Benna rolled over and blinked, as the morning sun seeped through the curtains. She sat up and stretched catching a glimpse of curly hair poking out from the settee by the bed. "Bilbo?"
The hobbit's head popped up. "Good morning Benna." He yawned.
"Did you sleep there all night?" She asked as he stood. Bilbo nodded. "I'm sorry, you should have woken me up. I didn't mean to steal your bed."
He simply waived her off "Nonsense. After the night you had you needed a good sleep."
A soft knock sounded on the door. Bilbo opened it, carrying on a brief conversation with the person on the other side , before taking a small bundle and closing the door. "The elves dropped this off," He said, handing her an emerald green dress with small flowers embroidered on the bodice.
"Your clothes will not be ready until this evening". Benna looked down at her rumpled dress before taking the new one from him.
Bilbo smiled at her. "I have had an excellent idea!" He announced tapping one of the embroidered flower on the dress.
Benna raised her eyebrows "Oh have you now?".
"You get changed and I will find us some breakfast and we can have a nice picnic." He said enthusiastically.
"I think that is a delightful idea." She agreed watching as the hobbit disappeared out the door.
She had just finished pulling up the top half of her hair when Bilbo returned carrying a small basket.
"Shall we?" He said opening the door as she walked out into the hall.
They walked for a while until they found a nice secluded spot. The grass felt soft and warm, rolling in gentle waves as the wind brushed through. They sat on the grass as Bilbo pulled out a plate of pastries and jam, setting it between them. Benna absentmindedly picked one of the flowers around them putting it in the back of her hair. She picked up another one, looping its stem into one of the Hobbits tight curls. The two sat and chatted enjoying the warm morning air, Benna listening as Bilbo told her stories about the shire.
She laid back in the soft grass, watching a single cloud floating by in the blue sky, as he told her about how he would be missing the midsummer festival this year. She sat up to look at him as he stopped mid sentence. Bilbo was frowning at something over her shoulder. She turned to look as she heard someone clear their throat. Fili was standing a few feet away.
"I was hoping to speak to Benna for a moment." He said, shifting his weight uncomfortably as Bilbo frowned at him.
Benna nodded slowly "I'll be right back Bilbo". Bilbo shot her a look as she stood "It's ok, really."
The hobbit simply nodded shooting one last frown at Fili before turning back to his breakfast.
They walked in silence for a bit, Benna stopping as they reached the edge of the glade. "Fili is everything ok?" She asked tentatively.
Fili turned to look at her "I wanted to apologize for last night."
His stomach clenched as his eyes drifted to the thin red line across the side of her neck. Almost reflexively he reached out, his fingers ghosting over the cut. He froze as Benna gasped quietly, quickly pulling his hand away.
"I did not mean to hurt you...I would never... " He shook his head "When you left I was worried that…...I...I hope that you do not fear me after what has happened." He said, watching her anxiously.
Benna looked at him for a moment, "I won't lie to you, it was a frightening experience..." She admitted. He hung his head, clenching his fists at his sides. "But," She continued, taking one of his hands and uncurling it "I know you would not have acted in that way had you known it was me". She placed her other hand on the side of his cheek as he looked up, his eyes focused on hers. "I don't fear you." She said with a smile.
He watched her for a moment before wrapping his free hand around her waist pulling her to him as he pressed his lips on hers. Benna leaned in deepening the kiss, her thumb stroking the side of his cheek.
"Well isn't this just great!" The two jumped at the sound of the hobbit's voice. Bilbo stood a few yards away looking at them hands on hips. "Now I owe your brother quite a bit of money." he said as he wandered over.
"Bilbo!" Benna said breathlessly, her face flushing, "How long have you been here?"
"Not long," He shrugged, "I got worried when you did not come back."
Fili narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "Why do you owe Kili money?"
Bilbo looked at them sheepishly "Oh well you see Uh, Kili and I have had a friendly wager going."
"About what exactly?" Benna's eyes narrowed at him as well.
"Oh nothing indecent, just on when the two of you would you know…." He made a vague hand gesture at them "I bet that It wouldn't be until after the quest was over. Honestly Benna I thought you would have at least been a bit harder to get..". Benna felt the tips of her ears turning pink. She growled taking a step towards the hobbit. He gulped and took a step back. "I.. I did not mean it like that!" He stammered before he took off running.
"Later?" Benna asked, turning to Fili.
"Later." He grinned.
She nodded hiking up her dress before taking off after the hobbit "You get back here Bilbo Baggins, I'm going to throttle you!"
...
Benna had lost sight of Bilbo after he has scurried out of the glade and back into the city, no doubt hiding in one of the hundreds of rooms that lined the halls.
"The nerve of that little hobbit!" She huffed as she stomped down the hall
"Ah Benna." Elrond's clear voice called out behind her.
She turned giving him a short bow "Oh, Lord Elrond."
"I hope your morning has been quiet after an eventful evening."
"It has been eventful in the best possible ways I should think." Benna said with a coy smile.
"Oh indeed?" He looked down at her with an arched eyebrow "I was hoping you may have a moment. There is someone who wishes to speak with you."
"Of course." Benna nodded following him down a small corridor and out onto a small overlook.
Benna pause just inside the overlook, a tall woman stood looking out over the valley As she turned Benna could feel a strange sensation radiating from the mark through her body. Benna took a half step back at the sensation suddenly wary of the woman.
Elrond put a comforting hand on her shoulder "This is the Lady Galadriel."
"Welcome," The woman said in a musical voice. "I have wished greatly to see you." She stepped towards Benna "Your old life is behind you in shadow, and a dark adventure lays in front of you."
"I..I'm not sure I understand." Benna shook her head.
Galadriel reached out, placing a hand over her mark. "You have been given a great gift and a great responsibility. A darkness is creeping its way back into the world. This quest stands on the edge of the knife, its outcome will affect the fate of this world. That mark shows you have been blessed with a second chance. Use it wisely."
Benna swallowed thickly and nodded.
"Take this," Galadriel said, as Benna felt something cool press against her palm "May it bring light back to you the darkest time.".
Benna looked down, opening her hand. A small silver bracelet lay in her palm, a glowing white stone set in the center. With one final look Galadriel glided from the room, disappearing through the stone archway.
She stood for a moment, turning the bracelet over in her hand. For some reason she could not quite understand Galadriel's words filled her with a sudden sense of dread, as if she was slowly watching a storm form on the horizon.
"A moonstone of Lórien is a rare gift indeed." Benna jumped as Elrond's voice broke through her thoughts. "It is said they hold ancient magic in them. A fitting gift for one such as yourself." He looked down at the bracelet then back to her "You look troubled."
Benna frowned "I do not understand why the Valar chose me? Surly there is someone better suited for this."
Elrond shook his head "The Valar would not have brought you here with out a reason, if they chose you it is because they saw something inside of you. In time you will understand this."
"But how do I know what they want me to do? How do I know I am doing the right thing?" Benna looked up at him.
Elrond shook his head "It is not for them to decide. Only you can chose what to do with the gift you have been given." He placed a hand on her shoulder "Come, you should get some rest, for I feel the morning may come soon to you." He said with a knowing smile.
...
"Wake up". Benna opened her eyes and let out a surprised yelp as she saw Kili's face hovering inches from her own.
He put his hand over her mouth "Shhhhhh!"
Benna shoved the hand away.
"What the hell are you doing in my bedroom!" She hissed.
"We're leaving. Thorin thinks the elves will try to stop our quest." He explained, tossing her pack to her. "I'll wait for you outside." He said, slipping out the door. She hurriedly dressed, checking to make sure all of her things were packed before joining Kili outside.
Carefully they slunk through the corridors, stopping every so often to listen for footsteps. Finally they made it to the city gate where the company stood waiting in the shadows.
"Let's move." Thorin said quietly.
Silently they began the steep climb up the side of the valley. Bilbo stopped taking one last wistful look.
"Cheer up Bilbo," Benna said falling in step next to him "We'll be back one of these days."