"Well, here are our best Dwarves", Balin said. "All willing to put themselves through death and back to win back Erebor."
Clill looked at him and looked at the small group of Dwarves. She was less than impressed to say the least. It was incredible how small a number of Dwarves were willing to regain their home. Excluding Balin, Dwalin, Fili and Kili, there were eight Dwarves in total who signed up to join their quest.
"This is it?" Clill asked. "No one else wants to join?"
"Now remember, dear", Balin said. "Thorin will be getting more help from the Iron Hills. Right now, this will have to do until we meet up with him."
Clill sighed and looked at the group. She knew less than half of them, only because they happened to be family. Oin and Gloin were joining them, which was going to be great. Oin's medical expertise was going to be more than useful. Clill hadn't had the pleasure of meeting any of the others.
"This is Bifur", Balin introduced.
The first Dwarf had wildly thick hair, matching the long thick beard he had. The one this that made him stand out from all the others was the axe that was stuck in his head.
"It's not polite to stare!" he yelled in ancient Khuzdul.
"I apologize", Clill quickly turned her eyes to the ground.
"My princess", the next Dwarf smiled, holding her hand in his.
She couldn't help but smile amused. This Dwarf had an odd look about him. He had the shortest beard one had ever seen on a Dwarf, while his moustache grew long and curled up at the end. His braided hair was hidden beneath the large, furry hat he wore.
"Bofur…" Balin warned, protecting his daughter and Thorin's wife from his charms. "This is Bombur."
The next Dwarf looked at her, smiling as best as he could. Clill could barely see the smile beneath the long whiskers on his face. His long sideburns were braided together, almost like a thick rope. Balin turned to the remaining three that had yet to be introduced.
"Dori", he acknowledged.
"My princess", the oldest one bowed.
His hair was completely white. His hair, sideburns and beard were all braided. Clill nodded with a smile and looked at the next Dwarf who had the strangest look out of all of them. His hair was split into different sides, almost giving his head the shape of a star. From the corner of his eye, Balin could see the Dwarf reaching out to grab a chalice, trying to tuck it into his coat.
"Nori!" he yelled, making him drop it.
Dori looked at the chalice, giving the younger Dwarf a dirty look.
"Just a souvenir", Nori shrugged.
"The last one", Balin said. "This is Ori."
Like Nori, Ori was another strange-looking Dwarf. He had the shortest hair out of any of them. His sideburns were braided alongside his face, his beard, thin and short beneath his chin.
"Will they be able to fight a dragon?" Clill asked concerned.
Gandalf walked into the room, looking at the band of Dwarves.
"This is a fine group", he said. "I have no doubt that this will be a successful group."
Clill looked at him worried. From the looks of this group, it almost looked like they had never fought a battle in their lives. How would they fair against a large, flying fire-breathing monster?
"What do we do now?" Clill asked looking at Gandalf. "Do we wait for Thorin?"
"No", he answered. "We must make our way to the Shire for our burglar. Thorin will meet us there."
Clill wrapped her arms around herself as she looked down. She hoped Thorin would make it there okay. Balin and Dis wrapped their arms around her, trying to comfort her.
"Do not doubt Thorin", Dis said. "If I know my brother well enough, he won't stop until he accomplishes what he set out to do."
She wrapped her arms around her tightly.
"Take care of my sons. Please bring them back safely."
