The balmy summer night had fallen upon the Shire and a fresh breeze warned of heavy rain clouds later in the evening. Lori enjoyed the sunset over Hobbiton as she trotted North at a steady pace, trying to remember where she had come from earlier in the day. Now she understood why Gandalf had marked Bilbo's round door with a rune. Every door was different from the others, but at the same time she couldn't for the life of her remember how the one at Bag End looked. It had camouflaged itself with all the other colors of doors now in her memory.
She found the tree she had been sitting under during the afternoon and started to trace her steps back to the inn, when a heavenly smell started to rise up from the little hobbit holes around her. It seemed that suppertime had arrived, and though Lori had eaten well and plenty all day, her mouth watered and her stomach growled in anticipation.
"Ugh, staying here too long will make me fat and spoiled, for sure." She mumbled to herself with a smirk.
Once more she adjusted the pack on her back containing her armor. It had been too hot and bothersome, not to mention pointless, to put it back on while in the Bolgers' home. She decided to check on the horses when she found the inn on her way.
Gandalf's horse and her pony were well fed and stood dozing in their booths, hardly acknowledging her presence as she peeped over the wooden barrier. In addition to their mounts she counted fifteen new additions to the stable; Furry and long haired ponies filled every stall and booth in the stable, and it didn't take long for Lori to figure out that the company of dwarves must have had arrived before her.
'Better hurry or Gandalf will be grumpy for the rest of the week if I'm late,' she thought as she jogged outside. He had a thing with punctuality when it came to other people. For himself, though, he always said that a wizard was always on time and arrived at the precise moment he meant to, which just sounded like a bad excuse for being tardy to Lori. But the old fart could have his eccentricities she supposed. He put up with her irreverence and candid nature better than he did anyone else's in return. She guessed it was a nice change for him when everyone else bowed and scraped and hung on his every word and called him Mithrandir. Hah.
'Damn, where is that bloody door?' she ran past the fifteenth wrong hobbit hole and began to wonder if she was ever going to find Bag End again. Slowly more and more fields began to surround her and finally she was convinced that she must have passed it or gone in the wrong direction and turned around. Now she was really late.
Running and studying the doors on her way, she didn't see the hulking figure in front of her before it was too late, and with flailing arms she skidded into it.
"Oof!" The air was thumped out of her body when she hit the back of what felt like a man shaped boulder and she stumbled back trying in vain not to land on her butt. The boulder looked at her in surprise before it reached a massive hand down to help her up.
"I beg your pardon, sir. I wasn't watching where I was going." She gasped as she brushed the dust off her trousers with her free hand. He gave her a quick once over to establish that she was unhurt and then offered her a kind smile that made Lori return it sheepishly.
"All is forgiven, I am none the worse for wear. Do you require assistance?"
There was something warm and slow in his deep voice, like honey, and he had yet to let go of her which made her cheeks redden and her pulse quicken.
"N- No. Thank you. I'm lost, but I'm sure I'll find my way." It hadn't occurred to her that he didn't look like a hobbit and was probably a dwarf going to the same meeting as her. His brow lifted a bit as he heard of her plight.
"So am I. It seems this Shire is more of a labyrinth than I had anticipated. You don't suppose there is anyone we can ask for directions?"
Lori shrugged, "if I have learned anything of Shire-hobbits today it is that they do not stray from their routines and never, ever miss a meal. I'm afraid they are all at their dinner tables as we speak, and I doubt they will be happy if two odd-looking people like us interrupt them for directions." Then she took a closer look at him and saw him for what he was. "You're looking for Gandalf, aren't you?"
The smile vanished and a stony anger rose in his steel blue eyes and the warm grip on her hand turned to a vice. "What do you know of my purpose, woman?" he demanded as he drew her closer to study her face.
Lori's eyes widened as a healthy fear reared its head, "Aren't you one of the dwarves travelling with Thorin Oakenshield? I was meant to meet with you at the house of Bilbo Baggins before I got lost." If this was not one of the company then she didn't want to give away too many details about their plans, so she stayed silent about the quest.
To her relief the grip lessened and the dwarf relaxed a bit. "I am not one of the company," he said. Lori frowned and started to retract her hand. "I'm Thorin, at your service." He let go of her hand and bowed his head slightly without releasing her from his captivating eyes.
Lori stared at him in shock. 'This is Thorin Oakenshield! A formidable warrior. A legend. A king!' her thoughts ran in circles as she gaped at the dwarf lord in front of her. His bearing was certainly proud and regal, and he gazed at her with a calm authority that had the power to both intimidate her and trap her in a daze. She found him handsome with his steady blue eyes and long dark hair sporting single streaks of silver in it. His beard was neatly trimmed in a much shorter length than she would have expected of one as great as he.
When he raised his brow in question to her silence and gaping expression she finally remembered herself and dropped into a deep curtsy. "It is an honor my Lord. I've heard of some of your adventures."
"The honor is mine, I'm sure. It seems our path is the same for the time being, though I must ask you…" he stood back and studied her. "What business does a girl have with my company? And are you a hobbit?"
Lori was startled out of her reverie at the thought. "A hobbit? Goodness no. Have you never seen one?"
"I have not. This is my first time in this country and they don't seem fond of travelling to other parts of this world. And, as you see, none are about this evening."
"That's all very true I suppose. But actually, hobbits are known for having curly brown hair, large furry feet which they never wear boots or shoes on, and like I said – they don't like to miss meals. So obviously I'm not one of them." Her stomach chose that second to growl extremely loudly, making them both look down at it in surprise.
Thorin chuckled, "are you sure of that?" His smile drew her in and was infectious enough to make her relinquish her fear of him. They started south on the path where she had initially come from. "Come, let's take the road together and you can tell me what you know of Gandalf and myself while we walk."
Lori laughed which made nearby birds and animals in the thicket turn their heads and listen. "I'm afraid the way is by far too short for those tales. I know Gandalf very well you see. And the stories of your life my Lord, are by far too many and too interesting to do justice with so little time." She turned to him and smiled sweetly. "I am Lori Lórindol, Gandalf's ward by the way. Where he goes I usually follow and this is how I know of you and your company."
A thought occurred to Thorin, "Do you mean to say that you are to join us?"
"Indeed. But as a companion to Gandalf, not at one of the company, mind you."
"I will not allow you to. Girls don't belong in the wild and we have a perilous road ahead of us. My men are warriors, strong and armed as well as capable of defending themselves and one another. You should stay here where you are safe once we depart."
Lori rolled her eyes, "I am not a feeble, defenseless ninny and this is far from my first travels, I assure you. Nor am I unarmed though I suppose some training could always be in order, but that can easily be arranged along the way…" She looked at him thoughtfully. "Maybe you should know more about me before determining whether I can manage on this journey or not."
"Such as?" came the gruff answer.
"Such as that I've travelled through the length of Middle-Earth and am a very capable forester. Such as that I am stronger than I look as well as light of foot and I'm armed and armored for the journey, my things are just stowed at the moment. Such as that you really don't have a say in whether or not I go, as I am not under your command and such as that I resent being called a girl when I am obviously a fully grown woman!.. Sire." By then she had worked herself into a bit of a fit, but tried to calm herself so as not to invoke the wrath of the dwarf leader. It really wouldn't be a good start to their time together. His eyes strayed to her voluptuous body for a mere second before he averted them to the road ahead.
He seemed to think for a while as they walked.
"Even so, I still think that it would be a bad idea for you to come…" he concluded.
"How come?" she asked with hurt in her voice. She couldn't deny that his words stung her. Ever and always she had been an outsider, never really welcomed and never truly accepted. The elves had always treated her as a favorite pet of sorts and had pampered and accommodated her. But they had never talked to her as one of their own and she had felt their estrangement as acutely as she did with every other race she ever lived among.
"Understand that only one in three dwarfs are born female, and that our people have been driven from our home to wander and squabble for scraps for a long time now. This makes our race very protective of our women because they are needed to make our lines survive and our homes thrive. I mean you no offence and you are right that I don't know you at all. But my men and I would feel that your protection was our responsibility, be it the case or not. That isn't something I would wish for them and it's potentially dangerous if they get into situations where they would sacrifice themselves to secure you. You would be a distraction."
"I see. But didn't you just say that your men also look out for one another? How would it be different than looking out for one such as myself and me looking out for them in return?"
"It's… Difficult to explain…" He looked slightly uncomfortable now and avoided her eyes. "But as you said, I don't really have a say in the matter if Gandalf comes with us."
"True. But I'd still like us to get off on the right foot with you. It'll be a terribly long way to Erebor if we resent one another."
For some reason his ears colored slightly. "It's not resentment, my lady. It's… Well… I suppose we will have to see how it goes if you insist on this folly."
"Good. Because here is the marked door, finally." She said and pointed behind him.
He turned to look and when he saw it he asked her in a conspiratorial voice, "did you know it all along, little imp?"
She lit up in a grin and skipped pasted him with a "Nope!" that did nothing to convince him one way or the other. "And I'm not an imp!"
"Well what are you then?" He said as he trotted after her. "You're no hobbit, we've established that. And you're no dwarf with this naked face unless you're a child, which you claim not to be. Elves and humans are tall, and you're decidedly short. Orcs and goblins are hideous…" At this Lori skidded to a stop and stared at him in outrage, but he just smiled and continued, "So clearly that rules them out as well…"
"I'm not that short." She claimed.
"You're shorter than me. And I'm a dwarf, so what does that tell you? Now answer the question, please." He nudged her with a smile.
"A very tall dwarf! And I don't think I will, just yet." She saw Thorin's brow furrow and quickly added, "My intentions are pure and my history is an open book but for now, can we please let my heritage lie? I promise I will tell you when the time is right, but right now let's rest and eat. Tomorrow is a new day for us all to get to know each other." She didn't want him to judge her just yet as she knew he probably would because of her lineage, not to mention that her mother had been cast out from her dwarfish clan for being half human and loving an elf. No, better to leave those details for later.
He considered for a moment. "Very well Lady Lori. We shall continue this conversation at another time."
"I'm no Lady, Sire. I will tell you that much, so please just call me Lori."
"Thorin then." She looked as if she was about to protest but Thorin held his hand up. "It's only fair, and even those who know me as their leader don't call me by title. After all I cannot be a king if I have no kingdom." There was a deep sadness in his eyes and Lori thought it best not to push the matter. At least not yet.
"Very well Thorin," she said and took his arm with a gentle smile. "Shall we go to dinner?"
The dwarf looked at the ground and she could have sworn that he turned red under the beard as he led her to the door and gave it three solid knocks. He looked at her and they shared quiet smile before the door was opened by the Wizard and Thorin directed his attention at him. The dwarf was introduced to their host and gave him a gentle ribbing while Lori slipped inside and hung her pack and cloak on a hook. She frowned a bit at the display because the poor hobbit didn't even know he was being tested and found wanting in the eyes of the rugged dwarves.
"Bilbo, may I introduce to you Lori Lórindol. A good friend of mine and a more charming woman you will be hard pressed to find." Gandalf interrupted the merriment going on at Bilbo's expense.
Lori almost jumped to the foreground of the party to meet him and not seem as if she was hiding in the corners of his house. "A pleasure to meet you master hobbit," she curtsied.
"Th- The pleasure is mine, miss," he said after having collected his wits. "I saw you this morning with Gandalf I believe?"
"Indeed. And I apologize for not introducing myself before, but you gentlemen seemed engaged in conversation until you were… otherwise occupied indoors?" She tactfully explained.
Bilbo went bright red and started to stammer and mumble something about having received vital mail and being late for elevensies and if she wouldn't like to come inside for supper?
"I would be delighted master Baggins. Thank you so much!" She beamed at him as she took his arm, and he seemed to momentarily forget everything that had to do with wizards, adventures and cursed dwarves pillaging his pantry and throwing his pottery around.
The dwarves filled into the dining room leaving no room to wiggle now that Thorin had also occupied the end of the table as the leader he was. Bilbo seemed at a loss where to put his last guest for a minute, until Lori gently whispered to him. "Anywhere quiet is fine. No need to stand on ceremony for me." She winked at his surprised expression.
"You'll have my best armchair then, and perhaps I could interest you in a book while you relax, miss?"
"That's very kind. And please call me Lori. After all I'm a guest in your home and I hope to someday call you my friend as well."
"Lori it is," Bilbo said and smiled. "Here we are, I'll be right back with… whatever I have left in the kitchen, I suppose…" Looking once more miserable he pattered out of the sitting room leaving Lori to browse his books, the homely decor and the pictures on the walls. There was one with a stout but somewhat mischievous looking hobbit in it and she wondered who it was. He looked like he could have been fun to know.
The room was candle lit and the fireplace lay dormant at the moment so Lori squatted down in front of it to light the fire with some kindling and wood she saw in a basket by the door. Alas, there seemed to be a firestone missing, so she tried to conjure a small flame as she'd seen Gandalf do often enough. It was good practice even though there were plenty of candles to use for fire.
As she sat and glared concentrated on the kindling, the dwarf Bofur came into the room and watched her for a minute before stating, "You know lass, It's not going to combust no matter how hard you look at it."
Lori yelped in surprise and the kindling burst into flame, making Bofur jump back I shock.
"You scared me, master dwarf! How is it that you can sneak up on me like that? Aren't dwarfs notoriously loud?" Lori said as she tried to calm her heartbeat.
Bofur looked almost affronted, "I wasn't sneaking at all, you were just not paying attention! And how did you do that?" He pointed to the fire.
"Oh, that," she blushed a bit and fiddled with her fingers. "I- I have a bit of magic in me… Gandalf is teaching me to use it and I was just practicing." Carefully she looked up at the dwarf to see how he would react.
He seemed to think this over for a bit until his features relaxed and he pulled out his pipe to stuff it with tobacco. "Hmm… I suppose that is a right handy skill to have in a tight spot." He sat down on the stool next to her and asked, "Mind giving us a light then?"
"Oh! I- I would, but you'd be here all night I'm afraid. And even if I should succeed I have no guarantee that I wouldn't end up burning your beard off in the process. I'm not very talented in the art of control, as you just saw." She gestured to the fireplace sheepishly.
Bofur laughed and nodded, "I'll risk it lass. My beard could use a good trimming anyway. Just give it a try." He leaned forward and pulled on his pipe in case she could actually produce the fire.
"I thought all dwarves wanted long and elaborate beards?" she asked.
"Oh aye, we take great pride in them to be sure. But seeing as I haven't had the opportunity to cultivate this one into anything special yet, a fresh start wouldn't do it any harm. It'll grow out thicker afterwards I imagine." And once more he stuck his face closer to hers, sucking on the pipe with an expectant expression.
Lori looked doubtfully at him for a moment before letting the matter go and concentrating on the tobacco weeds. The energy to provoke the fire kept eluding her as she stared and stared at the pipe head for several minutes. Meanwhile Bofur studied her face in return with an amused air about him.
"So why are you travelling with the wizard then," he struck up a conversation in the awkward silence. "Are you his servant?"
She tried to keep her concentration but her brow furrowed. "No I'm not. More like his apprentice, but not quite."
"So you live with him?" He pressed.
"I suppose… when we stay somewhere long enough to call it home…" she raised her hand on each side of the pipe to hold her energy there. "He took me in when my mother died of fever a few winters ago."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Bofur seemed saddened by this. "All of us know the feeling of losing family and home."
"Yes, I know… And thank you, but I didn't really have a home before then either. We were… wanderers of a sort."
He huffed and shifted on the seat, "you'd fit right in with us lass."
She lifted her eyes to him and smiled with radiance, "I'm so glad you think so. Maybe this journey won't be as desolate as I thought it might have been."
Bofur sputtered a bit, "Pardon?"
"The quest," She explained. "I'm going with you, and it's nice to know that at least one person of the company thinks me welcome."
He jumped up and dropped his pipe as he rubbed his neck in a flustered movement that left his hat askew. "No no no no, ye canna'e come with us lass. It'll be the death of ye for sure!"
Her face fell and she felt the disappointment squeeze her heart before frustration claimed her thoughts. "Not you too! I had this conversation once tonight already!" She threw her hands up. "Thorin seemed to think that a woman's only place is by home and hearth as well, what is it with you dwarves?!"
The dwarf looked taken aback at this and tried to compose himself before he said, "You already spoke to Thorin about this? When?"
"Before we arrived here. Didn't you notice that we came at the same time?" she was getting a bit annoyed with him.
"Ah, right. Well then there you have it. You can't come if he says no, it's his company." He said smugly.
"Sure I can, I'm a companion to Gandalf, not Thorin. So there! You'll just have to live with me for as long as we chose to stay, like it or not." She rose and marched to the armchair where she plumped herself down and crossed her arms, signaling that the conversation was over. At that moment Bilbo arrived with his hands full of soup, bread, utensils and a napkin.
"Is everything alright?" He queried.
"Perfect, mister Baggins. Ah, thank you, that smells delicious." She warmed towards him and accepted the bowl of soup graciously.
"I'll be right back with a mug of our finest summer ale, miss." And he scurried off again.
Bofur who was not one to leave an argument lying in ill humor scooted closer to the armchair and folded his hands, elbows on his knees. "Look lass, I meant no offence. Truly I was just shocked at the idea of a fine young woman like yourself in the company of thirteen dwarf men when you have no guardian."
Lori looked at him completely bewildered.
"It's just not proper is all…" Bofur tried.
She shook her head and almost laughed at the notion, "You're afraid for my virtue? Tell me master dwarf, would you or any of your comrades assault me or behave in any untoward manner?"
Bofur looked scandalized. "No! Absolutely not!" Then he amended, "They just may not always know how to behave in the company of a woman though… some of them hardly even know any, see."
"I'll live, I assure you." Her tone turned softer as she realized that he was nervous for her. "I don't offend easily and I'm not some noble Lady who's spent her life crocheting and gossiping or whatnot. And I'm sure I'll have you looking out for me, the gentleman you are, as well." She flattered.
He didn't look convinced, but wasn't inclined to continue the discussion either. When Bilbo arrived with her ale he excused himself to join the other dwarves in the dining room for their meeting. "I guess I'll see you later, lass."
"You will," she smiled, making him relax a bit once more.
Her supper was sublime and fulfilling, nothing could ever be said about the hobbits' cooking but that it was just so. Afterwards she leaned back happily and took one of the books on the table besides her called 'Silmarillion'. Apparently it was a book about the myths surrounding the creation of Arda and the races of elves and dwarves, so she dove into it happily. Soon, she lost track of the names, though, and started to doze off.
As she slept, a haunting melody in deep, beautiful voices and a song of loss and fire penetrated her mind and left a heavy stone in her heart, threatening to bring her to tears even in dreams. It also left her with a feeling of hope and determination so very great, as well as a longing for a home and love of her own that she had never felt before.
She didn't notice when someone put a blanket over her and tucked a pillow beneath her cheek. Nor did she feel it when they gently ran their fingers down one of her sleek braids and whispered, "Goodnight Lori. Sleep well."
..o00O00o..
Thanks to my beta we get this out today, so yay for her! Remember to drop me a line so I know what you think of it.