Epilogue
Bilbo could tell that the dinner Lord Elrond had served them was not what the dwarves were used to. They were all picking through their salad-except for Bombur, who would eat anything, and Bifur, who was the only one who actually liked green vegetables.
They didn't seem to be enjoying the music, either. Bilbo thought the elven musicians were playing spectacularly, but he saw Óin stuff a napkin down his ear trumpet. Nori covered his ears and complained, "Change the tune, why don't you? I feel like I'm at a funeral."
Óin, unable to hear properly, asked, "Did somebody die?"
Bofur pushed back his chair and stood up. "Alright, lads, there's only one thing for it." He used the low table as a step stool to climb onto a pedestal in the middle of the room, struck a dramatic pose, and began to sing. "Theeeere's aaaaan inn, there's an inn, there's a merry old inn…."
Bilbo's first thought was, He didn't ask if he could sing my song! His second thought was, This really is a fun dinner song. I only hope Lord Elrond's not too angry with us for disturbing the meal. He began singing along with the rest of the dwarves, ducking to avoid the flying food. Kili, you little imp.
While he was still in a crouching position, he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Thorin was standing to one side with a glass in his hand. To Bilbo's astonishment, Thorin was tapping his feet and laughing with everyone else.
I knew Thorin liked my song. Bilbo's heart did a little dance of its own. And it just goes to show you that even someone like Thorin, who always tries to look majestic, dark and brooding, isn't above joining the party.