"Was that a wolf? Are there – are there wolves out here?" Blossom worried voice washed over Fili and he moved to stand beside her protectively. They should have never gotten off their ponies. Not for the creature wizard that was Radagast. The ponies scattered at the sound of the howls, leaving them with naught, but what was on their person. Luckily they had the majority of their packs. A shout startled Fili out of his thoughts, pulling Blossom to his side as Kili took her front, arrow drawn. A warg had jumped from the bushes, jumping on Bofur, but Thorin did not let it harm the toymaker.
"Warg-Scouts! Which means an Orc pack is not far behind," Thorin's rough voice met their ears and Fili was quick to pull out his sword, one hand resting protectively on Blossom. He was aware of Frerin coming towards her as well, but he could not let the jealousy take over him. Not when Blossom's life was in danger.
"Who did you tell about you quest, beyond your kin?" Gandalf thundered, his face dark as he yelled at their leader. "Who!" Gandalf snarled when he did not hear what he wanted.
"No one! What Is Durin's name is going on?" Thorin had quite had it with Gandalf and his mysterious ways. If he wanted riddles he would ask for them from his nephews. Not from the wizard who was supposed to be helping him on this journey.
"You are being hunted," Gandalf said plainly, all the Dwarves looking worried. Grips tightened on weapons and even more moved towards their 'weakest' links: Blossom and Ori. A fine scuffle went on of how they were to outrun the Wargs when Radagast finally spoke up.
"I will draw them off," the brown wizard said determinedly, looking rather proud of himself for gaining the attention of the despairing Dwarves.
"These are Gundabad Wargs; they will outrun you." Gandalf said, his tone showing that he was not having any nonsense with foolish ideas.
"These are Rhosgobel Rabbits; I'd like to see them try," Radagast said, sounding rather indignant that Gandalf would expect any less from his rabbit friends. So enough they were giving chase, Radagast leading the Orc and Wargs like he said he would. The Dwarves ran behind Gandalf, all very aware that the Wargs or Orcs could see them at any time and would surely chase them then Radagast. Blossom found herself securely between Fili and Kili with Frerin not too far from the archer. Blossom appreciated their attempt at protecting her, but really they were hindering her from not being able to fight herself. She still grabbed her bow off her back and notched some arrows that Frerin had fashioned for her in the Shire. She also had her daggers and sword, the little letter opener that Gandalf had forced into her hands as well. It reeked of troll, but the wizard was most insistent. They stopped short behind a rock, Blossom crashing into Kili's side. She was not the only one who stopped suddenly, Thorin holding Ori protectively to his chest to ensure that the young dwarf did not go flying out of cover.
"Where are you leading us?" Thorin hissed to Gandalf once they were behind another rock. The wizard did not answer him, but it was probably for the best because a Warg ended up right on top of the rock they were hiding behind. Fili's arm shot out to hold her closer to the rock, his sword ready to strike if they needed to. Blossom watched as Kili and Thorin spoke silently with looks and nods before the youngest Dwarf pushed off the wall and shot the Warg straight through its head. The warg tumbled down on them with its Orc rider in tow, Dwalin, Thorin, and Bifur taking quick work to kill the beasts. Blossom turned her head from the harsh brutality, knowing that it was an Orc, but it was an aggressive way to kill something. Fili took note of her looking away, figuring their Hobbit was softer than she looked. She could not even bare the sight of death. Even if it was an Orc. Fili would have to protect her more thoroughly. Something, he also noticed with a touch of satisfaction, that Frerin was not doing. The older Dwarf was standing on Kili's other side, watching carefully as his brother beheaded the Orc. No Blossom would find that the Durin uncles were quite harden in their life and did not fear death. She would immediately seek him and Kili out for comfort. Then he will convince her that her affections were wasted on his uncle.
A shout in an unfamiliar language had them moving once more. Gandalf urged them to run and run they did, running zigzags at the wizard's insistence. They only paused once on flat ground. Blossom pulled her bow up and began to shoot, barely listening as Thorin shouted for Kili to take them down. Fili, realizing he lost his Hobbit in the run, spun frantically to see her, his breath catching when he saw her standing slightly further out than Kili, shooting with his brother. He was rather drawn to the sight and if the situation was not what it was, he would surely have a problem within his trousers. But with her and his brother so far out, Fili could not feel anything but fear for them.
"This way, you fools!" Gandalf shouted at them, the Dwarves automatically taking off towards the hiding spot. Kili and Blossom held their posts, shooting faithfully as many as they could, their quivers slowly emptying.
"Kili! Run!" Thorin shouted, worry clear on his face for his youngest nephew. He was always reckless and now he was out in the line of fire. He should have left him at Ered Luin. He did not even see the Hobbit until Kili had grabbed her arm to urge her back. The Dwarf took off towards his uncle, believing that Blossom was behind him. She had been when he started running, but he knew that she was a bit slower than he. So when he slid down without her, he was not too concerned. But when a minute passed without sight of the Hobbit, the young princes started to get anxious.
"Where is Blossom?" Frerin was the first to show his nerves however, approaching his youngest nephew. If his Hobbit was gone, he would kill Kili. He should have been protecting her! She should have never come on this quest! All of this was that cursed wizard's fault.
"She was right behind me!" Kili said, his voice wavering. His uncle was not the only one who would blame the young Dwarf for Blossom's death. Kili could never live with himself if his 'selfishness' had gotten Blossom killed. Especially after what he had found out about her being Fili's One. That should be even more reason for him to have waited for the female Hobbit to enter before himself.
"Then where is she?" Frerin snarled at him, getting in his nephew's face. He knew it was not the archer's fault and that he could not have known, but Frerin also knew that they should not have come on this trip and now his Blossom could be lying dead out there because of his nephew leaving her.
Kili's eyes filled with tears and a sob escaped him, though drowned up by the sound of horns in the distance.
"Elves," Dwalin grunted, all Dwarves not liking the species of the Fair Folk too much. They all took a defensive stance when something came tumbling down into their hideout. It had been Frerin's cry of surprise that stopped them from ensuring the creature was dead.
"Blossom!" Frerin was quick to push the Orc off the Hobbit, looking her over for injury. The Hobbit looked a bit worse for wear, her blouse torn in a few places and her face streaked with blood. Though if it belonged to her or not, they would not know. Her eyes were blown wide from adrenaline, the same look that Frerin had seen on her the last time they traveled to Rivendell and Belladonna took down a goblin that had been following them. Only she was in her mother's spot this time. "Are you okay?" He asked, helping her to her feet.
"I am fine, just a little out of breath," she responded once she got her breathing back to normal. It was futile though seeing as someone crashed into her, knocking it right back out. She could make out a skinny built and brunet hair, along with sobs and whispered apologies in a language that was not her own. She immediately wrapped the younger dwarf into her arms, rocking him gently. "Shhh Kili, I am here," she whispered to him, meeting the eyes of Fili over his shoulder. The older prince looked no better than his brother, only he had not tried to collapse her lungs by running to her arms. She shifted Kili slightly and held her other arm out to Fili, the blond prince wasting no time in clinging to her. More apologies were said, though Blossom had no idea why since Fili had not been out there with her and Kili.
Fili felt awful. He had treated Blossom like a burden and she could have died out there. Even if she had chosen his uncle over him, he still cared deeply for the little Hobbit. He felt this connection with her and if he had lost her, he did not know what he would do. So he clung to her like a babe, not at all ashamed of it as he begged her forgiveness for how he had treated her today. Still he could not bring himself to care too much about how he appeared to the other Dwarves. He should never have treated her any different than before, she was still his Hobbit and he would have to let his jealousy go. She had chosen his uncle and he would have to live with that. The blond prince was the first to pull back, looking at Frerin. He nodded his consent, missing the look of amusement on his uncle's face.
"I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?" Dwalin asked, Kili pulling back from the Hobbit, but still keeping a protective hand on the Hobbit. Blossom allowed him to hold onto her, rolling her eyes at the protectiveness of Dwarves. She had Kili and Fili once more on either side and Frerin standing in front of her. She allowed it this time, her run in with the Orcs leaving her a bit shaken.
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Blossom had never been much of a fighter, well she was not a fighter at all. So standing her ground against the Orcs had been terrifying, but she could only think of her company and getting them to safety. She did not care if she could get killed in her attempt, they needed to get to the Lonely Mountain. She flinched when Kili tugged her elbow, making her shot off mark, but it still did some damage. She could hear Thorin yelling for Kili, but not for her. She could stay longer and tried to protect.
Soon the Orcs were too close to shoot so she took up her sword and got in the familiar stance that Frerin had taught her. She may be a bit out of practice, but these were Orcs who did not have any training outside of wanting to kill whatever they saw. She braced herself and the first swing of her sword went through the Warg's jaw. Its Orc rider was bucked off, flying behind her and she quickly spun on her feet, preparing to fight with him. He spat in his disgusting tongue what she sure was vile things about her. She shot towards him, her sword going straight through his throat in her surprise attack. She would have spat her own tongue at him, but a claw against her shoulder stopped any gloating she could do. She released a cry as she swung around to behead the Orc. She was slowly surrounded by Wargs and Orcs alike. She breathed slowly praying that her Dwarves would be alright.
Horns. She was not sure if her ears were ringing or if she was actually hearing the horns. When the Orc about to disembowel her was suddenly shot down, she knew she was hearing the horns of her savior. She, however, did not know if they were friendly or not. Tales of Men and their wicked ways of finding pleasure slammed into her mind and once there was an opening, she took off running to the cave she had seen Gandalf at before.
Blossom ran with all her might, hoping that who had saved her did not think she was one of the disgusting creatures. She reached the lip of the cave, an Orc grabbing on to her. She turned to kill it, but an Elven arrow hit it first. She stumbled back with the force of the arrow and she went tumbling down into the cave.
"Blossom!"
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"Follow it, of course!" Bofur said, already moving through the tunnel, not waiting for Thorin to give an answer to Dwalin's question. Blossom was led by the princes, smiling softly when Fili's hand joined his brothers on her back. Together the princes led their Hobbit through the tunnel.
The tunnel was rather dark and cramped, the Dwarves having to squeeze between the rocks. Blossom stayed securely between the princes, Kili more so scared of losing her than Fili. Though, my dear readers, if Fili had the same knowledge that Kili did, he would be taking Miss Baggins right back to the Shire. But where would we be, dear readers? So, for now, our beloved Fili is unaware of Blossom's importance to him and the rest of the company was oblivious to the injury their Hobbit had acquired.
Blossom did not want to alarm her Dwarves anymore and the claw marks did not hurt as much as you would think. Perhaps it was because she had adrenaline pumping through her or because she had two dwarves on either side of her, keeping her blissfully unaware of the damage done to her shoulder. Besides she knew that they would stop soon and then Oin could take a look at her. Hopefully, with the Elves so near they would go to Rivendell and she could be treated by Elrond. Surely Thorin could not be so against seeking aid for injured from the kind Elf lord, could he?
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"Hold ranks!" Thorin roared, holding his sword outward to the approaching Elves. Blossom found herself pushed into the middle with Ori, letting out a soft cry when her shoulder was jostled. None of the Dwarves seemed to notice her cry as Elrond moved around them to speak with Gandalf. "Does he offer us insult!" The proud Dwarf roared once more at Gandalf.
"No. He is offering you food!" Gandalf smirked at the leader.
"And aid for your injured," Elrond answered as well, Blossom perking up at the familiar voice of the Elf. It had been a long time since she had last seen him.
"We have no injured," Thorin snarled, though his eyes did travel over his company with worry.
"Your female companion would say otherwise, Thorin, Son of Thrain." Elrond said appearing stern, but after many summers in Rivendell, Blossom could see the underlying mischief in his eyes. Belladonna and Elrond had gotten into as much trouble in their days as Blossom and the Elven princes did.
The reaction to knowledge of her injury was almost instantons with Thorin and Frerin spinning to face her and Fili pulling her to him to inspect her. Bofur seemed to find the injured first if his cry was anything to go by. She winced when fingers prodded her shoulder, wanting nothing more than to sink into Fili's chest and hide from the pain. She knew it would be a matter of time before Thorin yelled at her for this, claiming it was all her fault and just hoped that he would wait until she was fully healed before berating her.
"You should have told me," Fili whispered softly to her as they were led through the halls of Rivendell. Blossom felt guilt at the hurt in his voice, but knew that she could not have changed it if she had wanted to.
"It was not important," she whispered back, rubbing his lower back in comfort. They had trailed towards the back of the group, with Gandalf and Elrond upfront. Kili had reluctantly walked in pace with Frerin after the blond shot him a heated look. Blossom would also have to ask about that later.
"That is nonsense, if one of us is injured we let someone know," Fili said firmly, though Blossom was not sure why her heart hurt at the thought that Fili was only concerned because she was in the company. He did not care for her because he wanted to, but because she was need on this journey and someone had to keep the stupid Hobbit safe. She pulled back from him and shrugged her shoulders.
"No one would have cared," she replied, knowing deep in her heart that it was true. If she was injured, then Thorin would just see more of a burden in her. She was no better than a burglar to him and without her, he may not get his mountain back from Smaug. No one would coddle her or try to protect her any more than they had already. She would just be the weak link once more.
Fili opened his mouth to protest, but twin shouts of "Blossom!" cut him off. He watched as two brown haired Elves came bounding down the corridor before crashing into the Hobbit.
"Ah, careful Elladan and you too Elrohir! I bear an injury!" She said, though the smile that appeared at the familiar voices, did not leave her face. Fili's own face soured as he watched the Hobbit smile at the disgusting tree-shaggers.
"We missed you so much Blossom! And injury? Ada, can we take lossë to the infirmary?" Elladan spoke, his twin examining the Hobbit's injury. They paid no mind to the Dwarves around them that were fuming at the foreign language for the twins had spoken solely in Sindarin and only three outside the Elves could understand it.
"Ensure she gets there before you start with your troublemaking," Elrond replied to them, his face stern. All could see he cared dearly for the Hobbit and would not see her in anymore pain then she had already dealt with. The twins nodded their heads together, grabbing Blossom's hands and beginning to pull her away. Rough Khuzdal paused them in their tracks, Blossom turning to see Frerin restraining both of the princes, Thorin's grip on Kili looking rather hard. The Hobbit was sure the youngest Dwarf would have fingerprints there later.
"I will be fine," she assured them, feeling her heart twisted when Fili tried to fight the grip that Frerin had on him, but they both knew it was fruitless. Frerin gave a brief nod to the twins, knowing they would take care of Blossom. She gave the young princes a soft smile before allowing the twins to pull her down the corridor and away from her Dwarves. They were happily talking about how much they missed her and what they had been doing in the meantime, like aiding the rangers of the north with their 'missions'. Blossom listened attentively, missing the excited tones of the two Elves. They were a lot older than her in years, but around the same mental maturity as herself. They were adults, but still considered young by their kin. She had a feeling that if Fili and Kili gave them a chance, they would be the best of friends. She noticed vaguely that they were heading to the wing of the house where Elrond and his family resided instead of the infirmary.
"This is not the infirmary," the female said, rolling her eyes at them. She understood their knack for getting in trouble, but she did not want them to get in trouble on her account. Especially not when their father gave them strict orders.
"We know," Elrohir smirked, pushing open huge French doors. They were in a bedroom for sure and Blossom smiled softly recognizing it as Arwen's room. She had not seen much of the princess as she had been away from Rivendell often to studying healing with her grandmother in Lothlórien. Blossom had seen her a fair few times before she would make the journeys to her grandmother. In the time they had known each other, they were rather close, being females in a majorly male place such as Rivendell. There had been another of course, but he was not an Elf. No he was a Man and Elrond adopted him as his own. Blossom wondered what ever had happened to…
"Estel!" She said in surprised, seeing the Man appear from the balcony. He was in a very loose tunic, but more rugged looking than he had been when she last saw him. The Man looked up at the familiar voice he had not heard in a long time and a smile broke out on his face.
"Ah Blossom Baggins of the Shire. It has been quite a time since we have been blessed with your presence," Estel's voice was a little hurt, but no less glad to see her. Blossom's smile faltered a bit at the hurt tone Estel had taken, but it could not fall entirely when he moved forward and wrapped her in his arms. He had been just on the brink of maturity when she had last seen him. He looked rather distinguished now, the rangers suiting him well.
"Do my eyes deceive me?" A dreamy voice sounded from the balcony, Blossom hastily pulling from the Man to take in the beauty that was Elrond's only daughter. Arwen had taken after her mother, at least from what Blossom had heard of the late Celebrían. Apparently the only thing that they did not have in common was their hair colors, all of Elrond's children adopting his chocolate locks.
"No, sister dearest. Blossom Baggins has finally decided that we are worth the trek from the Shire," Elladan exaggerated, playfully clutching his heart and falling onto the bed as if he had been wounded. The Hobbit rolled her eyes at him, delivering a smack to his twin for his laughter.
"Ouch! What was that for dear Hobbit?" Elrohir whined, holding his arm enough though it was hardly believable that the small female Hobbit caused him any harm. Blossom had another moment of realization that the twins were around the mental age of tweens in Hobbit society and this was typical behavior. Despite the hardships that had matured them too early, they still found time for their childish behavior.
"You are closest. I was hoping you would have the twin link that connected you two. Apparently, I was wrong," Blossom stated, shrugging her shoulders at the gaping twins before making her way to Arwen. The brunette Elf smiled when attention was brought once more to her and knelt down so she could hug the Hobbit properly. Blossom could feel her wandering fingers, taking inventory of all the injuries that she had since she had last seen her. Blossom had the slightest clue why everyone believed that she was some soft creature who had never seen any type of fighting. Sure, she was a Hobbit, but she knew her capabilities.
"This was recent," Arwen whispered to her, her fingers trailing over the Hobbit's injured shoulder.
"We, the Dwarves I am traveling with, were attacked by Orcs. I underestimated how fast they could run. One of the Elves shot it though," Blossom reassured, not needing to look at the males in the room to know they were getting angry at the mention of Orcs.
"Dwarves?" Estel said softly, while Arwen led Blossom to a chaise and started to bustle around the room to find her healing supplies.
"Yes, thirteen of them outside of Frerin. Can you imagine? Mama would have been besides herself in joy," Blossom said, her heart feeling heavy at the mention of her mother. She pulled off her shirt at Arwen's insistence, not at all concerned about her appearance in front of these four. Surely they had all changed her nappies when she was a babe and helped clean her scrapes as a fauntling. The Hobbit could not help, but grit her teeth when Arwen been applying the slave.
"Thirteen Dwarves you say? Who were the blond and brunet who clung to you?" Elrohir chimed in, catching the attention of not only Estel, but Arwen with his words. Blossom sighed inwardly, glad for the distraction from the slave that felt like it was burning through her bones.
"Fili and Kili, respectively as the blond and brunet," she said, grinning at the Elrohir. "They are the princes and for some reason they see rather inclined to cling to me as if they were fauntlings. I supposed, at least in the case of Kili, that it is his way of substituting me for his mother. Although he was rather torn when he discovered my injuries," Blossom said, the males noticing a certain passion that overcame her when talking about the company's youngest member. Estel shared a look with Arwen over the Hobbit's shoulder, but the female Elf merely shook her head. Blossom's passion for Kili was merely that of a friend, rather close one at that.
"And Fili?" Arwen asked, her voice soft as she attempted to get answers from their friend. Besides the hard part was over now, there was no reason to attempt to distract her from the pain.
"Oh, he is rather wonderful! Frerin enlisted him to 'protect' me, Yavanna knows I do not need such a thing, and he has done nothing short of that. He listens when I talk about the Shire, not like the others who do not spare me the time of day. He even curls around me when the weather has become harsh for even my layers," Blossom spoke with almost the same passion as she spoke about Kili, though there was something deeper there. Estel shook his head fondly at Arwen's knowing look. The female Elf was just like her father, right on most accounts.
"And this? Where did you acquire this one?" Estel asked, pointing to the very obvious teeth marks that were imprinted on the Hobbit's neck. Surely it was not a malicious biting, Blossom would not be alive if it had. From the blush that spread across her face, Estel knew that he had been right as well and waited for her to reveal exactly where she had gotten that particular mark.
"It was Fili actually," she said, a bit reluctantly when the twins wolf-whistled at her. Her face heated further as she quickly told them about their run in with mountain trolls and how her quick thinking had saved them all. Eyebrows rose when she revealed that Fili had bitten her to resemble the act of orgasming and they shot even higher when the Hobbit told of how she split the troll in half. The males of the room were sitting in shock, their little Hobbit had been cunning enough to trick mountain trolls, though not that hard dear readers, and basically gut it at the same time! Arwen just stood proudly at her friend's side, not doubting the fire that laid within the Hobbit. She, after all, was Belladonna's daughter and Frerin had taught her how to defend herself.
"Sounds like you have endured for a while, my dear Hobbit. Perhaps a bath is in order before you go back to your Dwarves?" The brunet Elf smiled impishly at the other female. Blossom made to protest, but Arwen would have none of it, quickly leading her to her own personal bathing chamber. Estel looked towards the twins and the trio began to snicker to themselves. Their own Blossom Baggins had a crush on a Dwarf. Now they would just need to ensure that the stubborn Dwarf would see how the Hobbit liked him. And so the plotting ensued.
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When Blossom returned to her company, she was in a flowy dress that had once belonged to Arwen when she was an Elfling. It was supposed to be a mid-length dress on Elf children, but to a Hobbit is was nearly a gown. She did not have the heart to say no to Arwen though, especially after the lady Elf had been shaken by the news of Belladonna's untimely death. Belladonna had been rather close with Arwen in her years and the loss of a friend hit the Elf hard. Only Estel seemed able to calm her and even then the Man was not doing much better. Besides she would be lying if she said that she did not miss the feel of a skirt, even if it was in the form of a dress.
"What is this I hear about you guys bathing in a fountain?" She asked as she approached the table, all the Dwarves looking rather proud of themselves. Confound these Dwarves. Blossom made her way to where Kili was waving frantically, obviously having saved her a seat. She was quickly seated and began to fill her plate. Most of the company sat at this table, Thorin, Balin, and Dwalin being the only ones to sit at the other table with Elrond and Gandalf. Blossom looked at Frerin in surprise, but the blond Dwarf merely shrugged his shoulders at her.
"It was there for our pleasure," Kili answered her question, all the Dwarves laughing boisterously and she could only manage to shake her head. Though something deep within her had wondered if Fili joined in these festivities and just how undressed they had gotten. She shoved the thoughts down as she piled some of the greens into her mouth. She held back a soft moan at the taste of something other than stew. From the scandalized looks she was getting from the rest of the table, she must have not had suppressed it as well as she thought.
"What? Have I got something on my face?" She asked, annoyed with the staring. She glared at Frerin when the blond snickered under his breath, wishing her legs were longer so she could kick him.
"How can you eat that?" Ori's soft voice broke the silence, a tone of horror and disgust filling the simple sentence.
"It is food, is it not?" Blossom returned, raising her eyebrow at the shy Dwarf. She knew that Dwarves were not fond of vegetables, but they had no problem destroying her pantry and Frerin had never seem to be rather upset with eating them. Surely, they could not be so opposed to greens?
"But it is green…" Though she always seemed wrong when it came to the company. She simply smiled fondly at him, putting another forkful in her mouth to show him that it would not hurt to eat. Frerin even did the same, though the Dwarves were quick to throw the vegetables at the blond Dwarf for 'betraying them.' Blossom noted with a small sense of satisfaction however that Fili and Kili seemed to be eating the food in front of them, even if it was hesitantly. When had she become the mother of all these Dwarves? If Belladonna could see her now.
It was later, after dinner, when the company was left to their devices, Thorin seeking out counsel with Gandalf instead of milling about with the company. From what Blossom had heard there was no reading his map until tomorrow night so they had this one to themselves. Blossom found herself sitting with Bofur and Ori, listening at the former played a rather joyous song on an instrument whose name alluded the Hobbit at the time. Fili and Kili were doing a rather weird dance that seem part wrestling and part flopping like a fish. Or perhaps they were having an episode? Blossom giggled softly to herself regardless of the meaning of their antics, finding them rather funny.
"Would you re-braid my hair lass?" Frerin asked softly, approaching her as he would whenever he would bathe at Bag End. Despite being a prince, Frerin was rather dismal at putting in his own braids and always needed someone to help him. He had come to Blossom since the day she learned how to braid seeing as Belladonna always pulled too hard. Blossom understood his pain, having spent many years under the harsh tugs of her mother. Blossom simply sat up straighter and let the Dwarf settle at her feet. She quickly ran her fingers through his drying hair, getting all the knots out. It would have been preferable to have a comb, but she would never ask for such luxuries. So Blossom began to braid Frerin's golden mane, paying no attention to the Dwarves around her. Not noticing that Bofur's song began to soften as he watched the intimacy or how Ori's eyes widened at the display, especially after he had seen the name written behind her ear. No, our oblivious Hobbit remained just that until Frerin was yanked away from her, her fingers accidentally tugging his locks and a cry of surprise leaving the older Dwarf. She lifted her eyes to the sight before her.
"How could you! After everything he has done for you! He thought he lost you and now you are going to throw your One away?" Fili roared, pinning his uncle to the ground, having yanked him by his ankles away from his Hobbit. Blossom let out a squawk at their positions, moving to get up, but Kili stopped her. He would not let his brother's One get hurt, especially not by his brother. Blossom's cries only grew louder when Frerin regained control, flipping his nephew over and pinning him, paying no mind to how Fili's head thunk'd against the stone. The commotion drew out Estel and the twins, who had just come from Arwen's room. The trio entered the courtyard and paused at the sight.
"Watch your tongue nephew. You know not what you speak of," Frerin snarled at the other blond, holding him securely to the floor, though Fili struggled greatly.
"But uncle!" Frerin did not think twice, pulling his nephew off the ground and slamming him back into the stone. Blossom was struggling against Kili at this point, the archer looking ready to either run or kill his uncle.
"Do not speak to me of him child," Frerin sneered, getting off Fili and taking a step back from him. He would not have a child speak about what he did not know. Fili dragged himself from the ground, but the sight of Blossom braiding Frerin's hair was still etched into his brain.
"I would never betray my One the way you have, uncle," the term was spat with such malice that no one could believe it had come from Fili's lips.
"Fili!" Blossom screamed as Frerin slammed his fist into the prince's face, knocking the younger back to the ground. The other Dwarves shifted anxiously not sure what they should do. In their society, Frerin outranked Fili, in more ways than one.
"I have been nothing, but faithful to my One. You should think twice before you accuse me again," Frerin growled, turning on his heel and pushing past the twins to leave the courtyard, Dwalin close on his heels. Estel turned to follow the Dwarves, knowing it would do no one good if Frerin went around sulking and spitting like he was now. With the presence of his uncle gone, Kili let Blossom pass him, something curling pleasantly in his stomach when she instantly took to Fili's side cradling his head in her lap.
"Oh you foolish Dwarf," Blossom fussed over the blond prince, Fili saying nothing in return. His heart still felt rejected, but he could not figure out why. He merely curled into her lap and let her fuss over him for the time being. He had thought he would be fine with his uncle having his Hobbit, but Fili was not known for his track record in sharing. His many wrestling matches with Kili being a testament to it. Fili let himself be lulled by the feeling of her fingers, though he stayed alert when one of the Elves came to sit by her side.
"What is a One?" Elladan spoke, starling Blossom who had been very focused in her task to ensure that Fili was not bleeding from his head to notice the Elf sitting next to her.
"Our heartsong," Kili answered freely, shrugging his shoulders. He knew that Dwarves were not supposed to like Elves, but from a young age Kili had secretly loved them. At their confused looks, Elf and Hobbit alike, Kili decided to elaborate more. "You know like soulmate? Aulë and Yavanna gave their beloved creatures marks of their heart so they would find happiness in the darkness? A bond that no one could refuse?" His eyes drifted to Blossom and Fili when he said this, though his brother took no notice. The Elf twins on the other hand did.
"So like a heart?" Blossom chimed in, smiling as she thought of hers. It was proudly showed off currently, Arwen having insisted on pulling her hair up into a bun hairstyle and her mark was clear as day, curving behind her ear. Kili nodded, though he did not know of what a heart meant to Hobbits. "Do you have marks as well?" She asked, though she knew that they were private and should technically not be shared freely. Kili once more nodded his head, though his eyebrows furrowed together.
"My mark is not in Westron or even Khuzdal though," his voice was sad, all hope for finding his One disappearing when no one could read his mark by his sixtieth year.
"If you do not mind, I could try and read it? I am rather good at reading languages!" Blossom said, her fingers running along Fili's bearded jaw taking a note of how the muscles were clenched. She really hoped that he was not upset with Kili talking about this with her. "Besides if it not the language of Dwarves or Men, that leaves Hobbits and Elves and I can read both! Hopefully it fits in one of those categories," she grinned at the hopeful look that slid on Kili's lips as he pried off his boots and socks. With a quick lift of his trousers, the familiar letters of Sindarin met her. She relayed as much to Kili, who looked nervously at his fellow Dwarves hoping none of them would look down on him.
"What does it say?" Kili asked shyly, biting his lip when Fili turned in Blossom's lap to peer at the mark that had always graced his brother's ankle.
"Adlanniel," Blossom, Elladan, and Elrohir said at the same time, the Elves not being able to hide their curiosity in matters of their kin.
"She is a guard in Mirkwood, Legolas has mentioned her before," Elrohir provided, remembering the brunette guard from the brief trip they had made to the darkening forest in the last three decades. Kili took in the information, eager for knowledge of his One, but a rather dark look crossed his face that Blossom caught before it was gone.
"Why do you look so sadden by this news? Should you not be happy?" She asked curiously, letting her fingers tangle back into Fili's hair. The action was unconscious, but neither seemed to mind the soothing touch.
"I am, it is just I cannot grow facial hair and I look too much like an Elf. And now I am fated to one? I really am a sad excuse for a Dwarf," Fili let out a cry in protest, though he did not move from where he was, afraid Blossom might stop if he left her lap.
"I will always love you Kee. Even with your small nose," he joked, pulling one of his brother's leg hairs out. The younger Dwarf let out a cry in surprise and moved to tug the blond's moustache, but all effort halted when the two accidentally knocked Blossom back. They began to apologize, but she merely laughed at them and sat back up. Fili did not return himself to her lap, staring at his right gauntlet were his own mark was hidden. Surely if Blossom had helped with Kili's, then she could help with his right? And it might help ease the jealousy growing in his heart for the affection she felt for his uncle. Blossom noticed Fili's gaze and smiled sadly at him. Why were these young boys conditioned that they should be afraid of their marks for being different?
"Do you bear Sindarin as well Fili?" She asked gently, not wanting to push the blond Dwarf if he did not to share. Fili hummed at her question before shaking his head. He started to loosen the laces that hid his forearm from view so she could inspect it.
"I have never seen this language before, I fear it may be Black Speech," he said, his voice low and his eyes firmly on his forearm, not wanting to see the disgusted faces of the company. Now they knew that none of the princes bore the name of a Dwarf and the future of their line, if they should succeed in making it to Erebor, will not be a full blooded Dwarf. Thorin and their mother had made peace with that years ago when the princes were young and would show off their strange marks to their small family of four happily. Fili only lifted his eyes when a small hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him closer to be inspected.
"Why Fili this is Hobbitish! You are fated to a Hobbit!" She beamed, thinking of all the lasses in the Shire to who he could possibly be fated to. "Seeing as it is an old language it is a bit hard to read, but these letters come together to spell Blossom! Oh, but there are not many Blossoms in the Shire, Fili, perhaps she is not born yet?" Blossom did not even think for a second that it could be her name on his forearm. Frerin would have surely told her if Fili was her heart, he would not hide this from her. The Hobbit did not take notice, lost in her own thoughts of who Fili's heart could be, the blond prince stiffening under her touch and looking at her with such hope in his eyes. The other Dwarves looked at her much the same, though Kili and Ori were the only ones to know what her mark read.
"Perhaps," he mumbled to himself, scanning her over for a mark, but he could see nothing on her visibility. He had to know if this Hobbit was truly his. If she was, he was going to have words with his uncle, who could actually read Khuzdal and knew who his One was. He was the only Dwarf named Fili. "Do you bear a mark Blossom?" Her name caught in his throat, though he tried to be calm and not let on what he thought. He knew Frerin did not have Blossom's name on him and unless his uncle had a second mark, he was holding out hope that he would see his name upon her skin.
"Of course! Yavanna would have it no other way," she said cheerfully, snapping out of her thoughts to smile at the prince and leaned down so he could see behind her right ear. If he had willing showed her his, then it was only fair she showed hers as well. Maybe he would even be helpful to tell her what hers said. Fili gently took her head into his hands and tilted her ear to the side so he could see the familiar etchings of Khuzdal on her skin. Despite having hoped for it, nothing could have prepared him to see his name on her skin. He felt as if he had been punched in the gut as he reached to touch the name tenderly. She shivered at his touch, but did not move away.
"Mahal," he whispered, wanting nothing more than to hold her in his arms. Hold her to him and protect her from the horrors of world. His heart seized more when he realized that she had gotten hurt. No that would not do. She would never get hurt again under his watch.
"Well lad?" Bofur finally broke the silence, the other Dwarves minus Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, and Frerin looking anxiously at the pair on the floor. Even the Elf twins, previously forgotten, were waiting for some confirmation. They knew that Fili bore a Blossom on his arm, but was it their Blossom? Fili nodded his head quickly, not wanting Blossom to see as she lifted her own head to look at the prince. The twins grinned broadly at each other, though their eyes were narrowed at Fili, daring him to hurt their Hobbit in anyway.
"Do you recognize the name?" She asked timidly, biting her lip gently. Fili cursed inwardly at the taunting lips, before nodding his head. "Could you tell me? Frerin had been rather cryptic with the identity of my Dwarf and I would very much like to meet them. Surely I cannot do that without their name," Fili could feel his heart beating faster hearing her call him her Dwarf, even if she did not know it. He did not know why he hesitated in telling her, he should be bursting at the seams to have her. Maybe it was the fear of rejection? It did not matter however seeing as the moment was broken when Thorin returned to the courtyard they were in.
"Hobbit." Thorin called gruffly, gesturing for Blossom to come to him. She did so reluctantly, looking at Fili sadly before getting up and heading to Thorin. "I have heard that you can understand Sindarin," he questioned, though at her nod he continued. "You will accompany me to the meeting tomorrow night as my interpreter, seeing as I can trust you more than Gandalf or an Elf." Thorin said curtly before taking his leave once more. Blossom sighed at the rudeness of the Dwarf before turning to find that most of the company had scattered to do their own things. Only Kili, Ori, and the Elf twins remained. She did not even want to think about where Fili went. For now, she would settle with the company of her Dwarves and Elves.
It was not till much later that Fili reappeared, climbing into the nest of blankets that Kili had acquired from the twins. He wanted to make sure the Hobbit had all the comfort she could want even though she turned down her own room. She had insisted that she was fine with the company of Dwarves. Kili believed it had something to do with Fili. The blond prince was bruised up more when he curled around the Hobbit, but Kili could see that his uncle supported similar bruises and knew that they had a fair fight for the most part.
"Fili?" Blossom mumbled softly, having fallen asleep only an hour or so ago waiting for the other prince. The blond shushed her softly, pressing her close to his chest. Their marks were aligned from where Fili had his forearm pressed to her head. "You are hurt," she whispered, her eyes focusing on a bruise on his arm that had not been there before. He merely nodded and stroked her hair. It was rather comically how Blossom still had not figured out that she was his soulmate. Then again, it was not as if his behavior from before had changed in many ways.
"I just was making amends with Frerin," he promised her because that is what he had done. He fought his uncle for not telling him of his soulmate and for being intimate with her in a way no Dwarf should be with another's One. His uncle had taken the challenge and both warriors were strong and fought well. The fight concluded with Frerin telling Fili that Blossom was no more than family to him, more of a daughter to him than any child he could have asked for. Fili recognized that bond between his uncle and his One, respecting it greatly because his uncle had looked over Blossom all her life and ensured that she was safe from harm. Kept her safe until she could be exactly where she was now, nestled Fili's arms with Kili cuddled to her back. The princes spoke quietly in Khuzdal as the Hobbit sank back into sleep. Kili revealed how he had found out and that he felt horrible for not protecting her in Fili's stead. The blond simply kissed his brother's forehead and used his free arm to wrap around Kili's shoulders and pull the two dearest people closer to him. That is how Fili had fallen asleep, his brother using his arm as a pillow and his One tucked under his chin protectively. Nothing would come between this moment.
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Blossom was not a happy hobbit. Not only had she been forced from the warmth of her princes early in the morning, but now she had to go to a meeting with Thorin. The same Dwarf who had pulled Fili and Kili from her. As she said, it had been early so she did not see exactly what had happened, but she could piece together that Thorin had taken one look at their nest of blankets and ordered the princes away. Training he claimed, but Blossom was no fool. She knew that Thorin did not like her and at this point is was honestly stupid. She should have proven herself to the grouchy Dwarf with the trolls and Orcs. Apparently that was not enough for Thorin Oakenshield. Perhaps he would only be satisfied when she faced Azog herself and took up on an oak branch for protection? Or maybe go back in time and tell her mother to kick Frerin out of Bag End so he would have to return to the Blue Mountains. The latter would never happen since Belladonna Took had some degree of hospitality to her, even though it was Bungo who kept up the traditions of a respectable Hobbit.
"Hobbit," the gruff voice knocked her from her thoughts and she repressed a groan as she followed Thorin into the moon chamber. Frerin and Balin stood along with Gandalf and Elrond. Balin seemed rather put off by something and Blossom wished that she had been present when they decided this meeting so she could understand such a fuss.
"Moon runes," Gandalf said, more for her than anything clarifying what she had been thinking about. Blossom wondered briefly if Gandalf could read her mind, but she knew the blasted wizard would never tell her so.
"Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." Elrond said, explaining for not only Blossom's benefit but for the Dwarves. It seemed to the Elf that the Dwarves did not know the intricacies that rested with this map.
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked, sounding the most sincere in all the time Blossom had known him. He had a vulnerability, in that moment, that made Blossom look at him in a new light. This was a desperate Dwarf, leader of so many Dwarrow and having to do it by himself. Blossom hoped that Frerin would be able to ease the burden some from his brother.
"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield; the same moon shines upon us tonight." Elrond said, smiling a bit fondly down at the Dwarf when he came to his side at the crystal table. Blossom stood back some, not wanting to intrude on the moment, even though she had been invited. "Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole," Elrond translated out loud, Blossom's face twisting in confusion?
"Durin's Day?" Since she was a part of the company, she figured she should have a right to know what it was. Frerin had never mentioned Durin's Day.
"The start of the new year. Last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together," Frerin answered her, coming to stand at her side, though his eyes were firmly on Thorin. There was worry there. It had been a long time since she had seen the worry in his face. It dawned on her that Frerin was a younger brother and this look was searching for guidance from his brother.
"So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain?" Elrond asked, Blossom inwardly sighing for having gotten lost in her thoughts once more. She was hopeless in following conversation. "There are some who would not deem it wise," Elrond replied to Thorin's gruff response, paying no mind to the Dwarf when he snatched the map back and moved to stand at his brother's side. Blossom looked at the two in a new light. Despite the harshness that was in their current relationship, they stood as if they had never been separated. Thorin stood a bit before Frerin, blocking him from any harm should it occur, but the blond was also an imposing force, his fingers clutched in the back of Thorin's furs. You would have to be close enough or as short as Blossom to notice the hold. It spoke volumes to what they used to be.
"Listen Thorin. You must leave early before dawn, should you wish to continue this journey." Gandalf advised quietly, the king nodding his head in understanding. Gandalf was off soon after that, leaving the Hobbit with the three Dwarves.
"Come, we must prep to leave," Thorin said, beginning his way down the corridor, his hand rested easily on his brother's lower back to guide him. Blossom casted a look at Balin, the old Dwarf smiling fondly after the two brothers.
"Stubborn as can be, those two, but when in worrisome situations they are like clingy children," Balin revealed, following his king down the corridor. Blossom could not help the smile and small laugh that escaped her as she was quick to follow.
The rest of the night was spent in fitful sleep, knowing that they would leave early in the morning. The princes wrapped around her tightly as they always did, but Blossom found herself awake most of the night listening to Fili's heart. It lulled her into sleep that was interrupted almost as soon as her eyes shut, at least that is what she thought. The Hobbit was rushed around after that, making sure that they had everything they needed. It was not until they had been walking for a while that the weariness caught up with her and she was forced to hook her fingers in Fili's to keep her from falling behind. Before they got to the mountain passage, she casted a brief look back at Rivendell. She would miss it. She knew the twins would not be too happy with her leaving without telling them, but she had no choice. Hopefully they would stay put instead of trying to come along.
"Mistress Baggins, I suggest you keep up." Thorin said, a touch of haughtiness in his voice as he followed Balin. Blossom gave a soft sigh and tightened her fingers in Fili's. It would be a long journey through the mountains.
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I hope you guys enjoyed! How do you feel about our oblivious Blossom? Do you think Fili will tell her soon? And how will our two princes cope in the goblin caves with their Hobbit?
All translations are my own and I take credit for any mistakes. This work is not beta'd so any mistakes are my own!
Sindarin
Lossë - Blossom