Later following night Thorin sat satisfied by the fire they were finally able to light. They hummed song before sleeping from exhaustion. This was the night they are safe enough for those rituals of comfort. They were sure now Orcs took eastern path and on this side of hills they were safe enough not to be seen by them. Later on in the plains they'll have to find a way around them, but that was in the future. Thorin was pleased with their progress by now.

Thorin was used in keeping watch by himself but when Master Baggins came to the fire he welcomed him with a smile. Master Baggins sat by the fire looking tired and cold. It seemed like the fire isn't warming him up. It was strange because little Hobbit didn't display signs of discomfort by the cold before.

Instead of starting conversation Thorin lifted the edge of his cover as an invitation. After short indecision the cold obviously won and Master Baggins moved closer. Thorin put the cover around his back and they sat there some time in silence until Thorin felt how little Hobbit is leaning against him already asleep.

Thorin was accustomed to closeness, dwarves weren't solitude kind, they interacted, patted and sat closely, but this was somehow different. Thorin was sure little Hobbit was sleeping by his weight, warmth and breathing but he still didn't move to place him on the ground. He sat there not moving feeling sudden strike of loneliness.


Short one. Thorin's a cute ball of fur :) let's throw him in.