- Chapter 11: That's what the Innkeeper hates! -
All eyes turned on her and she felt her cheeks take flame. There were a few moments of tensed silence before the brown-haired dwarf turned to his uncle.
-Have we got an aunt, now?
Belinda had never blushed so quickly as she did now, and Thorin had to use a great deal of self control not to punch his nephew. They then both began to deny, but tried not to speak at the same time and all that came out was a jumbled mess of half formed sentences that had them more embarrassed by the second. All the while, the group was quite amused. Thorin took a deep breath, as Belinda quieted before he spoke with more control.
-No, I'm simply escorting this woman. It's purely business.
-Yes! We've only just met! We barely know each other. Belinda agreed, and felt her cheeks burn even brighter when the group of dwarves didn't look convinced.
-Since when do you work as escort? The white bearded one asked.
-This is a special occasion. Thorin replied, before glaring at his two snickering nephews. And not in the way you think, so stop cackling like goblins or I swear I'll turn you both over my knee! He threatened, making the two pale immediately.
-You wouldn't! The blonde exclaimed.
-Would you care to test that? He asked, and the two backed off, defeated. Now that this misunderstanding has been cleared, allow me to introduce Lady Belinda.
The group of dwarves then began to present themselves. First was Dwalin, the large man that had first noticed Thorin, then his brother Balin, the one with the long white beard. Dwalin's visible skin had many scars and tattoos crisscrossing it and a scary set of axes strapped to his back. Balin was very sweet looking and Belinda wondered how the two could be related. Fili and Kili, Thorin's nephews, followed. Fili had two braided mustaches and clear blue eyes and a very charming smile, while his brother Kili only had a rough stubble on his jaw and his dark brown eyes twinkled with mischief while his smile was large and full of laughter. Now that she could get a better look, they did have some ressemblance to her escort. She blushed heavily when they each took one of her hands and kissed it. Their smirk never left their face as she was introduced to the rest. A grey-haired dwarf with complicated braids, another whose hair was shaped in the form of a star, and a third who was almost hidding behind the large book he had in his arm and the three introduced themselves as Dori, Nori and Ori. Next came Oìn and Gloìn, the first having pepper coloured hair, and the other very impressive red hair and beard. Then she was introduced to Bofur and his brother Bombur, and their cousin Bifur. Bifur nearly gave her a heart attack when she saw the axe sticking out of his forehead, but he simply grunted something she didn't catch before letting his cousin come forward. Bombur was very very large and had a long beard, braided in a hoop. His brother Bofur had his brown hair braided into twin braids that curved upwards and a mustache, and on his head was a very funny hat. He smiled warmly at her and Belinda blushed when he said she was pretty.
The group invited them to their table and the two accepted. That was when most of them noticed the very very long trail of hair following the small woman. They all turned to Thorin a questioning glance, to which he shrugged and the group decided to leave it be for the moment. While Belinda was distracted by one of Bofur's stories, Balin turned towards Thorin and spoke to him in a hushed tone.
-May I inquire why this lass is so special for you to be her escort? He asked with genuine curiosity.
-Beside the fact she is one of the prettiest woman you have ever set your eyes on? Kili inquired with a smirk.
-I told you it's not like that! Thorin snapped at his cheeky nephew. She has something that I desire and she will give it to me if I escort her to see fireworks and then back home before her father notices.
-Fireworks? You mean those in the Shire? Fili asked, sounding worried.
-Yes, what of it?
-Nothing much, except perhaps the fact you'll most likely be killed the second you set foot in there. Balin replied, taking out a sheet of paper and passing it to Thorin. And since we're on the subject, may we know why there are wanted posters of you plastered on every available space in villages and roads?
-It's complicated. Thorin said as he unrolled the poster to gaze at his face, with one important difference. Alright, now I swear they are doing this on purpose! He growled at the sight of his deformed nose before stuffing the sheet into his vest.
-Thorin, we haven't heard of you in years and what we do hear isn't very encouraging. Balin told him. What exactly have you been getting yourself into?
-You know my grandfather has forbidden me to return until I have found the most precious of treasures.
-Well, where are you on that? Fili asked.
-I'm working on it. He replied with a glance at Belinda, and his nephews smirked. Not like that! She has it and will only give it back to me after I take her to the fireworks.
-She's blackmailing you? Does she know she is practically dooming you?
-She doesn't. She is not aware that the Shire wants me dead. I she knew, I'm certain she wouldn't force me.
-Well, why don't you tell her then?
-And scare her off so that I'll never find my things again? No. If I'm careful about it, we'll be in and out without any problem.
-If you says so lad. Balin sighed before the four turned their attention to Belinda, who was laughing at Bofur's stories. Though are you absolutely certain there is nothing else between you and the lass?
-Yes! He growled, annoyed.
-Well, in that case, you won't mind if Fili and I get to know her better. Kili grinned before He stood up. How about some music everyone?
The rest of the table erupted in cheers as they began clapping and thumping their feet in rhythm. Kili took his now empty plate and tossed it to his brother who passed it to another dwarf and soon, many plates were flying, much to the innkeeper's dismay. He was shouting at them to stop it, but it was covered by the sound of utensils clanging against each other.
-Would you stop that! You'll blunt them! The man cried out.
-Oooh, you hear that, lads? Bofur asked. He says we'll blunt the knives...
-Blunt the knives and bend the forks! Kili began.
-Smash the bottles and burn the corks! His brother followed.
-Chip the glasses and crack the plates!
That's what the innkeeper hates!
The group all started singing as they tossed their plates and other objects at each other, not a single one falling to the ground. Belinda laughed at the scene, when a hand suddenly grasped hers and she was twirled into the arms of the young Kili. He smiled at her and then began leading her across the room, twirling and skipping steps. Belinda blushed and laughed at the impromptu jig as the song continued.
-Cut the cloth and tread on the fat!
Leave the bones on the bedroom mat!
Pour the milk on the pantry floor!
Splash the wine on every door!
The lass was then spinned around, making her dizzy until she was caught in the arms of Fili, who grasped her waist and continued the dance his brother had started. Some of the dwarves had taken out some instrument and had began playing. It was just like she had read about in her books! This was getting better and better!
-Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl;
Pound them up with a thumping pole;
And when you've finished, if any are whole,
Send them down the hall to roll!
Belinda was then grasped by Bofur, who galloped around and then took her up on a table and had her jump and twirl.
-So, carefully! Carefully with the plates!
That's what the innkeeper hates!
The music finished as Bofur dipped the lass in a tango pose and everybody, including the other customers, cheered and laughed when the innkeeper shoved his way to the table where all his plates and utensils were, undamaged despite their earlier treatment.