Hello Darlings Chapter Five here we come :D are you enjoying the story so far? I've had a few messages about little hints I keep putting in but don't worry everything will be explained through out the story you must be patient :P but please the more reviews the more I will write lovelies, I know it's gone through a slow start but it should start to quicken now Ayah and Bilbo are finally together on the adventure and don't worry Fili lovers he will have a bit more of a role in this story now we've got through the start; it will be a slow burn (or that's what I'm planning haha) he needs to gain her trust and respect before she will let him near. With that being said; ARE WE READY FOR AN ADVENTURE :D?
"Something to remind you of home, there is more to you Bilbo than being a Baggins. Trust me Cousin! You aren't alone in this!" Sharing a secret smile I let go of his hand and follow the dwarves, chatting with Bilbo and explaining to him what certain plants are and the herbal properties of some of them and which ones go well with Rabbit, Boar or Deer.
Hopefully some of this information would stick in my Cousin's mind, seeing his happy daze I think possibly not.
We rode throughout the day not stopping until we reached an edge of a cliff. Slipping off Mia's saddle I stretched my legs which were cramping from staying in one position too long. Groaning I leant against her, at her small whinny I treated her to a small carrot while patting her neck. She might be a small pony but she was as strong as a stallion when needed.
"Fili, Kili get a fire going! Bombur start on supper, Miss Baggins help him!" Startled by Thorin's order I quickly nod: taking Mia's saddle and my pack off her back I place it on a boulder, slipping off her reins I let Bifur lead her away to the tree's. Placing my bow and arrows beside it I follow Bombur to a few rocks where Fili and Kili were making a fire.
"So, what are we making Mr. Bombur?" I ask as I settle next to him and a large pot. Grinning he pulls out a few rabbits.
"Rabbit stew Miss Ayah," seeing my wrinkled nose he started chuckling, "if you start on the vegetables I'll do the rabbits". Sending him a relieved smile I grab some of the different veg out of his bag and start peeling.
As we get to work I ask about any family that he has: "Aye lass, a wife and 6 little Dwarrows they are safe in the Blue Mountains". Smiling I listen as he tells me all about his different children how all of them are mischievous though his eldest daughter is already pulling in suitors. Laughing I help him lift the pot full of vegetables, rabbit meat and pour in the boiling water that had been sitting by the fire.
Sitting back down on the rocks some of the other dwarves join as Bombur sits one side of me and Fili on the other. Biting my lip I can't help a little giggle.
"And what may I ask is so funny Ayah?" Fili asks leaning back on his hands, grinning I tuck a piece of hair that had escaped my braid back behind my ear.
"I fear not say as it may offend most of you here, it's just something I heard from the Big People when I was in Bree for a time". At this most of the dwarves looked up with expectant looks on their faces, bugger. I've gone and done it now.
"Ah lassie, you've got to tell us now," Dwalin grins as he carries on sharpening his axes with a whetstone … looking at those axes I'm thinking I should have probably brought a shield with me.
Coughing slightly, I look up at the stars, might as well get it over with: "I was told by men that there are no Dwarvish women and that you just kind of popped out of the ground …" Blushing I tried not to look at the dwarfs in case they decided to kill me. Hearing them all laugh however I quickly looked to my side to see Fili and Kili holding their stomachs as they laughed and Bofur, Nori and Dwalin covering their mouths as they quietly chuckled to themselves. Feeling the flush behind my ears I sheepishly grin in relief. At least they aren't upset.
"Popped out of the ground? Of all the! We aren't flowers Miss Baggins." The rush of blood now reached my cheeks and I covered my face and groaned. Feeling an arm come around me in half a hug I could feel sharp tingles spread down my back, peeking out through my fingers I see Fili grinning down at me.
"Well we Hobbits have never seen a female dwarf when dwarfs come through the Shire they are all male so you can't entirely blame us for slightly believing it". After a few resounding chuckles they all turn and start chatting about other things, glad the focus was off me I turn to the two young Durin's while trying to lessen the redness of my cheeks and ignoring the tingling from where Fili's arm was now rubbing against my own. "So, did you both leave any wives at home too?" I smirk at the choking sound after Kili had taken a big sip of his water, revenge is sweet. Leaning around Fili I tap Kili on the back, "I was only joking Kili". His reddened cheeks made my grin grow.
"No Miss Ayah … Ayah we don't have any wives or suitors to speak of, we only left our Maamr, Dis. You'd like her, she scolds us too." Laughing at their explanation of their mother I ask for more stories about their home, the Blue Mountains. Bombur passed me a bowl as Fili and Kili entertained me with stories of when they were younger; sitting on their uncles shield and going down the main steps on it, stealing Thorin's sword and accidently cutting half of Fili's hair, and the stories went on and on. Laughing, I keep an eye on Bilbo who is eating with Bofur and Gandalf. His shoulders weren't so tense and he was smiling every now and then at whatever Bofur was telling him. Grinning at the dwarf I turn back to Fili and Kili's stories while eating. At least one of the dwarfs were trying with Bilbo. Giggling at the two dwarfs I couldn't help but notice Fili's eyes never left my face, flushing slightly I looked up into his dark blue eyes and tried not to smile; they were so full of life and laughter it made me smile just looking at them. Turning away I pick up my empty bowl and go to stand, before a hand stops me.
"No lass, that's mine and Ori's job you relax, you did the cooking". Thanking Nori I stand anyway and grab my pack before coming back to sit by the two brothers again. Taking out a bit of whetstone I lay my sword across my knees and start to sharpen it as the two brothers chatter away with each other, making me giggle every now and then at their bickering.
"So do you know how to actually fight with that lass?" Looking up at Dwalin's smirking face from across the fire I return it with a wicked grin of my own.
"Oh no, I just carry it round as an accessory. Swords are all the fashion for Hobbit's now a days Master Dwalin," teasing the older dwarf I carry on sharpening my sword. He chuckles and leans forward, his own axes glinting in the fire light.
"I can help train you lassie, if you need it," nodding I place the stone back in my back as I let the fire light shine on my sword.
"Thank you Master Dwalin, but I only fight when I need to kill something."
"And how does a young Hobbit girl learn how to fight when her male cousin does not?" Shocked that Thorin had even decided to join us let alone speak I look up at the Dwarfish leader, a small curl of disregard on his lips.
"Bilbo was lucky enough to not need to leave his home, I however did. I was taught to fight by those I met on my path but the one lesson I learnt the hardest way was if you want to be a strong fighter you must learn how to fight alone". His eyes so much like his nephews softened a fraction and he nodded in respect. Well … I've had all the shocks I can for one night!
"Everyone get some rest, we start again at first light! Fili, Kili you're on watch first." Smiling at the two Durin brothers I retrieve my items and move over to where Gandalf was sitting against a tree.
"Had enough of Dwarfish stories for one day my dear?"
"Ah I missed my wizard, but yes it would be nice to have some peace after the madness of today," chuckling at my words he watches over me as I lay out my bed roll and take my cloak out of my pack. Sitting against a fallen trunk of a tree next to Gandalf I lay my sword by the side of me. Looking out into the trees and over the cliff I don't let myself relax until the first few snores started. Watching the sleeping dwarfs, I can see Bilbo tossing and turning slightly, it was hard getting used to sleeping in a group when you are so used to silence at home. Espechially when you have dwarfs like Gloin and Bombur snoring that loudly. Seeing the moths getting pulled in and out of the dwarfs mouth I shook my head. They truly were a funny bunch. Meeting Fili's eyes every now and then from across where he was sat I felt almost like a pulling sensation in my chest towards him, holding my breath our eyes seem to burn into one another. Emerald against sapphire. Until Bilbo standing up breaks our spell. Huffing out the breath that I was holding I rub my eyes, what on earth is happening.
"Do not panic little one," looking up at the wizard his soft eyes gaze down at me, "things will be explained as this quest goes on. Until then follow what feels natural, it will keep you safe". Confused I go to question what he means when an orc cry shatters the stillness of the night. Grabbing my sword I crouch, motioning Bilbo away from the horses I stand in the shadow of the trees, "What was that?" Bilbo scurries over to the two Durin brothers settled against the stone cliff by the fire. Scouting out over the edge I follow the trees to the edge of said cliff.
"Orcs."
"Orcs?" Closing my eyes for a second I look back out at the horizon for any sign of movement.
"Throat-cutters. They'll be dozens of them out there. The lowlands are crawling with them." Fili replies, as nonchalant as can be.
"They strike in the wee small hours of the night, when everyone's asleep. Quick and quiet; no screams, just lots of blood". Clutching my right side I bite my lip. I don't remember that night being quiet. Not at all. Hearing them both chuckle I turn from my spot I snarl at the two brothers but before I can rip into them their uncle does it for me.
"You think that's funny? You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?" Nodding at his scolding tone I glare at them both, Kili giving us both a hurt-puppy dog face.
"We didn't mean anything by it…"
"No, you didn't. You know nothing of the world". He stalks away from them both and come to stand beside me looking out over the cliff. Gazing at the leader I can't help but notice the frown lines had already faded into sorrow as I hear Balin start to sooth the brothers and Bilbo:
"Don't mind him, laddie. Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs. After the dragon took the Lonely Mountain, King Thror tried to reclaim the ancient dwarf kingdom of Moria. But our enemy had got there first. Moria had been taken by legions of Orcs lead by the most vile of all their race: Azog, the Defiler. The giant Gundabad Orc had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began by beheading the King." Holding in a gasp I close my eyes, to have seen that and had to carry on fighting must have been heart wrenching.
"Thrain, Thorin's father, was driven mad by grief. He went missing, taken prisoner or killed, we did not know. We were leaderless. Defeat and death were upon us." Watching Thorin again I can see his eyes had clouded over, he was reliving that battle. "That is when I saw him: a young dwarf prince facing down the Pale Orc. He stood alone against this terrible foe, his armour rent…wielding nothing but an oaken branch as a shield. He fought back this terrible enemy, slicing off its arm with a mighty blow bringing it down to its knees. Azog, the Defiler, learned that day that the line of Durin would not be so easily broken."
Thorin raised his head slightly and braced his one hand against the trunk of the tree next to us, feeling respect towards this moody dwarf I gently let one hand rest against his arm grounding him back to reality as Balin carried on with the story: "Our forces rallied and drove the orcs back. Our enemy had been defeated. But there was no feast, no song, that night, for our dead were beyond the count of grief. We few had survived."
"And I thought to myself then, there is one who I could follow. There is one I could call King." Before turning to the others, his hard hand gently squeezed my own before letting it go so he could turn back to the others who were all standing in respect to their king. Smiling I look back out to the horizon, this moody dwarf had survived and gone through more than most generations of men have. Checking the plains out to the East once more I follow Thorin back to the fire light with him snarling about the Pale Orc: "He slunk back into the hole whence he came. That filth died of his wounds long ago." Seeing Balin and Gandalf's knowing look I bite my lip, there seems to be more to this tale than it sounds. Grabbing my pack, bed roll and cloak I lay them next to Bilbo, I glare at the two dwarf princes as I sit down.
I face them both as Bilbo lies his head beside my knees.
"We are sorry Bilbo and to you as well Miss Ayah, we didn't mean to frighten you". Nodding at the two's apology I stroke my fingers through Bilbo's hair.
"Strength in a warrior is not to mock those who cannot or choose not to fight, but in that fighting those who oppose the peace that allows others to choose not to fight". Bilbo looks up at me as I gently scold the two, biting my lip as Fili looks crest-fallen and Kili more upset than I've seen this trip. Sighing I smile at them both. "You are forgiven, but remember we are Hobbit's. We never have seen war nor have many of us had the opportunity to learn how to fight with a sword let alone handle one. We are a peaceful people and prefer the company of good cheer and good food than battle stories and gloom." They both nod, Fili sending me sorrowful looks. Looking away from them I focus on my nervous cousin instead.
"Ayah, do you remember the song that Mother used to sing to my father every time she went on a quick trip to the Took's." Chuckling I murmur that I did yes. "Can you sing it to me?" Sighing I run my fingers through his curly hair so like Mother's hair it was uncanny and all the times she used to run her fingers through my red hair singing in her sweet voice.
"Darling, won't you wait, won't you wait, won't you wait,
For I must go far away.
Darling, won't you wait, won't you wait, won't you wait,
'Til I come back home to stay.
Should another love come along, come along
Simply say that you're not free.
Send her on her way, on her way, on her way,
Darling won't you wait for me.
Oh, my love, some of us they say are bound to die,
Oh, my love, how it breaks my heart to say goodbye,
Oh, my love, when I'm far away I miss you so,
Hold me close, kiss me once again before I go."
Moving away from the Hobbit after his breathing shallows out I look back at the two dwarfs who were watching me more closely than before, blushing at the heat from Fili's gaze I look away.
"We will help you Miss Ayah, to protect him. I swear." Meeting his eyes once again I allow myself to be pulled into the heated gaze.
"Thank you, Fili." Laying back on my bed roll I pull my cloak around me and cuddle down to get warm. Feeling the gaze on me that was Fili's I allow sleep to pull me under, knowing that Fili would keep me safe if anything happened.
Waking I grin at Balin who had gently shook me awake, "better get ready to leave lassie, Thorin want's us on the move as quick as possible". Nodding I quickly place my cloak around my shoulders and eat a small leaf of mint from my back pack, while rummaging around it I find a spare knife. Holding it in the palm of my hand I call Bilbo over. He needed something to keep him safer than he is now.
"Ayah?" Standing up I grasp his hand and slide the knife into it. "Ayah, I haven't the faintest idea how to use this!" Smiling at his flustering I gently slap his hands to stop them fluttering.
"Normally the softest place on Big People or dwarf's, if you can get through their armour, is here, here and here", I point at the neck, behind the back of the legs and the groin. "It won't kill them Bilbo, but it'll give you enough time to get away from them and find one of us, I will train you with a sword when we find you one." Letting go of his hands I quickly grab my pack and rolled up bed roll and walk towards the two bickering princes, noticing me Fili beamed.
"Morning Miss Ayah, would you like some bread before we ride?" Taking the bread from his outstretched hand I thank him as Mia trots towards me. Confused as to why her saddle was already on her back I look over my shoulder at the two guilty dwarfs. "Thought we'd get her ready for you". Kili nudges Fili in the ribs laughing.
"Actually Fili got her ready I just ate breakfast," smirking at the oldest brother I watch a small amount of red appear on his cheeks. Chuckling I lean and squeeze his fingers.
"Thank you Fili, that was sweet of you". Placing my pack on Mia's back I look up over the hills and see the start of grey clouds. "You lads better put your cloaks on, it's going to rain soon". Jumping onto Mia's back I smile at the two dwarfs before clicking Mia on to where Gandalf was sat waiting, feeling Fili's burning gaze on my back and a pulling sensation in my stomach.
REVIEW PLEASE :D