"I mean" Thorin began, "to show Lord Elrond the map, for though it is my birthright and an artefact of our people he is… more learned of such things." He looked pained to admit it. "And I would be a fool to throw away this chance. I do not trust any of these elves, and this is not the decision I would like to have made, but unfortunately it is our best option for entering the Mountain."
This sparked a minor debate on the trustworthiness of Elves. Balin was of the opinion that they would only try to hinder the Company and Gloin agreed with him. Elves couldn't possibly understand them and their motivations.
But Thorin had a counterpoint. "While I expect the wizard to play games with us, I do not believe him to be a liar. He will accompany me when I bring forth the map. If the elf should try to play us false, Gandalf will notice."
All in all it was a fair plan. The worst thing that could happen was that Elrond wouldn't know what to make of the map, or pretend he didn't. Bombur said as much when Dori had passed out some more tea. Gloin hardly expected the elf-lord to try and steal from them, at least in the presence of the wizard. For whatever reason they appeared to be friends. Obviously, Lord Elrond's hospitable reputation would be ruined if he tried something of the kind.
And in the best case, they would have an edge against the dragon. Gloin didn't like their options either, but he agreed with Thorin's assessment of the situation. Level heads and a healthy amount of caution would win them the day. Let Gandalf complain about their 'unwarranted suspicions' all he liked! For the Elves, all the old feuds were not so old, and their distrust was fresh for ones so long lived. Gandalf should really consider lecturing them on grudges held against the distant descendants of those perceived to have slighted them.
The rest of the meeting continued to cover more general business. Dwalin went over the best route through the Misty Mountains, Balin countered with the benefits of safety over leaving in a rush, and Oin hollered his interjecting questions. Gloin was used to all of that by now. He offered his counsel when appropriate but preferred mostly to listen and think.
He had his own mind made up about what should be done. Of course, it wasn't his place to advise their leadership in matters they knew just as much about. Gloin had not been born when Smaug ravaged their home. He'd grown up with stories, of course, but stories were no basis for true knowledge. Experience was the important thing. They valued his experience in war, with fires and smithing, and in travel. Much of this overlapped with the expertise of others, but Gloin was grateful to be acknowledged all the same.
Growing up on the road had ignited in him a love of their traditions and culture. It strengthened his conviction that their quest must succeed, and kindled his hope of what might one day be. For Erebor he would give his all to the Company. They would have his experience, his knowledge, and his axe whenever his King should desire it. He would not sit idly by and ignore a threat to their mission from any quarter.
So when the meeting adjourned, Gloin waited to speak with Thorin alone. Ordinarily, he would have insisted Oin come along as the elder brother, but Oin had waved him off. It was late and he was quite old enough to say his piece himself.
"Gloin." Thorin addressed him once the others had left. He had earned their leader's respect. If not one of the chief advisors- and Gloin would never presume such!- he was at least considered capable of sound judgement in his own right.
"Thorin." He gave a slight bow. Though their mission was secret and formalities had been dispensed with, he insisted on the respect due to a King. "There is one matter I wish to discuss tonight if we mean to leave in haste. It shouldn't take long."
Thorin nodded. "I have some idea of what it might be, but speak your mind."
It was true that he didn't have his brother's self control. Gloin had a much harder time hiding his feelings than some of the others. What of it, then, if he was less practiced in dishonesty? He tossed the thought aside as it was uncharitable and to a degree untrue. Sometimes dealing in shrewdness had its advantages. But as it was a shortcoming of his, he did not like to dwell on it.
"I will make it clear first that I respect your final say in all matters pertaining to the quest." If nothing else, he was able to speak calmly in a formal setting even if the topic was distasteful to him. "But I wonder if now is not the time to do something about the halfling. I fear he brings with him more trouble than he is worth. You know my thoughts on this." Thorin had heard his reasoning before so Gloin spared the repetition. "He spends much time in study with the Elves. A good deal too with that Ranger from his homeland."
Thorin listened with due consideration. "I have noticed these things as well. Balin, Dwalin, and Gandalf counseled for the inclusion of the halfling in our number. Their reasoning around sneaking into Erebor and avoiding the dragon is sound, though I question his usefulness for the rest of our journey."
"Those are my thoughts as well." Gloin was gratified to see Thorin was already pondering portions of his argument he hadn't yet made. "But halflings are simple creatures as we both know. He is no fighter, and the danger has only increased the further we get. It may be an unwise burden to bear, if we have to watch his back as well as our own. And-" he paused. This was his secondary concern, but it deserved to be spoken. "It is too dangerous for him to bring a child along. When we were not hunted it was almost possible to overlook, but now…"
"He might prove of use, but in good conscience you cannot allow him to bring his ward further."
Gloin had to look away from Thorin then, but he nodded. There were things no child should have to see. Dangers they should not have to face. He had been a child of war by necessity and would not see another scarred by battle if there was any possible alternative.
"It will not be Azanulbizar." Thorin reminded him gently.
"Yes." Gloin acknowledged, "But this is war still. It will be war we make against the dragon, if he lives, and vengeance. It may be war against those who will think Erebor theirs for the taking, once the dragon is cleared out. And to the Orcs, all is war. They are waging it against us once again."
Thorin gave that a small sigh. Gloin recognized his resignation to difficult circumstances. None of them thought this quest would be easy. Though, they all hoped it would be easier than this.
"I mean to show the map to Lord Elrond tomorrow." Thorin announced. "Balin believes the halfling will be useful, so I would not see him released from his contract outright. Still, something will have to be done."
"I will stand by your decision, and aid it if I may." Gloin replied with a little more formality. He'd said what he came to say. The last thing he wanted was for an innocent to have to face the road ahead. Even his own son Gimli had been barred from the quest. It was not a pleasant separation but it was what had to be done. He had to assume the previously childless Bilbo Baggins was simple and inexperienced. Surely the Halflings valued their children as much as the Dwarves!
Thorin gave him a small but appreciative grin. "You are loyal, Gloin, and a stouter Dwarf than many others I know. However, as I am not a parent I wish to tread lightly."
Gloin nodded. It was kind of Thorin to invite his opinion, even though his King was surely qualified to proceed with his own. They all knew of the bond Thorin had with his nephews. Although, he had not raised them from a young age. Perhaps that was why he sought further counsel.
"Bombur would know best, being the only one of us to have raised an orphan," Gloin began, "However, I think it is safe to say the halfling should be given the decision. He may be a sheltered creature but he is not wholly a fool. He will pick the safest thing for young Frodo when given the ultimatum."
"I do not like that it has come to this, but your advice is sound." Thorin looked to the meeting table and watched a guttering candle. "Would that Gandalf had brought us the halfling he had intended."
Gloin thought it better that Gandalf brought no halfling at all, but he kept his mouth shut. Through no fault of their own (he assumed) the Shirefolk knew nothing of the dangers of the world. Should the wizard have actually found an adventurous and capable halfling, he would have been amazed!
Thorin looked up again from the dying flame. "I will tell him when I next see him. We need no distractions if we are to succeed in retaking Erebor."
More than being pleased that Thorin accepted his recommendation, Gloin was glad something would be done for the lad Frodo's safety. It had been clear from the start that Bilbo Baggins had no idea what to do with a child for any extended period of time. That they had made it so far without a major incident was astonishing. Frodo was exceedingly well-behaved, but one so young could not be expected to know everything. He would need constant guidance, monitoring, and the necessary nurture of a guardian.
It had been hard enough raising Gimli with a roof over their heads. He knew his own father had tried very hard to make the best of their situation on the road, but without a good foundation to copy, Gloin needed to look for guidance outside Groin's best efforts. His friend Authi's son Álarr was two years old before Gimli was born, and Gloin watched them both like a hawk. Authi was a brave, fat dwarf with a loud laugh and the best business sense in all of Ered Luin. He and his wife knew what they were doing without any direction. Gloin made note of lectures and lessons, setbacks and praises. It was a delicate balancing act raising a child. His sympathy for his own father's circumstances only grew.
Bilbo Baggins had no support. He had mentioned few friends, save his deceased cousins. There were no siblings, and no other children in the party whose parents he could learn from. Gloin pitied the halfling's circumstances as well. But there had to be an end to it. Thorin would let him know that this wasn't going to work and Bilbo would get a chance to redeem himself.
He and Thorin left the meeting room after collecting their candles. The Company did not stray far from the guest quarters if there was no need and the walk would be short. Rivendell was illuminated only by a sliver of light from the waxing moon. Gloin was glad Thorin was moving them along. The sooner they were out of this elven house the better!
Although, the night was not through with them yet. They rounded the corner in silence only to find the very burglar they had been discussing. He was standing at one of the many open windows in this hall and looked as if he had been alert to their coming. Gloin had to say he was impressed if the halfling had heard them, for they'd hardly been tromping about.
Before he could wonder if Thorin would say anything, his leader proceeded with their plan. "Burglar. A word."
Bilbo was right to look nervous, but he calmly closed the distance between them. Gloin wondered what he was doing up at this hour. The halfling had complained often enough- though in fairness sometimes in jest- about missing his home and his bed. He'd thought that Bilbo would be reluctant to part with a real mattress at this stage.
"Is the meeting over then? What did you wish to speak with me about?" Bilbo's eyes flicked to Gloin. His demeanor became more cautious.
"We are planning our departure from Rivendell in secret. As you are bound to your contract I am giving you advance notice to make provisions for your ward."
"Provisions." Bilbo repeated flatly.
Apparently this was not the sort of answer Thorin wanted. He did not wait for another one, though, and let his irritation show. Gloin believed it was an intimidation tactic, or rather, a show of just how serious Thorin was and how well the halfling should listen to him. Bilbo had not adhered so strictly to formality as a Dwarf would have. It was about time he was shown how things were really done on a quest of this import!
Thorin's glare was dark but his voice was even. "When you signed on with the Company to become our burglar, you accepted the responsibilities that came with the position. We are being hunted, burglar, by Orcs and your duties have changed to reflect that. You have a weapon, and will be expected to fight. Your watches will need your undivided attention. I did not think I would have to tell you that the quest has become too dangerous for a child!"
Gloin remained quiet while Thorin worked himself into a proper rant. In his opinion, it had been long building. Bilbo Baggins really didn't know what he was in for.
"He will not be going with us over the Misty Mountains. You have until nightfall tomorrow to come up with the arrangements or inform us you are going to aband-"
Thorin did not get to finish. Gloin hadn't been paying close attention, but during the tirade the halfling had been smoldering. Well, his anger finally alighted and blazed faster than a lit pile of straw.
" Of course he is not going over the Misty Mountains, Master Oakenshield." Disdain boiled up over the veneer of respect. "Though I may not have known before, I am well aware of the dangers we face now. I'll have you know that I've been planning Frodo's departure for weeks." His small fists were curled at his sides, and though he had to look up at Thorin and Gloin both, he was not intimidated.
"And you are confident in your decision? You do not have second thoughts?" Thorin pressed.
"Oh I have plenty." Bilbo's tone was clipped. "But I have weighed the alternatives. This is the only sensible course of action. Frodo will have a loving and capable home to return to in Brandy Hall and you will have your burglar. The one Smaug is unfamiliar with, the one who moves too quietly for your warriors to hear.."
The rage was lowering to a simmer. Oddly enough, Gloin did not feel relieved. "Your watches will have my undivided attention and though it's not much of a weapon," the halfling's voice was flat, "my sword is under contract. My things are as good as packed. I am prepared to leave when you are." He stood stock still and surveyed the two dwarves. "Is that all, Master Oakenshield?"
Thorin held his scowl but answered evenly, "That is all, Mister Baggins." He turned on his heel and started marching the other way, presumably to cool down a little before he saw the rest of their kin. It had all been done in the letter of civility but not the spirit. No one spoke like that to Thorin Oakenshield! It was a surprise he had not dismissed Bilbo entirely. Of course, he'd hoped Thorin might send the halfling packing since no one else had the right to do so. Now that Gloin and Bilbo were alone in the hallway, there was no authoritative party.
There was a long, long silence. The hall stretched soundless in both directions. Gloin and Bilbo had not yet moved away, either of them. Finally, the big dwarf spoke.
"I am glad of this decision, Master Baggins. This is for the best."
The silence returned and stretched on. It appeared as if the halfling was sizing him up, weighing his remarks. When he spoke again, it was in a colder tone than the one he had used with Thorin. "I am not a fool, you know. I have not spent my hours dithering away with maps and whittling, thinking nothing was wrong." Bilbo gestured sharply. "And before you start about what 'for the best' entails, I know I have made a hash of things. What's been done's been done and I will not go back over it or try to defend my choices. It's not as if I can unmake them."
He cut a glare at Gloin but maintained a level delivery. "As obvious as it is to everyone else, I am not a fit caretaker for Frodo. The Ranger Orondir has kindly offered to escort him back to the Shire with a small envoy from Lord Elrond. Rivendell has offered us aid for the flood, and it will do more good than I did."
Gloin… he did not know why, but Bilbo's rebuttal had him more confused than before. Obviously the halfling was not too blinded by grief now to see the folly of his decisions! Yet, it angered him to be talked down to like that. He was about to give the halfling a piece of his mind when Bilbo straightened up, wished him good evening, and turned on his heel.
Perhaps Thorin had set a good example by leaving. Gloin was seething, but it was clear from Bilbo's speech that any lecture he had to give wouldn't be news. Their burglar had thought it through. He'd made enough of a plan to get Thorin off his back at any rate.
And hadn't that been what Gloin wanted? Wasn't that his aim here?
Yet even with the Frodo problem solved, Gloin didn't feel much better. He tried to think over it logically as he stormed back toward the Company's quarters. Bilbo had been picked for the job, and he'd promised not to grouse about that. As much as he hated to admit it the halfling had been more of an annoyance than Gloin should've let him be. They were in this together unless Thorin released them or one of them died. He could be petty but he didn't wish death on Bilbo.
Still, something had changed. Their burglar was behaving differently. If Gloin was honest, there had been more important things to worry about than everyone's activities of late. He wasn't even confident he could say what the Company had been up to outside the meetings with all the planning being done. Maybe everyone had been busy with their own preparations or lost in their own concerns.
Begrudgingly, Gloin admitted to himself as he passed by another moonlit column, he hadn't taken stock of the halfling's progress since arriving in Rivendell. He'd assumed Bilbo hadn't made any. Those were the kinds of mistakes he couldn't afford to make. Experience was everything. His own conclusions based on his knowledge had to be precise. It could mean life or death. Which was why jumping to the wrong conclusions was so dangerous. They were leaving as soon as the map was read. It meant he had to find out all of Bilbo's preparations that had been unknown to the rest of them until now.
Or… had they? He had to have told someone. Frodo, at least, had to know. What else had their burglar been up to when he'd not been in meetings (that he had not been asked to attend)? Gloin could find out. Halflings weren't solitary creatures. More likely than not, someone had to have been told about the plan. He couldn't talk with the Elves without giving their escape plan away. He wasn't about to go to the Ranger. That left the Company. One of them had to have been involved, or at least around to hear. Gloin would ask around until he found the answers he needed to understand it all.
And he knew just the two Dwarves to start with.