Chapter 2
The sun had already begun its slumber when I arrived at the appointed place. From what I could see there were hardly any lights from within. As I began to wonder if I had come to the right place I heard voices rise in song from inside.
Far over the Misty Mountains cold
To dungeons deep, and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek our pale enchanted gold
The dwarves of yore made mighty spells
While hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep where dark things sleep,
In hallow halls beneath the fells
For ancient king and elvish lord
There many a gleaming golden hoard
They shaped and wrought, and light they caught
To hide in gems on hilt of sword
On silver necklaces they strung
The flowering stars, on crowns they hung
The dragon fire, in twisted wire
They meshed the light of moon and sun
Far over the Misty Mountains cold
To dungeons deep, and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To claim our long-forgotten gold
Goblets they carved there for themselves
And harps of gold, where no man delves
There lay they long, and many a song
Was sung un-heard by men or elves
The Pines were roaring on the height
The winds were moaning in the night
The fire was red it flaming spread
The trees like torches blazed with light
The bells were ringing in the Dale
And men looked up with faces pale
Then dragon's ire, more fierce then fire
Laid low their towers and houses frail
The mountain smoked beneath the moon;
The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom
The fled their hall to dying fall
Beneath his feet, beneath the moon
Far over the Misty Mountains grim
To dungeons deep, and caverns grim
We must away ere break of day
To win our harps and gold from him!
I took a deep breath and softly, but loud enough for those inside to hear, knocked on the door. To my surprise it was answered by an angry looking dwarf. He had markings upon his head and scars in many places. One upon the bridge of his nose and another going down his left eyebrow. I shall not even begin to speak of the ones that littered his arms.
"Who are you and what is your business here?" He asked gruffly.
I bowed, so as not to start any arguments.
"I am Tawariell of the Dúnedain. I was sent here upon the request of the Gray Pilgrim, also known as Gandalf the Grey." I said.
"Dwalin who is it at the door?" came a few voices.
"A ranger of the Dúnedain, claims that the wizard sent for her." he shouted to them.
"Quite right I did! Come inside my dear!" came an older voice.
The dwarf, Dwalin, stood aside and I nodded respectfully and walked inside. My eyes grew wide with confusion and shock as I saw 12 other dwarves sitting in what I assumed to be the parlor of the house. Along with the older man I knew to be Gandalf the Grey. I found myself staring and then gathered myself once more. I bowed and said,
"Tawariell of the Dúnedain at your service."
The dwarves introduced themselves. The first were two younger, well young for dwarves, ones who introduced themselves as Fili and Kili of the race of Durin. I bowed and then was approached by an older dwarf with a snow white beard.
"Balin son of Fundin at your service."
"Tawariell at yours."
Balin was the brother of the first dwarf I had met, Dwalin son of Fundin. I was then introduced to another two. Brothers and the cousins of Dwalin and Balin. Their names were Oin and Gloin. Gloin had an impressive red beard that was creatively braided, as many beards of dwarves were, and he appeared to be younger then his brother Oin. His beard was also creatively braided but with fewer silver decoration. He used a small instrument to hear what others said. Next came two brother and their cousin. Bifur was the cousin of Bofur and Bombur. Bombur was immensely fat and seemed to love food more then any there. He had an orange beard and a long braid that wrapped around him. Bofur had a highly interesting hat and he seemed to be a cheerful fellow. Bifur did not speak much and normally if he did, he would speak in his language. Then there came three more dwarf brothers. Dori, who was the oldest, was a very pleasant and polite dwarf with a shorter beard with a one braid down his chin. Nori was pleasant enough and had the most interesting beard by far! It braided into three triangles and I also found his eyebrows were pulled back in a braid. Ori was the youngest and I learned he had a very wonderful talent. He had short hair and a short beard. Finally Gandalf introduced me to whom he said was the leader.
"Thorin Oakenshield."
My eyes grew wide. I had heard many tales of Thorin Oakenshield. Though the vast majority were of his deeds in establishing a home for his people in the Blue Mountains. I bowed very low and respectfully.
"Tawariell at your service my Lord Thorin Oakenshield." I said.
He nodded and bowed his head in respect. I now turned to Gandalf.
"Pardon me but I do not see dwarves living in the Shire everyday. Perhaps you could enlighten me on this?" I asked.
"Quite right you are my dear. Thorin's company does not reside here. No, it is Master Bilbo Baggins who lives in this lovely hobbit hole. Though I believe he has retired for the night. He is our Burglar." Gandalf said.
"Burglar?" I asked.
"He fainted when we began to speak of the dragon, Smaug. Though I do believe one of us here for that particular thing to occur."
Gandalf looked to Bofur.
"I was only trying to help. Think Furnace with wings! I thought that to be a fine example." Bofur said.
"Yes and it could have stopped there. I do not believe the added 'Flash of light, searing pain, and the poof! You are no more then a pile of ash' were needed." Gandalf said grimly.
I could not hold back my laughter. I immediately covered my mouth with my hand. I calmed myself and then let Gandalf continue.
"Yes well…my dear Tawariell what do you know of Erebor?"
I had never heard such a name before.
"Nothing I am afraid."
"You may know of the Lonely Mountain?" he asked.
"The Lonely Mountain? Well of course, I know the name thought I know little of its history." I admitted.
"Yes well the dwarves call it Erebor. It was the greatest kingdom of the dwarves. And Thorin…..is the heir to its throne. Of course his nephews are also of that line."
"You speak of Fili and Kili?" I asked.
He nodded and went on,
"Thror, who is the father of Thrain, father of Thorin, ruled as King Under the Mountain. His wealth was beyond compare, and I believe you know that gold and jewels draw dragons." he said. I nodded. "The dwarves of Erebor were driven out and have not dared to return since. That is the shorter version of this tale. From what I have heard you are not overly fond of long stories."
"You are correct, though some I can find to be most entertaining. However I believe from what you suggest it is a long tale. Though as for why you require me, I am still quite confused." I said.
"You are a Dúnedain Ranger my dear. You are a seasoned huntress and tracker and string in battle and are wise beyond your years from what I have been told. This is why Thorin shall need your aid on his journey."
I looked carefully at Thorin. He looked upon me as if he did not require my services, though in the past I had learned these sort of folk were the ones who would. I studied him for a few moments before turning to Gandalf.
"Then you shall have my sword and skills, until the end of this journey." I said.
Gandalf nodded and looked over my shoulder at Thorin. He looked at me curiously and cautiously. I knew his trust would be hard to earn, but it was a challenge I gladly accepted.