I Run To You

A/N- Welcome back everyone! I do hope you are all ready for another trip into middle earth. I know I am.

I've been working hard to write this story different than the movies and book. Although for the stories sake I do have to keep some things the same, I will alter them though so it won't be the same read-through on a word for word basis from the movies or the book. At least I will try.

Disclaimer- I do not own this world, the main characters and such, but the family of Ludeth and Dinodas are all mine. Lurol and Poppy are my babies. =^..^=

'Thoughts'

Dwarven Words

Now, this is where my ladies meet the company.

=^..^=

Chapter 2:

Feeling decidedly hot underneath the stares of the three women surrounding him, Gandalf felt a blush of embarrassment rise upon his cheeks. He'd never felt so flustered by women before, it was a very strange and not all too unpleasant a feeling.

Before he could dwell on that subject for long he moved onto the one that lay before him and how he should respond to it. Would these women be able to hear the truth and not spread it around as most hobbits were gossipers of the worst nature. Or would they be beneficial to the quest and to the company?

The more he thought about it the more he found he liked their chances more if one or all of these females joined their little 'expedition.' So he came to a decision and taking a deep breath to calm his mind he spoke.

"I was setting the mark of a meeting place for a company of dwarves who are setting out on a quest to restore Erebor to the dwarven community. To destroy the dragon Smaug and reclaim the throne of Erebor to the line of Durin. There are thirteen dwarves in this company lead by the head of the Durin line."

A gasp of 'Thorin' had Gandalf nodding towards Ludeth in agreement. "Yes, Thorin Oakenshield has come out of hiding; it is time to begin this quest before something evil can come from leaving things as they are."

Lurol looked between her mother and Gandalf, she knew who Thorin Oakenshield was, and her mother had told her stories about him. But something Gandalf said and didn't say nagged at her. "That's all good and well, but why did you say meeting place? You carved 'Burglar for hire' on his door not 'meeting here.'"

Surprised once again by Lurol's quick mind Gandalf nodded his head, "yes I did say meeting place, and the message is because whether Mr. Baggin's likes it or not he is coming on this quest as well, as its fourteenth member."

All three females gasped before breaking out laughing. Gandalf actually expected such a reaction considering the cold shoulder Bilbo had given him that morning, but he knew what he was doing and he knew it was the right course to take.

Poppy was the first to stop laughing and once she could speak without giggling she smiled at Gandalf, "yes, I believe he will go. He is part Took after all and I remember all those games of his as a child, he is different than most hobbits and such a trip would do him good. Speaking of trips...might I come as well Gandalf?"

Blinking at how surprising that comment was Gandalf was about to speak when Lurol spoke first, "yes, I shall come as well. I need to get out of the shire for a time and to see a kingdom of my people would be worth the work of slaying a dragon. Not to mention I will not let my sister or my cousin go on this trip without sufficient protection. I do not know these dwarrow you speak of and I do not trust those I do not know. Is this understood Gandalf? If Bilbo and Poppy go, I go as well."

Gandalf just nodded his head, pleased and surprised that things had turned out thusly. He took a sip of the new batch of Blackberry Bee tea, savored the taste a moment and then stood. He bowed to the three women before him saying, "It is settled then, I will see you two at Bilbo's later this evening. Please pack accordingly. I thank you Mistress Took for your hospitality and the pleasant company. May we meet again one day soon."

Gandalf then turned to leave when Ludeth called out, "I am glad I got to see you again wizard. May your road be cleared and by the will of Mahal Erebor restored. Until we meet again."

Gandalf just gave a nod and left, more determined than ever to make this quest a success.

Sighing Poppy and Lurol looked to their mother who smiled at them both. "I am proud of both of you. Stepping up like that for the sake of your cousin as well as that of our peoples. I know this quest is blessed by the presence of you both. Now hurry and do as the old wizard said, pack quickly. I expect both of you out of here and on your way to Bilbo's within the hour. Understood?"

Ludeth didn't even wait for an answer before she headed back outside to return to her previous task of tending the blackberry bushes.

Lurol and Poppy looked at each other for a long moment before they both nodded, "she's right. I will pack spices and medicines." Lurol smiled at her sisters words before replying, "And I will pack my whetstones and carving knives. I will grab your daggers and blade as well. We cannot leave without our weapons, not like that silly summer jaunt with Rickon. I'm not facing down an angry boar empty handed again."

Poppy just giggled as she disappeared into the kitchen. Lurol smiled after her and made her way to her room to pack. Within the hour as their mother had requested, they both gave their mother parting hugs and promises to stay strong and safe before they turned and made their way up the familiar path to Bag End and their future.

Bilbo liked visitors as much as the next hobbit, when they were invited. Unless they were family, that was different.

So when he'd opened the door to find both his cousin's Lurol and Poppy standing there laden with gear and looking as if they were about to embark on some grand adventure, he felt a strange sense of foreboding wash over him.

It didn't linger for long though when they came in and helped him get ready for dinner. He was a little surprised when Poppy made entirely too much for just the three of them, but being a hobbit, having excess food didn't really mean anything bad. It just meant there would be plenty there for later, or a snack of course.

They had all just sat down to eat when a loud knock sounded at the door. Huffing in annoyance of having to leave his meal, Bilbo got up and went to answer the door. Not seeing the identical smirks on the faces of his cousins as he disappeared up the hall.

Lurol and Poppy were just about to start in on the potatoes and roast chicken that Poppy had whipped up when in lumbered a large bald dwarf. Both Poppy and Lurol looked at him head to toe as he did them, then they all three bowed their heads in unison. "Dwalin at your service." Spoke the large man, Poppy smiled, "Poppy." Her sister joined in, "Lurol." Both then said, "at your service as well." In unison.

The dwarf then sat at the table and began eating their cousin's meal, but it was no big deal as Poppy had made plenty of food and snacks to tide an army of Dwarves over, or at least she hoped so. When Bilbo came back in and Dwalin finished the plate asking for more, Poppy pulled out another plate for Bilbo and a large portion of cookies for Dwalin.

The doorbell rang once more and they watched as Dwalin walked out to greet their next dwarven guest. He introduced himself as Balin, Dwalin's elder brother. Lurol smiled when he asked about her braids, she simply told him her mother had taught her and it was her first attempt by herself. He looked baffled before he nodded and moved off with his brother towards the kitchen. Poppy followed behind, ready to serve this new guest.

Lurol looked at her cousin whom moved to stop the Dwarrow as they headed for the pantry when the doorbell rang again. He clenched his fists and headed that way, Lurol chuckled under her breath as she pulled out her pipe and lit it.

Soon after came a pair that Lurol couldn't help but like. The brother's Fili and Kili had practically insulted and forced their way in past her cousin and had proceeded to dirty his furniture while dumping weapons in his arms. All in less than two minutes of being in the house, she had to admit, it was impressive.

Then came the bulk of the party.

When the doorbell rang again minutes later, Bilbo was clearly upset. He was stomping towards the door with the intent to really put someone in their place, but Lurol knew he needed a break and stepped in. "I've got it Bilbo, try to sit for a moment and take a breather. You look like you could use it."

He absentmindedly nodded his head and had sat down on a small alcove chair nearby, while she opened the door. She easily avoided the falling dwarrow and nodded her head to Gandalf as he stepped inside, trying his best not to his hit head on the door. Lurol then shut the door and turned to meet these new arrivals when her sister came running out with a giant basket full of rolls she'd baked.

Poppy greeted Gandalf and then they both turned to meet the dwarrow before them. First Poppy bowed and then Lurol. "Poppy and Lurol at your service sirs." When the group before them bowed as well each seemed to fall into an order or sorts as they slowly but surely introduced themselves.

"Oin and Gloin, ladies. At yer service." Both reached for the rolls and Poppy obliged by handing them each one. Both moved off into the house past a rather miffed looking Bilbo. The next three stepped up and each had a unique hairstyle or hat.

"Bifur, Bombur, and Bofur. Pleased to be at your service." It was the one with the hat that spoke, Bofur if Lurol was correct. He even winked at her when her sister smiled and gave them rolls as well. Two went on but Bofur stayed leaning against the wall, watching avidly the goings on.

The last three stepped up and the youngest looking one smiled cheekily as he spoke, "Dori, Nori, and Ori maladies. Very pleased to meet you and gladly at your service." Lurol felt a small smile starting to form and quickly smothered it while her sister laughed happily as she handed out more rolls. Once the last three had moved on Poppy approached Gandalf and offered him some rolls, which he happily took.

He also gave Poppy an almost shy look if Lurol wasn't mistaken as he asked, "Miss Poppy...have you brought along any of that lovely tea of yours?" Poppy grinned at that, ear to ear. "Of course, as well as several new kinds. I also have packed some of my special smoking weed. Of which I've made you a separate supply."

She dug around in her pockets for a moment before producing a large pouch, Gandalf took it almost reverently. "Why thank you Miss Poppy, I will enjoy this to the fullest." Poppy nodded her head then excused herself as she moved off to the kitchen once more. Lurol just watched her disappear as she walked along with Gandalf into the main room.

The wizard began to count as he muttered the names of each dwarf as they passed by, most were moving things while a few were just snacking on her sisters ample supply of rolls. She flashed Bilbo a small smile when he walked by when she heard someone speaking to Gandalf. "He'll be along later; he had to go to a meeting of our kin. He'll be here, not to worry."

Seeing Dwalin Lurol nodded her head in his direction before she moved on into the kitchen, she could smell her sister's cooking; it was almost time for dinner. Having grown up in a house with six elder siblings she was well used to the clamor of a large dinner party, so she knew to find herself a seat first thing.

Dinner was a rather enjoyable affair, at least Poppy thought so. She'd never been very good at guessing her sisters thoughts and feelings. After all Lurol had turned out more like their mother and much less hobbit than the rest of them. But from the three empty tankards of ale and the arm lock she currently held Fili in, she believed her sister was having the time of her life.

The clearing of a throat had Poppy turning her head to look at Kili whom was holding up a couple tankards of ale. "Want a drink?" Smiling at seeing the slight blush to the dwarf's cheeks, Poppy reached out and took one of the tankards; she then patted the seat next to her. "Join me." Kili hesitated but a moment before he did just that and they enjoyed a nice long drink while watching his brother and her sister wrestle before them.

"So...your ma's a dwarrowdam then?" Smiling at the curious tone to the brunette's voice, Poppy turned more towards him. "Did Gandalf tell you that?" When Kili nodded his head with a blush still on his cheeks she shook her head. 'Meddling old goat.'

"Well then, what do you wish to know about my family? Go ahead, ask. I won't bite." Poppy waited to see if he would go through with it or not. It seemed his curiosity was enough to ask, "How did your ma ever end up here?"

Laughing at that she smiled broadly, "that my friend is a long story, are you sure you wish to hear it?" Kili nodded his head and with a nod of her head in return Poppy took a deep breath and began.

She enjoyed the reactions he had from her words and when she finally wound down to her father dying, she tilted her head and asked, "Since you know all about my family. It is your turn, tell me about yours? It is only fair."

It was Kili's turn to be put on the spot and after flushing red once more he gave a nod and began. "There are only the four of us. Fili, Thorin, my mother Dis, and myself. She would have loved the chance to meet your mother; they would probably get on very well." Poppy smiled at that, her mother could get along with a raging bull but that was beside the point. "I have heard much of the Lady Dis, is it true she resembles your uncle as if the two were truly twins?"

Kili seemed surprised by that and gave a nod of his head. "That will make it easier to imagine her then. My mother was very descriptive of her journeys and life before the shire. But it only goes so far when I myself have never seen what she has; all I have is my imagination." Kili smirked at that, "I wonder what my uncle will think if he finds out your imagining him as a woman. Although I never thought about it in that way myself, it's going to make it hard to keep a straight face around him."

Poppy just swatted his shoulder and was about to say something else when a loud knocking echoed through Bag End. Everyone fell silent at that and all could be heard was Gandalf's soft, "he is here."

A/N- There we are, Thorin is about to make his grand appearance. I hope I do him justice in this coming chapter.

Thank you to everyone who is taking this journey with me.

May the Fluff Be With You!

=^..^=