Chapter 7: Thobera the Loyal
Authors note: Thanks guys for the nice reviews! I really do appreciate them and I am glad you are all enjoying the story! I promise it will only get better from now on. The interactions with Thorin and Thobera will happen more later on in the story, right now I am just elaborating on her background. And guess what? In this chapter you find out a bit about on what she did after her escape from Erebor. Revealed by someone who you all know to be acquainted with her. Anyway here you go! Enjoy!
And so they followed her to her camp. Many of the Dwarves muttered amongst themselves, mostly gossiping about the Dwarf woman who they had just met rather unexpectedly. Most of them had already got a bad impression of her from what Dwalin had stated. This didn't include Bilbo though. He kept quiet and listened as Dwalin continued to bicker about Thobera behind her back to the other Dwarves, but kept his attentions fixed upon her and Gandalf. At the front the two seemed very cheerful, making occasional jokes and obviously happy to be in each others company. Bilbo failed to see what was so bad about the Dwarf woman. From what he had seen so far, she was a lot more civilized and serious than the others. She was a lot like Thorin but had a more comical side to her unlike the stubborn heir to Erebor. Actually, come to think of it, the Halfling had noticed something odd between Thorin and Thobera. He knew it was a rare thing for Thorin to show any emotion let alone crack a smile, but when he had came into contact with the female he seemed a lot calmer and somewhat pleased to see her. And usually Thorin would always see the bad in people, but unlike Dwalin, he kept a cool head. So what was it about this Dwarf woman that made him act different?
Thobera had led the company of Dwarves to what appeared to be the outskirts of a forest, just beyond the grassy wasteland where they had ran into her. She led them just over the hill where a nicely set up camp fire and various supplies were laid out just waiting to be used. The area looked rather large, around the same size as their camp on that rocky cliff the night before. Thobera led the Dwarves, the Wizard and the Hobbit to the camp and stopped before speaking.
"Here we are," she said then turning toward them eyes narrowing on some particular Dwarves, Bombur being the main one "please don't go through my supplies without permission. I am very limited for resources out in the wild, and I do not wish to find my food and medicines all eaten, stolen or broken while you stay here."
No one replied or protested to the Dwarf woman's minor demands, they simply made themselves comfortable and watched as the day grew darker and the night began to draw in.
Bilbo had, yet again, been given the duty of tending to the ponies, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It gave him bonding time with his favourite pony; the same bonding time that was cut short by the sound of Orcs the night before. Bilbo wished to stay out of the way of the Dwarves as much as possible today. And of course no one could really blame him. Things had grown rather tense since the Dwarf woman had shown up abruptly. So many questions span through each of their minds, all similar and all growing in a rather impatient curiosity. The Dwarves also wondered how Thorin had acted so calmly around Thobera, they had expected him to be the angriest with her considering the circumstances of the affair with his grandfather all of those years ago. But he, like Gandalf, seemed rather surprised yet happy to see her. This baffled many, and not in a good way.
Many of the company kept to themselves throughout the evening, the sun set slowly yet gracefully as each Dwarf sat either talking, smoking their pipes, eating or simply taking in the vast view of the distant wasteland. Most of the Dwarves remained sat in one particular area or on the occasion one or two would get up for a wonder about to stretch their legs. But none of them dared go near the female. Thobera had taken to solitude on a small hill overlooking the distance. She had purposely done this. To keep away from the growing curiosity or anger firing up in each member of the company. She didn't have the heart to bicker with any of them, for she only knew three of the Dwarves rather briefly. She also did not have any idea of their plans or intentions of their quest and didn't know if they planned on bringing her along. Thobera had decided to leave that decision before their leader, Thorin Oakenshield himself.
And as for Thorin, he could barely take his gaze off of the lone Dwarf woman. His head in constant thought ever since their unanticipated meeting earlier. He had always wondered what had happened to her and always had that sad gut feeling he would never see her again. Yet, here she was! Alive and well, much changed since their last meeting all of those years ago. He reminisced back to the night when he had broken her out of the dungeons of Erebor. Back then she swore no allegiance to anyone. She was rude, rash, arrogant and often spoke her mind without thinking or caring of the consequences. And now look at her. Her mannerisms were a lot more subtle, she kept calm when others threw their anger out on her, and lastly, she had bowed down to him as a sign or respect.
He observed as many of the others huddled together discussing the Dwarf woman making it obvious they were talking about her by passing frequent glances over towards her direction. Thorin sat leant against a rock as his eyes shifted about the area cautiously. His gaze was then abruptly brought upon a sudden figure who stood before him arms crossed and eyes fixed on him rather sternly. It was Dwalin, and as he addressed his leader his voice was rather gruff, more so than usual.
"We need to talk," he spoke then ushering his stern gaze toward Thobera before turning to the rest of the company. "We all do."
"Very well," Thorin broke out then getting up from his relaxed sitting position knowing full well what he was implying about.
Dwalin and Thorin gathered the majority of the Dwarves together to finally get down to discussing the decision to bring Thobera along for their quest. Bofur, Bombur, Bifur and Ori decided to stay out of the entire affair as it did not concern them. Bilbo also remained out of it. It was bad enough with all of the commotion he had caused amongst them when he was brought along, but the bickering about him joining the company had now subsided and the new Dwarf woman had overtook him. He did not wish to get involved, not until he knew more about her anyway. Gandalf had also been summoned to the meeting. It was held not but fifty or so yards away from the camp itself. Nori, Dori and Balin held torches to light up the night and aid the Dwarves in finding their footing around the area. They wished to have this discussion privately within the trees to make sure that they were not overheard.
Thobera herself was well aware of what was going on. Despite the Dwarves attempt to be discrete of the whole affair, she knew. It did not bother her in the slightest that many of the Dwarves held grudges against her. She did not wake up everyday to impress anyone. She did what she felt to be right, and no one got in her way. That was how she had learned to survive the cold lonely years in exile. It had taught her many lessons and only increased her maturity and courageousness in times of need.
Gandalf was not too eager to hear what the other Dwarves were saying about the Dwarf woman. For he, unlike the others, besides Thorin of course, had a close bond with the mysterious Dwarf woman thanks to a situation years ago that had caused the two to meet. He stood waiting for the right moment to barge in and explain the situation fully but before he could get the chance, Thorin himself decided to intervene, much to everyone's sudden shock and surprise.
"So are we dragging her along for the quest or are we not?" Dori blurted rather agitated as he spoke among the raised voices amongst the meeting of Dwarves.
"We don't need no Dwarf woman!" Exclaimed Gloin "she'll only slow us down!"
"Didn't you see the way she fought those Orcs?" Kili questioned defensively to Gloin rather surprisingly "she wouldn't slow us down; she is a warrior just like us."
"I don't trust her," Dwalin broke out "not after what happened back in Erebor."
"I have to agree with Dwalin here," Oin began "after the ruckus she caused in Erebor, I doubt any of us could ever trust her again."
"What exactly happened in Erebor?" Fili finally asked. The company of Dwarves stopped bickering and went rather quiet, each looking towards the other waiting for one to speak. It wasn't until Balin broke in that anyone spoke.
"Thobera was the daughter of a herbalist in the city of Dale," Balin began as the younger Dwarves, who were not present in Erebor at that particular time, listened closely. "Her father, Dulin was a close friend of mine before his sudden death and her mother died when she was but a child. She had no siblings or close relatives to speak of. She was left to live by herself and that was when she began to develop a deep hatred and attitude towards king Thror. She, along with many others, felt his lust for gold was becoming that of an obsession and that it was poisoning his mind. And as our people began to suffer she made a stand and stole to try and provide for a family of Dwarves who couldn't afford to feed their children. She was then arrested and brought before the king and us Dwarf lords, only to spit in our faces and insult the king's right to rule. This angered and deeply offended many and was seen as an act of treason. So she was sentenced to death."
Kili and Fili exchanged glances as did Nori and Dori. The other Dwarves away from the meeting couldn't help but overhear as Balin explained to the younger Dwarves about the Dwarf woman's origin and how many of them came to have known her in the past. Thobera herself kept her gaze in the direction of the pitch black night that was vastly approaching but was aware of what was being said in the background.
"And then what happened?" Kili queried "how did she escape and end up out here?"
Balin's eyes shifted nervously to Thorin wondering if he should reveal to everyone the true reason on how Thobera had escaped execution. Thorin stood; arms crossed, and passed an unsure glance toward Balin who returned the awkward expression. Meanwhile, Dwalin rudely interrupted yet again.
"We believed a traitor broke into the dungeons and got her out," Dwalin then continued "unfortunately we never caught him. I'll give the traitor his due; it took guts to pass all of those Dwarf guards and help the treasonous witch escape!"
"But she stood up on behalf of the people," Fili began "shouldn't that be considered a good thing?"
"Not from her," Gloin added "she was too rash and showed no respect to anyone, not even 'erself. The fool who broke her out obviously didn't wish to see justice be done or abide the king's orders."
"And what if the 'fool' thought that the king's orders were too extreme?" Thorin abruptly stepped forward much to every Dwarf but Balin's confusion.
"What?" Dwalin scoffed rather taken aback by what Thorin had just randomly blurted. This was extremely unexpected, even from him.
"Thorin," Balin went over to reach Thorin's shoulder as an attempt to hold him back as Thorin began to storm forward.
"All of you constantly bicker about her and ask questions on how she escaped all of those years ago. You ask for the truth? Well if you must know the truth, then here it is." Thorin began marching past each Dwarf "I was the one to intercept the guards and help her escape."
At first, many of the Dwarves thought it was a joke. But then they realized, Thorin son of Thrain did NOT make jokes. His face was stern and determined as each Dwarf in the area grew silent. The tension began to build as all the overwhelmed faces before him tried to take it all in. Dwalin, face stunned beyond apprehension, was the first to speak.
"But… why?"
"You speak of her as if she ruined your life," Thorin began "but in fact none of you here, not even I, know her. She proved to me long ago that even though she pledges no allegiance to anyone, she still has a loyal heart and will fight for those she loves. She did not fight those Orcs out there and expect to be praised, nor did she offer us sanctuary to seek a reward. I believe that Thobera would join our quest in an act of honour," he then turned his gaze upon the Dwarf woman who was now staring directly at him eyes glinting against the moonlight "and to repay me for an old debt."
"But, how can you accept what she said about your grandfather?" Dwalin continued.
"Because," Thorin then took in a deep breath before continuing "I agreed with her." And with this everyone gasped, even Thobera's eyes widened in surprise as she heard him admit this. The Dwarves began to mutter amongst themselves until Thorin continued. "She was right about my grandfather's love for gold. It was driving him mad. And it did so to the point when Smaug took Erebor from us. She was also right about our people going hungry and left homeless. And even though I had a huge amount of respect for my grandfather and my father, I didn't agree with their judgements. So I made my own stand and spared her life."
"So that is why you acted rather relieved to see her again?" Nori asked receiving a rather reluctant nod from Thorin.
"If you just give her a chance, she may prove to be a worthy ally in helping us take back Erebor," Thorin explained. The Dwarves remained silent until one decided to speak up among the others.
"We'll have to discuss this through," Balin announced "we must vote on whether we shall accept the Dwarf woman's help on the quest to Erebor. She must also agree on the terms and conditions and must be prepared to do what is necessary."
"Agreed," Thorin then turned his head back to the meeting of Dwarves "Gandalf can go first. For he knows more about Thobera than he cares to admit. What of her do you know Gandalf?"
"Well," began the silent Wizard "she is a skilled fighter, very deadly with an axe might I add. She has a good knowledge of herb lore, and like Oin here she is rather good with healing the sick. She is very independent and loyal towards who she is fighting for. And that is all I can say so far."
And so the meeting went on, for almost two hours to be exact. They had a lot to discuss and a lot of questions that needed answering. Meanwhile back with Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Ori and Bilbo the five of them sat silently eating their soup, which had been cooked by Bombur, close to the fire. All had noticed that Thobera had not made any attempt to move from her spot on the hill and she kept her gaze focused on the darkness ahead. Not a word came from her mouth since their arrival at the camp and she had not requested or made any attempt to get any food or drink. Bofur, being a considerate Dwarf, decided to take advantage of this situation and go over to her with a bowl of some warm leftover soup in an attempt to make conversation with her. Also to help ease his peaking curiosity.
Thobera was actually rather surprised to find a sudden figure halt alongside her. There stood Bofur, his large floppy hat hard to miss, grinning towards her holding a bowl of liquid with a small spoon sticking out in his hands.
"Thought you might be hungry lass," he said offering the bowl to her politely. Thobera smiled slightly and accepted the kind offer.
"Thank you," she replied but before taking a single sip of the soup she gazed up at him curiously "I don't believe we have ever met."
"Oh, yes! Bofur at your service," he bowed a little.
"Thobera at yours," Thobera nodded her head to return the gesture. Her eyes then searched around them and followed the flickering torches in the distance where the meeting among the other Dwarves continued to take place "so… why aren't you discussing my past and role in your quest with the others?"
"Oh, I don't wish to get involved," Bofur admitted "I didn't come on the journey to argue about who comes along and who doesn't. I mean, I came along on this quest more for the-"
"Reward?" Thobera interrupted much to his surprise.
"Aye lass," Bofur smirked mischievously "I don't wish to get involved in matters that do not concern me. Plus my opinions would not count anyway. The majority of Dwarves on this journey are all noble Dwarves all related to the king of Erebor. And I," he then gazed down at the floor awkwardly "I am just a toymaker who used to work in Dale."
"I am of no noble blood either," Thobera turned her gaze back over to the distance "I am the daughter of a herbalist, and I once lived and worked in Dale also. That was before I was forced to live in exile out here for the rest of my days."
"Oh aye, I couldn't help but overhear Balin's tale," Bofur said rather uncomfortably "did you really defy the king like that?"
"Yes," Thobera replied "but I was a rash and unpredictable Dwarf back then. I often spoke my mind and got myself into trouble because of it. I still do speak my mind, but I have learned from past experiences that in some occasions, my outbursts are just not necessary."
"You know lass," Bofur patted her shoulder encouragingly "I may have no say in their discussions, nor will I vote if you should join our quest. But you aren't as bad as they say. And if it were up to me, you'd be a great addition to our company."
"Thank you Bofur," Thobera nodded as he took his hand off her shoulder.
"My pleasure lass," he then pointed down at the bowl "jus' give us the bowl back when you've done. Bombur will want all of his cutlery and bowls washed and packed away before dawn."
Bofur then made his way back to the campfire to join his brother, his cousin and Ori and Bilbo. Thobera gazed down at the soup for several moments before indulging it. She hadn't eaten since the morning and she was rather hungry. She couldn't help but smile at the kind generosity of the Dwarf. His kind words seemed to make her feel a lot more welcome amongst the others. She still knew many of them would not take kindly to her, but if she were to join their quest, they would just have to get over it.
Not long after Bofur had approached Thobera, Gandalf had returned from the meeting with the Dwarves. He had said to the others that they were now finally making the final decision on whether or not she would join them on their quest to Erebor. He simply sat down next to Bilbo and was handed some soup by Bifur.
"Thank you Bifur," Gandalf said gratefully as he began to eat his soup quietly. Bilbo watched the old Wizard curiously; Gandalf was also aware of the Hobbit's curiosity and expected him to speak up at any time.
"So…" Bilbo finally broke out, on schedule as far as Gandalf was concerned "how did you come to know the Dwarf woman?"
"It is a long story my dear Bilbo," Gandalf explained then taking another sip of soup.
"Do you plan on sharing it?" Bilbo persisted eager to head the long story Gandalf had claimed it to be.
"You certainly are a persistent Hobbit at times aren't you Bilbo Baggins?" Gandalf chuckled then letting out a sigh as he placed his now empty bowl on the ground and got out his pipe from under his cloak. "Ah, very well. I will tell you the story."
Bilbo and the other Dwarves watched as Gandalf lit his pipe and began to smoke it calmly. His gazed followed Thobera at the top of the hill and as he began to speak, his tone was obviously rather distant and his eyes dropped down in such a way that made him look almost sorrowful. It seemed to Bilbo, as if the old Wizard was recalling a not-so-happy time.
"Our first encounter was over twenty years ago in the city of Edoras of the kingdom of Rohan. Rohan, known for being the kingdom of the horse lords, is a large kingdom of Men. But we did not meet under nice circumstances. Oh no. The kingdom was under attack by raiders who had proclaimed war upon the lands at the time. Fengel, the king of Rohan at the time, had rallied as many warriors as he could from each village to fight against the growing threat. Thobera had resided herself in a small village and worked along with the Men as a blacksmith and part-time healer before the Men in the town were summoned by the king to go to battle. As I recall, a young boy of ten years of age was summoned to war, the son of a simple tinker and his wife. His parents begged and pleaded for him not to go and claimed he would only go to his death because he was far too young to fight, but the soldiers gathering the troops paid no hearing to their cries. That was when she stepped in. Thobera, the only Dwarf woman in the village, stepped forth and vowed to fight in exchange for the boy. At first they were reluctant, as it is not a woman's place, no matter what race, to fight in a war. But when they saw her battle skills she was soon accepted and the boy was spared. I finally met her in Edoras when I volunteered to help fight the battle along side the Men. The battle was filled with horror and grief as many had died to protect their kingdom. But Thobera… she had not only survived, but saved the life of the king himself. After the battle was won and the injured were healed, she was honoured by the Fengel himself and offered a reward for her noble deeds. She was also given a title. A title in which, she will be honoured for many generations. Thobera, the Loyal."
During his speech, Gandalf hadn't noticed Thorin and the other Dwarves had returned with their final verdict. Many of them stood speechless as they had listened to his tale. Dwalin had given them all the impression she was cowardly and not worthy of returning to their homelands. But now, after hearing Gandalf's story, their opinions had changed. Thorin himself was surprised to hear of this. He had always wondered what she had been up to after her escape from Erebor, but had never imagined she would help fight other people's wars. This now explained why she was such a good fighter. She had obviously had skill and experience in battle before.
Thobera kept her gaze forward but her eyes shifted to the right hand side as she stood quite proudly on the hill with her hand on one of her axes in her belt. She had heard the entire tale and couldn't help but think of what had happened back then. It hadn't seemed like twenty years since she had fought that battle. The images were so fresh and clear, it still put a shiver down her spine just thinking of it.
"And what was her reward?" Bilbo asked finally. The old Wizard then took another whiff of his pipe and gazed across at Thobera and where she had kept her hands.
"She was offered a lot of money and a chance to become the first Dwarf woman to join the king's elite warriors. But, she turned it down. All she asked for was for the axes and armour she had been given before and of course used in battle. The same armour she still wears today."
Bilbo shifted his body and his eyes followed Gandalf's. His mouth was slightly agape with awe at the Dwarf woman; her tale was just as remarkable as Thorin Oakenshield's and Balin's tale of the battle of Azanulbizar. It surprised him to know how Dwarves had to always fight battles and wars to gain peace. It also made him feel rather guilty as he lived a life of luxury compared to that of the Dwarves. Hobbits did not fight wars as they already had been given peaceful lives in the Shire. Something of which it seemed the Dwarves of Erebor would never have.
Thorin stepped forward finally alerting Gandalf, Bilbo and the other Dwarves to his presence. His eyes shifted from Thobera to Gandalf as his face changed from a awe-stricken expression to a serious one.
"We have come to a decision." He announced finally getting Thobera's full attention. She slowly turned her body around to face the rest of the company to await the decision that had been made amongst them. She was prepared to face the worst, but would come to accept whatever decision they had come to agree on.
"After many hours of discussing and getting each view across we have finally came to the decision it would be beneficial if she joined our quest. She has proved to be a skilled fighter and already helped save our lives once today. But we need to know if you are loyal to the quest and to your king."
Thobera stepped forward and made her way to Thorin. She then bowed down before him in such a way that already everyone knew her answer before she started speaking.
"I will follow you Thorin son of Thrain," she announced head held low in respect "to whatever end. I owe you my life for what happened all of those years ago and I vowed I would repay you for that kind and noble debt. Now is the time I do that. I know many of you do not trust me, nor do I blame you for it. But I hope that overtime I will earn your trust and respect. I also seek no reward, only if I am permitted to return to Erebor and, like you, restart my life back there again."
Thorin lifted her head with his hand and watched as she arose from her crouched position. Thorin nodded as he spoke his face rather gentle and rather proud "then you will get your reward Thobera, daughter of Dulin. If you agree to the terms on the contract then you can set out with us tomorrow morning."
Thobera grinned at Thorin and the other Dwarves before Dwalin stepped forward literally shoving the contract into her face before grumbling and storming off again. Thobera paid no attention to his childish behaviour and then examined the contract for a few moments before nodding and handing it to Thorin.
"I find these terms acceptable," she commented "count me in."
"Welcome Thobera, daughter of Dulin," Balin announced "to the company of Thorin Oakenshield."
Thobera nodded and grinned as many of the Dwarves cheered and went over to her and patted her shoulders encouragingly. Gandalf smiled proudly at the Dwarf woman as he lit his pipe again and smoked it pleasingly. He was glad of Thorin's decision and saw yet again his decisions to put faith in yet another unlikely person would pay off. First a Hobbit and now a Dwarf woman, Gandalf obviously liked to vary his choices out a bit.
That night many of the Dwarves slept better than the previous. The ground wasn't as hard and there was no threat of Orcs pressing on their minds. All seemed fine and most of the company were now willing to accept yet another member of the company. Yes of course, Dwalin still had his grudges but everyone had come to accept his dislike toward the Dwarf woman. It comforted each Dwarf to know that Thobera, unlike Bilbo, actually had skill in battle and was once in fact a Dwarf of Erebor. Poor Bilbo was still an outsider but he was no longer alone. Thobera was used to solitude over the years and throughout the night she had isolated herself from the rest of the company. Many were still getting over Thorin and Gandalf's stories of her. But it only proved, there was much more to this Dwarf woman than anyone could know.
Authors note: So, like her back story? There is more! But that is all I am revealing in this chapter. And just to point out for you book fans, I used king Théoden's grandfather from Lord of the rings as the king of Rohan at the time of the war Thobera and Gandalf fought in. He was the king around that time period so I thought I'd use him for the story when revealed by Gandalf. I shall elaborate more on that story later on. And of course Thobera and Bilbo will soon get some interactions going along with Thorin also. I shall soon link it back to the events in the film again. But in the meantime, enjoy my crazy imagination! Please review, for I love to see what you think. Thank you all and I should update soon!