Hi guys, I am so so sorry it has been so long since I last updated any of my stories. These past few years have been some of the hardest and tiring ones I've ever had. But after a few big changes I am hoping I will now be able to get back into writing!
So please forgive me as I try and get back into the swing of things and I promise I will do my utmost best to write as much as I can
So, I was right about the weather. Watching the rain drip off the tip of my hood onto my covered thighs I can't help but smile. A little rain wouldn't hurt anyone, glancing across at Bofur's attempts at lighting his pipe. Well, perhaps only hurt those attempts. I hide a smile at his sigh, rolling his eyes at me he slides his pipe back into his coat.
"How are you so perky in this rain lass? I thought women folk hated getting their hair wet?" Snorting at his comment I yank my hood further over my head.
"If you haven't noticed dearest Bofur, I'm not entirely like other women", at his growing smirk I huff, here it comes.
"Well I ha-" "Here, Mr Gandalf, can't you do something about this deluge?" Dori interrupts Bofur who sends him an annoyed glance, thank you Dori!
"It is raining, Master Dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard". Seeing Dori's disgruntled face I send him a small smile, for such tough warriors they sure do take things to heart.
Bilbo's voice in front makes me turn back round to face where they both were, patting Mia's neck as we trudge forward in the mud.
"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman, the White. Then there are the two Blue Wizards …" the Wizard huffs before turning in his seat so he was facing the rest of us, "you know, I've quite forgotten their names".
Racking my brain, I thought back to when Gandalf used to tell me and Bilbo stories when we were mere babes and grin: "Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Gandalf". Nodding his head he murmurs his agreement with a furrowed brow.
"And who is the fifth?" Bilbo asks.
His furrowed brow lightens as he smiles: "well, that would be Radagast, the Brown". At least he knew him.
"Is he a great Wizard … or is he more like you?" Choking on my laughter I hide my face in my hood, oh Bilbo must be feeling better if his sass is back.
"I think he is a very great Wizard, in his own way". Catching the amused glare he sent Bilbo's way I keep my lips hidden in the collar of my cloak. "He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East, and a good thing too, for always Evil will look to find a foothold in this world". The hairs on the back of my neck stand up at his last words.
Silence was heard apart from the dripping of the rain for a few moments before I see the cheeky Dwarf beside me turn towards me. Uh oh.
"How'd you know about the Wizards lass?" His moustache was pulled up in a smile, least he wasn't going to carry on that conversation from before.
"I knew Gandalf when I was a babe and he told us stories about all the Wizards, I just happened to be listening while all the other children went off gardening and playing", Mia's reigns started to send an ache through my left hand so I swapped them to my right while stashing the left under my cloak to try and warm it back up.
"N'aw, I can imagine a little wee Ayah running 'round with little pigtails making all the boys go ga-ga over yeh while you play with yeh dollies". Bofur grins at me while trying to relight his pipe now the rain had died down, snorting in reply I lean over and quick as a cat flick my knife over a small piece of flint lighting his pipe first time. His eyebrows lost under his hat as I smile back at him. Dollies my ass.
"No dollies?" A laugh escaped my lips before I could smother it, tucking a curl behind my ear while I confirm: "no dollies", pursing my lips before I add, "and no pigtails either!" Chuckling at my comments he puffed away on his pipe as we carry on plodding through the mud.
"I've a question." Bofur tilts his head as he speaks, those brown eyes searching my face. "Yeh and Bilbo are cousins, why do yeh call his Mother, Mum?" Not the worst question he could have asked, considering how much the Dwarves don't know about me and Bilbo.
Belladonna's beautiful smiling face comes to mind bringing a small smile to my lips as I go to explain to Bofur: "when I was young Bilbo's Mom, my aunt, used to look after me a lot. In the end she just told me to call her Momma and it stuck". Bilbo's wet head comes into view as we go around a bend, "plus me and Bilbo grew up together, he might as well be a brother instead of a cousin".
"I get that. Me, Bombur and Bifur are the same mind. Bifur is mine and Bombur's cousin but might as well be a brother". The Dwarves hearing their names turn and nod at us, Bifur signing to Bofur then pointing to me. Looking back at the hatted Dwarf he chuckles, "Bifur was just explaining etiquette to me, it's not polite to ask ladies personal questions".
"Ah Bifur, not all Dwarves can be such gentlemen like yourself, perhaps together we can shape Bofur into a respectable Dwarf," pausing I keep my eyes on that flappy hat, "or at least a semi-decent one". One look at Bofur's dissatisfied face had me clutching my stomach in laughter as it did for Bifur who nearly fell off his horse from laughing and only Dwalin's steady hand stopped him from his downward journey.
"Yeh know he hasn't laughed that much in years lassie, and for that I'll ignore that comment … for now", smirking as he flicks my nose causing me to flinch back and nearly fall. Thankfully I had hold of Mia's saddle or I would have been one muddy Hobbit. "We may have to keep ye' around if you can make him smile, shame about yer hair though," a lock of red hair curls around his finger as he pokes my forehead. "If it was the same red as Bomburs we could have adopted yeh as a sister". I can almost feel my heart clench, swallowing down any tears that wanted to spring to my eyes I opt for the most genuine smile I can directed to that funny Dwarf.
"Ah Mister Bofur, you'd have to fight dear Bilbo for that".
Stroking his moustache, a wicked smile appears on his face. I don't like the look of that. "There's three of us and one of him, I think our chances are high. If not, Bombur can just sit on him". Amused at the Dwarf I can't help but shake my head at him. "Or we'll just marry yeh off to Bifur". Choking on the sip I was taking from my canteen I glare at the laughing Dwarf. Idiot.
"What are you doing to our lovely Hobbit, Bofur? She looks ever so distressed." Kili's voice appeared from behind us, just as I was about to smack the dwarf over the head.
"He's trying to marry me off Kili, do help dear friend!" I turn my head to give my best puppy dog eyes and are met by beautiful blue ones full of heat. When did Fili get behind us too? That shocking feeling started up again from where our eyes met, and I could feel the flush set in around my cheeks. More so when I hear Bofur and Kili start to snigger, dragging my eyes away to glare at the hatted Dwarf he responds with a cheeky wink.
"Perhaps not to Bifur then, he'll be devastated". Huffing, I roll my eyes in annoyance.
"Oh yes, devastated how will he cope?" I deadpan back before glancing back over my shoulder to the blonde prince who was moodily glaring down at his saddle. A little concerned I look to his brother who shrugs his shoulders is response. Helpful. Motioning with my eyes for him to take my place I halt Mia, waiting until Kili has moved on before plodding along beside Fili.
After a few minutes of silence and enough backward looks from Kili and Bofur than I could stand I reach over and poke Fili in the arm. Hard. At his bemused glare I grin.
"And what reason does my lovely Prince Fili have for looking so down on this glorious day?" As I ask I swing my arms out and accidently hit a branch. Of course, as is my luck, a bunch of water cascaded down onto my head from a branch above soaking my hood and shoulders. A quiver of a smile struck his lips before he muffled his laughter into his hand. Bofur and Kili not so much. Both clutching onto each other laughing their bloody heads off. I am surrounded by Idiots.
"Ha, Ha, very funny!" I shake my hood off my head and run my fingers through my now wet hair attempting to hid the blush that was burning it's way up my neck and around my ears. Well that was one way to cheer someone up, peeping at the blonde-haired prince who was now grinning I returned it with a small smile.
"How can I be down when I have you and your antics to keep me company Miss Baggins?" Trying to cool the blush down in my cheeks from his intense look I cheekily grin, "isn't that why you keep Kili around?" At the sound of his name he whips his head over his shoulder with an annoyed gasp, laughing Fili teases his brother. I watch the two bicker, at least that frown is off Fili's face now. I see Bofur's eyes flickering between me and Fili from the corner of my eye, confused I raise an eyebrow at him but before I can ask he gives me a wicked grin and turns back around. Strange. Dwarves are very strange.
The next few hours follow like this, Fili and Kili bickering, trying to pull me into their fights but I manage to stay out them as the sensible one most of the time. Between the bickering I have Bofur's secret grins and Fili's heated look on my face. Give me wolves and orcs any day instead of these confusing feelings and dwarves.
After the rain finally stops, we carry on slogging through the wet grass and mud when we get to an abandoned farmhouse building. Narrowing my eyes a shiver goes through my body. Something isn't right.
"We'll camp here for the night. Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them!" Thorin calls out, slipping from Mia's back I check my sword and remove my bow. Handing Fili her reigns I slip off around the edge of the wood towards the building.
"Ayah? What are you doing?" Fili asks as I slip past him, shaking my head I carry on towards the building. Notching an arrow in my bow I follow the tree line keeping in the shadows. Looking through the trees I see no markings or movement, coming up to the farmhouse I see Gandalf already stood in the middle of the ruins watching me with a worried gaze.
"A farmer and his family used to live here", looking at the stones I rub my fingers over the fire pit to find the ashes weren't ancient but fresh, less than a week old. Confused, I look up at the wizard and hold my palm open with the ashes.
"I do not like this place Gandalf, something happened here. Recently. There is ash in the hearth and those stones have not crumbled from age". I stand as Thorin walks up to us both, surely he would listen and move us on.
As Gandalf turns towards him, I place my bow in my quiver as I run my hands over the stone of the building, feeling the indents which have not worn away by the rain or by age. Something had destroyed this farm. The question is when?
"I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley", perking up at the mention of Rivendell I listen to the two's conversation.
"I have told you already, I will not go near that place". A sharp smack of wood on stone made me jump, seeing Gandalf glare at Thorin I can't help but think this is not going to go in the way of us leaving this place.
"Why not? The elves could help us. We could get food, rest, advice." All good points made by the wizard.
"I do not need their advice!" Save us from the stubbornness of Dwarves, standing up I lean against the stone watching the stand off between the two.
"We have a map that we cannot read. Lord Elrond could help us," he points towards Thorin's chest where he has hidden the map in his furs.
Puffing his chest out, his frown deepens: "Help? A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls, the Elves looked on and did nothing. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather and betrayed my father". Those blue eyes focused on my own, feeling the depth of hate and anger I turn my gaze to the wizard. He is going up against a century of hate harboured in a dwarf, I do not think this is going to be a fight he will win.
"You are neither of them", smiling at the Wizard his face suddenly turns harsh. Here we go. "I did not give you that map and key for you to hold on to the past".
"I did not know they were yours to keep". Flinching away from the two angry beings I turn my back on them both and walk back down the pathway towards the Dwarves, grabbing my rucksack I sling it over my shoulders and start to traipse back down the path we had just come.
Balin's arm stops my path, "Ayah, where are you going?" Patting his hand as I smile up at the gentle Dwarf.
"Worry not, I will be back. I have a strange feeling of this land so I am going to scout it out, I will be back with Gandalf soon." Confused he looks up to see the Wizard storming this way. "Look after Bilbo for me will you", without waiting for his reply I carry on walking while pulling my bow out of the quiver and notching an arrow
"Everything alright? Gandalf, Ayah, where are you going?" Bilbo calls out from behind us as Gandalf walks up beside me, sharing an annoyed look with the Wizard we carry on.
"To seek the company of the only one around here who's got any sense!"
"Who's that?" I hide a smile at my cousin's probing, bless his gentle heart.
"Myself and Miss Baggins, Mr Baggins! I've had enough of Dwarves for one day!"
Scouting through the trees and foliage as the Wizard storms ahead I keep one eye on him and another on our surroundings. It would not do us well to be caught unawares while we are alone without the company. Pulling a few wild raspberries off the bushes as we pass I slip a few into the Wizards hand. Smiling down at me he carries on walking in silence. Okay, no talking I can deal with that.
For the next few hours we walked at a slow pace through the forest until Gandalf huffs and slumps down on a rock, night had fallen and I could not scout around without a flame. Guess here is good as any. Gathering some kindling and dry-ish branches I start making a small fire for us both to dry our feet and keep any beasties away. I place my bow and arrows by my side as I try to light the kindling but before I can a small blob of blue flame jumps into the branches sparking up. Sitting back in fright a mischievous chuckle from behind me was the only reason I didn't raise my bow.
"Very funny Wizard", throwing him a grin over my shoulder I start placing the branches around the small blue flame and then stones around the edge to contain it. Going back to sit on a small step of rock beside the Wizard I scavenge around in my pack for a little bit of beef jerky and a tiny bit of bread. Splitting the meagre meal into two I hand Gandalf one half. "Thank you dear", nodding in reply I munch away as he does.
We both stay in silence as Gandalf lights his pipe, watching around us I keep my wits about me as I fall back into old habits.
"We need to get Thorin to visit the elves Ayah, that map holds a secret that for the life of me I cannot figure out. I fear if we do not, this quest will be for nothing". I consider what the Wizard says, shifting the bow on my lap I turn to him.
"You said the map speaks of a hidden door somewhere on the mountain," nodding in agreement I hum. How could we get Thorin to Rivendell? "The Hidden Pass is not far from this area if memory serves me correctly, could you not lead them that way?" He puffs smoke out from the corner of his mouth before smiling.
"Yes. Yes I think that would be the best course of action". He chuckles, tapping me on the shoulder as he places his pipe away back into his cloak, "and now I think it should be best for us to leave this place and return to our company. Dawn is not far away".
Standing I go to kick the fire out to find the blue flames had disappeared, one bemused glance to the grinning wizard was the answer I needed. Magic is a force to be reckoned with. Going back the way we first came I keep my arrow notched.
"Gandalf?"
"Hmm?" Biting my lip as get closer to where the Dwarves should be, a grating sensation was making my back twinge and my stomach was full of what felt like nervous butterflies.
"Something has happened, I can feel it!" I turn this way and that trying to see through the darkness, the only times I feel like this is when there is danger around and I learnt very quickly to trust this instinct. The scars up my shoulders were proof enough of what happens when you ignore your gut.
"Yes, as I can too my dear. Let's make haste, quickly now keep your wits about you". Running as steadily as I could behind the Wizard we come to the clearing where all the Dwarves should be sat. Whipping my head around I see no sign of any Dwarves or Bilbo. Where was my cousin? Keeping my bow drawn I step into the clearing, searching all the packs I can see they've all been thrown around haphazardly. The pot holding the stew was still above a now dwindling fire, Oin's backpack containing his healing herbs was against a log and so was Balin's bag with his writing equipment. Kneeling, I trace my fingers over the many footprints. Gandalf comes behind me, "what sense can you make of these Ayah?"
I crawl across the floor following the one set of prints I can distinguish from the rest, from the size and weight behind it they would be Bomburs, as I follow them to the tree line. I look up at Gandalf.
"They've gone into the forest, and in a hurry. Something's happened to make them abandon the camp," a rustling to the left makes me spring up from my position and aim. "Come out, reveal yourself!" I snarl as Gandalf lowers his staff, all for Mia to whinny her way out of the trees. Sighing in relief I rush to my pony, "hey girl, calm. Can you show me where Bilbo and Dwarves have gone friend?" The whites of her eyes were showing, and she was panting, feeling down her body I feel a slimy substance on her coat. I pull my hand away to see a green liquid covering it. "Uh, Gandalf?"
The Wizard comes closer to inspect my hand before grabbing a cloth from his robes and wiping the stuff from my hand, "come Ayah, the Dwarves are in bigger trouble that I thought". Worrying my lip I motion Mia to stay as I follow Gandalf. As we travel further into the forest there are massive trees upturned and mounds of dirt every few paces. Something big had done this. Something big, and possibly quite dangerous.
As we come up to a clearing I can see three huge creatures crowded around a fire pit that had half of the dwarves on a spit and the other half bagged in a pile. Apart from one. One was stood in front of one of the creatures talking to it, narrowing my eyes I can see it is Bilbo!
"Gandalf!" I whisper as loud as I dare as he clutches my shoulder.
"Easy now Ayah." Looking into his soft blue eyes I nod and take a deep breath. "I need you to go up in that tree and keep an eye, if the need appears shoot what you can but there's only one way to stop mountain trolls." Looking above his head to the rising sun I smile.
"Sunlight". Nodding in agreement he sets off around the perimeter as I get as close to the clearing without being seen and shimmy up the tree as quietly as I can. I grasp one of the thickest branches near the top and set myself on it, wrapping my legs around it I draw my bow from my back and notch an arrow.
"What a load of rubbish! I've eaten plenty with their skins on. Scuff them, I say, boots and all." Shocked that these mountain trolls could actually talk I watched my cousin shake his head at the troll as another one stalked behind him to the group.
"'e's right! Nothing wrong with a bit of raw dwarf! Nice and crunchy". The scrawny one had grabbed Bombur from the group and held him above his head. Hearing poor Bombur's whimpers made my heart clench, but I can't shoot an arrow. If I hit the trolls hand he will drop poor Bombur into his mouth anyway, come on Gandalf where are you!
"Not – not that one! He's … he's infected!"
"You what?" Even the scrawny dwarf stopped moving to wait for Bibo's next words.
"Yeah, he's got worms in his … tubes!" Poor old Bombur got thrust back onto the pile of Dwarves, hearing them all groan I smile. Even in the line of death they still find something to moan about. "In fact they all have, they're infested with parasites. It's a terrible business; I wouldn't risk it, I really wouldn't!"
Clenching my teeth at the insults they all start to throw at Bilbo I hold my arrow steady, idiots; can they not understand Bilbo is trying to save them. All of a sudden the dwarves change their tune, shouting how they are infested, even hearing Fili and Kili competing on who has the biggest parasites. Mahal save me from these Dwarves.
"What would you have us do then? Let them all go?" Oh Bilbo, carefully now!
"Well …"
"You think I don't know what you're up to? This little ferret is taking us for fools!"
"Ferret?!" If we weren't in a life or death situation, I could strangle that cousin of mine, of all the bloody things to get upset about being called a ferret is not one of them!
"Fools?" I am surrounded by idiots! Seeing things are about to go south I crouch on the branch and pull the string tight; I swore to protect Bilbo and a couple of stupid trolls are not going to stop me.
"The dawn will take you all!" Gandalf boomed from across the clearing standing on a big boulder with his staff raised above his head. Took him long enough. As the trolls started to squabble amongst themselves, Gandalf slammed his staff against the boulder sending an almighty crack down it before falling in half allowing the morning sunlight stream through right onto the trolls and dwarves.
Watching on as they shriek and scream with pain, I see their skin literally turn to stone before my own eyes. Within seconds the three Mountain Trolls were nothing more than three troll statues. Chuckling at the now cheering dwarves I slide my bow and arrows back into my quiver before making my way down the tree and towards where the Wizard was now stood, we both entered the clearing together.
Smirking at the shocked looks I go to kick dirt over the fire to stop the poor lads getting any hotter.
"Lass I have never been happier to see yer gorgeous face," Bofur's cheeky grin made me laugh, how on earth he kept that flaming hat on his head all this time was beyond me.
"I leave you all for a couple of hours and look what happens?" I tease them as Gandalf goes over to the bagged dwarves. Kicking more and more dirt over the fire it slowly starts to dwindle down into ash, moving around the fire I see poor Ori and Dori's faces looking particularly red. "We will get you down in a jiffy lads, don't worry". Giving them my most reassuring smile, I go to help Gandalf, there is no way I am going to be able to lift those dwarves off that spit alone. Coming across the blonde dwarf prince I grin, leaning down I unsheathe my knife. "Need a hand or will your massive parasites cut you loose?"
His flushing cheeks made my grin grow as I cut the rope holding the sack together and hold my hand out to him, the shock from his warm hand in mine stopped the butterflies and twinges in my back as soon as it touched me. A little confused I push aside the feeling and help pull him out of the sack, dusting his shoulders off before I notice he is only in his under clothes, a burn started on my cheeks as I quickly make sure my eyes were focused on his own. Now it was his turn to smirk as steps out of the bag, throwing it with some strength off to the side before looking down at me.
"Why thank you my saviour," bowing low he kisses the top of my hand sending tremors up my arm, gulping I try to give him the best smile I could while feeling a weird sensation yanking in my chest. Did I eat something bad? Perhaps it was those berries?
Coughing slightly as he stands I try to push the feeling away as I go back to teasing him, "can a girl not even leave you alone for a few hours without you lads getting yourself in to some kind of trouble?" He chuckles again, his thumb tracing the palm of my hand. Not that I was noticing this at all.
"Perhaps I shall have to keep you near at all times?" Was he flirting with me? Stammering a little, I push a curl back behind my ear.
"Your very own good luck charm?" He nods, teeth glinting in the morning sun. "That's gonna cost you lot extra ya know?" Winking at the shocked look on his face I walk away to my poor cousin, serves the cheeky bugger right.
"Bilbo!" Grinning at him he goes to hug me before I hold out my hand, hitting him in the chest. "What is all over you?" Scrunching my nose at the green liquid on his jacket and around his face I can feel myself start to get a little queasy.
"Uh- uh well its … er" Holding my hand to my mouth and nose so I couldn't smell the snot I take a few steps back.
"First things first, you need to wash that off before I even think of hugging you cousin of mine!" His shoulders sagging, I can't help but laugh. "But I am so proud of you Bilbo, for standing up and bidding the time for me and Gandalf to come help you! I told you strength is more than just brawn!" Smiling at my beaming cousin, I motion for us to help the rest of the dwarves. All the time feeling a scorching heat from a certain blonde-haired dwarfs gaze. Oh bother.