I would like to thank firefoxxe for following and adding my story as a favorite.
So this is Chapter 4. Enjoy!
Bofur was exhausted. He fell to the ground, trying to get some much needed rest. He was still in search for a place to bury the Arkenstone. A responsibility given to him by Bilbo Baggins. He had been trekking for 2 months now, and had reached the Carrock. Of course, there were many places between here and Erebor where he could have hidden the Arkenstone. But he didn't. He watched as the stone had driven Thorin mad. He watched as it almost led to the death of Bilbo. He watched as how it almost led to the dissolving of the company of Thorin Oakenshield. Therefore Bofur had to hide it somewhere, where it would never be found until the world was renewed.
When Thorin first announced the quest, Bofur had been one of those to join him, not because of his loyalty to the king (although that was also there) but in hope of an adventure. When the company was joined by Bilbo Baggins, Bofur was the first apart from Balin whom actually welcomed the hobbit and looked after him. It had broken his heart when Bilbo wanted to leave for Rivendell. He had seen the growing relationship (which incidentally was extremely strange) between Bilbo and Thorin. When Thorin hugged him on the Carrock, the company took it as a sign of Thorin accepting Bilbo as a friend, but Bofur knew what it really was. It was Thorin staking a claim on the hobbit. Bofur remembered Thorin ever since the king in exile established a dwarf colony in the Blue Mountains. Thorin was a dwarf who did everything for his people and he finally found his One. Bofur firmly believed that if anyone deserved to find true love, it was Thorin Oakenshield.
And then the Arkenstone mucked it all up. It led to Bofur's first real battle. He remembered the terror it instilled within him. He was full of fear. Not for his own life, but for those of his friends especially Bifur and his brother, Bombur. Bofur's family had always been poor. While his mother, father, aunt and Bifur worked to earn a living, a young Bofur looked after his brother all day and all night. He remembered being asked by Thorin to accompany him to Ravenhill. He slammed his mattock into Azog's head, probably crushing the orc's skull in the process while Dwalin delivered the final blow. He remembered his relief at finding everyone alive.
Then Balin and Bilbo came over to him, handed him the Arkenstone and asked him to hide it, for good. For good. Now there were many places he could hide it. Mordor was the first that came to mind, but no. Not there. Bofur was not stupid. Mordor was suicide. So he decided upon the Carrock, to look for someplace to hide it.
His journey through Mirkwood was quite pleasant. Prince Legolas escorted him through the forest as he too wished an end to the blasted stone. Bofur stayed with Beorn for a week and was now at the Carrock.
He got quite a view of the Misty Mountains. Bofur then put both hands on his hat, and began to assess his options. To the South-west was Moria, Drimrill's Dale, and past that was the elven realm of Lothlorien. But that was not where Bofur would be going. Ahead of that were Isengard and the gap of Rohan. But Bofur doubted he could make it there with goblins and wargs loose. Bofur considered going to Rivendell, as he trusted Lord Elrond. However the valley of Imladris did not seem the best place to bury the stone. To the North-west were the Grey Mountains, Gundabad (a place that Bofur wanted to avoid) and past that the mountains of Angmar. The border to the lost realm of the witch-king. Seemingly Bofur had decided to go there; something seemed to pull him towards Angmar. He knew there was a very high chance he would not return to Erebor alive. But by hiding the Arkenstone, the toymaker ensured the safety of his friends. Yes, Bofur was going to Angmar, to cut the head of the rock. That didn't sound right. Anyway his mind was made.
Two weeks in the Misty Mountains and Bofur steadily advanced. As night fell, he decided to setup camp. He had just started a fire, when he felt a presence near him. He gripped his mattock, expecting a fight. From a cave near him emerged goblins. About 30 of them there were, as they regarded Bofur while licking their… nails? Ok, Bofur did not understand that part, but he knew he was in danger.
The leader, or so he appeared to be, spoke, "A dwarf. A dwarf so near our balcony. Who are you?"
"I am Burglarobbit," Bofur lied.
The goblin stared at him. Well not him, but his hat. "I recognize your headwear. You! You are one of Oakenshield's men. You are one of those who killed our fair and beautiful king. You must pay for your crimes against the fairest race of Middle-Earth."
Bofur winced at the description of the Goblin King and the goblin race in general. He was now convinced that these goblins were no fools. They were like Balin amongst goblins. He would have to fight.
The goblins sneered at him and moved closer. They had ensnared him in a ring. Just as one was about to attack, a horn sounded. The goblins backed off in confusion, looking for the source. Suddenly a battle cry was heard and men, about 15 of them came into sight and began hacking at the goblins who screamed in terror and tried to escape. Their efforts were to no avail and within a matter of minutes they all fell dead next to Bofur's camp.
The leader of the men came forward to speak to Bofur, "Greetings Master dwarf. A strange place to find a dwarf do you not think?" He pointed his sword at Bofur's neck before continuing, "Who are you?"
Bofur regarded the men. They did not seem to be enemies but that made them no less dangerous. He then proceeded to tell the man all about himself, the quest, the battle and his quest.
The man was silent for several minutes before saying, "Indeed? I believe you Master dwarf. You say that Mithrandir was one of your companions. Then you truly must be trustworthy. I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, Cheftain of the Dunedain Rangers and also heir of Isildur, the rightful king of Gondor and Arnor."
Bofur stared at the Rangers. He had heard stories of them, but this man was a living legend. Bofur believed him.
"We shall guide you past Gundabad, Master dwarf. For that is our aim. To capture the orc strong hold. The orcs are divided. With the death of Azog and Bolg their forces are weak and we, we hope to seize Gundabad. You may accompany us till then."
Bofur decided to accept Aragorn's offer and accompanied the rangers to their camp. It seemed that he would take part in a siege before achieving his goal. Should he trust this Aragorn? He did. Aragorn reminded him of Bard. Bofur believed that beings of all races had similar qualities and that the dwarves had been too quick to judge. So he settled for the night, his heart at ease because he knew that he was, temporarily safe.
Bofur travelled with the Rangers for three weeks and made some good friends. Apparently they appreciated his sense of humor and found his jokes funny. He was happy at having made new friends, but the happiness was short lived.
Before them was a massive structure. A palace, made of sand? How was it still standing? Surely rain and winds should have destroyed it. Bofur then realized that the sand was a blanket of camouflage, covering the palace of rock.
"So we shall split ourselves into four groups," Aragorn spoke, "I along with Airadoren will attack the upper levels. Anstem you along with Rhaduar attack the lower levels. The rest of you, divide yourselves into two groups of six. Place yourselves on either side of the two entrances and kill any fleeing orcs."
Two hours later Aragorn, Airadoren, Anstem and Rhaduar emerged from the fortress. The rest of them had killed any fleeing orcs but there were hardly any. All in all it had been quite simple. The orcs were so few in number that they were easily subdued and Bofur had to kill not but one. That was good because he did not enjoy fighting and bloodshed but he knew that at times it was necessary. As the Rangers began entering the fortress and saying their goodbyes to Bofur, Aragorn decided to accompany him a bit further.
He walked for a mile with Bofur before stopping and smiling at the dwarf. "Well Master Bofur it seems that our journey together ends here. I am glad that I part with you in friendship and sincerely hope that we encounter each other again."
"Likewise," Bofur replied, "I owe you and the others my life. My mission would have been in vain had you not found me."
"May I ask why you go to the mountains of Angmar instead of some other place to hide the stone?"
"Something draws me there. I cannot explain it, but there is something there which I believe I am meant to find and I will not stop until I find out what it is."
"Then I wish you all the luck in the world my friend." Aragorn then took out a pouch and gave him a ring and a bead.
Bofur looked at him amazed, "I don't suppose you want to court me and this short courtship is being followed by a very quick engagement?"
Aragorn laughed, "No Bofur. This ring is a ring of power. A ring that belongs to one of the seven dwarf lords in their halls of stone. More specifically, it belongs to Thorin Oakenshield, and it is high time it is returned to him and you, my friend are the only one I trust to do this."
Bofur looked at Aragorn in wonder and tears in his eyes. They had known each other for such a short time and he already trusted him. "Thank you. But the bead?"
"That is for you. This bead signifies that you are an ally of the Rangers. It signifies that you are a dear friend to me, the Chieftain of the Dunedain, the Heir of Isildur. Wherever you go, the rangers are obliged to help you."
Bofur drew Aragorn into an embrace, now crying, "Thank you Aragorn. This means a lot, and I mean a lot to me. I can never repay you for what you have done for me but if it's any consolation, you are always welcome in Erebor. I am sorry but I have nothing else to give, save the Arkenstone."
"No matter Bofur. Sometimes the greatest gifts are nothing at all. But to me your friendship is all I can ask for. Take care, my friend. I have full faith in you to fulfill your mission. Goodbye."
"Goodbye Aragorn."
Bofur watched as Aragorn walked away and raised his hand as a final goodbye, his heart at peace, knowing he found someone he could call upon when needed. Someone whom he could call friend. With that, Bofur turned around and made his way to the Mountains of Angmar, knowing that all life was now behind him and that all that he would encounter would be spirits. Or so he thought.
A week later Bofur finally reached the Mountains of Angmar. He took some time to ponder over the Arkenstone. Should he bury it here? No. But then why did he come here? Because something lay here. Something he was meant to encounter. He took out his map and looked for an area to hide the Arkenstone and he found it. A place devoid of life.
Forochel.
That was where he would go.
After he had found whatever he needed to in Angmar. Bofur spent four weeks in the mountains. He was sure it would be summer in Erebor but here, well, there was no way to know of the weather or season. Something to the south caught his eye and he saw ruins. A plain area stretching for miles. The lost realm of the Witch King of Angmar.
As Bofur made his way to the ruins, he was assured of something. He was not the only one here. How he knew this, Bofur did not understand, but that was what his heart told him, and that, he believed, was what he was brought here for.
He saw nothing but rubble in all directions. A place that had been abandoned since the fall of Sauron. But that was not all, Bofur saw signs of life. Firewood lay in a pile near him. This convinced him of the presence of another person. B behind him he heard the sound of footsteps and quickly hid himself among the ruins. Then he saw the last thing he was expecting to see in place where no person in his right mind would ever travel to.
He saw a woman. A beautiful woman at that. Her eyes. They were green. But it was her hair that caught Bofur's attention. It was blond with streaks of orange. The same color, he realized, as dragon fire. The woman settled herself down near the firewood and touched it with her hand. Her tough caused the wood to ignite and flames originated. Bofur stared in shock. Was she a witch? How else could she do something like this? The only way to know would be to talk to her.
But Bofur hesitated. He was afraid of this woman. But her face, it wore an expression of sadness and longing. The same expression, he realized with a shiver, that Thorin Oakenshield wore after the Battle of Azunalbizar. It was that sadness that made Bofur want to talk to her.
He stepped out into the open but the woman did not seem to notice him. He tried to get her attention by speaking, "Hello there!"
She abruptly turned around, staring at him with an expression of shock and terror.
"Wh…Who are you?" She spoke in a voice laced with fear.
Bofur smiled at her, "My name is Bofur son of Bonder and I am dwarf of Erebor. Who are you?"
The woman stared at him fearfully as if expecting him to attack her, "What are you doing here?" She asked with a bit more confidence.
"I'm here on a quest."
She looked at him sadly, "To kill me."
"What? No."
The woman suddenly became angry, actually downright furious, "Why? I live here in isolation don't I? Can't all of you leave me be? I cannot control my heritage or the circumstances of my birth. Why must you come here? Actually this is a good thing. Now that you are here, just kill me. Put an end to my misery!" After her outburst, she fell to her knees and started sobbing.
Bofur stared at aghast. What was she talking about? Why was she crying? He made his way to her and put his hand on her shoulder. She flinched, as if expecting to be hit.
"I'm not here to kill you," Bofur spoke, "No. I would never do that. But I don't understand what you were talking about. If you tell me, then I'll tell you of what I'm doing here."
She stared at him for a long time. Bofur found himself drowning in those green eyes of her. He looked at her, her face illuminated by the light of the fire. She was beautiful indeed. Finally she spoke;
"My name is Caliuen. I am the daughter of Yavanna and Glaurung. My father raped my mother in Valinor and it was because of that that I was born. I was then taken in by Aule or Mahal as you dwarves call him, and he treated me as his own daughter. After many years, I wanted to explore Arda and Eru granted my wish. However everyone here shunned me once they learned who I was. So after decades of abuse and mistreatment and the hands of men, elves and dwarves alike, I sought refuge here in Angmar, away from all those who would hurt me." She then told him a detailed story of her life which was exactly what Eru had told Thorin Oakenshield while the dwarf was unconscious.
Once she was done Bofur told him about himself, the quest and his task to hide the Arkenstone. It took a lot of effort to ensure her that he would not kill her, before Caliuen believed him and went to sleep. As Bofur looked at her sleeping figure he felt strange emotions. He had met women before, interacted with them. However none of them made him feel as this one did. Was she his one? Was his one the daughter of dragon? If she was then Bofur would accept her. Even if she wasn't, he would still accept her because she was the reason he was drawn to Angmar. With her in his thoughts, Bofur succumbed to sleep.
When he awoke the next day, Caliuen was nowhere to be found. However a delicious smell entered his nose and he made his way towards it. Once there he saw Caliuen, who offered him a small smile.
"Good morning," Bofur greeted her.
"Yes, I suppose it is. Truthfully, some company does make the day better," she replied.
Her voice was so lonely that Bofur just wanted to hug her and tell her that he'd always be with her. But he wasn't too sure that she would allow that yet.
"What are you cooking?" He asked her.
"I found some food in your pack and decided to cook breakfast. You don't mind, do you?" She asked suddenly fearful.
"Of course not! I'm sure you cook just as good as you look." It took him a moment to realize what he had just said. He began blushing in embarrassment, shocked at the words that had left his mouth. "Not that I would… I was… Well I… Don't…" he began talking nonsense. When he looked at her, she did not seem to be angry, on the contrary, she was smiling.
"You think I am beautiful?"
"Well, yes," Bofur lamely replied.
She laughed at it was the most beautiful sound that he had ever heard. She did not seem to be as tense as before, but more open and welcoming. Bofur winked at her as she handed him his breakfast causing her to blush. Well that was easy. Throughout the meal Bofur entertained her with stories and jokes and was delighted when she laughed or seemed to enjoy it. After a few hours Bofur decided that it was time to make his way to Forochel. But he had another thing in mind. He was taking her with him.
"So Caliuen, I must be off to Forochel, got to complete my quest."
That saddened her, "You're leaving?"
She was sad! That encouraged him, "Would you like to come with me?" He asked while smiling at her.
"Uh, well I don't know."
"Come on, please! Like you said some company is always better. You could also act as my guide!"
"You.. You want me to come with you?
"Yes!"
She smiled, "Ok then."
"Yes!" Bofur yelled before running to envelop her in a bone crushing hug.
"It will take us 7 hours from here to get to Forochel. Let's go."
Bofur followed her for hours, feeling elated. He hadn't felt this good since Bombur had his first child. He wondered how Bombur was doing before Caliuen's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "Are you alright Bofur?"
"Yes, I was just thinking about my brother."
"Bombur, right?"
Bofur was happy that she had been listening to his tale so attentively. "Yes."
Caliuen suddenly seemed disheartened. "You will return to him after you hide the stone, yes?"
"Well yes," he replied curious about her demeanor. Then another idea struck him. "Would you like to return to Erebor with me?"
Her eyes brightened and she opened her mouth to reply before she suddenly lost her excitement, "Would I be welcome?"
"Those who would not welcome you are themselves not welcomed," he told her confidently. He didn't know why but for some reason he was sure that Thorin would welcome her.
"In that case, I guess I will come with you."
"Yes!" Bofur yelled before hugging her while she giggled.
"Bofur? We have reached Forochel."
Bofur let go of her and stared at the Iceland before him. He had reached his destination. He looked at Caliuen who gave him a reassuring smile; "Go on," she prompted. Bofur walked forward. He stopped and looked back at Caliuen. "I'll wait here for you, "she said.
"Why?"
"Because only you should know exactly where the Arkenstone is hidden."
Bofur looked at her and she smiled at him encouragingly.
Bofur walked for a mile before he found a series of caves. He explored them all and in one of them he found a hole in the ceiling. H put his head through it and saw that it contained a narrow shelf. A shelf where he would place the Arkenstone. He opened his pack and found the rock, wrapped in layers of cloth. As he took one final look at the glittering substance, a question arose in his mind. Was he doing the right thing?
Memories of his quest flashed in his mind and he saw the faces of Bombur, Bifur, Thorin, Bilbo, Fili and Kili. They were followed by Balin, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Nori, Dori and Ori. He saw Aragorn and Aragorn's gifts to him. But at the end he saw Caliuen. The sight of her assured him that he was indeed doing the right thing. He wrapped the Arkenstone in layers of cloth and laid it at the far end of the shelf. Bofur had successfully completed his quest. All that was left now was the return to Erebor and bringing Caliuen with him.
As he returned to Caliuen, he found out that she had fallen asleep. Bofur lay down next to her and slept as well.
Three months later Bofur and Caliuen found themselves at the front gates of Erebor. They had travelled through the Misty Mountains, where the Dunedain Rangers after taking a look at Bofur's bead insisted to accompany them as far as Erebor. As Bofur walked to the gates, he took Caliuen's hand in his. She seemed grateful for the gesture as she gripped his hand tightly. Further up the slope they came to a guardhouse where three dwarves stood.
"Halt! Who are you and what business do you have in Erebor?"
"I Bofur the son of Bonder and a member of the company of Thorin Oakenshield which defeated Smaug and took back Erebor after the Battle of the Five Armies."
The guards looked at each other before saying, "And where were you for the past year?"
Past year? Had it really been a year since he left? "I was sent on a quest by Bilbo Baggins and Balin and now I have returned having completed it."
"Who is this with you?"
"This is Caliuen. My friend and companion."
The guards looked at each other again. "Very well. You may enter Master Bofur and Lady Caliuen."
Bofur bowed his head to the guards before taking his first steps into Erebor for almost a year. Caliuen still gripped his hand tightly. "It will be alright," he whispered to her while pulling her closer to him.
Erebor was empty. They did not come across a single dwarf but Bofur could hear some noise coming from the Main Hall. He guided Caliuen towards it and once they entered, he saw hundreds of dwarves sitting there. It seemed that many had journeyed from the Blue Mountains to Erebor.
Towards the front of the room he saw Thorin sitting on his throne, with Fili and Kili on either side of him and the Princess Dis to Kili's left. Standing next to the Durin's he saw Balin, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Bilbo, Bifur, Nori, Dori, Bombur and Ori.
"What's going on here?" Bofur called out.
Instantly the hall fell silent and everyone's gaze fell upon Bofur and Caliuen. Bofur shifted slightly, uncomfortable at all the attention. No one moved, but they all looked right at him.
Bombur was the first one to break out of the trance. "Bofur! My brother! You've returned! You've returned!" He yelled as he ran over to hug Bofur also suffocating him in the process. Just as Bofur thought that Bombur was going to kill him with all the pressure he applied, someone slapped Bombur on the back. Bombur let go and Bofur caught his breath. Looking up at his savior he saw Bifur, his cousin with tears in his eyes and he too embraced Bofur. He was followed by the other members of the company before Balin pulled everyone of him.
"You've returned, laddie!"
"Bofur," Thorin spoke and the hall fell silent once more. Bofur gently pushed Caliuen along with him as he went to stand before his king.
"King Thorin."
Thorin smiled down at him, "Rise my friend," he said before embracing Bofur much to the toymaker's shock.
Thorin let go as he looked at Bofur, "I take it you went on the quest Balin and Bilbo sent you on to hide that accursed Arkenstone?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Thorin will do, for you have earned the right to call me that. But who is this lovely lady with you?"
"This is Caliuen, Thorin."
Thorin looked sharply towards her, "Caluien? The dragon-daughter?"
He had heard of her? Bofur's heart fell. Surely she would be exiled now.
"Well? Answer me!"
"Yes, My Lord, I am Caliuen, daughter of Glaurung and Yavanna."
Thorin studied her for several minutes. He then turned to look at Bofur, "And you have befriended her Bofur?"
"Yes," he replied stoutly.
"Where did you find her, if I may ask?"
"The lost realm of the Witch-king of Angmar," he replied.
Many dwarves gasped at Bofur's response, including Thorin.
"And what were you doing there?"
"Finding a place to hide the Arkenstone."
"And where did you hide it?"
"Forochel."
This time every single dwarf in the hall gasped. Bofur then proceeded to tell the story of his journey to Forochel. Once he was done, he reached into his pack and took out a pouch. Looking at Thorin he said, "This was given to me by Aragorn, the son of Arathorn, Chieftain of the Dunedain Rangers, and the Heir of Isildur, to give to you."
Opening the pouch Bofur took out the ring and placed it in Thorin's hand. "This is a ring of power," he said, "The same one which belonged to Thror before it was lost at Azunalbizar."
Thorin wore the ring on his finger before looking at Caliuen. "You, dragon-daughter are an oddity. Something no one ever wishes to come across."
At his words Caliuen gripped Bofur's hand in fear and in turn he glared at Thorin, but the king was unfazed by it. He continued, "Before in my life, had I ever encountered you, I would have killed you without a second thought."
Thorin paused and looked at Bofur, his friend's expression one of utmost hurt and betrayal. "But when I was unconscious after the Battle of the Five Armies, I found myself in Valinor where Eru Illuvitar asked me to welcome you if I ever came across you. So I, King Thorin II Oakenshield say unto you Caliuen daughter of Yavanna, welcome. Welcome to Erebor."
Caliuen looked at him in surprise only to see Thorin smiling at her. She looked at Bofur who was simply bursting with joy. The rest of the company also came over to meet her. However there were some in the crowd of dwarves who were not so welcoming.
"Have you lost your mind, my king? You would welcome the kin of Smaug to Erebor? You would welcome a product of rape to live among the nobility of the dwarves of Erebor?" A dwarf spoke and many voiced their agreement.
Thorin, to his credit, kept his cool, "Yes. If Eru asks something of you, you do not simply ignore it. Those of you who refuse to reside in the same mountain as Caliuen may leave."
"You would value a dragon over your kin? Surely you have lost your mind Oakenshield!" Another dwarf called out.
Thorin glared at him, "I assure you that I am in my right mind and whatever you say will have no effect as I trust Bofur and he has brought Caliuen to Erebor, something he would not have done if it wasn't safe."
"Bofur? That dwarf who left to hide the Arkenstone? Your birthright? The Arkenstone signifies your right to rule and he in alliance with the Halfling and Balin took it from you. You would trust the judgment of such a dwarf? He does not deserve to be called a dwarf." The same dwarf called out.
"Enough!" Thorin shouted, "Bofur not a dwarf? He was one of the 13 who accompanied me on this quest. I do not remember you rushing to join me. Had it not been for his efforts as well, Erebor would not be ours. The Arkenstone? I do not need a piece of rock to signify my rule. The accursed stone drove me mad and the wisest decision would have been to destroy it. However Bilbo and Balin decided to hide it. Bofur was the one who travelled alone, all the way to Forochel and risked his life for me, for us and for Erebor! If you dare to unjustly speak against him or any of my company then I shall have your tongues. Now, you are dismissed. All of you."
The dwarves got up and left still not happy. Once the hall was empty, Thorin put his arms around Bofur and Caliuen. "Come my friends; let me show you to your rooms."
"Where exactly will our rooms be, My King?" Caliuen asked.
Thorin chuckled, "With the rest of the company of course. In the Royal Wing."
With that Thorin guided Bofur and Caliuen to their rooms with the rest of the company following behind them.
So ends Chapter 4 and it was a long one, wasn't it.
5000 + words!
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