I do not own any right on the universe or charaters in that story, except for Lily and Gwenael. The quote is from the LOTR, by Tolkien (Thanks Captain Obvious...).
Chapter 6. Just before all paths interwine
A day passed in preparations, and the morning of their departure is now at the door. Bilbo is quite emotional. The last time he left and came back from an adventure, he found his home devastated. All the Shire thought he was dead. But it will not happen again. That is why he asked his sister, as soon as he received Thorin's letter, to stay in his house during his next adventure. She accepted with joy.
The travelers are now putting their bags on their ponys. Bilbo hugs his sister warmly, kissing her pink and round cheeks with all his affection. He takes Frodo in his arms, singing his favorite song one last time, the little hobbit laughing at the funny story of dwarves saved by a wizard and a burglarhobbit from the evil trolls...
- Make sure you sing it to him every night before bed... Maybe he will remember me better like this...
- Of course... I will show him your portrait too. Be safe, Bilbo.
- Be safe, Primula, and take care of Frodo. And do not forget. Let it hidden.
- Do not worry. Your secret is safe with me.
As Bilbo starts to follow his dwarven friends to his next adventure, he hears his nephew :
- Bye Bye Uncle Bilbo!
- Bye Bye Little Frodo!
Bilbo answers with a strange mix of pride and sadness. For those are the first words Frodo says to him. The little todler just started to talk weeks ago, but only to his mother... And now he will miss all the next words... But he knows this adventure may be his last one. Time passes so fast... And his little Gwenael that is now a growned hobbit lady... And Lily... He already misses her. At least their first step is Bree. He will be able to say goodbye... just in case he does not come back.
The three companions ride in silence, at first. Thorin sees that his friend is struggling with mixed feelings.
- The Shire is enchanting, Bilbo. I thank thee for your help, once again, old friend. I know how it is for you to leave it behind.
- Thank you, Thorin. Indeed, it is hard to leave... all behind.
The hobbit was so emotionnal about leaving his family, that he only now realizes how hard it is to be separated from his ring. But having a distance between him and this strange jewel, he now feels more free. Like if a hard weight has left his shoulders... he kind of feels young again.
- Maybe you should sing us one of your songs? asks an encouraging Moonstone.
Bilbo then starts to sing what seems fit for the circumstance.
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
It sure seems to cheer him a little, his smile coming back to his face. The smell of the fresh cut grass of the Shire and the sun on his skin help to light his mood as well.
- Where are we going, exactly? I mean after Bree... Will we... return there?
- Yes, we have to go to Rivendell, if it is what you are asking, answers a smiling Thorin, who remembers very well how this Elven domain is dear to his friend.
The Shire is so enchanting, Moonstone thinks she could even love to stay there... But she wants to follow the king of Erebor and assist him in his quest, even if it means to let him go... for this princess Garnet... But she still has hope that they will find a way, since Garnet herself does not seem to want to marry him at all.
The three companions ride, looking at the green hills, the lush trees and the round doors. The landscape subtly changes as the Shire stays behind them. They soon arrive at the Prancing Pony, late in the night. Moonstone and Thorin take the last two vacant rooms and fall asleep quickly. But Bilbo has other plans...
Lily told him to knock at her door, no matter how late it is... Even if it is strange for him to wake someone that late, he does as she asked the last time they saw each other. He has to knock a couple of times, until she finally opens slowly, her eyes a little foggy from the sleep. Is it you, Pumkin pie? Is someone sick? As she finally realizes who is at her door, she suddenly wakes up for good.
- Bilbo! At last! I missed you so much! Come in. I have some carrot cake waiting for us, says she with a smile worth of Rivendell in the heart of Bilbo.
- It is not only the cake I want to eat right now...
They both chuckle, Lily now fully awake and embracing a very happy Bilbo. They kiss hungrily, Bilbo holding her by her waist, not wanting to let her go... They soon close the door, trying to enjoy every moment of this precious time. So they share the night together, making all kind of simple things that halflings love to do such as eating, talking, cuddling... and well, satisfying their other kind of appetite. Which is strong, for hobbits are hobbits.
Moonstone slept with the window opened. The newly discovered sensation of fresh air on her skin is quite addictive, she has to admit. She never would have think it was even possible... Her thoughts are wandering like butterflies, her mind still not fully awaken. Birdsongs, announcing the coming of the sun, help her to get out of her sleepiness. She vaguely dreamed of the emerald green moss on the silvery rock. What does it mean? What is the meaning of this vision given by the palantiri? She may turn this strange dream again and again, the meaning of it flee as soon as she feels she is near the answer. Only to realize the sun is now fully arisen. And that she never spend the morning in bed before. Well, she could get addicted to that too... Slowly realizing how her life changed drastically during the last days, the course of her thoughts is interrupted by the noise of someone knocking at her door... and opening it seconds after, even before she has the time to invite whoever it is.
- Good morning, Uncle. I have something to tell y... Oh! By Durin! I am so sorry my lady, says a very upset and embarrassed Fili.
And the blond dwarf disappears as soon as he appeared, seconds before.
Moonstone is a little stunned. A handsome blond dwarf just saw her naked. Surprisingly, she is not that embarrassed. Maybe it was too quick to be embarrassed? She probably is less shy about nakedness than she thought? Like if she ever thought about that anyway... How does she feel right now? If only it could have been Thorin... maybe it would give him some ideas enough interesting to help him think about her instead of Garnet? Silly thoughts... he already gave her a subtle sign that his interest in marrying Princess Garnet is mostly diplomatic. If there is to be something between Thorin and her, she wants it to be about far more than just erotic fantasies. She wants it to be about strong love, not just casual intercourse. What a strange way to begin a day she thinks for herself, before she decides to take a warm bath for no specific reason. Well, freedom is delightful.
Fili is so embarrassed... He will have to apologize to his uncle, seeing his future wife naked like this. The golden hair dwarf decides to go to the dining room and wait for Thorin there. But when he arrives, he is already sit there, looking at a map.
- Ah! Fili! How is your wound?
- Lily and Gwenael took really good care of it...
- Gwenael?, asks a curious Thorin.
His nephew notices how his uncle is in an awfully good mood, which is quite out of character. Of course, he found his future wife. Their quest ended. Perhaps Garnet changed her mind? It would explain his good mood. Which does not help him telling he just saw her naked. By Mahal! All this situation is so awkward.
- Gwenael is the adoptive daughter of Lily the healer. She is a healer too.
Thorin nods. He shows a chair next to him to his nephew, inviting him to join to prepare the next step of their journey. As he sits, Fili asks himself how he will tell his uncle they have to postpone their departure.
- Speaking of Gwenael, she told me it would be better for me to wait a couple of days more before we leave.
- It does not matter for a couple of days, Fili. Do not worry about that. Look, I think we can take this path to reach Rivendell, what do you think?
His uncle his so in a good mood, not even disturbed by this delay.
- Thorin... Are you that merry because you found Garnet in the Blue Mountains?
Thorin stops looking at the map, and takes a more attentive look at his nephew.
- Did you just say that I am... merry? Am I?
- Well, yes. I think I did not see you that merry since we won the war and you discovered that Kili and me survived.
By Mahal! Thorin now has the answer to his inner existential questions. He is becoming very fond of Moonstone, he cannot deny it anymore... His duty will be harder to accomplish if they cannot find an agreement with Dain...
- Well... I found someone unexpected in the Blue Mountains.
- You found Garnet, am I right?
- No. Why do you ask?
- Well, if she is not Garnet, who is the lady that is in your room?
- Her name is Moonstone. I gave her my room, the mattress is very comfortable. But do not tell her, please... Anyway, she was a warrior in the Blue Mountains, but her family comes from the Iron Mountains. Did you already meet her?
- Well, yes... kind of... I went into your room just after I knock, like I usually do... you always encourage me to avoid useless formalities between us, so...
- So you got acquainted with lady Moonstone. Fine. Now you know about her. She will come with us. She wants to help us in our quest.
As he talks, Thorin notices that Fili seems uncomfortable. He wonders why?
- By the look on your face, I can see something is bothering you... Oh, you thought is was Garnet? You must be disapointed. We still have a long road and search ahead.
- Well...
Fili's thoughts are running fast in his mind. Why his uncle is so happy if she is not Garnet? He did not even scowl at the idea to delay their plan. Maybe...?
- I do not understand why you can think she is Garnet, says Thorin. Her hair look very like a Moonstone under the star's light. You know we name our ladies from the likeness of their hair compare to precious stones.
It is true. How can he forget about that? Well, there is fewer dwarven females nowadays. They are becoming even more rare than some so called precious stones. And his thoughts were always set on learning what a future heir must know to become a good ruler. So ladies were not that much in his mind. Why this idea of garnet color hair triggers something in his memory? But these thoughts can wait.
- I have to tell you something, concerning lady Moonstone, Uncle.
Fili now speaks in Khuzdul, only to keep their conversation private.
- I did not do it on purpose, since I thought you were in your room... But I still saw her naked, and I am sorry about it. I already apologized to her. I wish not to hide it from you.
- Well, since you did not do it on purpuse, no hard feelings. Just be careful next time. I want her to feel safe around us. Why do you tell me this, Fili?
But expressing his thoughts makes Thorin answers himself. So he asks his nephew:
- Is it that obvious?
- Only for those who know you very well, I guess.
Both of them realize they just had the longest conversation about personal matters in decades. So they stay quiet for a while, speaking only to order their breakfast. They both understand that their main concern, from now on, will not be only to find Princess Garnet, but how their future depends on her reaction towards Thorin, and how it will possibly lead to a war they so not wish to see happen. Not a war between brothers. They had their load of losses. Enough for centuries.
Kili slept like a log. He woke up just before sunrise, happy to be lucky enough to stare at Gwenael as long as he wishes without making her uncomfortable. She sleeps peacefully, snoring quietley now and then. He cannot express how much he cares for her. He did not actually know he could care about someone this way. She awakes something protective in him, as well as something vulnerable. But he knows somehow, instinctively, that this vulnerability makes him even stronger, more alive. If he was not staring at her so attentively, he would have miss her whispering 'goldberry'. Few moments later, Gwenael yawns and stretches, slowly waking up as the bright yellow sun appears in her window. Kili discreetly puts his head back on his pillow, waiting for her to open her eyes. As soon as she does, she turns her head towards him.
- Good morning, she says smiling. Did you sleep well, Kee?
He smiles back, nodding as a yes.
- Thanks to your medecine. I am in a really good shape, with all this good night rest.
- I am pleased to hear it. No nightmare about this horrible Ferny for me, thanks to you. But I think we should stay on guard, he is a deceiful man, and he could try something bold later.
- I agree, better be careful. By the way, you said something in your sleep...
Seeing her interrogative look, he explains shortly :
- Sorry, I was staring at you.
She blushes instantly. Well, he has to admit that she is awfully adorable...
- What did I say?, she asks.
- You talked about goldberry. I cannot hide that I am curious about it. What is it?
- You mean, who is it. I said Goldberry. You know, when that stupid scumbag talked about the witch that raised me into the woods? Well, except that she is not a witch, it was true.
Kili listens to her patiently. It looks important to her. And he is very curious, all about her matters to him now.
- I dreamed about her last night. Now that you tell me, my dream comes back clearer. Goldberry was the one who saved me in the Old Forest, a very long time ago. My parents were very sick. They were searching for an old treasure in the Barrow-downs. They underestimated the dangers of such a quest and they came back with a strange sickness. Goldberry did all she could to heal them, but they vanished and died months after. I have only blurry memories of this misadventure. Luckily, the damage was less severe on me, and I healed, with the cares of Goldberry. She raised me for a few years, helping me getting better with my bow, and teaching me about plants, herbs, mushrooms and virtually all things that grow.
Kili does not know what to say. Her story is kind of sad and happy at the same time. But his curisity gets the best of him.
- Gwenael, your parents... they were quite adventurers... Are you really a hobbit?
She starts to laugh, making a melodious high-pitched sound punctuated by little piggy sounds when she breaths in. Her laugh is quite contagious and funny in itself...
- Of course I am a hobbit! But it is a good question. Bilbo told me we were both from a more rare branch of our hobbit ancestors, called the Fallohides. In fact, he is part Fallohide from his mother side, but my parents were typical Fallohides themselves. That is why we lived in the Old Forest. We were part of it... The Fallohides were fairer of hair and skin, taller, slimmer and lovers of trees and woodlands.
- Like a kind of elvish hobbit...
- You could say that, I guess... Kili, Goldberry said something strange in my dream. It felt like a last goodbye. Like if she visited me in my dream to say farewell... She looked happy and confident for me, and it helped me to feel relieved and free instead to be too sad about it... I sometimes miss her. The stranger thing is that she told me she was the Daughter of the River. Like if it was very important. I do not understand why it is relevant, but it was, somehow...
Thinking about it for a while, Kili finally stretches himself before he stands up and answers her.
- I do not understand either, Gwenael. Looks like some mysterious elvish stuff to me. Maybe it will makes sense later. Maybe in another dream... Why don't you ask Bilbo about it? I guess he will be too happy to help you to solve this riddle.
- Good idea... Bilbo! What will he say about us?
- I did not think about that...
- I only wish it will not end in a father hen matter. You do not look as upset as me about it?
- Well, after seeing a goldsick dwarf coming back from the worst mental illness I heard of, Bilbo does not seem that upsetting to me.
- When you put it that way, I probably overthink it. Thanks. Are you ready to convince your uncle to welcome me in your fellowship?
- More ready than ever. Do you need help to pack your things?
- No. But I do want you around.
- As you wish, my lady.
She smiles as a thank you. It is not everyday that a Prince stays for the only purpose to entertain her.
The smell of scrambled eggs, baked beans, cinnamon buns and bacon wakes Bilbo up. Lily is his favorite cook... and so much more. Why does he have to leave? A part of him wants to stay with her forever. But they are both so independant. And a part of him really wants to see Rivendell and help his old friend.
- Lily, you are the most amazing woman I know!
- Thank you. You are quite amazing yourself, she says, in a twinkling.
- Oh Darling... Last night, and now this breakfast...
- I want to be sure you know I want you to come back, Bilbo Baggins. Understood? She says, her eyes hardly containing her tears.
- Darling... We are used to stay apart...
- But then I know you are safe in Bag End. You traveling who knows where in all Middle Earth is another thing...
- I swear I will come back.
- I already miss you... but enough of this whimpering! I want to have a good time with you while I can. Come and eat as much as you can.
- Poor poney, whispers Bilbo, already salivating.
They eat like hobbits always do, especially when they have an occasion. Bilbo soon leaving for another adventure is quite enough as an excuse to have a feast, even at breakfast. They talk and laugh about anything, simply enjoying their mutual company. When they are done, Lily asks a favor to her dear lover.
- Mr Baggins...
- Well, when it is Mr Baggins, it gets serious.
- I would like to have a little banquet before you leave, with all your dwarven friends, and Gwenael. She told me they were your friends from your adventure with the dragon and all...
- Of course, I will not leave without saying goodbye to our pumkin pie.
- And I want to know them a little better before you leave with them...
- As you wish, Darling. Why are you so interested in my old friends all of a sudden?
- Since I am Fili's healer - even if Gwenael took over from me - I care about their well-being.
- Oh... it is a professional interest, then?
- You could say that... and more. I guess they can be of good company when you know them?
- Exactly! Like my old friend Gandalf once told me, they are quite a merry gathering, once you know them.
Bilbo's nose tells him his lover has something else on her mind. But he also knows her well enough. She is as stubborn as a mule. If she does not talk about it right now, it is because she does not want to. Better wait than never know. He is eager to assit to this banquet. And for once, his main interest will not be about food.
