Lucky ducks!! 2 updates in one day!! Let me know what you think. All errors are my own as I have no beta.
Following the harrowing escape from their great bear of a host, the company took rest in thehome of Beorn, the Skinchanger. The massive house boasted high ceilings, a giant stone hearth
and even stalls for Beorn's four-legged companions. A tall, long dining table dominated thecenter of the open room. Bilba approached the wooden behemoth and stood on her tiptoes topeer over the edge. She spotted an overly large bumblebee hovering over the flowers and
candles set in the middle. Reaching a hand out, the bee buzzed closer until its legs tickled herforearm and its wings brushed her cherubic cheeks. Bilba giggled at the gentle sensation.
"I think he likes you," a deep voice commented from her right. Bilba smiled at the older,white-haired dwarf. "As do I and the rest of the company. I just wanted to express my gratitudefor what you did up there on that cliff. You saved his life. As you well know, we dwarves have
long memories for good or ill. It shan't be forgotten…by any of us."
The hobbit blushed profusely under his intense gaze. "I only did what anyone would do," shereplied simply.
"No," Balin contradicted. "You did what someone brave and selfless would do. You are a greatcredit to your race, Bilba Baggins." With a gentle squeeze to her shoulder, he turned away tostart bedding down for the night with the others.
"Master Balin?" Bilba called after the dwarf. He looked back at the woman questioningly. Thebrunette took a deep breath, "Do… I mean… Would…" Words awkwardly tumbled from her rosy
lips. The advisor patiently waited for Bilba to organize her thoughts. Finally, she spoke, "Do youtruly believe we can slay a dragon and reclaim Erebor?"
"Bilba, my dear," Balin started as he gazed into her warm chocolate eyes. "That is the one thingI am certain of. Dwarves are, above all else, stubborn and relentless. We won't rest until onceagain our voices echo throughout those mountain halls with victory."
"I look forward to it." The halfling grinned, hope and faith shining in her eyes.
The elderly dwarf reached out and grasped his companion's hand. "As do I, mistress. As do I.Goodnight, young one." Again he turned to prepare his bedroll and claim a spot among his kin.
This time Bilba let him depart."No…No…Stop…Don't hurt him…" Bilba bolted upright from her bedroll panting, sweatdrenching every inch of her. Clenching her blanket to her heaving chest she knows sleep willelude her for the time being. Quietly she rises from the floor and makes her way to the giantdining table next to the glowing fireplace. As the hobbit approaches the bench she notices
Thorin sitting quietly smoking his pipe gazing intensely at the flames.
"Mistress Baggins," the dwarf acknowledges as she climbs into the seat across from him.
"You can't sleep either I see." Bilba comments. "I feel like I will never sleep again."
Thorin glances at her, pausing as if deciding what he should say. "After my first battle I did notsleep for days. Eventually the mind settles and allows one to rest. Give it time."
Gazing in disbelief at the mountain king, Bilba says, "I can't imagine you ever having difficultysleeping after something so trivial to you as a battle." He raises an eyebrow at her in slightamusement. "I just mean that you are always so strong and sure. Nothing seems to faze you."
Grimly he simply states, "Azog lives." She reaches across the massive table and gently placesher hand atop of his large one, giving it a small squeeze.
"I am sorry. That was thoughtless of me to say. But," Squeezing his hand once more, "his daysare numbered, Thorin. We will wipe his filth from this world." Carefully Bilba withdraws her handand they sink into a companionable silence.
Finally, Thorin clears his throat, "Thank you for what you did, Mistress Baggins. That was verybrave. I wish to apologize for my actions thus far on this quest towards you. It was unfair of meto treat you so."
Looking at him, Bilba makes a suggestion. "Why don't we start over?" Sticking her hand outtowards him, she states, "I am Bilba Baggins of the Shire. At your service."
He grasps her hand with his, "Thorin Oakenshield, at yours." Dipping his head slightly.
Bilba frowns at his short statement. "That's not right. You're forgetting something."
In confusion Thorin asks, "What do you mean?"
"You are Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King Under the Mountain."
The dwarf scoffs, "I don't have the mountain. I am not a king." He looks away from her but shecatches the slight vulnerability in his eye before his gaze is firmly set away from her.
Bilba huffs at his attitude. "You are King. No mountain or silly jewel can ever change that. Noteven the blood that flows through your veins truly makes you a king. This company followsYOU, Thorin, not your crown. As do I." His head jerks up at her confession. Bilba pushes on. "I,
Bilba Baggins of the Shire, do swear fealty to you, Thorin Oakenshield, King-"
Thorin cuts in, "Mistress Baggins…Bilba, there is no need for that."
"But why?" The hobbit asks in confusion, "Do you not want me? Is it because I am a hobbit?"
This time a small laugh escapes Thorin's strong mouth. "No, my dear. Nothing of the sort. Youhave already proven yourself to the Company…and to me."
Again, the pair falls silent. This time neither feels the need to speak and they just watch the fireburn until the sun peaks over the horizon.