A/N: Hello, hello. Quick note, I'd like to remind people, that I don't own neither the books or movies. I am basing my story mainly from the movies, with a possible flick back to the book. Also, I am not street wise when it comes to this, I'm not quite sure who's who when it comes to the creators and such and basically making things up the best I can and molding it best for my story with as much as I can with what I know, or have searched for. So, apologies if certain things are in accurate, let loose and go with me on this. It's all part of the fun of fanfiction. But any who, you will have 3, you hear that, 3! New chapters, it's currently 3:30am where I am and I may have had a drink or two as I've wrote these chapters, so I apologise yet again! I hope you enjoy regardless, let me know what you think!
Lost.
I awoke early, as usual, the following morning. I was never a good sleeper, always the last one to sleep and first one to wake. I suppose at this point, it is a natural occurrence to me. As many a night's, I have been kept up late, whether that be by watch duty or purely out of lack of tiredness. Mother believes it has something to do with my Elvin heritage, they rarely need sleep nor exhaust easily. She figured that as the reason and of course Gandalf agrees, as do many of the other Guardians but for me personally, I don't quite know what to think. But it sure has helped me in my toughest times.
"Hmm." A sleepy hum emits from the curly topped terror, also known as my brother, as he continues to sleep and dream, none the wiser to my awakening. Shifting slightly, I manoeuvre myself from underneath the blanket and escape.
Perks of living with hobbits, as you already know, I've somewhat managed to adapt to their light footedness. Partially the reason why Bilbo and I managed to sneak out most nights, back in the earlier years of my new life. We'd sneak out after dark, sure that mother was asleep. Starting out it would be for adventures in the woods at night, as we both got older and matured, we soon found better adventures in the forms of pub crawls.
I smile fondly at the many memories of sneaking out and then getting caught coming back in the mornings, just a wee bit merry, or merrier in Bilbo's case. Rubbing my hands over my face, I lightly pad my way over to the door and test the handle, no sound emits as I open the door and sneak through the small gap I have created, turning around and gently closing the door behind me. I feel the air shift and realised I've made a crucial mistake in forgetting about the rest of the occupants of Bag End.
"Morning lassie!" A cheerfully loud voice greets me, a little too loudly for my liking and considering the time of the morning I do not expect anyone else up, so, I react like any other person would. Well, like a trained and seasoned warrior would if someone snuck up on them in the comforts of their own home, I should say.
" How-AHHH!" Taking the rather cheerful and unsuspecting dwarf by surprise, I pivot round, grabbing the oncoming hand that was on it's way to grab my shoulder in greeting, I twist it over and pull it towards me, the person it is attached to is surprised by my strength as he suddenly finds himself being flipped over my shoulder, landing flat onto his back in a matter of seconds. My reflexes are automatically making me step over him, twisting his arm again, flipping him onto his front and pinning him to the floor as to stop any attempts at fighting back or escaping.
There's silence, as I blink away the last dregs of sleep and a familiar floppy hat comes into my vision, followed by the pained expression attached to the dwarf's face I have currently pinned to the floor. A series of muffled footsteps and several gasps reach my ears as reality hits me.
"Oh, my, Lord!" I mutter to myself in disbelief that I'd just taken a poor, innocent, unsuspecting dwarf who was just trying to give me a good morning greeting, as a potential threat and dealt with him as if he were one. Releasing my grip, I quickly flutter around him in a motherly manner of concern.
"I am so, so sorry!" I lift him to his feet, all the while he is looking at me in awe as I panic, my hands checking him over for any broken bones. "I didn't realise. I got carried away." I quickly check the hand I could have broken, then felt along the arm that I also could have broken.
"I'm sorry. You took me by surprise." I follow up to his shoulder before letting go and moving around him to check the back of his head for any bumps or bleeding. "Does anything hurt?" I quickly flutter back around to the front of him, my hands lift to my mouth in worry and he continues to look at me in a state of shock. "Bofur?" My voice cracks a little with worry, I lift my hand and wave it in front of him.
"I- I." Oh no, I've broken him, possible concussion!
"I think that's the first time I've witnessed him speechless! He never shuts up." A dwarf with darkish blond hair, styled up in points, chuckles. Bringing me to the present as I stare around at the remaining dwarves, and wizard.
"Now, now Nori." Gandalf chuckles. I look back at Bofur just as Oin, I believe, walks forwards. Bilbo had explained to me last night who was who, in great detail so I have a rough idea of who's who. However I didn't let on, at any point during my arrival that I personally knew one dwarf and it seems, he is none the wiser to me as well.
"Lassie!" Bofur breathes out. "What was that?" He laughs at me as he straightens his hat before grinning at his audience around him, Oin backs away, chuckling slightly to himself. "One minute I was up here and then the next I was on the floor!" He laughs again, showing know signs of injury nor acting like the situation has bothered him in the slightest.
"You caught me by surprise, usually I'm the only one up at this time of the morning, are you alright Bofur, does anything hurt?" I grasp his shoulders gently as I question him, my face most likely showing my worry.
"Other than me pride lass." He laughs, as do the others. "That was amazing, whatever it was you did. There is no doubting as to who you are now lass. Not many folks out there can say they managed to flip and disarm a dwarf within thirty seconds mind you. Got some strength in ya lass!" He laughs again and my hands drop from him, I think I'm the one who's a little in shock now. He winks and moves back to join the rest of the dwarves in observing me.
"A lot can happen in thirty seconds. Especially out in the wild, in a life or death situation. It sort of comes naturally to me these days." I mutter, still in a state of disbelief as he basically gives himself a shake and is right as rain again.
"Don't worry about me lassie, I'm alright, you took me by surprise too, if not a bit more than what I gave you, serves me right." He winks at me again and moves back into the kitchen, several of the other dwarves follow him. The ones that do stay behind though, raise a bout of concern in me. As one, is looking at me with distain.
"I would like words with you Miss." Thorin's deep baritone asks and he looks back to Bilbo's study.
"After a cup of tea." I groan and wave him off as I walk past him towards the kitchen. "Otherwise I won't be responsible if you happen to be the next dwarf pinned on the floor." Someone chuckles and I turn around to find the dark-haired dwarf from last night, the curious one, looking at me with anticipation, mischief alight in his eyes as he all but buzzes with excitement.
"I wouldn't encourage her Kili. I've seen her take down worser beings than your Uncle, for little reasoning as to why as well." Gandalf says, though his own eyes are full of mischief. "I think it would be wise to let her wake up properly, alas I fear we may just be a few dwarves down before this adventure starts." I hum in agreement as I get to work on making my cup of tea, the kettle is already boiling and so it takes no time to make my brew.
"Here Lassie, for your troubles this morning." Bombur presents me with a bowl of porridge, the scents of honey and cinnamon heavy in the air.
"Bless you Bombur, thank you. I promise, I'm not the sleep monster Gandalf makes me out to be." Taking the bowl from him, he smiles at me, a low chuckle escaping his lips before he makes himself scarce.
Lifting my cup up, I take a sip and sigh in relief as the tea awakens the rest of my body, it's warmth spreading right up to the tips of my fingers and toes. Already feeling that little more awake, I seat myself and dig into my breakfast. The dwarves leave me be and I enjoy the peace once again. Well, as much as I can with Gandalf in the room with me.
"I believe Thorin would like to discuss the lengths of your services you will be giving Bilbo, and no doubt enquire as to your travelling arrangements and such, unfortunately he didn't take council with myself last night so I am not quite sure as to what you should expect."
"Even a slight heads up, is welcomed Gandalf, I can already see what relationship I will have with him just from yesterday's conversation. I need to keep my head around him, otherwise I dare say, he won't it to that mountain or, if he does, I'll be making sure he has a bit more sense and respect for me when he arrives there."
"I dare say the stubborn fool will not heed anyone's advice but from his own kin. Of which I suspect is who he sought council with last night."
"Besides, you and I both know that he need not worry about those things; I can take care of myself. And I can procure food when needed so he needn't worry about that either." I say in between mouthfuls of porridge and tea. "All he needs to worry about is the rest of his company and what route his wishes to take to reach Erebor. Like I explained to Bilbo last night, the roads I normally take are being used by those who have, well, less than favourable intentions to anyone else they come across."
"I agree, which is why I will be taking the lead. And only allowing him to command the stops. I'd also like you to point out any roads that are less than favourable, as you say. Then at least we can avoid those the best we can. We are trying to keep this quest as low profile as possible."
"And you think thirteen dwarfs, a halfling, a wizard and my merry self, will be discreet enough to go by unnoticed?" He gives me a blank look before sighing to himself.
"You know the way of the world. Perhaps a lot better than I do. You have agreed to come on this quest, regardless as to what your reasons for it are. You and I both know; you have ways of shielding yourself from seeking the attention of others. I am simply asking that you help me do the same."
"And do you think Thorin will be happy with this, will willingly follow my lead when you no longer can?"
"If it's for the good of this quest and the well being of his company, he should."
"What he should do and what he will do, can mean two entirely different outcomes, especially where his stubbornness is concerned. He's already shown what his opinions and feelings of me are, not to mention my coming on this quest. What makes you think he will follow me?"
"A good King, will do what is good for his people."
"Whether he will, is another matter." I say softly. I move to wash my dishes and refill my cup, but a dwarf with, an axe in his head?! Beats me to it. I stare somewhat concerned and horrified as he takes my bowl and spoon from me and shoo's me away from the sink. Dori soon makes an appearance out of nowhere, filling my cup again before disappearing just as quick as he appeared.
"Sneaky little buggers this lot, aren't they?" I chuckle quietly to myself and Gandalf huffs a laugh at my question.
"You best be off, lest you make Thorin delve further into a foul mood." I grunt back to him through a mouthful of perfectly brewed tea, already making my way to Bilbo's study. There I am greeted with the grumpy faced King himself, Balin, Dwalin and the dark- and light-haired dwarves from last night as well.
"Thorin." I say in acknowledgement, I do have manners. "Good morning Balin! Sleep alright?" I say chirpily to him, wondering if he recognises me yet.
"Aye Lassie, not bad." He chuckles as he pulls a scroll from out of his inner coat pocket. And I'll take that as a no, to my question. "Are you awake enough yet, I have some official business for you." I groan quietly into my cup.
"If I can make it through official business with Saruman and the other Wizards and Guardians, for three days straight and make it out in one piece, I'd like to think this should be a piece of cake."
"Right then, seeing as the both of you are far too stubborn for your own good." I gasp in mock disbelief as he points his quill to me and then to Thorin, who just rolls his eyes. However there is a hint of a smile to his face. Well, his lips twitched. We will call that as close to as smile as we can. Balin raises an eyebrow at me before shaking his head. "I shall be the one to do all of the talking." His word seems final and Thorin does not challenge him over it.
"Very well, Balin, I'm all ears." I raise my cup to him before taking a sip.
"Following our discussion here last night, Thorin and I took council with his nephews; the Princes Fili and Kili and his Captain of the Royal Guard; Dwalin. We have decided on what is best to do with you." I feel insulted! "In the sense of what your role will be on this quest and within the company given your Guardian status." Now that makes a bit more sense. "They are here as witnesses and should they feel the need to add anything else to the contract, they will speak up." He mainly says this with a slight head tilt to Fili and Kili, who look at each other subtly before looking back at Thorin, who's eyes have harden again.
Evidently, Balin is trying to encourage them to speak their thoughts but they are too worried about what Thorin will do or say about it.
"Contract?" I question, a little confused.
"I'll explain: Should one Bilbo Baggins, sign his agreement in joining this quest and becoming a member of the company of Thorin Oakenshield, you will hereby, be automatically included in this quest as well." He clears his throat as he unrolls the scroll, Kili fidgets a little, obviously full of anticipation as to what is about to be read, his brother, Fili, gives him a small look and nod before he settles himself. However, I do not miss the worried and concerned glances the send my way.
"Following the joining, one Aurora Baggins, will take her place as the fifteenth member of this company. She will hence forth be in this company but not be a part of it. She will fulfil her duty in protecting Mister Bilbo Baggins and take his place as burglar should he fall ill, or she fails in her duty of protecting him." I here snippets of the rest of his readings after this, my mind already a burst with the multiple scenarios where Bilbo can potentially fall ill or I fail him.
"…In addition to this, should anyone else seek her protection or is called upon, the company will hence forth be responsible for the safety and well being of Bilbo Baggins until her return, if she does but will not be held accountable for any fatalities. Upon this quest, at any time, she will refrain from using any of her abilities; her powers over the elements being one of them. She will not, at any point use them within the proximity of the company nor use them for said company." My mind is now processing the fact that they will hold me accountable for Bilbo's death.
"…Her honour of protection will extend to Gandalf and Bilbo alone; she will not aid the company nor at any point put herself in harms way to help said company. She will share in any food, drink and travel expenses the company has and be appointed a suitable pony for the journey. As honour calls it, the company will extend their protection to her should she need it, however this will be decided by Thorin and given if he sees fit. If at any point, a member of the company is hurt whilst giving protection when she does not need it, she will be forced from the company." Balin's tone is heavy, almost as if he doesn't agree with what he is saying. The droop in his shoulders and the slight side glance towards Thorin confirms my suspicions that this decision has been solely made by Thorin, even when I advised him against it last night.
"She will not be obliged to have any-." I don't hear the rest of his readings at this point as I tune out Balin's voice.
Not only has Thorin gone against my advice but is making me out to be a lesser being that him, someone of which he can just dispose of at any given time.
I look around the room with anger, coming across Thorin's unmoving face, to Dwalin's stone one. And then Fili and Kili's increasingly worried ones. I am now thoroughly convinced that they aren't too keen on what has apparently been agreed upon without their permission nor with any of their consideration taken into consent as well, they are merely here for show.
I take a sharp but deep inhale through my nose, the sudden and sharp noise makes Balin stop his reading, looking up at me in concern. His brow twitches a little and his eyes cloud with recognition before he shakes it off. I close my eyes for a moment and reign in my anger, lest it get the better of me and wreak havoc with my powers. Exhaling out of my mouth I open my eyes and look down at my empty cup.
"Is there a problem?" Thorin's voice breaks the silence, no wait, it slices through it like a knife.
"Oh, there are several." The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, filled with venom, so much that I, am a little taken back by it. Thorin straightens his stance and squares his shoulders ready for the fight I'm about to give him.
Can I just point out, I'm a lover, not a fighter, so describing certain moves may not have the best description or be correct.