Chapter Two
After two days steady travelling; Thendel began to feel as though she was being watched. It was that uncomfortable feeling; the one where the hairs on the back of your neck seem to stand up. A light rain began to fall as she moved quickly into the undergrowth. Her staff was gripped firmly in her small hands as she settled back against a tree to wait.
After what seemed like an impossibly long time, probably due to the rain starting to seep through her clothes, Thendel heard a voice further back on the path. She was unsure what shocked her more; the fact someone was singing with the dangers in these woods, or the fact she knew the voice very well.
A blonde mop of curly hair appeared around the corner, quickly followed by a young Hobbit merrily singing.
Cherry pie, and apple too, Don't forget Bungo's stew, Three for me, and three for you, Can you eat as Hobbit's do?
Ah, yes I'll have a seat, And a stool to rest my feet, Lot's of good friends to greet, Yes I can eat as Hobbit's eat.
Loaves of bread piping hot, Porridge eaten straight from the pot, We'll have a feast; we've got a lot, Can you manage what a Hobbit can tot?
Ah, yes I'll have a seat, And a stool to rest my feet, Lot's of good friends to greet, Yes I can eat as Hobbit's eat.
There's the cheese over there, I hear the wine is rather rare, Eat it up without a care, Could you eat a Hobbit's fare?
Ah, yes I'll have a seat, And a stool to rest my feet, Lot's of good friends to greet, Yes I can eat as Hobbit's eat.
There are piles of food galore, Don't be afraid to ask for more, There's cakes shelved in the store, Isn't that what good friends are for?
Thendel slipped silently behind the warbling Hobbit and clamped a firm hand over his mouth. She hushed him silently when he went to protest and pull her hand away, then pulled him back into the undergrowth with her. After a few moments the Hobbit stopped struggling and lay still. With a sigh of relief she took her hand away.
"Everard Took, what on earth are you doing here?" She demanded sternly. The young Hobbit blushed underneath her scrutinising gaze and dropped his head. The rain began to fall more steadily. Grasping his chin in her hands she raised his face to look at her.
"I, I, some 'ink tole me to follow you Thendel. Honest, on Old Took's honour it did." Twisting his hands in his lap, the young Hobbit's eyes kept flicking back and forth nervously. Thendel was just about to reply when a scream sounded. The rain had begun to fall in steady sheets of white now, beating down on the Hobbit's uncovered head relentlessly.
Standing, she pulled Everard up with her and walked quietly in the direction of the scream. Everard padded along behind her, equally as silent but shivering with fear. Together they followed the path until they could see a light shining up ahead. Flitting shadows moved about to what sounded like a drum beat, faster and faster. Their movements grew wilder and more frenzied as the pair crept up.
By the light of a large campfire in the middle of the road, Thendel and Everard could make out a band of orcs. Not too many, but what seemed like a lot for two inexperienced things like them. Off to one side was someone bound to a pole, one of the orcs was tying a filthy piece of material around its mouth as the watched. If any amusement could have been got from the situation it would have been watching the orc try and fit it around the beard. From that and it's build Thendel could only assume it was a dwarf.
Indicating to Everard to stay where he was, Thendel slipped around until she was just behind the dwarf.
"Just stay as still as you can sir, no sudden movements and me and my friend will have you free as quick as you can say Hobbiton."
The dwarf grunted something in reply but did as she bid him too. Using the tip of her sword Thendel began to work at the rope tying the dwarf to the pole. Already his hands were starting to change color through lack of circulation and she knew she didn't have much time before he would be useless in the fight. Whispering thanks to the rain which hid her from the orcs sight, and was blessedly putting out the huge bonfire slowly, she finished the hands and started on his feet.
She was aware of the presence again and patting the ground next to her she tried not too show her annoyance as Everard sat down beside her. He was puffing heavily but he had an annoyingly smug grin on his face as he patted something next too him. The dwarf gave a grunt of surprise and Thendel turned to see a battle-axe. The young Hobbit had retrieved it from the orcs.
Flashing him a quick smile, Thendel began to untie the dirty rag in around the dwarf's mouth. It was stained dark with blood and she dropped it to the ground in disdain. Rubbing his hands furiously behind his back in an effort to get circulation back the dwarf muttered his thanks before grabbing his battle-axe.
Thendel only had enough time too shove a small knife in Everard's hand and push him backwards before the dwarf roared and the two attacked the unwary band of orcs. Stunned the closest orcs fell to the dwarf's sweeping axe as it cleaved their heads off, and Thendel's staff as heads were quickly cracked with more strength than skill.
However those furthest away soon recovered from their shock and grabbed their own weapons. The dwarf dealt with his captors with a great deal of finesse despite his evident rage and it wasn't too long before the first onslaught was dealt with. An arrow sped through the air and lodged itself firmly in one of the orc's necks. Glancing in the direction it had come from, Thendel could make out Everard perched in a tree with a stolen bow and quiver of arrows.
As she turned back she knocked the wind out of an orc holding its sword above her head. Drawing her staff back she heaved it at him again, landing just below its chest making it double over in pain. Spinning on her heel she thumped it into an orc's neck snapping it with a bone-crunching sound. The fire had now died in the onslaught of the rain, and thunder boomed around. Wiping her wet hair from her eyes, she ignored the smear of blood and continued fighting. ---- Sunlight drifted through the waving branches of the trees making shifting shadows on the wet ground. A constant drip of water fell from the leaves on the trees, wetting the miserable trio. The dwarf and Hobbit glared at each other from their separate sides of the small clearing as Thendel gently mopped the blood from the dwarf's arm. Her own head was bandaged tight and already the blood was seeping through the material.
As she finished Thendel sat back to admire her work, it still needed bandaging; the bottom of her cloak would do for that, but for now she had a question that needed asking.
"Who are you sir? And what brought you into the hands of those foul creatures?"
The dwarf stared at her pensively as she started to tear a strip of material from the bottom of her cloak. His face remained as stony as the homes of his kind for a few minutes before he deigned to answer.
"My name is Throin that is all. Anymore than that I cannot tell you, nor is there anything to tell except I was waylaid. And now."
He paused for a few minutes as Thendel tied the strip of material around his wound. The dwarf flexed his fingers when she had finished and seemed pleased with her work because he managed a small smile.
"Where was I?"
Everard went to answer before Throin hushed him severely.
"Ah yes; and now I have nowhere to go. I was sent somewhere and didn't arrive at the allotted time. So now it seems I am homeless once more."
The young Hobbit started to fidget impatiently. Tapping his finger lightly on Thendel's knee he pointed in the direction of the woods behind them. Nodding Thendel let him go and with a much hushed whoop of joy he bounced off into the trees.
"And now young gel, care to tell me what you're doing wandering in these woods with a young rapscallion such as that Hobbit?"
"He isn't a worry Throin I assure you, Everard just gets a little excited sometimes." At this point the dwarf huffed and glared in the direction the Hobbit had run off "He is, my best friend. He followed me when I left my home you see, and I couldn't very well tell him to go home."
"And your name?"
"Pardon? Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Thendel, Thendel Fowler. And Ev's full name is Everard Took. I was travelling with two elves for awhile."
The dwarf stood abruptly and tugged at the bandages impatiently. Shouldering his battle-axe he started walking down the road. Clambering up Thendel tried not to notice the fact her vision was swimming and chased after him.
"Throin, are you okay? Did I say something?"
"Say something? Say something?! You dear girl are consorting with the very creatures," Spitting out the word creatures as though it were dirty tasting he continued, "That have made me homeless. Leading those orcs there and having them destroy my home and my family. My FAMILY Thendel! Money can't replace that."
"I know" Thendel whispered softly.
"You know? How could you know? You're just a child. No I don't think you do and I don't need the pity of an elf-friend. Go, Go back to your precious Hobbit friend and leave me to my mourning."
Throin turned his back on her and sat down on a rock. Thendel stood staring at his broad back for a few moments then turned herself. However she didn't walk away.
"My family died Throin, and I should have died with them. Who knows maybe I wouldn't be following this hopeless destiny if I had. But I have to live with it, I've learnt to live with it. It was hard and do you know what? Some nights it hurts so bad I cry myself to sleep. It is then I am glad for my precious Hobbit friend. I have learnt to love him Throin, everyone needs friends."
Tears streaked her face as she turned slowly to face the aged dwarf again. His eyes had gained a haunted look and his beard quivered slightly. Folding his arms tightly across his chest he began to rock back and forth.
"It is okay to cry Throin."
Shifting slightly he grunted then choked out a sob. Holding his head in his hands he lent over. Tears splashed onto the already damp ground as Thendel rushed to the dwarf's side and wrapped her small arms around him. Smoothing his hair down as R?nfuin had done for her only a few days ago she whispered to him softly. Wordless nothings, soothing his frayed emotions so raw for a dwarf.
Light footsteps headed towards them, barely noticeable over Throin's sobs. From around the corner Everard skipped, his arms laden with food. A mushroom disappeared into his mouth as he stopped beside them. Dropping them to the ground he grinned.
"Elevenses."
Glaring at the Hobbit Throin rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands furiously. Drying the tears on his face he shrugged Thendel's comforting embrace off nonchalantly. Everard winked cheekily at him as he casually popped another mushroom into his mouth. In a few moments the trio had a small fire going and were heating water up for a stew. A rabbit lay on a rock and Thendel was skinning it carefully as Everard sliced up the vegetables with the knife the girl had given him the night before.
Throin sat to one side glaring at Everard still when Thendel's voice broke his reverie.
"You are quite welcome to join us if you like Throin, a fighter like you will come in handy and we both welcome new friends don't we Ev?"
Grinning Everard nodded, "Oh aye, we do."
"The day I become friends with that fool of a Took is the day that I allow myself to be caught again. " Throin said gruffily, "But I shall join you Thendel."
After two days steady travelling; Thendel began to feel as though she was being watched. It was that uncomfortable feeling; the one where the hairs on the back of your neck seem to stand up. A light rain began to fall as she moved quickly into the undergrowth. Her staff was gripped firmly in her small hands as she settled back against a tree to wait.
After what seemed like an impossibly long time, probably due to the rain starting to seep through her clothes, Thendel heard a voice further back on the path. She was unsure what shocked her more; the fact someone was singing with the dangers in these woods, or the fact she knew the voice very well.
A blonde mop of curly hair appeared around the corner, quickly followed by a young Hobbit merrily singing.
Cherry pie, and apple too, Don't forget Bungo's stew, Three for me, and three for you, Can you eat as Hobbit's do?
Ah, yes I'll have a seat, And a stool to rest my feet, Lot's of good friends to greet, Yes I can eat as Hobbit's eat.
Loaves of bread piping hot, Porridge eaten straight from the pot, We'll have a feast; we've got a lot, Can you manage what a Hobbit can tot?
Ah, yes I'll have a seat, And a stool to rest my feet, Lot's of good friends to greet, Yes I can eat as Hobbit's eat.
There's the cheese over there, I hear the wine is rather rare, Eat it up without a care, Could you eat a Hobbit's fare?
Ah, yes I'll have a seat, And a stool to rest my feet, Lot's of good friends to greet, Yes I can eat as Hobbit's eat.
There are piles of food galore, Don't be afraid to ask for more, There's cakes shelved in the store, Isn't that what good friends are for?
Thendel slipped silently behind the warbling Hobbit and clamped a firm hand over his mouth. She hushed him silently when he went to protest and pull her hand away, then pulled him back into the undergrowth with her. After a few moments the Hobbit stopped struggling and lay still. With a sigh of relief she took her hand away.
"Everard Took, what on earth are you doing here?" She demanded sternly. The young Hobbit blushed underneath her scrutinising gaze and dropped his head. The rain began to fall more steadily. Grasping his chin in her hands she raised his face to look at her.
"I, I, some 'ink tole me to follow you Thendel. Honest, on Old Took's honour it did." Twisting his hands in his lap, the young Hobbit's eyes kept flicking back and forth nervously. Thendel was just about to reply when a scream sounded. The rain had begun to fall in steady sheets of white now, beating down on the Hobbit's uncovered head relentlessly.
Standing, she pulled Everard up with her and walked quietly in the direction of the scream. Everard padded along behind her, equally as silent but shivering with fear. Together they followed the path until they could see a light shining up ahead. Flitting shadows moved about to what sounded like a drum beat, faster and faster. Their movements grew wilder and more frenzied as the pair crept up.
By the light of a large campfire in the middle of the road, Thendel and Everard could make out a band of orcs. Not too many, but what seemed like a lot for two inexperienced things like them. Off to one side was someone bound to a pole, one of the orcs was tying a filthy piece of material around its mouth as the watched. If any amusement could have been got from the situation it would have been watching the orc try and fit it around the beard. From that and it's build Thendel could only assume it was a dwarf.
Indicating to Everard to stay where he was, Thendel slipped around until she was just behind the dwarf.
"Just stay as still as you can sir, no sudden movements and me and my friend will have you free as quick as you can say Hobbiton."
The dwarf grunted something in reply but did as she bid him too. Using the tip of her sword Thendel began to work at the rope tying the dwarf to the pole. Already his hands were starting to change color through lack of circulation and she knew she didn't have much time before he would be useless in the fight. Whispering thanks to the rain which hid her from the orcs sight, and was blessedly putting out the huge bonfire slowly, she finished the hands and started on his feet.
She was aware of the presence again and patting the ground next to her she tried not too show her annoyance as Everard sat down beside her. He was puffing heavily but he had an annoyingly smug grin on his face as he patted something next too him. The dwarf gave a grunt of surprise and Thendel turned to see a battle-axe. The young Hobbit had retrieved it from the orcs.
Flashing him a quick smile, Thendel began to untie the dirty rag in around the dwarf's mouth. It was stained dark with blood and she dropped it to the ground in disdain. Rubbing his hands furiously behind his back in an effort to get circulation back the dwarf muttered his thanks before grabbing his battle-axe.
Thendel only had enough time too shove a small knife in Everard's hand and push him backwards before the dwarf roared and the two attacked the unwary band of orcs. Stunned the closest orcs fell to the dwarf's sweeping axe as it cleaved their heads off, and Thendel's staff as heads were quickly cracked with more strength than skill.
However those furthest away soon recovered from their shock and grabbed their own weapons. The dwarf dealt with his captors with a great deal of finesse despite his evident rage and it wasn't too long before the first onslaught was dealt with. An arrow sped through the air and lodged itself firmly in one of the orc's necks. Glancing in the direction it had come from, Thendel could make out Everard perched in a tree with a stolen bow and quiver of arrows.
As she turned back she knocked the wind out of an orc holding its sword above her head. Drawing her staff back she heaved it at him again, landing just below its chest making it double over in pain. Spinning on her heel she thumped it into an orc's neck snapping it with a bone-crunching sound. The fire had now died in the onslaught of the rain, and thunder boomed around. Wiping her wet hair from her eyes, she ignored the smear of blood and continued fighting. ---- Sunlight drifted through the waving branches of the trees making shifting shadows on the wet ground. A constant drip of water fell from the leaves on the trees, wetting the miserable trio. The dwarf and Hobbit glared at each other from their separate sides of the small clearing as Thendel gently mopped the blood from the dwarf's arm. Her own head was bandaged tight and already the blood was seeping through the material.
As she finished Thendel sat back to admire her work, it still needed bandaging; the bottom of her cloak would do for that, but for now she had a question that needed asking.
"Who are you sir? And what brought you into the hands of those foul creatures?"
The dwarf stared at her pensively as she started to tear a strip of material from the bottom of her cloak. His face remained as stony as the homes of his kind for a few minutes before he deigned to answer.
"My name is Throin that is all. Anymore than that I cannot tell you, nor is there anything to tell except I was waylaid. And now."
He paused for a few minutes as Thendel tied the strip of material around his wound. The dwarf flexed his fingers when she had finished and seemed pleased with her work because he managed a small smile.
"Where was I?"
Everard went to answer before Throin hushed him severely.
"Ah yes; and now I have nowhere to go. I was sent somewhere and didn't arrive at the allotted time. So now it seems I am homeless once more."
The young Hobbit started to fidget impatiently. Tapping his finger lightly on Thendel's knee he pointed in the direction of the woods behind them. Nodding Thendel let him go and with a much hushed whoop of joy he bounced off into the trees.
"And now young gel, care to tell me what you're doing wandering in these woods with a young rapscallion such as that Hobbit?"
"He isn't a worry Throin I assure you, Everard just gets a little excited sometimes." At this point the dwarf huffed and glared in the direction the Hobbit had run off "He is, my best friend. He followed me when I left my home you see, and I couldn't very well tell him to go home."
"And your name?"
"Pardon? Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Thendel, Thendel Fowler. And Ev's full name is Everard Took. I was travelling with two elves for awhile."
The dwarf stood abruptly and tugged at the bandages impatiently. Shouldering his battle-axe he started walking down the road. Clambering up Thendel tried not to notice the fact her vision was swimming and chased after him.
"Throin, are you okay? Did I say something?"
"Say something? Say something?! You dear girl are consorting with the very creatures," Spitting out the word creatures as though it were dirty tasting he continued, "That have made me homeless. Leading those orcs there and having them destroy my home and my family. My FAMILY Thendel! Money can't replace that."
"I know" Thendel whispered softly.
"You know? How could you know? You're just a child. No I don't think you do and I don't need the pity of an elf-friend. Go, Go back to your precious Hobbit friend and leave me to my mourning."
Throin turned his back on her and sat down on a rock. Thendel stood staring at his broad back for a few moments then turned herself. However she didn't walk away.
"My family died Throin, and I should have died with them. Who knows maybe I wouldn't be following this hopeless destiny if I had. But I have to live with it, I've learnt to live with it. It was hard and do you know what? Some nights it hurts so bad I cry myself to sleep. It is then I am glad for my precious Hobbit friend. I have learnt to love him Throin, everyone needs friends."
Tears streaked her face as she turned slowly to face the aged dwarf again. His eyes had gained a haunted look and his beard quivered slightly. Folding his arms tightly across his chest he began to rock back and forth.
"It is okay to cry Throin."
Shifting slightly he grunted then choked out a sob. Holding his head in his hands he lent over. Tears splashed onto the already damp ground as Thendel rushed to the dwarf's side and wrapped her small arms around him. Smoothing his hair down as R?nfuin had done for her only a few days ago she whispered to him softly. Wordless nothings, soothing his frayed emotions so raw for a dwarf.
Light footsteps headed towards them, barely noticeable over Throin's sobs. From around the corner Everard skipped, his arms laden with food. A mushroom disappeared into his mouth as he stopped beside them. Dropping them to the ground he grinned.
"Elevenses."
Glaring at the Hobbit Throin rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands furiously. Drying the tears on his face he shrugged Thendel's comforting embrace off nonchalantly. Everard winked cheekily at him as he casually popped another mushroom into his mouth. In a few moments the trio had a small fire going and were heating water up for a stew. A rabbit lay on a rock and Thendel was skinning it carefully as Everard sliced up the vegetables with the knife the girl had given him the night before.
Throin sat to one side glaring at Everard still when Thendel's voice broke his reverie.
"You are quite welcome to join us if you like Throin, a fighter like you will come in handy and we both welcome new friends don't we Ev?"
Grinning Everard nodded, "Oh aye, we do."
"The day I become friends with that fool of a Took is the day that I allow myself to be caught again. " Throin said gruffily, "But I shall join you Thendel."