Chapter 14 The Treasure Box
Tiki and Little Xander were walking with Kili and Tauriel, as they headed to the Blue Mountain Inn. Bombur's son, Bombom promised to teach the lads how to fish. The half-elf and half-dwarf were so excited about fishing that they hurried as they walk to the inn.
"I hope we catch a lot of fish, Tiki, "said Little Xander, as he waved to his Da and Ba at the entrance to the forge. Thorin and Balin watched Little Xander for a while, and then entered the forge again.
"I hope we get to eat the fish we catch, "said Tiki, who became fond of eating trout. Kili and Tauriel smiled at the two lads, as they entered the Inn. Bombur and Devie greeted them as they entered the front room.
"Greetings to all of you! Are you ready to go fishing? "asked Devie, with a smile.
"They had been so excited this morning, I had a hard time getting Tiki to eat his breakfast, "said Tauriel, as she hugged her son.
"Bombom is waiting for you, behind the Inn, on the patio, "said Bombur, with a smile.
"I will go with them to help them get settled on the pier, "said Kili, which made Tauriel happy. Tauriel was still protective over Tiki.
Kili lead the way through the kitchen to the back door of the Inn. Bombom was sitting on a stool at the patio, and looking into a small burlap sack. He had spent all morning collecting worms in his Ma's vegetable garden.
Tiki had noticed, when Bombom had turned five, he started to have facial hairs on his face. Now, that Bombom is nine, the round dwarf have a beard and mustache like his Da. Tiki sometimes wish he could grow a beard, but his Da said he might not ever get one. Tiki was disappointed about that news. Since he had turn five, he kept looking for hairs on his face…and found nothing.
Then, Tiki noticed how tall Little Xander was getting. At six years old, Little Xander is now the same height as the nine years old Bombom. Tiki barely grown at all, and was getting tire at looking at everyone who was taller than him. Tiki sighed.
"Greetings Bombom, "said Kili, as Bombom smiled at Tiki's Da.
"Greetings Kili…Xander…Tiki. Bofur made fishing poles for Xander and Tiki, "said Bombom, as he handed them their poles. "I will show you how to put your worms on your hooks. "
"Make sure you do not stick yourself with the hook, or your Mas will get upset with me, "said Kili, as he followed Bombom to the pier, behind Bombur's home. The council of Little Logan decided to make a pier for the Inn, making it easier for Bombur's sons to catch fish for the Inn. The council made a lovely home for Bombur and Devie, behind the Inn. Everything was so near at hand for the family of Bombur.
The three lads sat on the pier, as Kili warn them not to fall into the river. They smiled at the dark-haired dwarf, who went back to his wife in the Inn. Bombom showed Little Xander and Tiki how to put the worms on their hooks. Bombom have many worms in the burlap sack for them to use. The three lads put their line into the river, and started trying to catch fish for supper.
Bombom right away caught a big fat trout, and shown it to the lads. Bombom show how easy it was to pull the line in. He also showed the lads how to wiggle the line to make their worms wiggle in the water.
"Remember Xander wiggle your string to make the fish think that the worm is still alive. But not too much…just a little bit of a wiggle, "said Bombom, as Little Xander tried to do what he had been told. Tiki was more skilled than Little Xander in wiggling the worm. "That is right, Tiki. "
"I think I caught a fish! "yelled an excited Little Xander.
"Pull him in slowly, or you will break your line, "said Bombom, who was sitting between Little Xander and Tiki. Bombom scooped over to where Little Xander was fighting the fish.
"I think I caught a fish as well, Bombom, "said Tiki, who was almost pulled into the water. He was not afraid of the water anymore, because Griff and Ren had taught Little Xander and Tiki how to swim. But they were told to never to swim in a fast moving river, like the river Cris.
Tiki was having a hard time trying to pull in his fish. He looked over to where Bombom was helping Little Xander pull in his fish.
"Do not move Tiki. Let me help Xander pull in his fish, and then I will come and help you pull in your fish, "stated Bombom. So, Tiki stopped pulling on his fish, as he watched Bombom and Little Xander fight with Little Xander's fish. They would pull it one way, then another way. Finally, it seems that the fish was tired, and they gently pulled in the fish. Little Xander caught a two pound trout, which glimmer in the sunlight.
"Oooh! I just love trout! "said Bombom, as he smiled at the fish.
"Me too, Bombom, "said Little Xander. "Wait until I tell my Da I caught a big trout. " Little Xander got up, and put his trout into a bucket of water, which was on the lawn of Bombom's home.
"Bombom, I need help. This fish almost pull me into the river, "said Tiki, who was braced against the pier. Bombom got up, and waddled over to Tiki, and sat next to him.
"Arg! This fish is very heavy. Oh no! I think the fish went under a rock, "said Bombom, who was trying not to break the line. The round dwarf helped Tiki pull the line one way, then toward another way. Finally, they felt the line loosen. "I think we lost your fish, Tiki. "
"No, the line is still fighting me, "said a smiling Tiki. Bombom pulled one way, then another. The dwarf and half-elf pulled hard, and fell back onto the pier. Little Xander started laughing, as the two young fishermen saw that a five-pound carp had landed on the pier.
"He is a big fish, Tiki, "replied Bombom, as he got up to put the carp into the bucket of water, with Little Xander's trout. He made sure the bucket was not too close to the river, because his older brother Tade lost some fishes by accident. He had accidently knocked over the bucket, while fighting a big perch. Three fishes went back into the river that day, which made Tade very upset.
"Tiki, he is almost the same size as you, "teased Little Xander, as Bombom smiled.
"That is not funny, Xander. I thought you were my friend, "replied an angry Tiki.
"I am sorry, Tiki. I was only playing with you, "said a humble Little Xander. "Wait until Kili sees that you had caught the biggest fish so far. " Tiki smiled.
"Let us catch some more fish, "said Bombom, as they added more worms. They sat again on the pier, and put in their lines.
After three hour, the lads caught six trout, one carp, two chubs, and three perches.
"I am tire, Bombom. Is it almost lunch time? I feel very hungry right now, "whined Little Xander, as he stood up. Little Xander did not put another worm on his line, and had put the fishing pole down.
"I think we had caught enough fish for the Inn, since there are only three dwarves staying there, "said Bombom, who had wrapped his line around his pole. He looked over to Tiki, who still had his line in the water. "Come on Tiki, and pull in your line. We will take the fishes to my Da, and maybe he will cook one of the trout for us. " Bombom got up to wrap Little Xander's line of his fishing pole, around his pole.
"Alright, Bombom. " Tiki went to pull in his line, but he could not. "Bombom, my line is stuck. " Bombom and Little Xander walked over to where Tiki was sitting.
"Do you have a fish on it? "asked Bombom, as the little half-elf shook his head. Bombom pull on the line, but it would not budge. "It feels like it is hooked on something. Let me get a stick, and see it I can unhook it. " Bombom went to a bush that was behind his home, and brought back a short branch. The round dwarf lay on his tummy, and reached into the water with the branch. He put the branch under the line, and slowly pulled the line upward. He saw that the hook was caught into a metal handle on a metal box. Bombom stuck the branch through the handle, and with Tiki's help they got the metal box onto the pier.
"You caught a treasure chest, Tiki, "said a smiling Little Xander.
"Do you think so, Xander? "asked an excited Tiki.
"Well, it is a box. Let us take it to Kili, and maybe he can open it for you, Tiki, "said Bombom. "I will carry the pail of fishes, while you and Xander carry the box. "
"Alright, "said Little Xander and Tiki.
Tiki wrapped his line around his fishing pole, and the lads left their poles leaning against Bombom's home. The three lads walked to the Inn, where their parents were getting ready for lunch. They entered the kitchen, where Bombur was stirring a big pot of beef and cabbage for the inn. Bombom put down the pail of fishes, and tugged on his Da's tunic.
"Did you three lads catch a lot of fishes today? "asked Bombur, who was busy seasoning the meal.
"Aye, Da. And Tiki caught a metal box, "said Bombom.
"What?! "said Bombur, who turn around quickly. Bombur's eyes got big as he saw the box. "Let us keep the box a secret for now. And I will put it in the storage room for you, Tiki. " Bombur was imagining many gold coins inside the metal box. He reached for the box, but Little Xander and Tiki moved it away from his hands.
"No, Bombur. I want to show the box to my Da, "said Tiki.
"You do not need to show it to your Da. You do not need to tell him, "said Bombur, as he grabbed the box. Little Xander and Tiki were holding on to the handles of the box, and would not let go.
"No, Bombur…no! This is Tiki's box! "yelled Little Xander, as Bombur tried to shake the two lads off the box. Bombom's mouth dropped open, because he had never seen his Da act this way before.
"What is going on?! "shouted Kili, as he, Tauriel, and Devie walk into the kitchen from the tavern.
"Bombur is trying to take Tiki's box! "said Little Xander, who was being tossed around, as he held on to the box. Tiki was flying more higher than Little Xander, since he was more light weight.
"Bombur, stop it! You are going to hurt the lads! "shouted Devie.
"This box was on my property, so it is mine box! "complained Bombur. Kili grabbed the handle on the box, and Little Xander and Tiki let go.
"Xander said the box is, Tiki's. Why Xander? "asked Kili, who was glaring at Bombur. The two dwarves had a hold of the handles. Tauriel and Devie were trying to get their husband to stop fighting. Each female had a hold on their husband's arm.
"Tiki caught it with his fishing hook, "said Little Xander, who went to where Bombom stood.
"Bombom help me pull it in, "said the honest Tiki, as he joined Little Xander and Bombom.
"See, this box belong to us, Bombur! "snapped Kili, who was imagining coins and gems in the box.
"It was on my land, and my son pulled it out. Your scrawny child could not have pulled it out of the mud! "returned Bombur. Tauriel released Kili, and glared at Bombur.
"Do not call my son scrawny, Bombur! "snarled Tauriel.
"I am sorry, Kili and Tauriel. I know that Bombur did not mean to call Tiki scrawny, "apologized Devie, who was embarrassed by Bombur's actions and words.
The two male dwarves were pulling back and forth with the box, until Kili pulled the box out of Bombur's hand. Kili took off running into the tavern, and Bombur tackled him down. The two females held on to the boys, as they watch Kili and Bombur wrestling on the floor of the tavern for the box. The door to the inn opened, and Bofur and Bifur walked in.
"Bombur, Bifur and I are here to eat lunch in your tavern, "said a happy Bofur. Bofur and Bifur froze, as they saw Bombur wrestling with Kili. "What is going on? "
"Brother, help me! Kili is trying to steal my treasure! "shouted Bombur.
Bofur and Bifur jumped on Kili, which made Tauriel very angry. The she-elf hurried to the front door of the Inn, and called for Kili's kin to come help him. Tauriel went back to the tavern, and grabbed Bofur by the waist. Now, Kili had the box against his chest, holding on tightly. Bombur had a hold onto the handles again. Bifur had one of Kili's legs, while Bofur had Kili by the waist. Tauriel was trying to pull Bofur off of Kili.
Devie sat the three lads in some chairs, and she sat in one, as well. Into the Inn came Fili and Dwalin who saw what was happening and join the melee on the floor of the tavern. Thorin came running in, and quickly went to pull Bifur off of Kili. Last to enter the Inn was Balin, Lilybelle, and Susy, who was carrying Baby Thror. The late arrivals stood in shock, because they could not believe that good friends were fighting good friends. Lucky for Susy, she was changing the baby's diaper in the garden, when she heard the call for help. She was carrying her anything bag in her hand.
"Lilybelle, please hold Thror for me, "said Susy. The hobbit smiled, as she took the happy baby. "Balin hold my anything bag, while I take something out of the bag. "
"Alright, Little One. What are you going to take out of the bag? "asked Balin.
"Something my mother used on me and my brother when we were fighting one time, as children, "answered Susy. Thorin's wife reached into the red anything bag, and took out a big pail of ice cold water. Balin and Lilybelle smiled, as Susy swung back and threw the ice cold water on the fighting group. Everyone came up shouting and shaking.
"Blast, woman! Are you trying to freeze my jam bags?! "snarled Dwalin, as he got off the floor. Susy, Lilybelle, and Balin started laughing at Dwalin.
"Wife! "snapped Thorin, who was about to say something harsh to his wife. But Susy pointed out Little Xander, so Thorin kept silent for now.
"Aunt Susy…Dwalin was right about the water being cold, "said Fili, who was rubbing his arms. All the other dwarves got up, shaking from the cold water, while Tauriel only got a little bit of the water on herself.
"Why are you fighting in the first place? "asked Balin. "We heard Tauriel saying that Kili needed aid. "
"That is why Fili and I came, "said Dwalin. "We saw Kili and Tauriel wrestling with Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur. We do not know why. "
"Bombur said that Kili was stealing his treasure, so Bifur and I jumped Kili, "stated Bofur, as Bifur nodded.
"My nephew does not steal, "said an angry Thorin.
"What treasure, Bombur? "asked Susy. Bombur would not look at Susy, so she turned to Devie.
"Bombom, Little Xander, and Tiki were fishing. Tiki hooked onto this metal box, and Bombom helped him land the box onto our property, "stated Devie. They all looked at the box, which Kili had in his arms. Susy walked over to Kili, and looked at him.
"Give it to me, Kili, "said Susy.
"But it belongs to Tiki, "stated Kili.
"It was on my property, "snapped back Bombur.
"Enough! "shouted an angry Susy. She stood with her hands out, and waited for Kili to give her the box. Kili finally handed over the box to his Aunt. She placed the box on a table, and tried to open it. "This thing is locked. Did you lock it Bombur and Kili? "
"No! "answered Kili and Bombur.
"So, how do you know it has treasure inside? "asked Susy. She looked at the two sheepish dwarves, and shook her head, while she rolled her eyes. She went to Balin, who had her bag, and took out a hammer. Susy walked back to the box, and raised the hammer.
"No! It was on my property! "shouted Bombur.
Susy looked at Tiki, and asked, "Tiki, did you pull the box from the land or the river? "
"The river, Aunt Susy, "replied the half-elf.
"Bombur, no one can own a river, "stated Susy. She hit the lock on the box as hard as she could, and broke the lock. Susy turn the box away from everybody, and open the box.
"Is there a lot of gold, wife? "asked Thorin. Susy looked at all of the dwarves in the room, and saw the greed in their eyes, except for one. She smiled at Balin, who was the only dwarf to learn that the greatest treasure in Middle-Earth was his love ones.
"Yes, there is a treasure in here…for little lads, "stated a smiling Susy, as the greedy dwarves looked disappointed.
"WHAT?! "yelled Kili and Bombur, who hurried to the box. There were stone weights, hooks, extra nettle lines, and leather stoppers for floaters. Someone had lost their fishing gear in the river, and never retrieved it.
"It is someone's fishing box, "said a laughing Kili. Bombur looked downhearted.
"Come on, Dwalin and Lilybelle. Let us go back to the forge, "said a smiling Fili.
"Wait a moment! "said Susy, as everyone froze. "I think the fighters need to make some apologizes, especially to Tauriel, Devie, and the lads. "
"Why Tauriel? "asked Dwalin, as he tried to stare Susy down.
"Because someone gave Tauriel a black eye, "stated Susy. They all looked at the she-elf, who had wondered why her left eye hurt. The dwarves started laughing, except for Balin and Kili.
"That is not funny! "said Kili, at his brother, Fili.
"I am not laughing at Tauriel, Kili. I am laughing at you, "said Fili.
"Why? "asked a surprise Kili.
"You got a black eye, as well, "teased Fili.
"Well, you got a busted lip, Fili, "said a smiling Kili.
"Alright, who punched me in the nose? I will have a proper apology from that person….Now! "asked an upset Dwalin.
"Sorry, Dwalin. That was I, "said a contrived Thorin.
"Oh? Good hit, "said a sheepish Dwalin.
"Someone kicked me in the face, "said Thorin, who rubbed a hand across his face.
"Sorry, Thorin. I accidently kicked you, "confessed Kili.
"Who bit my leg? "asked Bombur.
"Sorry, brother…that was me, "confessed Bofur. Everyone laughed, and the dwarves apologized to Tauriel, Devie, and the three lads.
Susy took the box to Tiki, Little Xander, and Bombom, and asked Tiki, "So, what are you going to do with your treasure, Tiki? "
Tiki looked in the metal box, and look at Susy smiling. "I am going to share with Xander and Bombom. " Susy smiled at Kili and Tauriel's son.
"I think the elders acted more like lads, than the lads did. We need to learn from their example, "said Balin, who hugged the three lads.
"Oh no! My beef and cabbage! I hope the food is not ruin, "lamented Bombur, who ran into the kitchen.
Susy took Thror from Lilybelle, and turn to see the dwarves were apologizing to each other for their actions. Lilybelle joined Fili's side, and was gently touching his swollen lip.
"My poor Fili. Let me kiss it to make it better, "said Lilybelle, as she gave a gentle kiss on Fili's busted lip. Fili smiled.
"Balin, I love you dwarves with all my heart, but sometimes I just want to kick your backside, "stated Susy.
Balin laughed, and said, "I will join you, Little One. " The two friendly kin smiled at each other.
Bombur came back to the tavern, with a huge pot in his hand.
"The beef and cabbage is fine. Who wants to eat some free beef and cabbage? "asked Bombur. "I always apologize with food. "
"Thorin? "asked Balin.
"Beef and cabbage sound like a very good lunch to me, "said Thorin, who went and got Little Xander.
"Let us push the two biggest tables together, and eat as a big family, "suggested Bofur. The dwarves lifted the tables, so they would not scratch Bombur's floors, and everyone settle down. Devie was putting down the bowls, while Bombur was serving the beef and cabbage. Kili was handing out forks, while Tauriel was giving out mugs, and pouring beer. Susy shook her head about the beer, and Thorin brought her a glass of milk. He gave milk to the three lads, as well. Finally, everyone was served.
"A toast to family and friends! "shout Balin, who stood, and raised his mug.
"TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS! "shouted all in the tavern.
"Thorin? "said Susy.
Thorin was enjoying the beef and cabbage, when he replied, "Yes, wife? "
"I am sorry I threw cold water on you, "said a coy Susy.
Thorin looked at her, and said smiling, "And how am I to get warm? "
"I will warm you up, husband, "said Susy, who kissed her husband.
"Aaaah! Ma and Da stop kissing! "whined Little Xander. Thorin and Susy laughed at Little Xander, who was making a face.
"Son, one day you will enjoy kissing a female, as well, "stated Thorin.
"Not me! "said Little Xander.
"Not me either! "added Bombom, as Bombom and Little Xander look at Tiki.
"I will not kiss a girl, because I do not like them, "said Tiki. The three lads raised their glass of milk, as the elders laughed.
Nearing his head close to Susy, Thorin whispered to her, "Those lads are in for a rude awakening. " Susy smiled.
Chapter 15 Macadee's Little Freydel
Ivar, Macadee, their wives, and a child hurried to the Blue Mountain Inn. The child was Macadee's daughter Freydel, who was five years old yesterday. They had just come back from the seaside, after visiting extended family, which had built a small fishing village not far from Cabree's home.
Cabree was Xander the wizard mentor, who had given the wizard his power and knowledge of magic. Cabree still lived in his little shack by the ocean, and now and then visit the village of the Northerners.
Ivar and his cousin Macadee were good friends of Kili and Tauriel. When Tauriel was an adventurer, the she-elf fought monsters, with the two Northerners. Then, they met Kili, when the dwarf, his brother and friends rescue Tauriel, Ivar, Macadee, and their friend, Brey from the Newlyn Caverns. The Northerners were there when Kili and Tauriel got married.
While at the village, Ivar remember Kili and Tauriel's plans of living in the city of Logan. So, when the traveling Northerners asked the guards at the front gates of Logan where the pair lived, they were told about Little Logan and Kili's stable. They found the stable, but no one was home. The Northerners noticed how it was raining heavily, and it was turning into evening. So, Macadee suggested they stay at the Inn, cross the marketplace from the stable.
So, the four elders and one child burst into the front room of the Blue Mountain Inn. Bombur was at the counter, checking his sign-in book to see who was still at his Inn. There was only Master Wogkin, whose special wine was sold at all of the nearby taverns and inns. The wine dealer was the only one staying at the Inn at the moment. So, Bombur was happy when the group came into his Inn. Then, he saw how tall they were, and felt a bit afraid of the cloak covered people. He could not see their faces, since their heads were covered because of the rain.
"May I help you…uh…masters? "asked a timid Bombur.
"Ya, we need some rooms to sleep tonight. Two rooms, "said the blue-cloaked person. He turned to the red-cloaked person. "Two room? "
"Ya. I do not want Freydel by herself, "answered the red-cloaked person.
"Ivar? Macadee? "said a voice from their right, which was the direction of the tavern.
The tallest of the cloaked persons, pulled down his red hood, and shouted, "Tauriel! It is so grand to see you! " Macadee hurried to hug the she-elf, who was followed by her husband and son. Ivar had lowered his blue hood, and went to hug the she-elf as well.
"We look for you at your stables, but saw all was dark, "said Ivar, after hugging Tauriel.
"We came to eat supper at the Inn tonight, "said a happy Tauriel.
"Ivar. Are you not going to introduce us to your friend? "asked the person in a brown cloak. The person lowered their hood, and Tauriel saw a blonde woman, with blue eyes and freckles across her nose. Ivar indicated the woman to approach the she-elf and her family.
"Ya, Janna. Tauriel, this is my wife, Janna. " Tauriel nodded to the smiling woman. "The other woman is Macadee's wife, Sanna. They are twin sisters. " The yellow-cloaked person lowered her hood, and Tauriel saw that the women were identical twin, except Sanna's hair was brown. Tauriel smiled and nodded her head to the other smiling woman.
"Kili! "shouted Ivar and Macadee, as they grabbed the dwarf in a bear hug. Kili was laughing, as they spun him around.
"Yes, it is wonderful to see you two, Ivar and Macadee. This is our son, Tiki, "said Kili, as he led the half-elf to the Northerners. Tiki looked up at the two very tall men.
"He looks like a fine lad, Kili, "said Ivar, who smacked Tiki on his back. Tiki flew into Kili's side; and the dwarf quickly picked up his son.
"Ivar! "scolded Janna, as she put her hands on her hips.
"Sorry, Kili! I am very strong fellow, and did not mean to hit your son so hard. "
"Are you alright, Tiki? "asked Kili, as Tiki nodded. "He said he is fine. "
"I forgot! "said Macadee, who went and got his daughter, who was under a green cloak. The Northerner uncovered his daughter's hood, and a mass of bright red curls popped out of the green hood. "This is my daughter, Freydel. "
Tiki's eyes got big as he looked at Freydel. Besides her beautiful red curls, the half-elf noticed her big blue eyes and cute button nose, which had freckles over it.
"Da, you can put me down, "said Tiki, as he looked at Freydel. Freydel noticed Tiki as well. The lad looked very thin, compare to the boys in her village. But she liked his very light blonde hair and nice green eyes. Kili noticed how Tiki was looking at Freydel, and gently put his son down. Tauriel noticed as well, and did not like her son looking at the girl.
Tiki walked over to the girl, and saw she was a foot taller than him. Tiki sigh, then smiled brightly at Freydel.
"Hi, my name is Tiki, "said the half-elf.
Freydel saw what a beautiful smile Tiki had, and replied, "My name is Freydel. " Freydel grabbed Tiki's hand, and dragged him into the tavern. Tiki smiled brightly, as he was dragged to the table that had Tiki's supper.
"Freydel, do not pull that young lad, like that. Where are your manners? "scolded Sanna, as she follows the two children to the table.
"But Ma, I am hungry, "stated Freydel, as she released the half-elf.
"We were about to eat supper. Do you want to eat supper with us? "asked a smiling Tiki.
"Ya, Tiki. I would love that, "said Freydel, who climbed onto the chair Tiki was using. Tiki felt his heartbeat faster when Freydel said the word 'love'. The others entered the tavern, and followed Sanna and the two children.
"Let us sit at a bigger table, "suggested Tauriel, as she eyed her son's face. Tauriel was hoping that her son would be attracted to a she-elf when he grew older. But she could see that Tiki was enthralled by Freydel. The Northerners helped Tauriel and Kili moved their supper to a larger table. Devie had came in, when they were moving to another table.
"Welcome to the Blue Mountain Inn, gentle folks. What can I bring you to eat? "asked Devie, as she stood next to Tauriel.
"Devie, this is our good friends Ivar and Macadee. They brought their wives and daughter to stay at your inn, "said Tauriel. Devie smiled brightly at the Northerners.
"What Tauriel and Kili are eating is fine with us. Ya, Macadee? "asked Ivar, as he looked at his cousin.
"Ya, Ivar, "answered Macadee, as the Northerner looked at the trout supper that Kili's family was about to eat. Devie had served trout, boiled squash, peas and carrots, and potatoes rolls for Kili and Tauriel's supper.
"I will bring your supper right away, "said Devie, who quickly went to the kitchen. Bombur walked up to the group, and handed Ivar two keys.
"Here are the keys to your rooms. They are the first two rooms on the right of the hall, "said a smiling Bombur.
"Thank you thank you, "replied a smiling Ivar. "Janna and I will take our things to the rooms. And we will take your things as well, Macadee. " Ivar and Janna headed for the rooms, with their traveling packs, while Bombur went back to the front counter.
"That is fine, Ivar! "replied a smiling Macadee, who finally noticed how his daughter kept looking at Tiki. "You like the lad, Freydel? " Macadee love teasing his daughter.
"Da! "shouted an embarrass Freydel, who blushed. Tiki sighs, as he saw how cute Freydel looked as she blushes.
"Stop teasing your daughter, Macadee. The lad is too young. He is three, right? "asked Sanna.
"He is five years old, "stated a stony Tauriel.
"He is a small lad, "said Sanna, who was eying Tiki. Macadee saw how angry Tauriel was getting, and was trying to hush his wife.
"Tiki is half-dwarf, "replied Kili for Tauriel. He was trying to avoid a fight between Tauriel and Sanna.
"Oh? Not pure blood I see, "said Sanna. "Macadee, stop hushing me! "
"Do not talk about my son, like he is marred! I rather have my son the way he is, than a huge creature like your daughter! "answered an angry Tauriel, as she stood.
"You tart of a she-elf! Do not think I do not see how you look at my Macadee! "replied an angry Sanna, who stood as well. The female Northerner was a foot shorter than the she-elf, but was not afraid. Tiki and Freydel stared at their Mas, with big eyes.
"Now, please stay calm, ladies, "said Kili, who stood.
"Be quiet you dwarf! Why any female would marry a runt like you…I just do not understand?! "snapped Sanna. Sanna did not know what hit her, until she realized Tauriel had tackled her down. The females were wrestling and pulling each others' hair. Kili and Macadee tried to break up the fight, as Tiki and Freydel sat watching their Mas with their mouths' open. The two males could not separate the two females, because they kept rolling away from them. So, Ivar and Janna walked in on the fight between Tauriel and Sanna.
"What had happen, Macadee? "asked Janna, the gentler of the two sisters.
"Sanna said bad words about Tauriel's husband and son, "replied a worried Macadee.
"It is about time someone teaches Sanna not to open her big mouth, "said Janna, who went over to the table and sat down.
"Ivar? "asked Macadee. Ivar went and grabbed Tauriel, as Macadee grabbed his wife.
"Tauriel and Kili are our friends, Sanna. You show respect to them. Apologize! "ordered Ivar, the elder of their clan. Sanna begrudgingly apologized, as Macadee helped her to sit down. Devie walked in with the food for the Northerners and noticed how disarray Tauriel and one of the women was. She gave the people their supper, and walked away quietly. She knew Tauriel will tell her what had happen in the tavern tomorrow.
Tauriel and Sanna glared at each other during the meal, while the others tried to talk pleasantly with each other. Tiki and Freydel avoided looking at each other, knowing they were the reason their Mas were fighting.
The next morning, Tiki was talking with Bombom and Little Xander about what had happened last night, in front of the Inn.
"Your Ma was fighting with a woman last night, Tiki? "asked Little Xander, who was surprise. Little Xander knew it was not easy to get Tauriel angry.
"Yes. I was worry that my Ma was going to get hurt. The woman was Freydel's Ma, "said Tiki, as he was leaning against the fence of the Inn.
"Who is Freydel? "asked Little Xander.
"The daughter of my parents' friend, "replied Tiki.
"I just heard your Ma tell my Ma about that mean woman. They were talking about her, in the kitchen. Tauriel said she wanted to slap that mean woman, in the mouth, "stated Bombom.
"My Ma is not a mean woman! You take that back, dwarf! Dwarves are foolish! "said a voice coming from the front door of the Inn. Freydel had just left the Inn, when she heard Bombom talking about her Ma. The three lads looked at the red-haired girl, as she walked over to where the lads stood.
"Do not say bad things about dwarves, because we all have dwarf blood in us. And we are proud to be dwarves. Is that not right Bombom and Tiki? "asked Little Xander, who was half a foot taller than Freydel.
"Yes, we are proud! "stated Bombom and Tiki. Tiki was sad, because he hope that Little Xander and Bombom would like Freydel.
"Well, I am from the line of Aksel, we are great warriors. And my Ma is part of that line, so do not talk badly about my Ma! "returned Freydel, as she glared at the lads. "I got warrior blood in me. I bet I can do anything better than you can do! "
Bombom and Little Xander laughed, as Tiki kept quiet. "A girl cannot beat us, "said a laughing Little Xander. "Bombom can out eat anyone, I am very strong, and Tiki can run very fast. "
"Well, I can beat you, "said Freydel, as she glared at the lads.
"She is so silly, "said Bombom, as he poked Little Xander and Tiki.
"Freydel, are you challenging these lads? "asked Macadee, who was walking with Kili and Ivar. The three males had gone to the stables in the morning to look at Kili's horses. "You do know that if one of the lads beat you, you are betrothed to that lad. " Kili's smile dropped, when he heard Macadee.
"Da, they are not going to beat me, "said a laughing Freydel.
"Macadee, Tauriel would not like that. She considered Tiki too young to be betroth to anyone, "said a worry Kili.
"It is our law, Kili. It is up to the young lass to challenge any lad to outdo her, "said Ivar. Little Xander, Bombom, and Tiki were very quiet, as Freydel listen to the elders talk.
"TAURIEL! "shouted Kili, with fear. Tauriel, Bombom, Devie, Janna, and Sanna came running out of the inn. Kili's other kin and friends heard him yelling, and came running, as well.
"What is wrong Kili? "asked a worried Tauriel.
"Ivar you better explain to Tauriel, what you just told me, "said Kili, who had gone pale.
"Very well, Kili. Freydel had challenged the three lads here. Whatever they think they can beat her, she will try to outdo. If any of the lads beat her, he will be betrothed to her, until they are old enough to wed. Then, they can decide if they still wish to wed. If a lad refuse the challenge, the lad will have to wear a sign around his neck, saying that he were beaten by a girl, "explain Ivar. "This is our tradition and law. So, Freydel do you still want to challenge these lads? "
"Wait a moment, I will not have my son involve in this, "said an angry Thorin, who grabbed a frightened Little Xander.
"Neither will I, "added Bombur, who grabbed his son as well. Devie joined her husband's side.
"Tiki will not participate, "said an angry Tauriel. "Ivar, he is only five years old. "
"Hmmm….so you want them to wear the signs, I see, "said a nodding Ivar.
"No! "shouted the parents of the three lads.
"Freydel? "asked Ivar.
The red-haired girl looked at everyone, and saw her Ma shaking her head. Little Xander and Bombom shook their heads as well, but Tiki just looked at her quietly. Freydel looked at Tiki, and said, "Yes, I challenged them. "
"Fine fine, "said Ivar. "And everyone must try their best, or they will be thrashed with a pole. " All the elders were quiet at this news, and kept looking at the four children, who nodded their heads.
The first challenge was Bombom and Freydel eating mushy peas. Dwalin, Fili, Bofur, and Bifur were making bets, when Devie went over to them, and threaten to kick them where it hurts the most.
"This is my son, you are betting on! "snapped Devie, who glared.
"Sorry, "said Bofur. They watched as Freydel ate twenty bowls of mushy peas to Bombom's twelve. Bombom was very green in his face, but Bombur was happy.
"I use to love mushy peas, Da. But I hate mushy peas now, "said a sad Bombom, while Bombur hugged his son, with a smile.
The next challenge was Little Xander and Freydel cutting logs with a small axe. Thorin, Susy, and Balin held their breaths as they watched Little Xander tried to out chopped the little girl. But Freydel had been chopping wood for her Da's tavern since she was three years old, while Little Xander had never done any heavy chores. Freydel had already chopped twenty cords, while Little Xander was trying to catch up. He was always five cords behind Freydel, when he finally collapsed after chopping twenty-seven cords. Thorin, Balin, and Susy hurried over to Little Xander, whose hands hurt from all the chopping he did.
"Freydel stop chopping. Freydel beat the lad by chopping thirty-three cords to his twenty-seven cords, "announced Ivar. The Northerners clapped their hands, and nodded their heads.
"Are you alright, son? "asked a worried Thorin.
Little Xander smiled at Thorin, and said, "Yes, Da. My hands hurt, but I am fine. " Thorin and Susy hugged their son, and then Little Xander hugged Balin, who was holding Baby Thror. They were relieved that Little Xander was not engaged.
The last challenge was between Tiki and Freydel. They have to race through the village of Little Logan, starting from the Inn. The main road of Little Logan make a circular path, and back to the marketplace and the Inn. The first one back was the winner.
"Tiki, it is alright if you do not run very fast, "said Tauriel, as Tiki frown at his Ma.
"Tauriel, do you want Ivar to hit our son with a pole? "asked Kili.
"No, Kili. But I do not want Tiki to be betroth, "said Tauriel.
"Ivar said that they can change their minds when they are older, "said Kili. "Tiki, you run as fast as you can. And if you win, then we will worry about the betrothal when you are sixteen. "
"Alright, Da, "said a smiling Tiki.
The two children lined up next to the Inn, and Ivar told them to run. The girl and half-elf took off even as they ran through the main street of Little Logan. Tiki ran past Dwalin and Fili's forge, the new comers' camp, Prine and Paili's home, and was heading back to the Inn. They were running even, when Freydel decided to make a snide remark to Tiki.
"I knew you dwarves were weak, "teased a snotty Freydel. Tiki got mad, and put an extra effort in his running. The small half-elf was slowly getting ahead of the red-haired girl. Freydel tried, but could not catch up with Tiki. The Northerners mouth dropped as they saw Tiki ahead of Freydel, and made it back to the Inn before the young girl.
"Tiki won! "said Kili, who pick up his son, as Tauriel cried.
"Freydel, I told you to beat those dwarf lads, "said Sanna.
"I tried Ma! "said a crying Freydel.
"Sanna, did you tell your daughter to challenge these lads? "asked an angry Ivar.
"Ya, Ivar, "said an embarrass Sanna, who would not look at anyone.
"Shame on you, Sanna! Now, our daughter is betroth, until she is sixteen, "yelled an angry Macadee.
"They do not have to be betroth, "said Tauriel.
"Sorry, Tauriel. But it is our law and tradition, "said Ivar. "Do not worry. When they are older, and they like someone else, then the betrothal is finish. "
"Freydel, you will give Tiki a kiss on his cheek, and apologized to those lads for challenging them, "said her Da. Freydel looked down, as she slowly walked over to Kili, who put Tiki down on the ground. Freydel gave Tiki a quick kiss on his cheek, as he looked surprise. Tiki touched his cheek, and looked at Freydel, who gave a small smile.
"Let us go to the tavern, and talk about the betrothal Kili and Tauriel, "said Ivar, as Kili escorted the crying Tauriel. Ivar lead the way to the Inn. Macadee escorted his crying wife, Sanna, who was upset about her daughter being betroth to Tiki. Janna looked over to Devie.
"This is the longest my sister stay quiet, "said a smiling Janna, as the woman walked with Bombur and Devie.
"Tiki, are you alright? "asked Aunt Susy
"Yes, Aunt Susy. What does betroth mean? "asked an innocent Tiki. Thorin, Susy, and Balin gasped at what the half-elf had said.
"You do not know what that mean, Tiki? "asked Balin, as Thror lean on Balin's shoulder. Tiki shook his head.
"Betroth mean that you are selected to be that girl's husband when you are older. But that man said that you can change your mind when you are older, "said Thorin.
"Alright, "said Tiki, as he looked at Thorin, Susy, Balin.
"I think we better go help Kili and Tauriel with this betrothal problem, "said Thorin, as Balin nodded. The two dwarves headed to the Inn.
"You lads stay close to the Inn, "said Susy, who followed the others. Tiki watched them go into the Inn, as Little Xander and Bombom hurried over to Tiki.
"So, did it feel nasty, when that girl kissed you, Tiki? "asked a curious Bombom, as they stared at the half-elf.
"No, "said a cautious Tiki.
"Zounds! You are like an elder, Tiki. You already got a wife-to-be. I maybe tall, and Bombom has hair on his face, but you are betroth, "said an amazed Little Xander. The three lads sat on a bench outside the Inn. "Do you think we will all be betrothed one day? "
"I do not know, Xander. But it is not as bad as you think, "said a quiet Tiki. "I got something to tell you, but do not laugh. I like Freydel, when I met her last night. Now, that I am betrothed to her, I am very happy. Do you think it is strange? "
"No, Tiki. Ba said that my Da and Ma fell in love with each other when they first met, though they fought all the time. Ba said your Da and Ma fell in love when they first met as well. Maybe Freydel is your true love. " Bombom's eyes got big, as he listens to Little Xander's words.
"I hope so, Xander. There is no girl I want more than Freydel, "stated Tiki. The three lads nodded their heads, as they heard the two Mas crying inside the Inn.