A/N: I do not own the Hobbit nor any of its creations. It belongs to great J.R.R. Tolkien and the wonderful visions of Peter Jackson made real by MGM and New Line Cinema. I own Fallon, her family, background and heritage. I make no profit from this story and only seek to bring entertainment to other like-minded individuals as myself. Thank you and please review.
Chapter Three
"He is here..."
Gandalf's words rang through my mind. Everyone knew who he spoke of, except Mister Baggins. Thorin Oakenshield was the exile King Under the Mountain of the lost kingdom of Erebor. He'd never been coronated but he led the Dwarves of Durin's Folk to the Blue Mountains after Erebor fell to Smaug and the failure to recapture Moria. Gandalf reassured me that he would convince Thorin to allow me to go with them; I was worried. We all moved in mass towards the front door. Dwarves filled nearly every doorway in the hall so as to see his arrival.
I pushed myself behind the doorway leading into the sitting room and Dwalin stood at my left with Dori blocking the half of me that the wall didn't. I tugged at the end of my braid in nervousness as Gandalf opened the door. Stood tall in front of the door was Thorin Oakenshield; tallest of the gathered Dwarves (with the exception of Dwalin) with a thick mane of dark locks that streaked grey. Intense blue eyes sat below thick eyebrows and two braids hung on either side of his face along with the loose hair. He had a trimmed beard, thick but not long. His voice was a deep baritone when he addressed Gandalf, stepping into Mr. Baggins' home.
"Gandalf," He greeted. "I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way...twice. I wouldn't have found it at all if it hadn't been for that mark on the door."
As he passed, his eyes swept the gathered Dwarves but missed my place behind Dori and the doorway. I peeked between Dori and Dwalin as he stood further in the entry hall.
"Mark?! There is no mark on that door! It was painted a week ago!"
Bilbo slid by Dori to stand with Gandalf and Thorin.
"There is a mark. I put it there myself," Gandalf explained to the irritated Hobbit. "Bilbo Baggins, allow me to introduce you to the leader of our company- Thorin Oakenshield."
Thorin looked at Bilbo, handing his cloak to Kili as he appraised the supposed 'Burgler'.
"So...this is the Hobbit." I could tell Thorin was unimpressed and perhaps a bit amused. "Tell me, Mister Baggins, have you done much fighting?"
"Pardon me?" Bilbo asked, confused at the nature of his questions only to by ignored.
Thorin circled the Hobbit, looking like a predator to his prey.
"Axe or sword? What's your weapon of choice?"
I could tell several Dwarves were amused. After spending a couple hours in his presence, it was obvious to us all that Bilbo was far from a fighter. I glanced sideways at Dwalin, only for him to meet my gaze. We shared a look of barely concealed amusement before turning our eyes back to the matter at hand.
"Well, I have some skill in conkers...if you must know...but I fail to see why that's relevent."
I bit my lip to hold back a giggle at Bilbo's attempt to appear tougher than he was. I kind of felt bad for the man. He was struggling with our presence enough without bringing up the real reason we were here in the first place.
"I thought as much," Thorin surmised. "He looks more like a grocer than a burgler."
A few chuckled at his joke and he turned to walk further into Bilbo's home. It was then he caught sight of me standing in the sitting room and decided to address me. Understandable, really, since I was now the only one he didn't know. Dwalin and Dori stepped away to give us room which made my stomach knot. Thorin's blue eyes took in every detail until they pierced mine.
"And you are?" He asked, his scrutiny now focused on a new target.
Me.
I breathed in slowly, bringing my confidence to the forefront.
"Fallon. I'm-"
"She is my companion," Gandalf cut in. "Lady Fallon will be coming with us."
His tone was stern but I could instantly see the doubt and anger in Thorin's eyes. The indignance I felt at being interrupted for the second time that night died within me. I could see the argument forming in his mind as he opened his mouth. I was quick to speak my piece.
"If you find it acceptable, of course."
Thorin's eyes snapped to me as the Dwarves, Hobbit and Wizard waited with bated breath. I stepped from my place and stood in front of him; resolute and determined but respectful of his status. I made sure to maintain eye contact- light green to clear blue- as I continued.
"My bow is preferable for long range attacks. Throwing knives for medium range. My sword or twin blades work wonders with close fighting and even a dagger or two," I explained my own 'weapons of choice'. I watched, secretly amused, as his eyebrows went further up his forehead in surprise at my reply.
"To tell you the honest truth, I'm not that picky. I'll bash skulls in with a conveniently placed rock if I must. I've gotten into a fair few bare-knuckle brawls. I've never been afraid of getting a little dirty."
I shrugged at the last comment. One always found ways to dirty themselves when working on a ranch. I didn't mind the occasional dress but I was leaps and bounds away from being a girly-girl.
"She speaks the truth, Thorin." Gandalf's voice once again broke through the tense silence but as he continued, Thorin's eyes remained on mine.
"She's been traveling with me for the passed three weeks. Fallon has been trained with numberous weapons and in various styles of fighting. Many meals were had because of the fatal accuracy of her bow. It would be entirely foolish and careless of you to brush off her offer to help."
After what seemed like an eternity, he answered.
"Very well," Thorin intoned to everyone listening. "I will accept you into my Company."
The relief was short-lived as the happiness of not being left behind to find my way through Middle-Earth. I was excited to travel with this group of Dwarves, even if there was a Dragon likely waiting for us at the end. My feelings were written on my face and I felt my lips pull into a beaming smile. I didn't see Thorin's stunned expression as I bowed my head at him before moving back to the dining room. I eventually found myself between Fili and Kili at the corner of the table as everyone took their seats. Thorin, as his position as leader warranted, was seated at the head of the table closest to the doorway. A bowl of soup was brought to him and we all resolved to wait pantiently. Or I did, at least.
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Thorin POV
Who was this exquisite creature before me? I had not thought the 'burgler' would have a wife, though I should have known it to be a possibility. However, the thought that the Hobbit behind me could win someone so breathtakingly beautiful was beyond my comprehension. She was not the normal, but rare, stout-figured and lightly bearded as Dwarf women. Perhaps that was her part of her appeal. This woman was petite; four inches shorter than I with a lithe, well-proportioned body that held grace even in her casual stance. My eyes took in her heart shaped face, full pink lips, small nose and smooth light brown brows that differed from her hair color. My attention strayed to her hair, such an unusual and beautiful shade. It was caught between white as snow and the palest blonde. It seemed to shine with light from the moon and stars. Finally looking into her eyes, the light green sent a wave of warmth straight to my chest. They were the color of liquid jade and just as lovely as the rest of her.
She wore a dress, finely knitted instead of the usual cotton, wool or satin of many women's clothes; not I knew much beyond what I took in during passing glances when traveling through Men towns and my own halls. It was grey in color and the sleeves passed her elbows while the hem stopped above the knees. The cut was indecent made modest by leggings and a type of undershirt that kept too much skin from being seen. A necklace hung around her neck; better crafted than an Hobbit was capable of and I felt a tugging in my mind upon lighting my eyes onto the engraved symbol in the round diamond. Fearing I was staring too long, I forced myself to speak- half hoping that she wasn't anything to the Hobbit.
"And you are?"
I saw something change in her eyes. She steeled herself and unconsciously, stood to her full height with her back straight and head held high but not condescendingly so. I was impressed with her strong will and courage; not many had the nerve to rise and meet me so well.
"Fallon," she replied. "I'm-"
Her sweet, soft voice was perfect; not too low nor too high. I could imagine the wonder of hearing her sing. As it was, I felt the former irritation at having my hopes dashed upon meeting the Hobbit that Gandalf had chosen as burgler come back as the Wizard interrupted the woman. This Fallon.
"She is my companion. She will be coming with us."
The slight amusement at seeing her own irritation at the interruption was fleeting as his first words registered within my mind. If she was Gandalf's companion then she couldn't possibly be with the Hobbit and my heart gave a hopeful thump. The next moment his second set of words hit me and I grew steadily more mad. What was the Wizard thinking?! He knew Dwarves protected their women-folk and while it was apparent she wasn't a Dwarf, that didn't mean I was going to let this woman come with us. This woman who held such beauty I was sure I could live for millenia and not find anything more stunning. All the gold in Erebor, even the Arkenstone itself pales in comparison. And the Wizard wished to take her on a quest across Middle-Earth that led straight to a Dragon with all manners of dark creatures in between? He was a fool if he thought I was going to-
My internal rant was halted at her voice.
"If you find it acceptable, of course."
She certainly had manners. She knew I was the one she had to convince and tried to soothe the indignation that Gandalf's words brought to me. As if he was telling me a fact. Before I could reply, undoubtedly mentioning the risks, dangers and reasons why she could not come- her voice filled my ears.
"My bow is preferable for long range attacks. Throwing knives for medium range. My sword or twin blades work wonders with close fighting and even a dagger or two," she listed her weapons of choice. "To tell you the honest truth, I'm not that picky. I'll bash skulls in with a conveniently placed rock if I must. I've gotten into a fair few bare-knuckle brawls. I've never been afraid of getting a little dirty."
I bit back a smile at her wit as she answered my question to the Hobbit. My eyes had yet to leave hers and I felt my eyebrows going up. I was surprised at hearing she had a weapon, let alone sounding as if she could use the ones she listed quite well. I battled internally with the pros and cons of the situation. She looked able and determined as her eyes seemed to harden which made the green look like polished stone. Selfishly, I wanted her to come for the sole reason that it would allow us more interaction. I was curious about her and wanted to get to know her better. Gandalf spoke up again at seeing my indecision.
"She speaks the truth, Thorin."
Of that, I had no doubt.
"She's been traveling with me for the passed three weeks. Fallon has been trained with numberous weapons and in various styles of fighting. Many meals were had because of the fatal accuracy of her bow. It would be entirely foolish and careless of you to brush off her offer to help."
I almost smiled in relief but held my stoic contenance. Gandalf had all but made it impossible to refuse and if the men had anything to say about a woman joining us, I could use this as an excuse. They would not know that I was glad to have her along and looked forward to the time this quest would give us to learn more of each other. Who knew? Since she was traveling with the Wizard, perhaps she had no roots. Perhaps, she'd like to stay in Erebor once it's reclaimed. Hopefully long enough for me to-. I halted my thoughts. I was going to reclaim my birthright and the home of my people. This was no time to be thinking about trying to convince a woman to stay with me once this quest was over. I am not as young as I once was. I am not as light hearted and easy-going as I once was. She was young. Suited more for Fili or Kili. Deflating internally, I spoke without emotion.
"Very well. I will accept you into my Company."
I idly wondered if Gandalf had informed her of this quest's purpose and what her reaction had been. Not many could be threatened with meeting a Dragon and still agree to the arrangement.
Suddenly, a smile so bright it made the stars look dull lit her face. I felt my jaw go a bit slack in response as her beauty seemed to grow with her smile. Her eyes lit with an inner light before they were no longer looking into my own stunned ones. She had bowed her head and left to another room. I cleared my muddled mind and went to follow her, noting with the embarrassment of a Dwarfing barely out of age that my knees weren't as strong as they should have been. I threw a glance around and noted with relief, that no one had seen my reaction. Not until my eyes met those of my oldest and closest friends did I wince internally. Balin and Dwalin looked back with amusement clear in their eyes. They knew. They knew that this woman had brought forth emotions within me that I was far from used to.
The Dwarves sat themselves around the table in the dining room, leaving me to sit at the head of the table. I noticed Fallon at the other end's corner, sandwiched between my nephews who were grinning at their luck. Fallon smiled at something Kili said before leaning back, only noticing that Kili's arm was resting on its back when she felt it. She went to move but Kili stopped her and smiled. An uncertain look crossed her face before she accepted it and settled again. My stomach burned at the sight of her next to them. Fili and Kili were young and not yet weighed down with Life's unforgiving nature. I knew I was jealous and that only angered me more. I always dreamed of finding a home for my people. I dreamed of a day when we would reclaim Erebor. Never did I wish to be young again, like now. I turned my attention to my soup and tried to calm my emotions. Fili and Kili could hardly be blamed for being charming. I would not stand in their way.
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A/N: I'm making this a Thorin/OC. I had subconsciously been leading it in that direction and you'll understand later that they have many things in common but differ in other ways. I may start another story for Dwalin when I have the time and inspiration.
Thank you all for your reviews. They're very helpful and make me want to write more for you all.
UnwrittenJourney