A/N: The creative juices are flowing therefore I am on a roll, for how long for, I do not know but just be glad and let me know what you think.
Company
Third Person's P.O.V.
Bilbo has caught up with the company by now, handed over his contract and begrudgingly given a pony, not that he didn't argue his case about not needing one. However the dwarves were not having it, with Thorin's command the company set off, with Bilbo still fighting his case as they trot past him. He'd gotten as far as retelling how he'd took a walking holiday and had almost made it to Frogmorton when Fili and Kili grabbed him by the back of his pack and hoisted him up into the air and onto the pack pony.
Bilbo has never ridden a pony, not even Cas, partially because he is afraid of ponies. So, it brings the question as to why on Earth Bilbo thought he'd be able to walk to Erebor and back, we'll never know but his face will certainly show his dislike of the idea of riding the pony for the rest of his life.
As the company settled into their rides, every now and then, Bilbo will look back, searching for any sight of Rose, he will never doubt her words, not for a single moment but as the time went on, his worry begins to show.
"You are looking worried, my dear Bilbo." A voice calls to him and he looks up to notice that Gandalf is riding along side him. He's confused for a moment, not realizing he'd been oblivious to Gandalf for however long he's been there for. "I can assure you, the ponies will follow any command and I don't know if you've noticed or not, they are taking their lead from Thorin's pony. You have nothing to worry about." Gandalf chuckles. Bilbo wants to glare at him, knowing that Gandalf finds it amusing to see Bilbo looking so put off by riding a pony.
"It's not the pony that I'm worried about, I just thought that Rose would've caught up by now, she said she wouldn't be too long."
"You needn't worry, she knows the lands better than I do, she'll not be far behind." His answer did not soothe Bilbo's worries and he retreats back into his mind with worry.
Nearer the back of the pack, Fili notices Bilbo's obvious concern, watching as he glances back every so often.
"What'cha think Bilbo's worried about Kee?" Fili asks, Kili, lost in his own world, comes back to the present via the question and looks over to Bilbo as he converses with Gandalf, or more so Gandalf having a one sided conversation with Bilbo.
"Can't say brother, maybe he's looking for Aurora?" Kili says before he too looks behind him, searching for any sign of her on the trail.
"Hmm, I would've thought they'd arrive together, she did say come hell or high water, she'd be on this quest if Bilbo signed the contract. I wonder whats keeping her?" Fili trails off.
"Do you think she's been called elsewhere?" Kili questions.
"Possibly, do you think Gandalf will know? I don't quite understand how that works, I am curious about that." Fili wonders for a moment and Kili is inclined to agree.
"Let's ask him, Mr Gandalf?" Kili calls loudly for Gandalf, of whom turns his head somewhat to show that he is listening.
"Yes Master Kili?" His gruff voice travels back.
"Fili and I were just wondering, Aurora mentioned that when others are in trouble, they call for her and she comes to their aid, how does that work?" Kili shouts back and many heads turn and conversations stop as they all become interested as well.
"Well it is quite simple really." Gandalf says, he pauses and Gandalf smiles at Bilbo as he too looks curious. "Aurora has a connection with elements as you all are well aware. When there are those that are in need of her, they must simple call out her name and one of the spirits of the elements will reach out to her telepathically."
"Telepathically?" Balin questions. Bilbo nods, as he remembers a conversation he once had with Aurora years ago when she first explained how the calls work.
"Yes, they speak to her in her mind. Like a whisper. The spirits, will reach out. For instance if the people in need are near the woods, the Earth spirits will call to her in her mind and tell her where the people in need are, and this happens with water, air and fire too." Bilbo answers and heated whispers commence throughout the company. Thorin, a little intrigued by this too, raises his eyebrows before glancing around the treeline.
"Indeed, sometimes, the spirits if they are strong enough can take up a physical form, not living of course. I remember her telling me once that the ground shook beneath her feet and roots appeared from the ground and formed into shape that looked very much human, arms and legs and everything before telling her where she was needed. This only happens in parts of Middle Earth where the magic is stronger which allows the spirits to tap into that energy." Gandalf informs them all.
"Wow." Kili murmurs looking at his brother who agrees with him by nodding.
"There are those who Aurora shares a bond with, who can call out to her with their minds too. There has been a few occasions where I've called to her but of course, I am a Wizard and one of her tutors and companions so it is easy for me to communicate with her as we hold a strong bond." A little glint lights up his eyes and Bilbo looks at him curiously.
"So, are you able to sense when she is close, or speak to her through your mind when she is close or just when you are far away?"
"We can communicate telepathically yes, at any time. And when Aurora isn't hiding herself, I am able to sense where she is and how close."
"And what about now?" Bilbo asks quietly. Gandalf doesn't answer and Bilbo takes that as Rose is shielding herself again, therefor doesn't notice the knowing smile on Gandalf's face.
"Closer than you think." Gandalf says to himself. The dwarves, now uninterested have begun to converse amongst themselves again this time over Bilbo.
"Pay up Nori!"
"Weh-he-hey!" Several individual cheers call out amongst the group and Bilbo becomes intrigued by this, his attention pulled from worry about his sister to what is happening around him.
"What's that about?" Bilbo asks Gandalf.
"Oh they took wagers on whether or not you'd turn up. Most of them bet you wouldn't." Somewhat offended by this but he didn't show, Bilbo asks Gandalf.
"And what did you think?" And because Gandalf enjoys a little bit of drama here and then, hums to himself. Before catching a coin bag himself.
"My dear fellow, I never doubted you for a second." Gandalf chuckles to himself before pocketing the bag. Before Bilbo can reply or feel any sort of relief that someone believed in him, he is overcome by the need to sneeze.
Aurora's P.O.V.
"I can hear you all a mile away you know that right?" I say to Gandalf, I hear his chuckle in return before his voice reaches back through our minds.
"They're not exactly being discreet now are they, not that they need to be just yet."
"Still, if I can hear them, surely others will be able to."
"Not everyone has ears like yours though." Another chuckle vibrates through my mind.
"True. Hows Bilbo?"
"Worried, he's been looking for you. Seems to think you aren't coming."
"Poppycock. You know fine well that he knows I'm coming, so stop winding him up. He's a worrywart as it is. His nerves will be haggered by the end of today alone. Which is why I am talking to you and not him."
"Fine, fine. How close are you?"
"Oh come now Gandalf, you're not slacking on me now. I'm merely around the corner. Bilbo's just sneezed, how much you betting he'll ask to turn around so he can get his handkerchief?" Another chuckle enters my mind. However my ears pick up Bilbo's voice.
"Wait, wait, stop, stop. We have to turn around." Bilbo demands. And I chuckle to myself as I encourage Cas to go a bit faster, the route we've taken is shorter and will bring us alongside the company rather than behind it, but by the sounds of it, we'll actually pop right out in front of them. Coming out of the gathering of the trees, I take note that those situated at the front of the pack, are all facing towards Bilbo as he searches for a hanky. While the others who are behind him and facing forward, look at him in concern. No-one has spotted us yet which is surprising and I wink at Cas when he looks at me as if to say: are they really that oblivious?
I hop down from Cas and walk a little to sit myself and the remnants of a fallen tree. And simply watch and listen, and smother my laughter at the same time. Cas moves forward and begins grazing on the sweet grass, I discretely pull out the handkerchief and fold it up in my hand and wait for when my time is right.
"Whatever on Earth is the matter?" Gandalf asks as Bilbo continues to search himself for his handkerchief.
"I've forgotten my handkerchief."
"Told you!" I say to Gandalf and send a chuckle his way, I watch as his head bobs down as he tries to hold back a laugh. I continue to watch them, their on a small incline and still haven't spotted me yet, I keep trying to stop myself from laughing, even as Bofur rips part if his clothing.
"Here, use this." And proceeds to throw the somewhat dirty rag at Bilbo, who catches it and looks affronted by the notion. The others laugh at this before being commanded by Thorin to move on.
Thorin, being leader of the company and most naturally, leading the way, comes upon me first, his lips twitch as he sees the grin on my face as I unclench my first and let the handkerchief unfold in it.
"You lads should've made a bet on whether Bilbo would forget his handkerchief." I giggle as they all proceed up the small incline and line up around me.
"Oh thank God." Bilbo softly mutters and half haphazardly throws the cloth back at Bofur before trying to encourage his pony to come closer to me. Though she wasn't having any of it. So instead, I whistle to her, all of the ponies ears perk up and suddenly they all recognise me.
"Oh! Oh good lord, wait, wait!" Bilbo exclaims as his pony happily makes her way to me without the persuasion of Bilbo. I giggle as I stand and meet her half way, when she stops, Bilbo gives a sigh of relief. "Thank heavens."
"Relax Bilbo." I say as I stroke the pony's forehead before reaching around and handing him the handkerchief. "She's not going to hurt you, nor throw you off her. Are you sweetie?" I direct to her and she snorts before moving forward to tickle her muzzle against my cheek. I giggle as she does this and catch or more so hear Bilbo blowing his nose.
"I'd rather not risk it thank you, so don't encourage it."
"Her, Bilbo. She's a lady, treat her with some respect. It will probably help if you use her name, ponies can sense when their rider is nervous, which will make them nervous. Level with her, reassure her and she'll be alright."
"Well, it would help if I knew her name." Bilbo mutters.
"So, you mean to tell me, they never told you her name?" I say as I continue to pet the pony.
"No." Bilbo averts his gaze, I realise that the dwarves haven't even considered the fact that Bilbo can't ride, nor given him to basics of how to let alone told him the ponies name.
"Her name is Myrtle." I hear a voice say, the timber of it makes butterflies perk up like it's spring in my stomach and I try not to blush as I follow the sound to it's owner. Warm brown eyes meet mine and I nod gently.
"Well hello there Myrtle." I say as I turn my gaze back to her, she nods her head up and down several times in excitement before she calms herself. "Are these lads not being gentleman enough to introduce you properly? Shame on them." I soothe her and she softly whinnies back to me. Another whinnie follows, before several others and I look around to find the other ponies are not happy about not getting any attention either.
"Woah girl!"
"Settle down now."
"There's no need to be getting excited now, calm down."
Each dwarf as well as Gandalf try to calm their steeds down as they all make a fuss. Kili's moves forward, not that he does anything to calm her down nor stop her as she comes towards me and I hold my hand out to her, she immediately calms and he has the foresight to rub against her mane in reassurance.
"Well, apparently it goes for the rest of the ponies as well. You should show them some respect fellas, after all, they are carrying you, I know women who'd kill you for less." I chuckle as I say this to them all and suddenly each male starts reassuring their steeds, including Thorin. Not that I know if every pony is female but just to get the point across, I assume so. Kili leans down and gently whispers to his pony, who lifts her head up in appreciation as he continues to rubs his fingers through her mane.
"Who's a good girl? You are! Yes, you are." I will not lie, the words and softly spoken tone of his does something to me and it takes my breath away. Kili's eyes meet mine as he continues to pet her and I try my best not to let the glint in his eyes get to me.
"Well, now that I know you fellas somewhat know how to treat a girl right, shall we get going?" Kili smirks as I begin to turn away from his pony and Myrtle. Thorin is still having a hard time steadying his so I walk forwards and reach a hand under her chin and another on her forehead.
"Shush girl, it's alright." She calms instantly and hums in response. I look up and Thorin is completely bewildered. "Evidently you don't know how to treat a girl Thorin. Telling her off, isn't going to work." Chuckles erupt behind me but some are smothered as he glowers over at the culprits. He then looks back to me, glowering still but his gaze softens as he begins to gently pet his pony and calm her. I walk away, grin attached to my face as I effortlessly mount Cas. "You wanna let them know it's alright Cas?" I ask him and he guffaws before whinnying to them. The ponies ears prick up instantly, and the ones still a bit unsteady, settle and immediately turn their attention to Cas.
"You mean to tell me, you could've just done that in the first place?" Bilbo asks confounded.
"Now where would the fun be in that Bilbo." My grin widens as he scoffs however Myrtle lifts her head and looks at him as if to say: You say one more word to my new friend and you're off!
"I didn't mean it Myrtle, I'm sorry." I smother my giggle the best I can as Bilbo looks even more terrified of his pony than before. As do the others actually, as Thorin commands the others to set off, gently persuading his pony to do so and they follow, each reassuring their pony respectively as they pass. I get a few nods from the dwarves as they pass, a couple of smiles too before Kili and Fili come up either side of me.
"We'd almost given up on you." Fili says, before encouraging his pony to walk on, Cas snorts before following and keeping up with Fili's pony, apparently taking a liking to him.
"I know, what time of the day do you call this?" Kili interjects, looking up at the position of the sun and scoffing to himself, Cas turns his head and moves his mouth to playfully nip at Kili's boots. "Hey!" He yelps in return and I chuckle before patting Cas's neck.
"Better late than never lads, besides, can't let you lot have all the fun." I grin slyly to myself, not looking at them.
"Now that, is something that I might have to disagree on, the fun part wise. Don't you agree Kee?" Fili asks playfully.
"Oh, I don't know, I think things are about to get more fun now, I'd say." Kili replies and the damn butterflies start back up.
"You two are going to test my patience and nerves aren't you? If I make it to Erebor sane, I should be Knighted." I hear a chuckle up front and follow it to Balin, who is looking at me with a twinkle in his eyes.
"You not wrong there lassie, I don't know about the being Knighted part but as for your patience and your nerves, I can let you know right now how those will turn out." Balin continues to ride whilst looking back at his, that twinkle growing brighter.
"Don't listen to him." Fili says, his mustache braids wiggles as he tries to suppress a smirk.
"It's all lies, lies I tell you." Kili says pointedly and I can't help but chuckle.
"Oh I don't know." I say as I encourage Cas to walk on faster. "Balin has told me a few stories about 2 wayward Prince's when I used to visit Erud Luin." Balin chuckles as I come up next to him and he winks back at the Prince's when they look put out.
"Now hold on a minute." Fili says.
"What stories?" Kili continues as they both encourage their ponies to go faster, but they seem content at the speed they are going and ignore their riders, apparently they favour me now.
"They give you any trouble lassie, just let me know, we can tag team them." Balin chuckles.
"See this is why I like you Balin. You're becoming my favourite!" I say, though Fili and Kili make it known they aren't happy as they let out yelps of protest, I just smile to myself.
"Ah now lass, you cut me, you cut me real deep!" Bofur pipes up, holding a hand up to his chest before dramatically collapsing against his saddle. Before popping right back up with a grin. "And here I thought I was your favourite."
"You scared me this morning Bofur."
"Complete misunderstanding." I chuckle back before turning my attention back to Balin.
"I believe, I have something for you." I say as I reach into my coat and pull out the contract and hand it over.
"Ah, yes lassie, I believe you do." He opens and pulls out his reading glass before humming to himself when he sees my signature. "Fine penmanship there lassie. Almost didn't need this." He points to his reading glass before storing it and the contract away.
"Thank you." I say softly and he realizes I don't mean my penmanship.
"Of course lassie, your most welcome." We continue on in content silence, every now and again, Balin would ask something, or point something out or pipe up when another dwarf started a conversation.
But all in all, it was interesting, an experience to behold. I'd never ridden with some many companions, and especially for the length of time I will be subjected to. The novelty will soon wear off, because after all, I am but a lone female travelling with 15 males. I grin to myself, oh this is definitely going to be interesting.
When the sun begins to lower beyond the horizon, I go to ask Thorin if we should find camp for the night when he slows the company down.
"We'll make camp soon, I do not wish to travel in the dark, we are more vulnerable then." I reach out and pat Bilbo's knee when I see him straighten up immediately.
"It's alright Bilbo, I won't let anything happen to you." I whisper to him, he nods though does look a little pale. "There's a small open grass land near the edge of this cliff we're coming up on Thorin, perhaps we'll make camp there?" I ask loudly so that Thorin can hear me and the others look at me in surprise, he stops for a moment before nodding his head towards Fili and Kili.
"Go scout the area, you've got 10 minutes." He asks, it's a command but it's a soft one, if that makes sense. They nod and speed up their ponies, passing the rest of us."I'll cover the back." I say to Thorin and he nods slightly but Cas is already moving, so in sync with myself that he wasn't even going to wait for an answer. Gandalf has already explained Cas's heritage and somewhat explained his connection with me without giving too much away, whether the others know about my heritage or not, they hadn't let on and Gandalf didn't want to press his luck. Cas positions himself so that he can still see the company but has a clean sight of the trail behind us in case anything pops out.
"It's clear." Not 10 minutes later and Fili returns, Kili not far behind him. "What Aurora said is true. We have a good vantage point for anything that may approach and attack us."
"Good, move on." Thorin says and the others follow Fili and Kili, I wait before they're all out of sight before moving after them, I'm surprised to see that Thorin has waited but at the same time, dread the conversation that may follow.
"I do not wish to offend you, but understand that I must think of the safety of my men first." He explains as we head towards to place I'd suggested where the others are already making camp.
"I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't think it would be a suitable spot, let's not forget that my brother is part of your company too, I will not willingly put him in danger, nor the others, it's not who I am. I understand your hesitation, you do not know me there fore you do not trust me, but may I suggest that you at least not take my word for granted. I have traveled far and wide Thorin, I have more knowledge of the land than what you do. I'm not saying you give me your trust impeccably but at least when it comes to making camp and what roads to take, you listen. I'd rather no-one gets hurt or lost either way."
He nods in understanding.
"I will take it into consideration."
"Thank you, now, I'm going to scout the land a bit further, to see what we're working with. I may even find something for supper." He nods again.
"Take one of the lads with you, I don't like the idea of you going alone." I stop Cas for a moment as I consider his words. "I am not saying you can not handle yourself alone, you have proved that already, I'm merely suggesting you take someone with you." He must've saw the look on my face that I was ready to argue before he added that last sentence.
"I'm not alone Thorin, I have Cas, do not underestimate the ponies, remember that." He nods again before looking at Cas, who in turn nods his head.
"If you're not back in 15 minutes-"
"Bilbo will have nagged your ear off and you'll be praying for me to return for your salvation." I manage to get a huff of a laugh from him, at least one near enough to it. "I've done this many times on my own now Thorin, I know what to look out for."
"But you're not on your own now Aurora, remember that too. Fili!" Fili's blonde haired head appears from no-where, he's on foot and looks ready to battle by the sheer call of his name from his uncle himself. "Aurora's going to scout the area, maybe find us a meal. If she's not back within 15 minutes, alert the company. Stand guard until she comes back will you." He asks as he steers his pony past Fili, of whom looks confused for a moment.
"Should I not go with her?" He asks before looking back at me with concern, ready to go back and get his pony. I see Kili appear not far from the skirts of the camp, suddenly interested in what's going on.
"She can manage, just stand guard, once she's back we'll have supper and rest. I'll decide who's on watch." Fili nods before looking back at me whilst his uncle rides away. I nod to him in reassurance as I encourage Cas to move on. Kili appears by his brothers side, concern written over his face as he watches me ride away.
Kili's P.O.V
"What's going on?" I ask my brother as I watch my uncle move into the camp without Aurora, I sincerely hope he hasn't forbade her from making camp with us.
"Aurora's scouting ahead, making sure everything's safe, possibly might bring back some meat too." Fee explains, though it does not subdue my worry as I look back to my uncle and to where I'd last seen Aurora. A bubble of disbelief and anger wells up in me and I look at Fee.
"And Uncle just let her go? I thought he was warming up to her? I'm going to go ask to go with her." I move to go ask my Uncle this but Fili grabs my arm, grounding me in my spot.
"Kee, Uncle stayed back with her, he talked to her. There was no shouting and Aurora left willingly. I have no doubt that Aurora suggested this to him and no doubt he'd asked for someone to go with her too. Alas, she has gone and Uncle has asked me to stand guard until she comes back, if she's not back in 15, we'll go after her." Fili lets go of my sleeve and I pace a little, not happy with the fact that she is out of sight, away from the protection of the company.
"I don't like this." I say after a few minutes, before leaning against a tree. I take my bow from it's sheath along with an arrow and notch it in place, just in case. Fili sighs as he turns back to where he'd last seen Aurora.
"I know. But remember Kee, she's a Guardian, she's does this so many times she can probably do it blindfolded."
"But she's alone!"
"But that's the thing Kee, she's always been alone. She doesn't know what it's like for someone to have her back, because she's never had someone to do that for her." I sigh, knowing he's right but it still doesn't make the whole situation right either.
"She's not used to this, traveling in a group, being around others."
"This is a new experience for her, something that may be hard for her to adjust to." A rustling behind us has us both falling into defensive positions, my arms raise readying my arrow and Fili has drawn his sword silently.
"It's just me boys." Uncles deep, timber voice reaches us as he comes out from the canopy of the trees with Balin and Dwalin.
"Good to see you're not slacking on the job boys." Dwalin drawls and I huff a laugh as I lower my bow in tune with Fili lowering his sword.
"You're right laddies, Aurora is not used to being in a group, much less taking command from somebody else. It's a whole new world for her. She doesn't know what it's like for others to help her, to be worried for her, nor to want to protect her. It's usually she who does all that. We need to be mindful else she will be overwhelmed and quite frankly, I'd rather not upset a Guardian." Dwalin chuckles.
"Aye, if I hadn't seen her flip Bofur the way she did, nor pin Thorin the way she did, she wouldn't be out there by herself. She'd be sitting with her brother right now."
"Let's not forget she tripped you up and pinned you with only one foot whilst she had Thorin pinned up against the wall now brother." Balin injects in, a twinkle in his eyes as Dwalin glares at him, Uncle chuckles gruffly and Fee and I don't bother hiding our laughter. "I'll be talking about that until the day I die."
"And we'll be sure to continue it on in your name Balin." Fee follows and Dwalin grumbles to himself as we laugh.
"Look, either way. I think we need to sit the lass down, reassure her that she doesn't have to do everything alone, doesn't always have to scout the area, look for food, stand guard and all that." Dwalin points out and we all murmur in agreement.
"It's a wonder she's ever made it back to Bilbo in one piece. I can't imagine doing all that alone, the exhaustion alone, would've overcome her."
"I have no doubt that Bilbo will see to it that she is taken care of, that she eats, drinks and sleeps like everyone else. We just have to make sure she knows it's okay to do it." Uncle says and Balin nods.
"When the lassie handed me the contract, Thorin, she looked so vulnerable, as if she was handing her life over to us. But humbled at the same time." Balin pauses for a moment as he remembers her expression. Fee and I had seen the look on her face, so vulnerable that if only my pony would've listened to me, I would've been able to reassure her.
"Aye, the lassie has never had to put her life in the hands of another, let alone in those she's just met and doesn't know. She's putting a lot of faith and trust in us. Let's see to it that we all follow through with it." Dwalin says before heading back to camp, more than likely to tell the others. Balin pats both mine and Fee's shoulders before following. Uncle moves forward, so that he is standing in the middle of us, watching the forest intently.
"What I said at Bag End, wasn't right and I apologize. I can already see the effect that she has on the company. So far, everyone has spoken highly of her and we are but a few days in to our journey. It pains me to have let her go, but she is her own person, and very much capable of being on her own, she's proven as much."
He sighs as he watches night around him.
"She's loyal, honourable and her heart is in the right place. When I put this company together, I asked each and everyone of you of this. It took me weeks, and yet she did that in one day. As a male and a king, watching one of my own, a female go off on her own, has me wanting to tear apart this forest branch by branch. And if she isn't back in 2 minutes, I'll be doing just that." Uncle had started off somber but honest, his eyes never straying from the forest but as he got to the end, he becomes well playful, like he used to be when we were younger and I chuckle a little.
"Stop your worrying, will you. You're giving me a headache!" Aurora's voice suddenly echo's in my head and my gaze shoots straight to the forest. Both Uncle and Fili do the same thing.
"Wait, did she just-" I start.
"The mind thing?" Fili finishes.
"Gandalf said-" Uncle start.
"Gandalf is the biggest drama Queen going." Her voices echoes again in our heads that even Uncle turns slowly, trying to figure out where she is. "And loves the idea of leaving you either wanting more or wondering what if." This time her voice calls across from the forest, where we saw her last. I splutter a laugh in surprise as she emerges on foot, Cas following in her wake with a freshly killed bore strapped on the saddle. She's smirking as she walks towards us and even Uncle is surprised when she stops in front of us.
"How?" Uncle asks as he assesses her for wounds, but there's not a drop of blood on her nor Cas.
"Granted when I first started the whole talking to each other through the mind thing, I could only do it with someone who knows how to do it as well. However-" She pauses as she waits for Cas to catch up with her. "I'm stronger now and well taught, I can reach other peoples minds at any distance, and can open the connection to several people too. You can even talk back to me if you want."
"Eath Skirth!" Aurora laughs, so loud that I'm sure the others can hear her.
"Kili!" Uncle scolds me.
"You were thinking the same!" I reply back. "I may have just thought it a little bit louder." I admit though Aurora just laughs again at this, I chuckle too, though her laugh is infectious.
"Don't worry, I'm not a mind reader and I wont eavesdrop on anyone and the connection only stays open if I want it too. So, don't worry about thinking loudly or thinking improper thoughts, I can only hear it if I'm already connected to you."
"Now don't just stand there, help me get this pig onto the fire, I'm sure everyone's hungry!" Thorin chuckles lowly before calling behind.
"Lads, whose up for some pork tonight?" Cheers sound out and a stampede of hungry male dwarves arrive in no time.
"Nice one lassie!"
"Look at the size of it!"
"Bombur think there's enough for you and the rest of us?" Laughter spills from all of our lips as the company praises Aurora for the kill, helping each other to get the bore off of Cas's back. Ori, bless him, takes a hold of Cas's reigns and tries to lead him to the rest of the ponies.
"Now Mr Cas, I'm sure you're exhausted, let's get you over here, get all of this gear off of you, there's some lovely food and water waiting for you, doesn't that sound good?" He says softly and I watch as Aurora all but melts at the sight of the kind hearted dwarf trying to persuade her companion. "If that's okay with you Lady Aurora."
"That's absolutely fine Ori, but please-" She approaches him and smiles. "Call me Aurora or Rose. None of that Miss or Lady business." Ori nods and this time when he pulls gently on the reigns, Cas follows willingly, looking back every so often for Aurora.
"Did you find much out there Aurora?" Uncle asks gently as he leads us back to the camp, arms crossed but not at all threatening, this time Dwalin and Bofur stand guard, though not without praising Aurora as she walks past them.
"These a few old trials leading towards the bottom of the valley, I came across them as I was hunting the bore. They look like orcs." Uncle freezes for a moment before sharing a look with Dwalin. He looks back to Aurora before nodding for her to continue. "A small pack of them, only 3, possible 2 wargs but from their tracks, the wargs seem lame. My guesses are they were chasing the bore as well but couldn't keep up. It's off the beaten path and at least a few weeks old. Doesn't look like many animals come through this side of the forest so it was easy to spot the breaks in the foliage and tracks in the ground. If they are still in the area, we all would've seen their tracks, my best guess is there are far away and if not, they won't attack such a large group."
"Good, we'll keep an eye out. For now, rest up until Bombur is ready to serve the food, you did good." The praising, I can see, is hard to accept. She feels out of place, embarrassed even. She looks ready to disregard the praises so one look at Fili and we each grab on arm and lift.
"Honestly Thor-OI!" Uncle chuckles as she fights against our hold, we carry her to her bed roll of which has already been unpacked with her blanket, by Bilbo I'm assuming. He pats the roll, as it's been placed next to his, and we plop her down gently. Not without having to jump back out of her arms reach once we'd let go.
"Feisty little thing isn't she?"
"Aye indeed Kee, almost didn't see her for a moment." Fili chimes in and her face darkens.
"Oh-huh-hah." She laughs mockingly. "Oh I'll show you who's little." She goes to jump up but Dori appears in front of her with a cup of tea.
"Here you are Aurora, just how you like, or so, how Bilbo has told me how you like it." Bilbo, though is smirking, somewhat happy to see Aurora's rage unleashed on someone else, quickly deposits her blanket over her legs and lap.
"Yes, Rose, I taught Dori how to make it just how you like it, now drink up and get cozy." Fili and I back away, grinning though she may have been subdued for now. I can see it in her eyes, she'll get us back and I can not wait for it.
"Bastards." Fili and I laugh, whilst the others look startled, even Uncle looks over to us as we guffaw. Though he looks to Aurora and puts the pieces together before a grin crosses his face for a split second.