Chapter 7- Bag End

It was dark by the time the little village of Hobbiton could be seen in the distance . He slowed the pony to a walk and putting his hand behind Philicas neck . He cursed in Kazadul knowing her fever had risen higher. "You must hold on just a little longer." He prayed to Mahal to give her strength to fight this sickness. Walking the pony at a slow pace Thorin turned up a road that led to a hill. After cheking all the doors none fit the description that Gandalf said would be clearly visiblewith a green door, round, up on a hill. This is not the right road. The exiled king was frustrated,lost and with Philicia sick as she was he had to find this place soon and very soon. He turned the pony around the other way and off to the right he noticed a small lake glistening in the moonlight. This has to be the right road he thought to himself. Thorin rode up the hill and came to the last house on the left. Upon the door was clearly a mark the house had a round green door and a bench out front. He could hear singing inside and he expelled the air from his lungs "Finally" the Dwarf King fastend his cloak around him and very carefully lifted Philicia into his arms. He closed the cloak around her and started up the steps the singing and laughing getting louder. "Thats what Bilbo Baggins hates" The dwarves were laughing and then all was quiet. Knowing he couldn't get the door open while holding Philicia, Oakenshield raised his powerful leg and gave the door a swift kick. He could hear Gandalfs laughter from inside somewhere. "What was that" Bilbo said" running towards the crashing sound. Thorin knew everyone had indeed arrived . He stepped over the threshold the door hanging on it's hinges "Oin, Gloin come quickly!" Thorin bellowed. "What have you done to my door?" Said Bilbo gesturing to the entrance."My aboligies Master Hobbit." .Just then Oin and Gloin came charging in" Thorin," They both stared at him. Fili and Kili were right behind the other dwarves .All were staring at Thorin waiting an explination. "What is the meaning of this Thorin"? Came Gandalfs angry words. "This" ,Thorin said jerking his cloak aside trying not to drop Philica on the cold floor. "She's been burning up with fever since yesterday evening. I had nothing to help her ." Oin ran to his medicine pack while Bilbo said" Here, bring her in here ." Thorin followed the hobbit down a short hallway and coming to the last room on the left Thorin with a gentelness that stunned everyone laid the girl on the bed. Just then Oin came in with the medicine pouch." Uncle who is she "Fili asked "I will explain everything in due time right now I need to make sure she is going to be alright."Oin and Gloin shooed everyone out while they set to their work."Thorin what are her symptoms"? Ther healer askeed poking his head out the door. " Fever,bad cough, we got caught in the rain and she was soaked and cold. I tried to wake her but she would not wake up." The concern for this girl evident in his shuttering voice. Gandalf and Balin with Thorins help had Bilbo's door fixed in no time at all .Thorin was frantic while they were in there with Philicia He paced back and forth in the hall way trying not to barge in there and see for himself how she was doing. Gloin came out and asked for hot water and Bombar was on it instantly he knew his king was clearly very worried about the girls condition. Another half hour went by and both dwarves finally came out. "How is she"?Thorin asked ."She is coming around we put a poultice on her chest to draw out the congestion and a brew for her fever ,but she is still very sick." Gloin said looking at his king. " A, I made some tea if anyone wants any"Bilbo offered also inquiring about the girls health. "Thorin laddie what is this about" ?Balin asked coming to stand next to him his hand patting Thorins arm. So after a few minutes all the dwarves minus two one wizard and hobbit were sitting around the dining table awating their kings explanation. All was quiet as Thorin began." I was coming from Erid Luin my pony went lame,tripped in a hole broke its leg I had to ...nevermind. It was pouring rain and I nearly steppped on her, ". He looked from one end of the table to the other. " She was just lyin on the ground barely enough clothing to cover herself, all alone. So I picked her up and carried her to a shelter. She did not wake up for a while. And when she did" Thorin proceeded to inform them all that the girls name was Philica Anderson and she was from Woodland Hills " So she's an elf then"KIli said .Thorin looked at his nephew with a scoul on his face" She's no elf, she's of the race of man." That brought a bombardment of questions and Thorin was overwhelmed. Look the girl has no one shes all alone. "Are you sure about that Thorin" ?Dwalin asked ."Yes" Came his quick answer. "I owe that girl my life" He said standing to face everybody. Thorin placed his huge hands on the table bracing himself. " A few days ago I ate something bad, that girl found me on my knees I was so sick I nearly died. She stayed up all night dribbling kingsfoil tea down my throat," He stared the dwarves down ."Well she must have done something right cause you are hear now" Gandalf added. Suddenly Oin and Gloin came into the room. Thorin turned to them " Is she awake.?" he asked, stepping closer to them. "She needs her rest you may see her in a while Thorin" Gloin said. After Thorin filled them on almost everything that had happened the past week and a half they had been traveling together Balin pulled him aside" A ,laddie may we speak on a wee bit of a rather delicate matter." Thorin followed him into the other room. "Laddie ," Balin began" You were out there with her for a while just the two of you." What are you getting at"? The kings voice barley a wisper. " What I need to make sure Thorin is that you did not comprimise her. ' He looked at Balin shook his head "NO , I did not. Why would you ask such a thing"? Thorin went to the large hearth and rested his arm on the mantle. "We could not help but to noice the concern you expressed for her upon your arrival Thorin". Oakenshield went quiet for a moment. "Yes Balin I care about her It is a long story one I would not know where to start with." With that he went to rejoin the others.

"Well " Gandalf began," Bilbo Baggins let me introduce the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield. "Thorin cupped his elbows in his crossed arms and said" So this is the hobbit. He circled Bilbo slowley taking in his small form. Philicia immediatly came to mind and after getting a report from Gloin on her condition he was satisfied and proceedeed ahead with their reason for being here. Thorin was happy everyone had made it safely especially his nephews. . He looked at Fili and KIli and knew if any ill will fell upon them Dis would have his head on a silver platter , roasted. "Tell me Mr. Baggins ,have you done much fighting?" "Pardon" Bilbo asked sound a bit annoyed. "Axe or sword,what's your weapon of choice?" The leader asked ,continuing to circle the Hobbit trying to assess his worth. "Well I do have some skill at conkers but I don't see what that has to do with this." By then Bilbo was a bit fed up with Thorins hautly attitude .He was still mad at him for breaking his door, even tho he understood why when he saw the sick girl Thorin had in his arms. Thought as much" Thorin said coming to a stop in front of the Hobbit. Thorin knew his opinion of Bilbo had been correct, but then he remembered what Philicia had told him about things to happen however he couldn't reveal what he knew, so Thorin played along. "He looks more like a grocer than a burgler" All the sudden Thorin went deathly pale . She had been right about every word. Bilbo had indeed said exactly what Philicia told him would be said, word for word. A chill ran down Thorins back and he staggered a bit. " Are you alright Uncle" Kili said grabbing his arm to steady him. "Just tired I did not get much sleep I rode all night." Thorin spoke no more on the matter.

They all followed Bilbo onto the dining room and sat down at the table again this time for the reason they all came here . The secret meeting was underway. "Whats the news from Erid Luin?" Balin asked. " They will not come." Thorin answered ". " And Dain in the Iron Hills, is he with us?" "They will not come either, they say this quest is ours and ours alone." Thorin took another bite of his soup as he waited for the companys reaction. They all started arguing amoungst themselves. " "Please not this" said Bilbo. Thorin balancing himself on the table stood up" SHAZARA" He hollered in Kazadul . "If we have read these sighns do you not think others have read them too. Rumors have begun to spread, the dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes look east, to the mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected, do we sit back while others claim what is rightfully ours Or do we seize this chance to take back Erebor." Thorin raised his authorative voice it resonating through the house. The dwarves cheered and banged their fists on the table in applause for their king. "Du bekar, du bekar".

Philicia sat up a wave of dizziness assulting her ." Thorin " she called . She let her eyes take in the unfamilier room beautifully furnished . There was a table next to the bed but all she could focus on was the noises coming from somewhere in the strange house. 'She held on to the wall as she pulled the door open and started down the long hallway. "Thorin where are you," she was on the verge of tears thinking he had left her behind. Philicia turned a corner and spotted a group of people at a table. There was a large fireplace in the room but she ignored it making her way very slowly to the dining room.

Gandalf had given the key to Thorin who was awestruck and they were studing the map and discussing the hidden door when all the sudden Bomfar said "Thorin, it's the lass". He turned around. "Thorin" Philicia called his name collapsing to the floor. He rose up so fast the chair tipped over rushing to Philicia's side. Oin was right behind him checking her pulse he motioned for Thorin to pick her up. So Thorin gently lifted her against him and carried her back to the room she had just left. Philicia opened her eyes and upon seeing Thorin she sat up and threw her arms around him tears spilling down her cheeks. The others were crowding the doorframe trying to get a glimpse of the girl their king had brought with him.

" I thought you had left me here" she sobbed into his shoulder" I would never do that, You are in the home of Bilbo Baggins." Thorin reassured her. " So we made it , here , I dont remember that much just leaving that old couples house and then being so cold and falling asleep." She said not letting go of Thorin. "Here lass drink this it will help to keep the fever down." Philicia did what the dwarf said and sipped the brew slowly." Ugh " she said making a sour face , "this stuff taste aweful." "Indeed it does but it will do wonders" Thorin \encouraged. "You must be Oin " .she said " Thank you. Thorin stayed with her till the potion took affect and letting her rest he placed a kiss on her forehead shutting the door behind him.

"She sure is a beauty" Fili said as Thorin took his seat impaitent to continue the meeting." Yes she is and a very sick one" Gloin added. Thorin what are you going to do about the girl?" Dwalin asked. "I do not know but she needs help am I to abandon her"Thorin was silent as thoughts ran through his head . "Is she going to come to Erebor with us uncle"? Kili inquired taking another sip of his ale. The room was dark except the three candles burning on the tables and the others in the nooks that surrounded the formal dining room. There was displays of old pottery on some of the other shelves and Thorin thought to himself that the Hobbit did at least have goood taste. So the meeting continued ,plans were made and positions dwarves now retired to the living room while Bilbo provided them with blankets and pillows making sure they were comfortable. Thorin lost in thought began to sing his deep voice resonating in the room . He stood in front of the massive hearth his pipe in one hand while the other one rested on the mantle.

Far over the misty mountains cold

where dungons deep and caverns old.

While Thorin sang the rest of the dwarves joined in in the song of their long lost home.

After a while everyone was bedding down all except Thorin. Bilbo had given him the room next to Philicia and Thorin was just about ready to turn in for the night. He instead went to check on her again and upon opening the door found she had not moved. Her fever was down and she was breathing a little easier. Thorin had no doubt of the healing skills of Oin and Gloin. That is way he had personally asked them to come knowing they were possibly going to run into all sorts of troubles. Thorin sat down next to Philicia and then Kili's question echoed back to him." Mahal , what am I to do with you"? Thorin asked himself stroking Philicias cheek tenderly. He knew he couldn't take her but he couldn't leave her behind either. Rising quietly he left the girl to sleep deceiding he would figure this out tomorrow.

Thorin couldn't sleep so he quietly went outside to think. He was sitting in the bench in front of Bilbos house when he heard the door open. Looking up he said" Oh Balin it's just you". " Aye laddie what troubles you that you come out here at this hour?" Balin asked sitting beside him. Thorin said nothing just buried his hands in his face. "Look laddie I have know you your whole life and I know when something is troubling you". Thorin looked at Balin sadness and worry in his deep blue orbes. "It's Philicia Balin" he began" I do not know what to do. I cannot leave her here and this could be, will be dangerous. I can not risk her safety". Thorin lit his pipe trying to clear his thoughts. " Well then what do you want to do. I may be old Thorin but I am not blind. I know you care for her , very much,but to risk her safety that is an entirely different matter." Balin was quiet while he waited Thorins responce. " Do you think I do not know that, this is tearing me apart ." Thorin again covered his face in his huge hands. "I can not take the chance Balin ,but by Mahal she is my one," Thorin was torn as his eyes teared up. "Are ye certain Laddie? "Balin asked gripping his kings shoulder." I have never been more sure of anything." He proceeded to tell Balin what was in his heart for this girl and of all the uncertiny he had ever faced this was the one sure thing." Aye laddie do ye love her then" The old dwarf asked. "Yes " was all Thorin said before getting up and going inside and straight to Philicias room. He sat on the bed removed his boots and his outer tunic and lying down next to her soft warmpth the Dwarf King pulled her into his arms. Thorin knew there would be no sleep for him this night unless she was next to him.

Philicia felt the soft comfey mattress give and she rolled over half asleep. "It is only me go back to sleep you need your rest." He had told her. Just then she had felt his arms encircle her setting her head in the crook of his arm. " Thorin" she quietly wispered " Thirsty, so thirsty. my mouth is so dry." He pulled away from her and poured water from a pitcher that had been placed on the table beside the bed. "Here drink, slowly". Thorin held the glass out for her." Thank you., what happend I remember waking up, I heard your voice and I tried to find you. I was holding on to a wall I don't remember it's all fuzzy to me after that." Philicia laid back down her head aching." You collapsed in the hallway you should not be getting up yet Philicia" Thorin scolded "Tell me what happend"? She pleaded with the Dwarf King. "After we left with the ponies it rained you were soaked and so cold I could not keep my cloak around you it kept falling off. So when I found a shelter I went to wake you and you were burning with fever." Thorin reached for her hand entangeling her fingers with his." I kicked the horse into a gallop and rode most of the night. "Sorry" She said letting her free hand tangle in his ebony mane. Thorin was half stting up with Philicias head lyin against him. He stroked her back with his free hand letting her firey golden hair slip between his fingers. "I think perhaps the Hobbit is still a bit upset with me. " Thorin chuckled." Why ,What did you do"? "When we arrived here you were, well you were out of it. So I sort of kicked in Bilbos door." Philicia gasped and sat up looking Thorin strait in the face."You did what"! She exclaimed. " That wasn't supposed to happen that way You were to give three hard knocks." Philicia twisted his hair around her small wrist. "And how was I to do that I had you concealed within my cloak you were soaking wet and shivering cold. I would have dropped you . What good would that have done." Thorin reasoned with her in the end she told him he had made the right choice" You did fix it i'm assuming." She smiled at the dwarf trying not to laugh." Yes it has been repaired. "He returned her smile." Well that for sure didn't happen in my world in the, well you know." Thorin just pulled Philicia closer to him and very tenderly brushed his lips against hers. The kiss was supposed to be a gentle flutter but the second he felt her lips touch his the fire roared up in him and he was kissing her with all the ferosity his being burning into cinders. She felt the flicker of his tounge and allowed him entrance and they were caught up in the fire burning between the two of them. Thorin rolled her till she was underneath him never breaking the kiss as a deep groan rose from within him. "Philicia" he breathed burying his face in her hair taking in the fragrance that was exclusively hers. He kissed a path to her collarbone then down the side of her neck before returning to her lips. "Thorin " She gasped between each breathless kiss."Thorin wait" She pushed against his chest" We must stop before this goes too far." " I am sorry I " he sighed sitting up catching his breath." Please forgive me I did not .. "The Dwarf King remained silent while his breathing returned to normal but the tightening in his mid section remained the same. Thorin was sitting up his back to Philicia his hands resting between his knees." What are we doing ?What is this thing growing between us? It is frightening yet exilerating at the same time." He exhaled. "Thorin" Philicia sat up on her knees behind him putting her arms around his broad chest she laid her head next to his back. " I love you and nothing will ever change that, not now, not ever I don't know where this will end up with us. But no matter what happens." She scooted herself till she was in front of him straddeling his thick thighs her legs tucked under her."I am scared I have not known you very long however we have spent all this time together and I feel as if I have know you much longer " Thorins deep sapphire eyes bore into hers "Philicia I am a king and when we retake Erebor I will take up the throne of my grandfather and I do not know what my people, how they would react to you. You are a human ". Thorin said no more as Philicias lips brushed his in a tender kiss' That bridge will have to be crossed when, and of it ever goes there. "Thorin I loved you in my world and I love you even more in this one and where there is love only happiness and joy can follow." Oakenshield pullled her down next to him and they laid there silently while Thorin pondered all she had said.

They woke to the smell of potatos frying and the delicious smell bacon and eggs. There was noises from the hallway as everybody started stirring around. "Baknd gheleckh azyunagal"Thorin nuzzled her neck placing soft kisses on her face and lips. " Good morning to you also".she said returning his kiss." You remembered " Thorin smiled at her." And you stayed with me all night , what do you think the others will say about it?" She looked at the door as voices were heard in the hall."Should we wake Thorin?" Dwalin was asking his brother as they passed the bedroom."Let them sleep"Balin said as their voices faded away. Suddenly there was laughter coming from the bedroom that was Philicias. " Since when do I care what anyone thinks I answer to no one." Thorin muffled a laugh as Philicia grabbed the blanket and threw it over his head tackeling him down and ran for the bathroom. "I wont be too long "she said to Fili while he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes " Lady Philicia please do hurry there is a line down the way already." Nori's voice came from the other side of the door. He was just about to start pounding on it when she emerged all dressed and shining . Dori and Nori gave her the strangest look as she passed them with a morning and how did you sleep. Thorin slipped out of her room and into his ,last nights conversation with Balin still plaguing his thoughts. He had admitted to Balin that he loved Philicia and he had found his one. Now the only thing to settle was who she could stay with while they made the journey to Erebor. He would come for her after they had reclaimed the mountain .Thorin had stayed awake for hours while she had slept in his arms knowing he couldn't risk taking her with them he had agonized over the decision. He would have Philicia inform him of what was necessary per dangers and what to avoid ,what would happen where and then they would set out on the 29th of April as planned.

All the darves were gathered around the table waiting for breakfast when Philicia and Thorin walked into the room hands clasped together. If anyone noticed no one said anything "Aye good morning laddie". Balin was the first to greet them he and Thorin exchanged knowing loooks then all was forgotten as Bilbo and Bombar carried in plates of food piled with scrambled eggs potatos bacon ham and fresh fruit. Coffee and juice were offered also along with the tea some of the dwarves were so fond of."Excuse me Mr. Baggins do you have creme and sugar for the coffee? I have to ruin mine before I drink asked Bilbo as he came in carring more food. "Oh yes Lady Philicia by the way. how are you felling? You look much better tham you did last night."Bilbo began dishing more potatos onto the quickly empting plates. "Why would you want to ruin the drink then consume it"? Kili asked . Oh,I am felling much better ,thank you". All eyes were on Philicia as she took the sugar bowl and measured two teaspoons in her coffee adding a splash of milk also."Where I come from it's an expression it means to add things to it to make it taste better." She took a small sip and declared it delicious."Where I come from there are places everywhere that serve just coffee pastries and stufff like that." She smiled at the dwarves taking another sip. "While we were on our way here she had to have the bitter drink every morning."Thorin added gesturing to Philicias cup. "Never mind him lassie Thorin never cared for the sour drink. "Balin gave her a reassuring smile. After the talk with Thorin last night he had deceided that he was going to smooth the way for this young woman and his king, human or not." I bet he would love Starbucks they have the best yum expressso now that can't be beat."She took another drink."What is expresso Lady Philicia" Gloin asked." Well " she began "it is a coffee that is pressurised to make it real strong then milk is frothed up and put on top , well I like mine with chocolate sprinkles and lots of sugar."She laughed at the lookes on their faces. After everyone was done eating Philicia offered to clean up the kitchen .Collecting everybodies plates she cleared the table wiping it down with a washcloth. So while the company made plans for what needed to be done today Philicia washed the dishes and wiped everything up on the counters. She sat the leftover plate near the stove to keep it warm knowing there was one person absent from breakfast this morning.

So while the company discussed the plan for the day Philicia explored Bilbos house .It looked just like it did in the movie with it's round holes seperating each room, There was beautiful furnishings placed about the Hobbit hole. "Wow this is still so incredible"she said studing the pictures on the parlor wall" I still can't believe I am really here" Philicia didn't hear Thorin come up behind her " It is strange to me also." He said slipping his arms around her waist. She turned to look at him "Did anyone ask about us"? She didn't want anyone thinking the wrong thing about the two of them." I had a talk with Balin last night "Thorin let his hand ghost across her cheek." And ?"She asked. "Did you tell him how I feel about you"? "No, I did not. Philicia ", Thorin clasped her hands in his". The way I feel I have never felt this for anyone. The way you make my heart race my thoughts become all tangled up and just being near you makes me want to never let you go." He clasped her hands tighter in his bringing her fingers to his lips in a tender kiss,. Fili caught a glimpse of them from the dining room and he nudged KIli in the side. "I think Uncle Thorin is in love with Lady Philicia"He said ."Uncle ,he has not shown interest in a female in ages." Kili replied" ."Well he is now ,look for yourself" KIli bent his head around his brother to spy on the two of them. Thorin had Philicias head pressed against him and he was softly planting a kiss on top of her hair. "Well , what do you think , am I right"? Fili asked. They both agreed that there was definatly something between the two of them. Just then Thorin and Philicia came into the room "Well we should start getting supplies together , we will need good strong ponies food and clothes in addition to what we already have" .Thorin stated getting everyone together." I have a few things in my bag but I will probably need more "Philicia added,glancing at Thorin. He had made Balin aware of his decision to leave Philicia here in safety but was yet to inform her of his plans. Balin and Thorin made eye contact the white haired dwarf adherring to his kings command to remain silent. "Oh ,I so want to see Hobbiton I bet this little place is a-mazing." Philicia screeched going to look for Bilbo. " A, I take it ye havn't informed the lass as of yet". Balin said coming up next to Thorin. "No I have not and I am reluctent to do so she will not be happy about it. That I am sure of" ,Thorin fighted with his hands the inner struggle showing in his proud stance.

Bilbo had told them all the places to see around the village so while Thorin , Philicia, Fili and Kili went exploring the little town the rest of the dwarves gathered the necessary supplies they woud need ,for the journey To Erebor. "Where should we go first Thorin "? Philicia asked him practically dragging the Dwarf King out the door. They walked out the door down the hill and onto the village.