The Company finally stopped and made camp just before dusk. Bilbo felt lost amongst the dwarves, who were clearly experienced travellers. He stuck close to Myrtle (she was perfectly happy to have him nearby, with all the treats he had been feeding her) and tried to keep out of the way of the others, who were collecting firewood, setting out supper and laying out bedrolls.
Trying not to get flustered with all the activity (again – what is it with these dwarves?!), Bilbo fell back onto what he knew best – analysing. Bombur was clearly focused on food. Bifur and Bofur were sticking close by to make sure their relative didn't eat before the rest. The Ri brothers had been tasked with getting a fire going: well, Nori was lighting the fire; Dori was arguing with Ori about how close he could get to the sparks. Balin, Oin and Gloin were clustered around Thorin, obviously discussing routes and plans.
Nearby… Fili and Kili moved cautiously around the senior group. They collected things from one location, moving to the next without meeting anyone's eye or engaging in the lively conversations that were carrying across the camp site. Bilbo belatedly realised they were setting up Thorin's bedding and laying out his gear. The blonde one – he still didn't know which was which – had started cleaning Thorin's weapons while the other took a shirt down to the nearby stream for washing.
Their… master (Bilbo still felt sick) didn't pay either of them a glance.
Bilbo caught himself staring and turned back to Myrtle. Someone (he suspected Ori) had moved his belongings to a spot in the circle, and Bilbo quickly busied himself so no one asked what was holding his attention. Once he was satisfied enough time had passed, Bilbo chanced another look around the group. He realised he had been mistaken in only watching Fili and Kili.
When he sat back and saw the whole picture, he realised that most of the Company also shot them glances from time to time. Most seemed neutral – Bifur checking where Kili had gone too, Nori making sure Fili had all the right kit to sharpen Thorin's daggers. But some were definitely trying to hide something – Ori was clearly upset about something other than not being trusted to light a fire. Bilbo hadn't forgotten the looks in Balin and Bofur's eyes either.
Someone was missing…
Dwalin.
Dwalin was standing guard near the centre of the group, turning so he could keep watch in all directions. He was not hiding any of the emotion in his eyes. All of Bilbo's instincts were telling him to run, run far far away and the look of burning anger in the giant warrior dwarf's eyes. He fought hard to remain still, to not let on that he had seen. Bilbo knew that if Dwalin were to turn towards him with that look on his face Bilbo wouldn't be able to stop bolting for the nearest cover.
Or at least behind Dori or Bofur's back.
Bilbo had already been told that Balin and Dwalin were totally loyal to Thorin and the Company – Bofur had told him first thing this morning when he re-introduced them all.
But with the dark look of hatred Dwalin was sending to Thorin right now, Bilbo wondered how thick his loyalty lay.