Chapter Forty-Two: Bombur
T.A 2903 Ered Luin
Bombur is a number of things. Quiet, unassuming, often overlooked in spite of his massive girth, or possibly because of it. He's an architect and a talented cook (although his wife is better), a doting father and a loving husband.
It's the very fact that he's so often overlooked that leads to him regularly being found in the corner of his wife's shop with his drawing board working quietly. He's seen dwarves from all walks of life pass through here, his Mala's travel rations are the best tasting to be found anywhere and her work certainly keeps them in more comfort than his. She's stepped out for a moment when the blond dwarf enters, and Bombur suspects she'll be announcing another addition to their family soon enough. The stranger moves with the swift steps of someone who has somewhere to be quickly and isn't inclined to wait patiently. Bombur assists Mala often enough to know what he's doing and sets the board aside.
"I need cram and dried meat enough for a three week journey," he says as he spots Bombur. His tone is sharp, brisk, and Bombur realises he recognises him.
Prince Frerin. Mala has mentioned that the prince once came in frequently to purchase supplies. Always six weeks' worth. Obviously where ever he is going, he isn't intending on coming back. Bombur gathers the supplies, concluding that the less he knows the better. Frerin may have told his family where he is headed, but with the way he's shifting and how rapidly he packs the supplies away Bombur doubts it. He also doubts he'll be told anything if he asks the questions anyway, so he holds his tongue. The prince seems to appreciate it, paying the required price and a little more besides.
By the time Mala has returned Bombur is sat with his work once more and Frerin is long gone. At least when the captain of the guard turns up the next day to ask after Frerin she can honestly say she hasn't seen the prince. In his corner, as always, Bombur is completely overlooked. He smiles as he continues his work and puts the whole thing from his mind.
T.A. 2941 Erebor
The elves are threatening to make war over the imprisonment of their prince. The Men are threatening it because they are allied with the elves and need their help to survive the coming winter. Dain is likely still hours away and Gandalf has appeared to declare that a massive army of orcs is also on the way. Perhaps Mala was right, Bombur thinks, perhaps they would have found a way to manage with seven dwarflings and another on the way. They would have found a way without Thorin's insane quest and the reward of a share of the dragon's hoard. Now he'll never see a coin of it, doomed to die while Thorin rages about the treachery of halfling burglars.
"Whatever do you mean?" Gandalf's shouted reply is mild.
"Your burglar has absconded with the Arkenstone and my heir," is the reply and it certainly explains the situation Bombur walked in on. No one has seen fit to explain it, but Kili is grim and won't even look at Thorin while Frerin holds a sobbing Belladonna. He had simply assumed Fili and Bluebell had found themselves a secluded corner for a little privacy.
Bombur has eight children, he knows how these things work. Mala was with child before they were married.
"It is done, then," the wizard replies and even at a distance he seems to lean more heavily on his staff. Whatever it is, he knew it was coming and seems to regret that it has happened. "It was necessary, however, and you have greater concerns than the Arkenstone, Thorin. Will you let helpless women and children die while you hide in your mountain?"
All eyes turn on Thorin but Bombur already knows what his reply will be. None of them have wanted to admit it, or even put voice to the possibility, but the signs are all there. Thorin is utterly consumed by the gold, they all have been to a degree, but where this news and the disappearance of Fili and Bluebell has served to shock most of them out of it, Thorin is still completely gripped by it. All he can see is the gold and the Arkenstone and the fact that, in some way, Bluebell (and possibly Fili) has betrayed him.
"Never again will I place my trust in the words of a wizard," Thorin replies. "Let them fight their war."