Chapter Five
"Wait, we won't be heading that way. If we continue on this path we will be going in circles." As Bilbo spoke, he took the coat and searched through the pockets. After finding what he was looking for he kneeled on the ground and spread the parchment paper. Thorin rolled his eyes, "We do not have time for this."
"Will you just listen. If you continue, you'll end up back at the military room." Bilbo waited until the dwarven prince handed the reins of his pony to the closest dwarrow and made his way to his side. "I took the map when you all were distracted."
"Burglar." Someone commented.
Thorin shook his head in thought, "And here I thought I'd lost it."
Bilbo smiled at that.
"See this blue line, that's the path we will be taking. This red one was yours, you didn't have the rest of the map to find out it led you back to where you started. Once we make the clearing we will take the left path and from there it's a straight line. " Thorin studied the map, his finger following the blue outline.
"This takes us straight to Bree."
"Yes, I thought it would be wise to go through there since I'm sure I didn't pack for a trip."
"Hmm. Alright, Prince. Lead the way." Bilbo sent the future king a smile but was disappointed to find the dwarrow gone, he shook his head then got up with the map in his hands.
True to his words, Bilbo led Thorin and the company through different tunnels, there were moments the hobbit wanted to laugh at Gandalf. The passages were tall enough for small creatures, that the wizard had to bend down until they made it out. Bilbo made his way towards a round green door, he splayed his hand on it. With a creak, the door slowly opened, sunlight flooding in.
"This door was made specifically to be opened by a hobbit. A royal hobbit to be precise." Bilbo didn't wait for a reply, he stepped through the threshold, his lungs taking in the fresh air.
"Thank Durin, I don't know how long I could last in there."
"I prefer our stone than dirt."
The hobbit paid no mind to the dwarrows. He was just as glad as them to be out in the open. Although they were more prone to danger, he would gladly take the sun any day.
"Bilbo, my boy. Let me have a word with you." Gandalf guided Bilbo away from the company, L'vren stood behind.
"That was quite a speech back there, are you sure you want to continue?" Bilbo knew the dangers ahead, he was a target just as much as Thorin and Frerin. The only way the could be safe was getting to the mountain, there really was no use of staying back home. He had to complete the contract between the two families. "I'm sure." He said.
"I cannot guarantee your safety, my boy. But I can promise you will not be the same hobbit as before."
"I know. Thank you." Gandalf tipped his hat. His eyes followed the hobbit prince until he made his way to L'vren's side.
"Halfling, your pony." Thorin came up behind the hobbit with a set of reins in his hands and a pony following beside him. He dropped the reins on Bilbo's open hand then stepped away.
"Wait. I don't need a pony. I'm fine with walking." Bilbo glanced at the reins before giving them to L'vren, he quickly made his way to Thorin's retreating back. Thorin suddenly stopped in his tracks, he turned around and stood his ground as Biblo smacked straight into his chest. " I don't care what you want." He was about to turn around but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Thorin raised his eyebrow at the offending hand, his eyes staring down at the hobbit. Bilbo took notice and removed his hand away, clearing his throat he spoke. "I said I'm fine but I will not be needing it. Thank you."
"You think you have a choice, Halfing? I assure you, you do not." Placing his hands behind his back, he took a step towards Bilbo, close enough that the hobbit had to look up at him.
"I can't have royalty such as yourself walking all the way to the mountain. While you are with me and the company you follow my rules. . ." Thorin pointed back at the pony. He placed his hands on Bilbo's shoulders, turned him around and have him a little push. Noticing the audience around him, Thorin began giving out orders. No less than five minutes later, everyone was on the road again. Bilbo awkwardly riding his pony.
During the two day trip to Bree, Bilbo kept glaring daggers at the dwarven prince. One moment the dwarven prince seemed approachable and talkative, but then he would completely change when he was near him. He even had the nerve to take his map from him, he then had to stop L'vren from going after Thorin and doing something stupid. Actually, he didn't want to stop his guard, but he didn't want to cause a fight. Bilbo shifted in his seat, his thighs not used to riding. L'vren on the other hand looked just dandy, Biblo scowled at that.
"E-excuse me." A soft voice called out, Bilbo jumped slightly then looked around. To his left a smaller dwarrow with short cropped hair rode beside him. He had a gentle face with freckles on his forehead and cheeks. A tinge of red creeped up his neck. "Hello."
"My names Ori."
"Im Bi-"
"Bilbo, I know." Ori panicked, he opened his mouth but the words came out as gibberish. "I didn't meant t-to cut y-you off…" He said after calming down. Bilbo smiled.
"It's alright. Did you want to tell me something?" Ori shyly looked over at the hobbit, his hands fiddled with each other as he sat in thought. "I'm a scribe, I'm recording everything that happens on this journey. I was wondering if I could ask...ask you some questions?"
"Oh of course, I was getting tired of my own thoughts." Seeing his excitement, Ori dug through a bag until he took out parchment paper and a feather with ink, ready to use. His brown eyes ready to begin.
" Your kind are known for being gentle creatures. What changed?" From all the questions available, Ori had to ask that one. It was a hard question with so many events hidden behind it.
"We were forced to fight. Back then my kin believed there were no threats, but Bandobras Took knew better. Orcs, goblins came through our lands and since then we were forced to fight for them. We had to adapt like everyone in middle earth. If we stayed gentle we would be easily outrun." Word for word, Ori wrote down everything. His hand practically flying through the paper. "Is that why you live underground?"
"Yes and no…"
Ori heard the sadness in the hobbits voice. He wanted to know what happened but he knew where to draw the line. What he had so far was enough. "I'll finish writing this up, if I have more questions...could I-"
"Of course. I enjoyed you company, Ori."
Ori beamed, he happily rode ahead and kept pace beside the two princes. Bilbo shook his head at Kili and Fili. Both princes trying to take peek at Ori's writing.
Bilbo had enough, if they did not reach Bree in the next hour he would get down from his pony and walk the rest of the way. He didn't care what Thorin had to say about it , he needed to feel the earth beneath his feet. He was a hobbit and a prince and he was allowed to do what he pleased and right now he needed food. Patting his vest and coat, Bilbo took out some nuts and seeds and munched on them. The hobbit prince was not used to not eating at specific hours of the day, he already missed so many meals. His head began throbbing, his stomach grumbled and he was sure he was getting a heatstroke. It had been a while since he was this much under the sun. Maybe now he could get a nice golden tan. Calculating the position of the sun, Bilbo craned his neck, up ahead he could make out shapes. Could it be Bree? Seconds after Thorin shouted that they were approaching Bree.
Bilbo let out a relieved sigh, he was ready to jump down the pony and walk but remembered that he needed help getting down. The first time he fell face first in a pile of mud and the second time, L'vren helped him down. He didn't want a repeat of that.
"Prince, we need to hurry. Those doors will be closing soon." The hobbit glanced at his guard then ahead. He was right. The company was already in, Gandalf right behind them. How were they so far behind?
"Hold onto the reins like this, and clench your thighs." Bilbo did as he was told.
"Why?" The hobbit got his answer, L'vren moved his hand back then brought it down on the ponies rear end. It made a sound before speeding off. Bilbo desperately held onto the reins and the ponies mane, he tried keeping his balance steady and thighs tight around the pony's body but he could feel himself start falling to the side. His heart hammered in his chest as everything blurred around him. The faint sounds of hooves behind him were the only indication that his guard was following behind him. The doors stood wide open, Gandalf was talking to Thorin and some humans by the entrance. He just hoped Gandalf was giving them time to get there.
Sure enough, the door stayed open. Now, all he needed to do was stop the pony. He pulled the reins but the pony continued on, he screamed at it to stop but it kept going. Passing through the entrance Bilbo could only look at the company with panicked filled eyes. There had to be someway to stop without getting hurt, right? Bilbo passed everyone but noticed Thorin mounting his pony once more. Help was on its way. The hobbit frantically screamed to the people on the streets to move out of the way. Some scattered away while others insulted him. The pony maneuvered through different dirt paths, all Bilbo could do was pray to Yvanna for his safety. "Halfling!" The hobbit prince perked up at the sound. Thorin rode beside him, he was riding behind a very muscular dwarrow with a bald head and tattoos.
"I'm going to jump over to you."
"Jump!? No, you could get hurt."
Thorin ignored him, "Hold onto the reins, I'm jumping on the count of three."
"Thorin wait!" Bilbo could only watch in horror, Thorin got up and balanced himself behind the ponies back. Bilbo grasped the reins tighter, he closed his green eyes and waited.
Everything happened so fast. Feeling weight in the back, Bilbo out of panic let go of the reins, knowing Thorin would get a hold of the reins. The hobbit let out gasp, Thorin's arms snaked around his torso. Thorin placed his right hand against Bilbo's chest and pushed him back against him. The heat coming from behind him made Bilbo dizzy, his hands found their way to Thorin's Arms and kept them there. He needed to steady himself from the adrenaline rush, he was sure he would faint any moment. Before he let the darkness take a hold of him he smiled at the last thing he heard.
"I've got you." Knowing he was in good hands, Bilbo let himself enjoy the warmth and safety.
Author's note; Hello my lovely readers. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I had fun writing it. A bit of fluff for you guys but, it won't last. Action will pick up on the next chapter, that's all I'll say. Till next update, adios.
