Hey guys! Chapter three already you lucky munchkins! Please please send reviews! I adore all feedback (almost as much as watching Fili, Kili and Thorin on the tv screen)! Any ideas, questions or anything at all please don't hesitate to ask or let me know MWAHHHH! ENJOY MY DARLINGS!
Bilbo runs in to the dining room huffing in anger, but slumps against the door as he sees everything piled up clean and all the dwarves grinning and laughing as is Gandalf. Smiling softly at the other Hobbit in the room I shrug at their antics, these Dwarves really are a cheerful and mischievous bunch.
The laughter all stopped however when three loud thumps on the door sounded through the Hobbit Hole, looking up at Gandalf I can see stress lines start to form around his eyes and mouth.
"He is here."
Whose here? And why does everyone suddenly look so serious? Confused, me and Bilbo follow the dwarves into the entrance. As Gandalf walks beside me he softly pulls on the sleeve of my dress, I look up at him as he glances at the others before whispering down to me: "whatever happens, try to keep your temper. This Dwarf is a King, he does not suffer fools and you aren't one, let us give him the best possible introduction, yes?" Becoming more and more baffled I nod as Gandalf walks through the dwarves to the door.
Me and Bilbo send each other unsure looks as he steps forward slightly in front of the dwarves as I stand in between the two brothers Fili and Kili, both who look nervous and excited. Gandalf sends another warning look to me before opening the door to a handsome and smirking Dwarf. Confused, I stepped back a little as he entered through the door:
"Gandalf. I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. Wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door." All the others started bowing their heads to him, biting my lip as his gaze focuses on me, I dip in a small curtsy and avoid his gaze. No point aggravating the Dwarf before I've even spoken to him.
"Mark? There is no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago!" Gandalf quickly shut the door before Bilbo could see it, biting my lip harder to stop a smile I sigh, that wizard always manages to get out of any trouble that he causes.
"There is a mark; I put it there myself. Bilbo Baggins, allow me to introduce the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield". What I hadn't noticed was how close this Thorin was to me before I heard his deep voice right in front of me, glancing up I see his back is turned as he handed his cloak to Kili as he faces Bilbo. Worrying my lip, I go to stand with my cousin when two hands hold onto my elbows. Feeling sharp shocks through my right elbow I look up at the blonde dwarf, Fili, who shakes his head and holds me tight to his side as his brother does the same on my left.
"So this is the Hobbit. Tell me, Mr. Baggin's, have you done much fighting?" Looking up at the wizard I can see his eyes firmly on me and the dwarves holding me back, he also shakes his head. Does everyone think I'm going to mess this up? Really?
"Pardon me?"
"Axe or sword? What's your weapon of choice?" Uh this dwarf does know that Bilbo is a Hobbit, not just any Hobbit but a Baggin's right?
"Well, I have some skill at Conkers, if you must know, but I fail to see why that is relevant". Bilbo looks over at me in confusion, shrugging I glance at the intimidating dwarf who was circling my cousin and see a small sneer cross his face.
"Thought as much. He looks more like a grocer than a burglar". Ah, now I see what they mean. Biting down hard on my lip so I don't make any comments I look down at my boots so no one can see the scorn that I am sure is easily seen on my face as all the dwarves starting chuckling. Breathing slowly and softly in and out to calm myself down I wait till all the dwarves leave and the soft shocks from my elbow stop before I allow myself to raise my head. Gandalf was leaning against the pillar as Bilbo was looking downcast. Growling under my breath I quickly pull my cousin into a hug.
"Ignore him, he knows nothing about you or who you are Bilbo, don't look so down!" He smiles slightly before following the dwarves into the dining room, turning my glare up at the wizard I raise my eyebrows. "Was there any need for that behaviour Gandalf? This is Bilbo's home! He shouldn't have to take scorn in his own Hobbit Hole!" I whisper up to the Grey Wizard, he nods and rubs his face which suddenly became very weary. Walking forward I gently grab his hand. "I will hold my tongue Gandalf, but when he crosses the line he shall know, I don't accept disrespect in my home to any one". The weariness stays but a soft look crosses his face.
"Truly a warrior spirit if I ever knew one Ayah, come let us listen to what he has to say, perhaps I can ask you to get him something to eat and drink. You know how men are when they are hungry". I try not to smile at Gandalf's coaxing. Nodding in consent I go to fetch the moody king some food. Finding some good pieces of bread, salted meat and fruit I grab a tankard of ale as well, might as well try and soften him up. Taking a deep breath, I walk into the dining room which was a lot darker than it was earlier, placing the plate and tankard in front of Thorin I don't expect thanks but instead he takes my hand and nods to me. Bemused and a tiny bit flustered I smile and stand beside Gandalf who gives me a cheeky grin. Shaking my head, I catch the eye of the blonde Fili across the table, his scorching gaze made a blush start to raise up my neck but for the life of me I am not sure why. He almost looked angry in a way, raising my eyebrows I send him a gentle smile which must shock him out of whatever he was thinking because a lazy grin tugs at the corner of his lips making the beads of his moustache glint in the low light. Feeling the blush raise more I turn my head and concentration back to the conversation at hand when I see Bilbo bringing in more lit candles.
Gandalf leans across the table and places a map in front of Thorin, Bilbo leans across Gandalf on the other side to look but I stay where I'm standing. I never had any interest in treasure maps, I had more interest in filling in the maps, I watch Gandalf's hand as he starts speaking:" Far to the East, over ranges and rivers, beyond woodlands and wastelands, lies a single solitary peak."
"The Lonely Mountain." Looking up at Bilbo in shock he grins back at me, of course my cousin knows of the mountain, the number of maps that man has got should be criminal.
"Aye. Oin has read the portents, and the portents say it is time."
"Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain as it was foretold: When the birds of yore return to Erebor, the reign of the beast will end." Looking at both the dwarves that spoke I couldn't help but catch on a certain word … 'beast'. Looking at the wizard who was doing a well enough job of keeping his eyes on anywhere but my own I could feel my annoyance start to swell.
"Uh, what beast?" Bilbo's eyes flashed to mine before to Bofur who began talking.
"Well that would be a reference to Smaug the Terrible, chiefest and greatest calamity of our age. Airborne fire-breather, teeth like razors, claws like meat hooks, extremely fond of precious metals-"
"-YES thank you Bofur, we know what a Dragon is." I watch as my cousin's face starts to drain of colour. He was never good with too much excitement.
"I'm not afraid! I'm up for it. I'll give him a taste of the Dwarfish iron right up his jacksie." The young dwarf has some spunk, I wonder if it would be enough when face to face with the beast, I blank out the rest of the conversation as I stare at my cousin who looks back at me. Would we survive this if we went? What if only one of us got through this, would the other one cope? I took in his curly brown hair, brown eyes and quirky grin, his extremely quick sense of wit and mischief and incredible loyalty. He might be my cousin in blood but he was my brother in bond. I don't think I'd last long if he died. Frowning I watch him take in every word that is said, his interest growing and growing. Sighing I rub my eyes. Gandalf, what trouble have you gotten us into.
"Shazara!!" Jumping about five foot in the air I clutch onto Gandalf's arm as Thorin hits the table again. Was there any need to be that loud! "If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have read them too? Rumours have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for 60 years. Eyes look east to the Mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk. Perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected. Do we sit back while others claim what is rightfully ours? Or do we seize this chance to take back Erebor? Du Bekâr! Du Bekâr!" All the dwarves started cheering, smiling I release Gandalf from my death grip and watch as all the dwarves look at each other with glee and happiness in their eyes. Thorin is a brilliant speaker, I will give him that.
"You forget: the front gate is sealed. There is no way into the mountain". Balin looks around as Gandalf pulls out a key, "that my dear Balin, is not entirely true".
Looking closely at the key it didn't look like anything that would fit in a wooden door or a gate door, it was a sturdy metal, a unique shape, before I could look closer Thorin had it in his hand almost hiding it from the rest of our eyes. "How came you by this?"
"It was given to me by your father, by Thrain, for safekeeping. It is yours now". Watching the dwarven king I can see a softening look in those eyes that I hadn't seen before, he was finally getting somewhere. He was finally getting his home back after all these years!
"If there is a key, there must a door?" Holding in my snort I send a glance to Fili, at least he's pretty. Sensing my eyes on him he looks to me and smirks, rolling my eyes I look back to Gandalf who is pointing to the runes on the map.
"These runes speak of a hidden passage to the lower halls." Looking at the red writing and the hand pointing I couldn't make any sense out of what it means. Perhaps there is a secret code in what they mean?
"There's another way in." Closing my eyes I can't hold back the grin any more, those two brothers should be glad they are pretty because they aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.
"Well, if we can find it, but dwarf doors are invisible when closed. The answer lies hidden somewhere in this map and I do not have the skill to find it. But there are others in Middle-earth who can. The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth, and no small amount of courage. But, if we are careful and clever, I believe that it can be done." He glances at me and Bilbo. Smiling at the wizard I lean against the wall.
"That's why we need a burglar". Yep. Smart bunch this lot.
"Hmm, a good one too. An expert I imagine." Oh Bilbo, looking at my cousin who was bouncing on his feet I shake my head, Gandalf could have at least warned him!
"And are you?"
"Am I what?" Flinching I nudge the wizards shoulder gently to try and save Bilbo.
"He said he's an expert! Hey hey!" Smiling at Oin, one of the older dwarves I shake my head slightly at him.
"M-Me? No, no, no, no, no. I'm not a burglar; I've never stolen a thing in my life."
Balin sighed, "I'm afraid I have to agree with Mr. Baggin's. He's hardly burglar material." Bilbo nodded along like an idiot.
"Aye, the wild is no place for gentlefolk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves," at this I feel a few of the dwarves' gazes on me. Clenching my fists, I return their gazes with narrowed glares. They know nothing. Reaching forward I grab Thorin's empty plate and tankard and storm out of the room. Slightly proud that I didn't say anything or lose my temper with that bigoted lot.
Entering the kitchen I throw the plate and tankard in the sink. Pacing slightly I breath out through my nose. Those dwarves just think that because we are Hobbit's that we don't know hardship, or what it's like to be on the road? Growling I take off my pinny and storm back into the room where all the dwarves were arguing, but before I could let lose my anger it seems Gandalf lost his instead. Standing taller that the ceiling would allow all the lights dim in the room as his voice deepens and his eyes blaze like cold lightening: "Enough, if I say Bilbo Baggin's is a burglar, then a burglar he is."
Sitting back down he leans his hands on the table looking at all the dwarves: "Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet. In fact, they can pass unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of hobbit is all but unknown to him, which gives us a distinct advantage. You asked me to find the fourteenth member of this company, and I have chosen Mr. Baggins. There's a lot more to him than appearances suggest, and he's got a great deal more to offer than any of you know, including himself. You must trust me on this." The last point was towards Thorin who was looking decidedly unimpressed. Me, however, I was beaming at both the wizard and Bilbo. Finally, someone else saw his potential to be more than just a lay about Hobbit!
"Very well, we will do it your way. Give him the contract." Balin shuffled forwards and towards Bilbo as he took a few steps back shaking his head and pleading no. My eyes were on the Dwarven King whose eyes were also on mine.
"I cannot guarantee his safety". Gandalf agreed and nodded, but the King carried on, "nor will I be responsible for his fate". And that is when I lost my temper.
"Don't trouble yourself, My King, I shall watch and take responsibility for my cousin." I try to not sound as cruel as I wanted to be but I don't think it worked as I stormed past them all towards my cousin who was reading through the long contract.
"And who asked you to join girl?" Snarling, I turn ready to give hell when Gandalf's blue eyes caught my own. Holding my tongue as much as possible I glared at the should be king.
"Your wizard asked me, perhaps take it up with him yes." If I could shoot fire from my eyes now would have been the perfect time to do so.
"Uh, hmm, yes Thorin. About our young Ayah Baggin's," Thorin turned to Gandalf as I stood in front of Bilbo watching the wizard become even more uncomfortable as soon all eyes were on him. "She isn't just a normal Hobbit woman, she has experience in this part of the wilderness, she isn't incapable of looking after herself. She lived alone in the wild for over two years, she is useful and as she said she will be looking after Mr. Baggin's so you don't have to trouble yourself." Glaring at the dwarf as he turned back to look at me I stood straighter as he stalked forwards. Circling me like he circled Bilbo before, but unlike my gentle cousin I would not let anyone bully me so I watched him as he watched me, my arms and fingers clenched ready for anything going back into my ways before I came back to live with my cousin.
"Axe or sword?" His question caught me off guard but I kept eye contact.
"Mainly sword, but when the need calls for it I can handle an axe also." I answer, his eyebrows raise slightly before asking his next question.
"Have you done much fighting?"
Looking him dead in the eye I stand straighter if possible while I answer with a curt yes. Nodding himself he stops circling me and instead stops in front of me.
"I won't be responsible for you nor your fate, you understand?" His blue eyes glare into my own but I see something other than all that anger inside, but before I can understand it, it's gone once again.
"I understand, my King." I nod and bow my head in respect to him, let us hope me and Bilbo get through this!
"Very well, read the contract and sign under master Baggin's." Nodding I take the contract off Bilbo and quickly sign my name in a flourish. Giving it back I stand aside and wait to the inevitable breakdown that my cousin will possibly have.
"Terms: Cash on delivery, up to but not exceeding one fourteenth of total profit, if any. Seems fair. Eh, Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a consequence thereof including but not limited to lacerations ... evisceration … incineration?"
Me and Gandalf both flinch at that part, ah he was a stickler for those small details.
"Oh Aye, he'll melt the flesh off your bones in a blink of an eye". Bofur grins at us both, looking at my cousin his face seems to be turning whiter.
"You alright laddie?" Biting my lip I step behind him and squeeze his shoulder gently while murmuring for him to breath.
"Yeah- I just feel a bit faint."
"Just think furnace with wings." Closing my eyes, would I get kicked off the quest if I smacked Bofur hard enough it knocked him out?
"Air, I need air!"
"Flash of light, searing pain, then Poof! you're nothing more than a pile of ash." Glaring at the offending Dwarf i see Bilbo take quick shallow breathes and then stand straight. Hey, maybe no break down this time!
"Nope!" I honestly do try to catch him but he drops like a stone in water. Sighing, I lean next to his head and check he is still breathing.
"Very helpful Master Bofur, perhaps next time you could not scare my cousin into fainting that would be great!" I glare up at him before sliding my hands under Bilbo's shoulders. "And if one of you could possibly help me I'd really appreciate it!" A few soft footfalls later Bilbo's feet leave the floor and I lift the top half of his body to look straight into the eyes of Fili. Gratefully smiling at the blonde dwarf, I lead him into the living room where I settle my cousin in a chair and place a blanket around him. Best thing to do for him is to let him come too on his own terms. Standing straight I come face to face with Fili, again.
Blushing I wring my hands together as he has that intense look again once more in his eyes, "thank you, for helping me with him." I don't mean to whisper but when he is giving me that look my stomach is tied up in knots and its kinda hard to breath.
"No problem, you won't be the only one responsible for him. I'll help and so will my brother. My uncle sometimes forgets his tact, he's been through a lot he just is a bit standoffish when you first meet him." Smiling at the blonde dwarf I watch the admiration in his face grow when he talks about his uncle, Thorin. Wait. If Thorin is Fili and Kili's uncle … then that must mean they are princes?
"Thank you Fili, that means a lot. I understand, I would be the same if I had to go through the things he had faced." Glancing down at my cousin I smile softly, I would fight tooth and nail to protect him, but these dwarves also need help. "And if my cousin decides he will not come on this quest, I will go in his stead." Stepping closer to the blonde dwarf he went to say something when I can't help but smile as his beads quiver, leaning forward I softly kiss his cheek, feeling the sharp shocking sensation once more, ignoring it I lean back and beam up at the dwarf. "Thank you again, for helping and helping me understand a little." Taking a step back from the Prince I see his eyes are glazed over, blushing I look to the doorway as his brother enters with a grin.
"I bid you both goodnight, there are blankets and pillows in the living room and there are different rooms for you all to fight over. I will see you in the morning My Princes." Grinning, I turn and walk towards my bedroom perhaps for the last time in a long time. Not feeling the heated gaze on my back or the amused ones from the rest of the dwarves, I wish them all goodnight and slip into my bed. Gandalf can deal with Bilbo, there is no more support I can give my cousin now, it is down to him. Closing my eyes I start to drift off when I hear the sorrowful song of the dwarves and end up dreaming of burning pines, cold gels and two eyes of blue.