Author's Note: Okay, so I was chatting to house of the falling sun and she said something that really made me laugh: "Of course Thorin would fall for her fast, she's her and he's him." Okay, am not entirely sure what that means, but I just thought it was hilarious. House of the falling sun's quirky explanation of things there ;) Just realized this is a freaking monster chapter! My apologies! I write too damn much. I feel bad for re-posting my eighth chapter for anyone who got an alert and thought, "Oh, the ninth chapter!" Sorry, please forgive me? I will give you virtual chocolate! Thanks Lady Izel, house of the falling sun, DwarvenWarrior, Just4Me, UKReader, oninhagb, and joslyn for reviewing. Thank you for the favorites and follows! The response to the anon will be below.
Disclaimer: I don't own "Hungry Heart" by Bruce Springsteen. Rue is starting to get a hungry heart for a certain King Under the Mountain ;)
Chapter Nine: Hungry Heart
Dear Natalie,
We are about to embark on Mission Aboard the Ponies. I'm pretty excited. I don't know why. Me and Ponyta have done this dance in the past. I miss her. I wanted to name this pony Duckie after Duckie from Pretty in Pink, but then I went with Simba instead :) You remember how we used to watch that movie every Halloween since we thought it was scary she chose rich-bitch over Duckie? I'm hoping we can watch it again this Halloween. Last night, Thorin called me a burden and I was really, really upset. I could tell he regretted it, but he didn't exactly say sorry. But when I was falling asleep in a chair, he put a blanket on me. Yes, me! I think if you met him or ever get the chance to meet him, you'll know why that seems like such a big deal. Anyway, I had felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Weird, huh? Thorin's got pretty hair and pretty eyes. Of course, I'd never tell him to his face. I'd be afraid he might yell. He can yell like he's King Kong. No joke. None of the Dwarves left after last night. They're all here, ready to go on the quest, ready to face the possibility of Azog coming for them along with being fried by a Dragon. Before, I thought the differences between the races of Middle-earth were all physical, but boy, I was wrong. Dwarves are loyal, honorable, and brave. See, they are so loyal to Thorin and the quest that even with the insurmountable odds stacked against them, they'll still go to Erebor. Oh, my heart. It's just so beautiful. Well, got to go. Thorin's telling us to double-check our belongings.
Love Rue-Rue XOXOXO
PS: Did I mention I showed Thorin pictures of you? He said we look alike.
Rue bent down, checking over her backpack for the last time. The ponies were lined up in a row a little ways from the Shire, Thorin giving out orders like some drill instructor. Bilbo hadn't shown up. Rue was hoping he would come, so she wouldn't be the only ostracized one around here. She knew it sounded selfish, but―but the Dwarves were really judgmental and some made their disapproval of her presence no secret at all. Gloin and Dwalin mostly. Today, they had lightened up a bit, though. It might've been because Nori made her sound like Superwoman, bragging about how she had slapped Naji.
"Lass," Gimli grunted, the tips of the boots in her face. She stood up to her full height, hand forming a fist. Gimli grinned, making a fist, too. Then they were fist bumping like bros.
"Bump it and thumb war," Rue said, suppressing a nerdy giggle. She gripped Gimli's hand. He seemed a little taken aback, but nodded, letting Rue teach him the merits of a thumb war.
Gimli watched in awe, moving his thumb around.
"Gimli," Gloin called from afar. Oh. That voice meant he was in trouble. Gimli gave a little eye roll, stomping away, meeting Gloin, who's pony was toward the back of the company. Rue heard bits and pieces of Gloin saying something like, "You are only going because the roads to the Blue Mountains are too perilous, do you hear me, boy? Do not get any bright ideas."
Rue caught Kili guffawing as he elbowed Fili. For some reason, Gimli in distress entertained the hell out of him. Maybe Fili was right about the jealousy comment. Who knew having a longer beard than another Dwarf could cause so much mayhem? Rue wondered if she grew her leg hair out like George Michael's bod from the '80s, if any She-Dwarves would get all butt hurt.
Nori, who was rolling his shoulders nonchalantly like he had some kink, neared Kili and Fili.
"Why are you laughing?" Nori teased, smirking. "We all know you two would not be here if you were not princes." His comment was playful, not meant to offend, but Rue could see Kili was insulted. Nori casually touched Kili's pony, giving it a friendly pat.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Fili asked neutrally. His eyes were crinkled in unprecedented oddity. One leg was forward, his other behind him as he sort of balanced on the balls of his feet. He looked at ease, but ready to spring like some coil.
"You know." Nori shrugged coolly.
"No, we do not," Kili snapped, scowling.
Suddenly, Dori and Ori were there, both standing by Nori.
"Are you making trouble, Nori?" Dori asked accusingly, frowning. Ori awkwardly stared at his boots, kicking at the dirt.
"No," Nori spat, unusually ticked off. He stood straighter, glaring at Dori, unchanged gaze drifting to Fili and Kili. "I was just addressing the obvious, Dori, as in the reason such young Dwarves were allowed to come on the quest. They are princes. Surely―" Nori took a step closer to Kili and Fili, raising his figurative rooster feathers― "The Heirs to the throne know not of a hard life. What use will theybe? They may be trained warriors from what I heard, but I believe roughing it in the Wild may be too much of a stretch for their delicacies." Nori gave a playful nod of his head, laughing falsely. Rue didn't like where this conversation was headed.
Fire flickered in Kili's eyes. Fili grabbed his brother by the forearm, guiding him behind him as he stepped-forward, staring Nori down like another rooster wanting to be number one. Oh, shit.
"Do not take offense for something not in your control," Dori said airily, pointedly looking at Fili and Kili. What was that supposed to mean?
Fili turned to stare at Dori, long and hard. "What of your words, Master Dori?"
Dori shook his head irritably. "It is no secret you two are princes, unused to hardships."
Rue resisted the urge to gasp, inching closer to the Ri brothers and Durin brothers. This was turning into Fight Club, brothers against brothers. What happened to Nori and Fili's bromance the night before?
Calmly, Fili nodded. "Is that what you believe?"
"Yes," Nori and Dori both said together, heads whipping back and forth to the other one in surprise, both dismayed they had agreed on the same thing.
Dori cleared his throat. "Tell me, lads, have you ever gone hungry or cold?" His gaze was critical, kind of like Thorin's.
Rue stood by Ori's side nervously, trying to keep the peace. She held up her hands. "Uh, I've gone hungry."
Nobody responded. The Ri brothers―Nori and Dori―were peering at Kili and Fili with the utmost judgmental eyes ever. Ori awkwardly went to stand behind Rue, eyes big. Did he think she could hide him from the drama? Well, uh, she could try.
"As a matter of fact," Fili began coolly, puffing his chest out now, "we have gone hungry and cold. Is there any other assumptions we should take care of before the quest begins?"
Kili shook his head, squinting while he scrutinized the dirt, red-faced suddenly. Rue realized he―he was embarrassed by what Fili had just admitted.
"Guys, so we've all been through things," Rue spoke up loud, bravely stepping in-between Nori and Fili. They backed away from her, blinking in surprise. It was obvious they hadn't noticed her before, or probably didn't hear her "I've gone hungry" comment. Awkwardly, Rue placed her hands behind her back, continuing, "So you guys have more in common than you thought? This can be a bonding experience, you know. It's good to meet people you've had similar experiences with…" She trailed off, speaking to only two people now as the Ri brothers ambled away as one, all of them casting very different glances over their shoulders. Oh, boy.
"Do not waste your breath," Fili said, shrugging. "I believe Nori and Dori cannot handle being proven wrong, especially in front of their little brother."
Kili's jaw was open as he finally lifted his head. He stumbled back in surprise. "They're gone?"
"Yes." Fili's voice was distinctly quiet, distinctly distant.
Rue exhaled, "That was just a misunderstanding, dudes. I hope you and Nori can go back to being bros." She clumsily laughed, trying to add humor to the situation.
Fili shook his head. "Do you mean bros as in brother? Because Nori is of my kin, but―" He shifted closer to Kili, the gesture making Rue's heart warm and fuzzy― "I only have one brother."
"You guys are so cute!" Rue squealed, giving a little hop.
Kili opened his mouth to probably blurt something, but Thorin's booming voice cut across all chatter.
"We depart. Astride your ponies. Fili, Kili, remain in the back of the company. Gloin and Gimli, stay in the middle." So on, he told everyone where to ride,
At the front of the line of ponies, Rue noticed Thorin give Dwalin a slight jerk of his head, which obviously meant, "You're with me, brah."
Rue waved at Kili and Fili, and then made it a point to wave at the Ri brothers so it didn't seem like she chose sides. She ambled to her pony, which was tan in color, a gorgeous white mane draped over its shoulders.
"Miss Rue."
She turned to face the front of the line, scared she did something wrong as Thorin made a beeline for her. Oh, crap. Did he hear the drama? Well, uh, she had tried to stop it. What was she supposed to say?
Rue swallowed hard, squeaking, "Yeah?"
He stopped inches in front of her, eyes steely. "You will remain behind me and Dwalin, is that understood?"
A smile worthy of winning the lotto broke across her face. "Yeah! That's cool." She was freaking ecstatic, relieved Thorin hadn't come to go all Big Bad King Under the Mountain on her.
He nodded tersely, and then spun around.
Rue saw how broad his back was, how long and beautiful his hair was―
Eh? Those were certainly some unexpected thoughts for an unexpected journey. Pun intended. Sure, she hadn't seen the Hobbit movie, but she knew it was called An Unexpected Journey.
Rue laughed at her own joke as she went to place her foot in Simba's stirrup.
The first night out on the open road had come. Now Rue was thinking of "Hit the Road Jack." Great, the song was stuck in her head. She scribbled in her diary as she sat against a moss-covered rock, Simba by her side. Branches shrouded above her head; the rest of the Dwarves, Gandalf, and Bilbo no less than a few feet from her. They were gathered around the fire, laughing it up about Bofur getting chased by a She-Dwarf's dad for asking for her hand in marriage. It was lame that this was her second diary entry of the day, but she just couldn't help it.
Dear Nat,
Frodo's dad actually showed up. His name is Bilbo Baggins, and so far, him, Gimli, and me are kinda the outcasts. With Gimli, he's more accepted because he's a Dwarf no matter what, but with us, the Dwarves are always more wary and a bit secretive. Is it weird that Thorin is one of the least secretive Dwarves with me? I think it is. But I guess it's cause he knows how I am, who I am, in some weird way. I would hate to be in Bilbo's shoes (or big hairy Hobbit feet) right now. He is on really thin ice with Thorin for some reason. Thorin just doesn't like him. And it's kinda unjustified dislike. I don't think Bilbo has done anything 'sides from being fussy and complaining about horse hair. He's good to have small talk with. I would NEVER say this to Thorin, but I think he dislikes naivety. Like if you don't know shit about ANYTHING at all, then he doesn't want to give you the time of day. I can see why he would hate naivety, judging from everything he's been through. But still, it rubs me the wrong way, his conflict with Bilbo. Since I think of Thorin as my friend (not sure he thinks the same about me), then I gotta accept him for who he is. Logging out. Just sounded like a vlog or something.
Love Rue
Rue put the Tigger diary in her backpack, taking a tentative glimpse at Thorin, who was speaking to Dwalin in hushed whispers by some bushes a little ways from the campsite. They were probably discussing Azog if she had to guess. Thorin caught her eye. Rue grinned, waving at him. He didn't respond, facing Dwalin once again. Was that a burn? You could never be sure with Thorin since he was grouchy half the time.
"May I sit?"
Rue was taken aback as Nori hovered in front of her, pointing at the empty spot next to the moss-covered rock, her left side. Simba stood on her right side, chomping down on some patches of grass.
"Oh, yeah, go ahead."
Nori nodded, sitting down, balancing his elbows on his knees nonchalantly. Awkward silence ensued. Rue tried to think of something to say. Maybe asking about his elaborate Snooki bump hairdo would suffice?
"Earlier, I was not myself," Nori said evenly, stealing a glance at Rue. "I do not ever embark on creating petty problems, especially with members of my kin, but as you can tell, I had the wrong impression of Kili and Fili. They're princes. And from what I have heard, Thorin was the one to endure hardships. Not them. It was not my intention to treat you rudely, Miss Rue. Dori and I did hear what you said. We were just blinded by our Dwarven―" He chuckled, shoulders shaking a little― "Stubbornness. But are not all Dwarves?"
Rue nodded. "Yeah, you're right, bro." Nori sitting here with her like this, talking to her openly was a little unexpected.
"I just wish for you to know that Dori and I both prefer you over Mr. Baggins. The Hobbit is truly naïve. There are no uncertainties there. It is not Mr. Baggins's fault, nor am I saying we loathe him. We just feel he will not last eight days traveling, let alone the entire quest." Nori nodded. "Then I will have to take my rightful place as the company's burglar." He grinned wickedly.
Rue piped up, "If Gandalf sees something in him, then Bilbo must have some secret superpower. The dude's like Dumbledore, and Dumbledore knows who to keep on his team."
"You speak so strangely."
"You guys do, too, with the whole never using connotations thing."
Nori guffawed, slowly climbing up to his feet. "It was nice speaking to you, lass."
"You too, Nori."
People usually didn't tell Rue they enjoyed conversations with her. She always thought she annoyed the hell out of people. Nori made his way back toward the fire, going to sit by Fili's side. They exchanged nods in greeting. Was the bromance back on? Neither said a word. They merely traded glances from each other to the fire.
With a yawn, Rue stood up, stretching her arms over her head. She couldn't wait for night-night time. Maybe she would dream about Professor Snape. Rue blushed at the thought of the deliciously tortured Professor Snape. Something about him was just―oh, wow.
A lopsided grin was on her face as she traipsed to the fire. Suddenly, all thoughts ceased when Dwalin―oh, crap did she do something wrong?―stepped in front of her. His massive arms were crossed over his chest, completely fierce without having to say one word. Possibly Dwalin's swag could rub off on her? Not likely, but she could wish.
"Thorin told me Gimli son of Gloin had bestowed you with a dagger," he said sharply.
Rue began rambling nervously, "Yeah―uh, it saved my life from an Orc. It tackled me down like some football player, and I―" She grinned playfully, swiping at thin air with her fist― "Stabbed it in the cheek. Trust me; it was way more amazing than what I make it look like." Rue nodded eagerly.
Stony silence followed, so much of it that Rue swore she heard crickets chirping. Dwalin was leering irritably, menacing in his armor, fur, and tattoos.
Then the most unexpected thing happened seconds later: Dwalin threw back his head, laughing boisterously.
"Aye, come, lass," he said teasingly. "You have much to learn wielding weapons."
Dwalin turned, leading them away from the campsite. They passed thickets of trees, bushes, and shrubs. Moonlight broke between splinters of branches hanging above their heads, lighting up the forest floor in a soft glow.
They didn't stop walking until they reached a clearing, a familiar Dwarf waiting there all by his lonesome: Thorin.
"S'up," Rue greeted, all smiles as she stood in front of Thorin. Anxiously, she rocked back and forth on her heels. What if they were about to officially kick her out of the company?
"This one is too happy, indeed?" Dwalin said playfully, suddenly fifty times more approachable than Thorin in Rue's humble opinion.
Thorin glared at Dwalin. In response, he shrugged, taking Thorin's attitude in stride.
"I believe it would be wise to begin teaching you how to wield a weapon." Thorin folded his arms, completely serious. Now Dwalin's playful jab was making sense.
"Really?" Rue asked.
"Yes."
The feel of a hilt being placed in Rue's hand startled her. She blinked like a deer-caught-in-headlights, peering up at Dwalin as he handed her a dagger. So was this going to be like Kill Bill? Awesome.
"We start right now?" Rue asked, looking to Thorin for confirmation.
In answer, Thorin stepped closer, wrapping a firm hand around her wrist. "Your form is incorrect." His fingers were calloused, thick, and―she gulped―the manliest fingers she had ever seen. His eyebrows were wrinkled in concentration as he shifted the hilt in her hand, fixing Rue's debunk form. Her mouth was open in a silent O. Why was this making such an impression on her? It was the second time he had touched her, and the first he had willingly done it. Oh, gosh. Dwalin's eyes were narrowed in sudden suspicion. Then a smile broke across his face.
"Perhaps one teacher to start the lass?"
Thorin's eyes were sullen as he nodded in retort, his hand dropping away from Rue's wrist, the spot feeling cold and lonely without his touch. Moments later, Dwalin was leaving, a playful, almost unnoticeable jounce in his heavy steps.
Rue turned, face hot. "Uh―Mr. Dwalin, two teachers is better than one. Please come back?" Her voice was lost to the stir of wind. Soon, Dwalin was out of sight, and it was just her and Thorin―all alone. For some reason, the thought of them alone made Rue want to run away in horror. They had been alone before, so why was it a big deal now?
"What―what are you gonna teach me?" she spoke up, hands behind her back as she bounced on the balls of her feet.
"To throw your dagger," Thorin said gruffly.
"Like at a tree?" Okay, she officially sounded like an idiot.
Thorin was grimacing with all the effort in the world, eyes hardened. At first, Rue thought he was pissed the hell off at her for her stupidity, but then she saw his grimace falter for a few seconds. What? It―it looked like Thorin was trying to frown when he usually could pull it off like a pro.
He cleared his throat. "That is the intent." Thorin's voice was splintered as he said that. He circled Rue, stopping to stand behind her. She straightened her stance, feeling way too self-conscious.
With a shaky finger, she pointed at the nearest tree. "That tree?" The tree's trunk was gloriously thick, beautiful grooves curving through the bark, a mass of thick leaves shrouding the treetop.
She heard Thorin softly sigh in exasperation, the sound hardly audible. But with him standing this close behind her, she could hear everything. His fingers were suddenly on her shoulders, hesitant as he steered her to the left. The feel of his fingertips…was overwhelming―but, but―oh, no. It was the third time he had ever touched her. Somehow, it was a big deal, it was everything she had ever anticipated―wait, what?
"You have a better angle from here," he explained quietly, his breath hot on her shoulders, his fingertips sliding away from her seconds later.
Determinedly, Rue gripped the hilt like Thorin had showed her, taking one-step forward. She lifted her arm, trying to imitate Clove from The Hunger Games movie or the infamous Will Scarlet from the Robin Hood folklore. A sudden cramp formed in her shoulder, her arm dropping by her side. Ow.
"Ow," Rue winced, pouting as she rubbed her shoulder. "This is going to sound pretty lame, but I think holding the reins has made my shoulder sore." She rolled her shoulder. "Yep, I'm down for the count."
Rue turned to face Thorin. "Sorry, I'm kinda pathetic."
Thorin stared at his feet for one moment, and then at her, his eyes potent. That look, those brilliant blue eyes, his presence, was way too imperious. In a weird way, it didn't seem like Thorin was aware how much power one of his single stares held. It was probably the reason Kili had a healthy fear of his uncle; even at the age of seventy-seven―Dwarves aged weird.
He didn't say a word, but his eyes said the wheels were turning in his head. What was he thinking?
"So, uh, you and Dwalin are best friends?" She grinned. "You guys have got a total bromance going on."
Thorin nodded tersely, eyes downcast. "We have gone to war together. Dwalin's loyalty―" His voice was more emotional, subtly thoughtful― "Is unmatched." So many feelings swam in Thorin's eyes at the mention of Dwalin, his hands behind his back. Before, Rue might have felt awkward, but she didn't.
"When I see you guys together, I think of me and Nat," she said nostalgically. "Nat and I can look at each other, too, without having to say a word, and we know what the other is thinking. Like you and Dwalin can." Rue bravely stepped closer to Thorin, sheepishly glancing at her boots. Shock fleetingly plagued Thorin's face, as if he hadn't expected anyone to say aloud the perimeters of his and Dwalin's friendship. Maybe Rue had been too meddling.
She rubbed her hands together for much-needed comfort. "I didn't mean to say something wrong, Thorin."
He didn't say anything, gazing at her hard-edged, widening his stance a little defensively. Why was he so distrustful?
"One time in high school, I had some trouble with these two girls," Rue spoke nonchalantly despite her heart racing. She took a step backwards, bobbing her head casually. "They were kinda bullies. Used to call me names in―" She took a sideways glance at the surrounding forest, tongue-tied suddenly― "Anyway, they thought I wasn't going to do anything if things got physical. They assumed I was from Brookside, one of the good parts of Stockton. Whenever I tell people where I grew up, they don't believe me. Uh, well, those girls jumped me in the hallway."
"What is jumping?" Thorin asked softly, shoulders slumping.
"It's when more than one person fights one person. It was two of them against me," Rue explained nervously.
"That is dishonorable," he spat angrily, scowling.
Rue croaked, "Honor isn't valued in my world. I mean, knights from like hundreds of years ago valued it, but it's died out pretty much."
Thorin glared daggers at her words, nostrils flaring.
"I did okay by myself, fighting them. One―" Rue jerkily pointed at her hair― "She grabbed me by the hair and punched me. I punched her back. The other got me from behind, but then―" Her voice rose in exhilaration at the memory― "Nat came like a knight in shining armor. She snatched up the other girl, and I snatched up mine. We fought them together, and even though we both got suspended for a few days, I thought it was pretty awesome she had my back." Rue nodded, beaming, her heart swelling with this strange sense of pride. "Loyalty. Not the greatest example of it. But still, she's always been loyal. I don't know why I'm telling you any of this. You probably don't want to hear it." Rue nodded to herself, face red in embarrassment.
Thorin peered at her, his eyes giving her chills everywhere. Pleasant chills, not those creepy chills.
"You are wrong," he affirmed heatedly, stepping closer.
"Really?" she asked a little too eagerly, leaning closer to him.
"Indeed."
"Oh," Rue said gawkily. "That's uh―I think you just made my life."
Thorin was baffled by her comment, parting his mouth to probably ask.
"Don't ask. I just say dumb things all the time." She shrugged.
Thorin's eyes grew fiery, blue embers. "Why did no one stop those women?" He turned into Big Bad King Under the Mountain, hands clenched into fists, snarling.
"Nat did," she pointed out meekly. "Things are different in my world. People started cheering on the fight, like in the Prancing Pony with you and Naji, except…they had their cell phones out, taking pictures." She only said, "Taking pictures," since Rue didn't feel like elaborating on recording videos and YouTube. That would probably piss Thorin off even more.
"Disgusting," Thorin sneered, not calming down in the slightest. "You do not―" He stopped speaking at once, eyes falling on the ground.
"Hey." Rue closed the distance between them, outstretching a tentative arm. It felt like Simba's hoof beats were kicking against her heart. She lightly touched Thorin's forearm guard, every inch of her quivering. "I'm okay. It could've been worse. People sometimes pull out knives in fights."
Thorin stood straighter, more rigid, his stare frozen on her fingertips grazing his forearm guard. He was dumbfounded.
In fear of being yelled at or getting one of those looks, Rue pulled her hand away.
Awkwardly, she changed the subject, clearing her throat. "Nori and Fili―they're so going to be best friends by the time we make it to the Hidden Valley."
Thorin leered darkly.
"You don't like it…do you?" she wondered.
"I do not want Nori corrupting my Heir," Thorin grumbled.
"Not to mention he's your nephew―" Rue teasingly fluttered her eyelashes― "So you love him and care about him. Awe, it's cute."
Thorin folded his arms, all butt-hurt now. Oh, crap.
"Bombur's probably done cooking by now," she beckoned Thorin back the way they had come, surprised as she walked, he remained by her side. "You know, I didn't mean to offend you."
Thorin was quiet, pacing past broken branches and out-of-control shrubs. The shrubs had an uncanny resemblance to Rue's hair. She stole a glance at him, noting he didn't look angry. Maybe he was broody or stuck in thinking mode, but not angry.
Several minutes later, they reached camp. The Dwarves, Gandalf, and Bilbo sat around the fire, laughing it up. Dwalin slapped his knee, and then saw Thorin, which meant―
The laughter died fast. Everybody shut up, watching Thorin with the God of fear in their eyes―or the fear of King Under the Mountain.
"S'up guys." Rue gave a little, awkward wave.
"Back so soon?" Dwalin asked, shooting them a pointed look. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Thorin sit on the other side of Dwalin, a complete contrast to his friend's lighthearted demeanor. He was sulky, heels of his boots digging against the ground.
Rue clumsily stepped over Bofur's leg, meeting Dwalin. He sat by Gloin and Oin, body slack as he leaned backwards.
She handed him his dagger back. "Since I'm pretty out-of-shape in my arms, I'm sore from grabbing the reins. We didn't get to the actual throwing part. Sorry, Dwalin."
Several of the Dwarves laughed when she mentioned being sore because of the reins. Rue whipped her head back and forth, searching for the laughing faces: Dwalin, Gimli, Bofur, Kili, and―wait, was Gandalf laughing, too? To feel insulted or just like the resident jokester? She was going with the latter. Being optimistic was better than thinking the company thought she was a joke, even if they did think so.
Rue made a quick getaway from Dwalin, joining Bilbo on the ground. He sat next to Gandalf, sorting out his pack like some exuberant clean-freak. They were the unofficial outcasts of the company. Hmm. Rue had the song "Hey-ya" stuck in her head. Damn her for thinking, "Outcast."
"Ah, yes, my peach blanket goes next to my burgundy blanket," Bilbo said quietly to himself, folding his blankets on top of each other, all the while humming. Gandalf blinked at Mr. Hobbitkins in amusement, grinning to himself.
"My mom would totally love you," Rue piped up.
Bilbo looked at her now. "Oh? Sorry, I did not hear you. What was that?"
"My mom would like you," she told him gawkily. "She always used to tell me, 'Ruby, you couldn't keep a man if your life depended on it because you can't clean.' She believes in the 'traditional' woman stuff. Feminists and dirty rooms make her mad."
"Feminists? What are feminists?" Bilbo wondered curiously. "Something of your world?"
"Yep, they're women who fight for women's rights and believe in women and men equality." Rue bobbed her head along like some dork.
Bilbo nodded, eyes widening in interest. "That certainly is something I never heard of in Middle-earth, though―" Bilbo leaned closer to whisper― "I do believe it is a likely possibility Hobbits could be subvert one of these days. Most likely by the race of Men. If I ever said that in the Shire, they would think I am mad. Let me tell you, Miss Rue, the Shire is a place―"
"He is gone?" Dwalin asked loudly, eyes darting around the campsite in search of someone. Rue followed Dwalin's gaze, wondering who in the hell he was talking about. Wait. There was no Snooki bump hairdo around. Nori was gone?
The Dwarves collectively nodded.
"He went to dig a hole to use the bathroom," Bofur said pointedly, smiling. Too much info.
Dori rolled his eyes irritably, eating a handful of berries. Did everyone here know how to scavenge for food in the Wild? Rue felt like the village idiot.
"Spit it out, lad. Don't be shy," Balin told his brother, his lips pursed as he nodded in encouragement. Rue could just imagine Balin and Dwalin as Dwarflings, Balin getting Dwalin to pick pocket or do other stupid things with that encouraging nod. She hoped those really weren't Balin and Dwalin's Dwarfling memories.
Dwalin cast a glance at the fire. His eyes then traveled to the majority of the company, a sudden smirk playing at his lips. Oh, no. That smirk couldn't be good.
"I was waiting 'til Nori left to speak of what happened in the tavern once he went upstairs with a human woman."
Rue was open-mouthed. What the hell kind of conversation had she missed when she and Thorin had been in the woods? She noticed Thorin sit straighter, throwing Dwalin one of those "Do you not have any decency" glares.
Gloin laughed, giving his stomach a pat after he took a bite of the cooked rabbit Bombur had made for them. "Aye, Dwalin and me were drinking, trying to relax after a long day. Thought we would not hear from Nori 'til the next day." He wiggled his bushy eyebrows. Um. Eh?
Kili and Gimli shared a long look, both red in the cheeks. This must have been the first time they had ever agreed on something.
"Kili, take Miss Rue and Gimli with you to scout."
Rue followed the familiar gruff voice, eyes freezing on Thorin. He was glaring at Dwalin and Gloin, who both were suddenly silent. They were accusingly shooting glimpses at Rue, Gimli, and Kili that said, "Leave."
"But Uncle!" Kili sputtered in protest, kicking the dirt with his boots. "I want to hear of what happened. Why―" He pointed at Fili, mouth opening and closing― "Does Fili get to stay? He is not much older than me."
Thorin leaned forward, closer to the fire, growling in warning, "Kili."
"Little brother, you do not get to stay because you have never had any of your own private adventures in a tavern," Fili said coolly, all smug. His eyebrows shot up his forehead. "You would not know what to do with a woman if she stood naked before you, ready and willing."
The Dwarves broke out in an uproar of laughter, some slapping their knees while others looked horrified by the subject at hand: sex.
Kili turned fifty shades redder, shaking his head. "I have!"
"Me, too," Gimli added, balling his fists and giving little punches at thin air. "I have had many She-Dwarves and human women."
Rue blinked. Um. No comment.
Fili threw his head back and laughed quietly. Too soon, he caught Thorin's eye, falling silent. Smart choice.
"Gimli, you may stay," Gloin grumbled, grinning, clearly withholding the urge to laugh for the sake of Thorin. He met Thorin's eyes, some unsaid words passing between them. At first, Rue was confused when Thorin had a sudden change of heart.
Gazing at his boots for a split-second, bringing his eyes to meet Kili's, he spoke huskily, "You may stay also, Kili."
Kili slackened, leaning back on the palms of his hands with an audible harrumph. Now Rue understood what Gloin and Thorin were doing: let Dwalin scare the crap out of Kili and Gimli, so they would stop lying through their teeth. Good parenting techniques.
Rue brought her knees forward, trying to sit more comfortably for story-telling time, but then―
"Should the lass not go?" Dori spoke up. From this angle, Rue realized that Dori's hairdo reminded her of someone: Princess Leia. Damn Dori. Rue wanted to hear Nori's adventures upstairs. Okay, not really, but it felt sexist to send only her away.
Before Thorin could make the final verdict, Rue piped up.
"I'm over eighteen! Eighteen is the legal age for humans where I'm from! I―uh, I've heard these kind of stories before." Rue shrugged. "I'll pretend I'm not even here." Her hand flew to her mouth as she made the "locking your mouth and throwing the key away" sign. Yep, she sure had heard sex stories on the bus, in countless classrooms, in music major practice rooms, and from Nat.
Thorin, Dwalin, and Gloin were muttering in Khuzdul to each other, clearly talking about Rue as Gloin jabbed a big finger her direction. Who made Dwalin and Gloin boss? Rue thought Thorin was the only one in charge here. Then again, the company's finances came out of Gloin's pocket…but still. Thorin was king of Pride Rock.
Seconds later, Thorin faced Rue, glowering as he grumpily said, "You may stay." He folded his arms, looking pissed the hell off. With Thorin giving Rue that expression, she was kind of considering leaving anyway now.
When the topic at hand plowed straight ahead into more sex-talk, Rue wished she could bury her head in the dirt. By the time, the Dwarves howled in laughter, Rue realized she should've left when she had the chance.
Night number four was a complete contrast compared to night number one. The way the company was interacting, Rue was half-wondering if these were the same people she had left the Shire with. Everyone was as serious as Thorin, which if everybody was always that serious, then there would be no comedy clubs or The Hangover movies. Sometimes, Rue thought if Thorin had a better funny bone, then he'd be happier. The mood was gloomy, air feeling hot despite the night sky and cooling air. Earlier in the day, many of the Dwarves had started to get irritated with each other―giving each other those "Fuck-off" looks or complaining about someone in the company. Usually, the person who dealt the brunt was Bilbo. Poor Mr. Hobbitkins.
Camp was set-up on a rocky ledge, plethora of jade-colored trees over the ledge and beyond. The fire reflected off the rock, creating an orangey glow.
Rue was lying on her back in the tangle of grass, across from Ori and Dori. They were trying to fall asleep in their bedrolls. Nori remained sitting on his bedroll, seeming lost in thought as he smoked his pipe weed. She shut her eyes, trying to get some sleep. Hey, riding on a pony all day could be some pretty exhausting work. But then―
"Did you not hear that?" It was Kili, his tone of voice teasing. An eerie scream, something that sounded like a demented howl ripped through the air.
Rue sat up, stretching her legs, noticing he was referring to Gimli. This little feud between Kili and Gimli had only gotten worse today after Kili had proclaimed, "I swear I saw him picking his nose, Uncle! Does that sound like a Dwarf who should go on the quest? No! That sounds like a Dwarfling." Then Gimli had been ready to throw it down with Kili right in the middle of the forest, interrupting one of Gandalf and Thorin's oh-so secret discussions.
"I heard it all right! Did you?" Gimli grumbled from his seat next to Rue.
Leaning against the rocky wall was Kili and Fili, a shit-eating grin on Kili's face.
"Do the Orcs frighten you?" he smirked cockily. Please no. No Orcs again. Rue might take Fenrir Greyback over an Orc, especially if it was Azog the Defiler.
"You are the one who fears them, beardless!" Gimli shot back.
Kili's mouth was open. "My beard is coming in!" No comment.
Gimli was about to retort, but he was caught off by the sound of Fili's quiet voice.
"Why not challenge yourselves like real Dwarves and have a competition of who can slay the most when you have met them?"
Thorin had shifted from his spot against a rock, standing to his full height. More screams plagued the night air, resembling the likes of shattering glass. Rue jumped in alarm, head whipping back and forth. A competition killing those. Rue was so counted out.
Bilbo, who was standing―when had Mr. Hobbitkins started walking around?―made an awkward hop-skip-sprint for the fire. He took a seat adjacent to Kili and Fili, bringing his knees to his chest.
"You think that's funny? You think Orcs are a joke?" Thorin snapped, using the same tone of voice he had once used to tell Kili, "Do you know how many people go hungry?" He threw glares Fili, Kili, and Gimli's way. Gimli quickly shut his mouth, gazing down at his knees, cheeks pinkish in humiliation. Poor Gims.
Kili was shamefaced as he confessed to not meaning anything by it. Huh? Fili was the one who said Gimli and Kili should have a competition.
Thorin growled bitterly, "You know nothing." His body language was tense in rage, each footstep he took more aggrieved than the last. He stormed away, trudging until he reached the edge of the rocky outcrop where the ponies were, hands behind his back. Thorin peered into the indigo night, everything about his resentful silhouette making Rue's stomach drop out from under her like she was on a roller-coaster.
"You should not make a joke of Orcs." It was Balin, every one of his words compelling as he shot a pointed gaze at Kili and Fili when Kili inched closer to his bro. "We are fortunate to have our brothers. Others are not." Who was the "others?" Rue peered at the fire, catching sight of Balin standing with one hand on the rocky wall. Never had he looked so old―so politic.
"After the lost of Erebor, King Thror―" Balin's voice was steadily quiet now― "Tried to reclaim the ancient kingdom of Moria when he heard there was gold deep inside the mountain." He raised his eyebrows to make a silent point: greed sucks.
The hairs on the back of Rue's neck stood up, goose bumps prickling her flesh. Hadn't that been the reason King Thror had lost Erebor? Because of all his gold? She wasn't sure what to think.
"Moria had been taken by legions of ruthless, merciless Orcs, led by the most vile of them all: Azog the Defiler."
Rue thought she was going to be sick, scooting closer to Gimli. Gims kept casting admirable glances Thorin's way. Finally, here was the full-story, but the more Balin spoke of it, the more Rue wanted to hug Thorin―wanted to keep him safe.
"Are numbers were hopeless. For every one Dwarf, there were twenty Orcs. Lives were lost," Balin explained, the message heavy in his tone of voice and by the way he raised his eyebrows. All because of the gold.
Rue heard Balin explain how Azog wanted to wipe out the line of Durin, and then―
"He began by beheading the King." Darkness seeped into Balin's words as his gaze fell morosely.
It felt like someone had sucker-punched Rue in the heart, like the wind had been knocked out of her twice over. She gazed at Thorin, aching for something. Just the thought of him being there made her want to double over and throw up.
Balin continued dejectedly, "Thrain, Thorin's father, was driven mad by grief." He then said Thrain had gone missing. Either taken prisoner or killed. What had happened to Thorin's mother? She wasn't mentioned at all. Was she killed and taken prisoner, too?
This nostalgic pain―it harmed Thorin and she could see it, feel it searing off him in every one of the scowls, growls, derisive comments, and mistrust he had given since the time they had known each other. If only for one day he could be happy, feel free of the cage he was trapped in―the cage being the world. Because Rue had been there, felt the same things: the world against her. Just like the world seemed to beat the living crap out of Thorin Oakenshield every chance it got.
Rue was breathing shallower, eyes never leaving Thorin once, as if she could keep him safe with one of her gawky peeks alone. Nice try.
"That was when he confronted Azog the Defiler," Balin said ominously, the words feeling like knives piercing Rue's ears.
Bilbo had to ask the socially correct question.
"Who?"
Rue desperately yanked her Tigger blanket out from her backpack, clutching the warmness to her heart. Underneath the glint of moonlight, she could see Thorin's bloodstains on the blanket. But she didn't care. Thorin could stain her blankets with his blood anytime because―
"Frerin."
Author's Note: Congrats, if you have made it down here to read the author's note since this one was a long one! Please review and let me know what you're thinking of the story so far. Are you liking the changes? Thanks to my readers :) Each of my peeps are very loved for reading this. You can follow me on tumblr at pearlprimrose. There will be snippets from chapters from Thorin's POV if anyone's interested in what he's thinking ;)
joslyn: So happy you like my Thorin! I pride myself in making Thorin very movie canon and hoping to show a different interpretation of him from what we usually see in fics. Thanks so much for reviewing :)