Heh, sorry for the wait. I got distracted by an event in the church that my mom volunteered me for about two days ago. Let me just say, the dress was freaking heavy since I was the lead character and Maria Elena apparently always wear a 2-3 meters train. I am not joining the event ever again.
So here's the third installment of prompts I'm tasked to write over my vacation. This includes deaths (because then this wouldn't work for me) but I'm sure there's something funny in here for all you non-angsty readers to read. *rubs nape nervously* The Durin bros do that most of the time.
Forgiveness is wanted (but not necessarily needed), as I don't know how a library works as the only libraries I know of are in my school and they only hold reference books which do not interest me. Sorry for any mistakes. And possibly for the fact I got the prompt wrong.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hobbit. Otherwise everyone but Azog and his army lives.
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I.
"Oh, I am so glad you decided to help me, Master Baggins!" Ori cheerfully chirped. "I heard about this library in the Blue Mountains and among the cities and towns of Men, and oh Mahal, it's one of the biggest libraries in the whole Middle-Earth! And to think, I would be Head Scribe once we get Erebor back to its former glory! I never dreamed it could come true!"
"It really is something, Ori," Bino interrupted before the young dwarf could continue his no doubt long tangent. "You certainly deserve it. And how many times have I told you to call me 'Bilbo?'"
The scribe blushed hard. "My apologies, Bilbo. I will try to stop it."
"Not to worry about it, lad. Now where should we start, Head Scribe? This is a really large room," Bilbo teased, stressing the title, as he gestured around the library.
"Oh! I think we need to start there first," the brunet pointed over to a cluster of tables. "We need to clean our surroundings before we can actually arrange the scrolls and books. Oh, there is so much to do!"
II.
"Well, it's nice ta see ya so 'appy, laddie," Bofur exclaimed loudly, clapping the scribe on the back, nearly dislodging the books from the mouse-haired dwarf. "It's been some time since ah last saw ya!"
"Hello, Bofur. How's the search for the Arkenstone?" the younger one politely asked. "I'm still amazed Thorin allowed me to work on The library instead of the treasury."
"Ah guess 'e wanted people ta know wha' 'appened an' tha only way ta do tha' is ta get tha library done," the toy maker teased before his mustache seemed to droop. "We still 'aven't tha Arkenstone. Thorin's gettin' in a right tizzy, let meh tell ya tha'."
"So, why are you here, Bofur? Getting tired of work?"
"Ah'm jus' 'ere ta get outta his way an' possibly ta help ya. Where d'you put these, Ori?" the brunet pointed to the stack of books in the scribe's arms.
"Thank you, Bofur, I appreciate it. Um, this books go into the Third Age aisle, it should be three bookshelves away. You might not find it at first, but it was all Bilbo and I could do yesterday. Sadly, some of the texts appears unreadable and we would need a lot of help when Erebor is whole again. Oh! And do place them correctly and gently. Being in a castle full of dragon smell did not help them age well."
"Aye, aye, Ori. Yer tha boss," the hatted dwarf mock-saluted before ambling along the various bookshelves – the ones still standing of course.
III.
"Ori! You have to hide us! Please!"
"Uncle is going to kill us if he finds us slacking off!"
"He can't scold us if we are helping you in here, right?"
"I can't stand another sight of gold! It's driving me mad!"
"Too true, brother, too true. I rather be in a room full of books than to look at another coin or jewel. I'm ready to tear my hair off!"
"Please, Ori, help us help you!" In unison, Fíli and Kíli pleaded to the highly baffled dwarf.
Ori kept looking at the pair of brothers, head moving between the two every few seconds. "Er, I was going to start eexamining some of the records that dated back to the start of the Second Age. It might take some time to finish it all..."
"Anything, Ori, even reading!: From beside the blond, Kíli nodded furiously to his older brother's words.
"Alright – but you better be behaved and careful!" Ori warned the two as they cheered.
"Thanks, Ori!" the two mischievous princes tackled the smaller scribe into a big hug.
IV.
Nori wordlessly handed the list of scrolls and books he had rearranged that was in the section his younger brother for gave to him to said dwarf, who pointedly ignored him as he was perusing his own set of scrolls. The thief didn't mind. He had troubling thoughts too, despite the guard dog's taunts of him having no brains at all.
Normally, he would never go near within twenty meters of the library (unless fetching Ori or getting info he absolutely can't find anywhere else) but his younger brother was pushing himself so hard, trying to ignore his most likely overwhelming thoughts. Besides, it was better him than Dori, who would motherhen Ori in public and Nori wondered if the scribe would finally snap if that happens.
It was hard for every dwarf kin since the deaths of most of the Royal Family half a year ago, but it hit the Company (and Princess Dís, of course) the hardest. Some of them had left, like Bifur and Bofur as they couldn't stand the Mountain for long (they promised to visit of course, once the pain dulled down a bit. Nori would miss his drinking and gambling partners, even if he didn't outright say it aloud). Others, like Nori, wandered around the kingdom with nothing to do. Yet most of them threw themselves into their work.
Even if he was a thief with little to no moral compass, he didn't like his little brother being hurt. Still, there was nothing he could do.
The russet-haired dwarf sighed as he left the room. His shift in the library had ended but he knew he would be back to pick up his little brother. He always did.
V.
Balin sighed in relief as he placed the last book in its proper place (or the place Ori, as Head Scribe, ordered it to be). Finally, the Great Library of Erebor was restored to its former (or perhaps new) glory. He looked at his once-upon-a-time apprentice who looked as happy as Balin felt.
"It's finally done, Balin..." Ori whispered just loud enough for the advisor to hear, gazing around the huge room.
"Aye, it is, laddie," the old dwarf placed his hands on the taller dwarf. "Thorin and the lads would be so proud, no doubt of it."
"Will they? Are you sure of that?"
"As sure as my beard is white and my brother is bald."
For the first time in a long time, Balin saw peace in Ori's face. He finally succeeded in Thorin's last orders and Fíli and Kíli's wishes. Perhaps the lad can rest well finally.
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Shadow: Well, that was depressing. I didn't know Ori could get that way.
Ori: How could you not know? You're the author! You should know this stuff.
Shadow: Shh! You can't just break the fourth wall like that! You're not Deadpool.
Ori: ...Who? Fourth wall?
Shadow: I said too much. *turns to invisible readers* Sorry to cut this short but I must be off before I can reveal the world of fanfiction to Ori.
Ori: *confused* Who is she talking to?
Shadow: Bye, Ori! Don't tell anyone what I've said! *runs off*
Ori: But she didn't say anything specific or important???