Lost Little Souls
Chapter 9
Broken
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Tolkin's because if I did, things would have turned out differently. I also don't own the music
Note: Anything said between ** is said in Khuzdul. Later, I will but a word or two in but for the most part follow this.
Bold= flashback or dreams
Italic=thoughts
"Shut up. I don't want to hear anymore about it." His angry voice seemed to carry through the wooden barrier which separated them.
"Please…for a moment…listen. I know this isn't you." Her tone sounded less like his beloved mother trying desperately to talk sense into her husband and more like a fearful zookeeper try to sooth the savage beast to prevent being mauled.
Not again, he thought as he clung to his sister. He tried to bury his head in her soft chest, trying to find some sort of comfort as the familiar scene played on repeat. He jumped as he heard the first strike of the fist. His sister wrapped her arms around him. He was too kind of a soul for this. Too young. They all were. But the gods saw fit to give them this life. She envied her cousins, all safe in their home. They never had to cling to each other in a darkened room, praying the violence didn't over flow, drowning them as well as their mother.
Tremors from his silent sobbing physically shook her as she tried to comfort him. She wouldn't let him go, not after last time.
Through her iron band arms, he struggled to free himself. He couldn't just stay there hidden like a coward. All of the stories he was told, all of grand adventures started with people too afraid to stand up for what was right. But some spark forced them to action. Those actions would spread like wildfire burning their foes and saving the innocent.
In the past, he watched helplessly unable to help. Perhaps now would be different.
He waited for his sister's grip to laps before he made his move. Pulling away from her, he ran to the door desperate to help their mother.
"I can't believe it." Thorin sighed flopping backwards on one of the many pillows in Bilbo's bed, his hand running over his face trying to wake himself up.
Chuckling, Bilbo wrapped his arms around Thorin's neck bringing him in for a morning kiss. "What's not to believe? I offered and you stayed."
How to explain it? The guilt and the knowing betrayal and deception. How to explain how a small hobbit was able to break any barrier he put up without so much as a fight? How to explain Bilbo could do better and deserved so much more? "That's not it." Pulling Bilbo close, he wanted to memorize the feel of the other's body. Who knew how long he would be fortunate enough to hold him? "You deserve better. If I could, I'd give you a crown."
Bilbo snorted as he pulled away to lightly smack Thorin's chest. "I told you what I needed. And I'll ask you again. Could you love Frodo?"
Even in this playful manner, Thorin could tell Bilbo was serious. In Bilbo's mind, Frodo came first. A feeling Thorin could relate to. Kili and Fili would always come before his needs and happiness. "Yes."
"Than that's all I need."
Sunlight peered though the foliage of the forest speckling the air with dust as it tried to illuminate the forest floor. Inside the small lend-to, Gimli attempted to stretch his aching muscles as he would at home only to find the confines too small and accidently waking his friend.
"Good morning." He chuckled as he watched Legolas rub his eyes free of sleep.
"Good morning."
There was something in his friend's voice. It wasn't sleep but his words sounded a bit slurred sort of like when his father drank too much. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine." Legolas tried to sound as normal as he could but looking Gimli's face, he could tell it wasn't working. "I'm just a bit tired."
"Are you sure?" Taking a closer look, he could see the normally vibrate eyes sunken into his friend's skull. Perhaps the stupid elf finally got sick. After all, what else would happen if you sleep outside with no sort of protection? "Look, let's go see my uncle. He's a healer. He can help."
His blonde strands shock as his head bobbed to and fro. "I can't. I can't let anyone know about me." Looking at his friend, he tried to keep his vision straight as he leaded forward. "And you promised never to tell anyone. Don't forget that!"
He had promised him, didn't he? A promise was a promise. "But why don't you trust anyone. I mean you are alone out here."
Legolas took in a shaking breath. "Sometimes alone was better. Alone is what I have. Alone protects me."
It might have been too early in the morning, even for the earlier rising hobbits, but Fili and Kili were already eager and looking forward to start their day. The thought of excitement and adventure around every corner drove them from their beds far too early. Past lessons still fresh in their heads, the duo chose to leave their sleeping family alone for now. Last time they woke everyone, Thorin willed them to sword practice for the entire morning with their cousin. Neither was looking to repeat that experience.
Though the morning fog, they could see a minuscule creature tramps towards them. The brothers looked at each other wanting to know who could be up so early in the morning. Perhaps, they would finally have someone will to entertain them. But when they caught the sight of their cousin's fiery hair they knew their dream was sunk.
"Oy, Gimli, what are you doing up so early?" Even if his cousin would not wish to play, it did not mean, they couldn't great him with their over enthusiastic morning cheer.
Looking up from the ground, it was the first time he noticed his cousins' presents. When did they get there? Turning his head, he was able to see his cousins'' home. Perhaps he walked longer than he thought if he ended up back so soon. But his mind was elsewhere. Something was defiantly wrong with his friend. But bound by a foolish promise, he was forbid from speaking of his troubles. "Nothing. Just up for a walk."
"Really? A bit early for you." Fili, unlike his brother, was excelled in the detecting depiction despite his young age. Tricking Fili would be a challenge.
"Yes. I wanted to see the sunrise in the forest." Not a complete lie. He did see the sunrise.
Kili feel for it. "Really? Was it very pretty?" His eyes all sparkly at the thought of seeing beautiful sunrise.
"Yeah. Maybe next time I go, I will take you." As he made his way to leave, he felt Fili's hand on his shoulder.
"If there is anything you need to talk about, " he whispered so his brother wouldn't hear. "Just come find me. It could be just between the two of us. I won't tell Kili."
Gimli could only stare at his future king. Already Fili started to show signs of leadership and devotion to his people. What sort of ruler would he be when the time came?
Seeing Dori coming his way, Bofur decided to turn tail and briskly walk in the other direction in an attempt to avoid the other dwarf. Since the kiss, Bofur tried to avoid his friend and Nori was not the only reason. Nori decided to spare his life but Dori and he had never discussed how they felt or to be more accurate how Dori felt about Bofur. Fear was a good motivation as he tried to weave in and out of the crowd in the market trying to make it home.
"Mister Bofur, a moment of your time!" He knew that voice and Mahal, did he just want to get home, but he couldn't. Not when Dori asked. His treacherous feet stopped as he waited for the other to catch up.
"Yes, Dori, what can I do ya for?" Even though his smile was as bright as it could be there was fear and anticipation behind those loving eyes.
"I wanted to discuss something with you, but if I am keeping you, we could talk later." Dori looked just as nervous as he was.
"No, that's alright. I have time." Better get this over with he thought as straightened his hat.
"It is regarding…well…you know. To say I was surprised to see you there that night would be an understatement. But what was more shocking was the well…you know."
"The kiss."
"Yes. The kiss." Dori tried not to stumble of the foreign word. "I am not sure why you kissed me. I mean, I understand why people kiss but I do not completely understand why you kissed me. I would like a bit of clarity."
It seemed like he was telling the story to everyone but the one person he should have been up front with. If he didn't do something now, he might never have another chance. "I really, really like ya. I have for some time. That night, I wanted to tell you. I know I have no great skill. I don't come from a rich family and I am no warrior. I smell sometimes, not the cleanest person around and I like vaguer jokes. But still I really care for you. I always see the way you fuss over everyone, trying to make sure they are happy and in good health. The time we were able to get a barrel of yarn you knit scarves for every one of my nieces and nephews. I just really think you are something. That's what I wanted to tell you."
"Bofur." Dori didn't know what to say. He never thought himself worthy of courtship. In the past, he was over looked because of his family's statues or lack of. More recently, there was little time to even consider romance. Every ounce of energy was used to preserve what he had. To insure Ori was feed and warm. To make sure he stayed healthy. Courtship was little more than a flight of fancy. But now… "Why didn't you say anything before? It wasn't as if we never saw each other."
Playing with one of his thick braids, he looked away in embarrassment. "I was scared and ya always had so much to think about and do that I didn't want to cause any problems for ya. I just wanted to help."
A light ray of a smile shone on Dori's face. It was just as he thought. Bofur was just the person who he thought he was. Now it was time to see if they could be what Bofur thought they could. "And are you still interested in courting me?"
"Of course. Nothing would make me happier. But…" There was a moment of hesitation. Would it really be alright?
"But what?"
"Aren't you a bit worried about Nori?"
"Why should I be worried about Nori?" Dori crossed his arms looking a bit puzzled as he tried to think of how Nori might be involved.
"Well…"
His eyes started to droop as the words seemed to blur on the pages. While the flickering candle light burned brightly it traveled quite a distance from when it was lit. Ivory pools caked to bottom of the candle stick holder as more wax traveled to fill the puddles.
Sighing, he looked out the window, smiling as he saw the shimmering moon illuminate the night sky. Little firefly like stars twinkled in rhythm to the orchestra of the night. Oh how he longed to join in. To listen to the calming sounds of the evening as they lulled him to sleep. But no, he could not. There was still much work to be done. Too much knowledge out there he was unaware of. Too many things he didn't know. Information which, according to his father, would serve him well.
"How are you doing?" his father's gentle voice asked as he placed a plate of biscuits and a glass of milk next to his son.
Every night it was the same. The same snack, the same question, the same time and of course, the same answer.
"I still didn't finish. There are parts I still don't understand." He yawned hoping for a reprieve. "I'm really tired. Do you think I could finish this tomorrow?"
There it was, the look he dreaded. Felled brows and lips pushed together, his father's look of disappointment. Sighing, he looked at his son. It was getting late and he could always finish it tomorrow. "Alright. But you must be diligent tomorrow. All of your studying, both from today and tomorrow must be finished before you are to play. Understand?"
"Yes, father." The pair bade each other good night.
But sleep evaded him. He hated to disappoint him. His fahter was there whenever he was sick; if every there was a problem he was having with either with his sisters or mother. So why, why couldn't he please him? Why was he such a disappointment? Why couldn't he be more like his older cousin? Why? Everyday it seemed there was some new way he could disappoint his father and he hated himself a little more everyday because of it.
The flowers were just starting to pushes their way through the soft soil in the gardens of Bag End. This could only mean more weeding was necessary. Carefully as not to accidently pick the new growth, Sam raked his fingers across the soil trying to find anything that didn't belong there. His father scolded him time and time again to use tools but Sam knew there were certain things that only his hands could tell. No, when it came to weeding when the plants were still new, he would use his hands.
So focused on his work, he failed to notice the soft foot steeps of another falling against the plush grass. "Sam?" A voice whispered.
Quickly shifting his upper body, Sam nearly fell in the flower bed he was so intently working on. Relief at seeing who it was made his blunder seem not as important. "Good morning, Mister Frodo. How are you?" Vivid images of last night popped in his bed. His master snuggled up against him. Try as he might, Sam was unable to keep the color from his sun kissed checks.
"I am fine. Ahh, Sam, I wanted to thank you for last night."
"Thank me? For what, sir?"
"For not telling your father. I know I was trespassing, but I don't know, I really needed to see you. Especially after Pippin came over." It really did mean a great deal to Frodo, knowing there was somewhere safe he could go. Someone he could trust even in the dark of night.
"Mister Pippin came over? Whatever for, if you don't mind me asking?"
Frodo thought for a moment. Merry was very cryptic at the time and Pippin didn't offer any information. A stone settled in his stomach as he tried to decipher their actions. "I'm not sure."
"Well, if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know." Sam smiled as tried to ease his master's growing anxiety.
Bilbo always said it was the little things in life that made it special. To Frodo, Sam's smile was just that little thing he needed at that moment.
Every time this woman came over for tea, Bilbo wanted to fake ill. Pretend to have a fever or just hide in his closet till she would give up. But he knew, he couldn't hide from Lobelia forever. She would find a way in and wait. It wouldn't be the first time he could her waiting for him in his seating room. Uhhh, he really needed to talk to Thorin about new locks. Maybe they were strong enough to keep this nosy woman out of his home and life. But manners dictated he must host such a woman. His mother, as wild as she was, did instill proper etiquette and would be sorely disappointed in her son to find them lacking.
"How can I help you today, cousin?" He asked pouring her a cup of freshly brewed tea. He was in no mood to entertain her. Because of her ill time appearance, he was going to be late meeting Thorin for second breakfast. The pair tried to eat at least one meal together a day. The one day, Bilbo regretfully was unable to make it, he found an enraged Dwalin standing on his door step as he was thrown over the large dwarf's should to be promptly brought to the forge. All the while saying it was not far that he should suffer because Thorin didn't get his "Bilbo time" and while he did not want to be hurled around like a sack of potatoes, right now it seemed like the better option.
But it seemed she was in no rush today. No one else to torment, by his recollection. Slowly, she sipped her tea, making small talk about the weather and gardening (like she ever picked up trowel!). It was when she begin to mention familiar names he started to actually pay attention. "I must say, I do fear for Frodo's safety." Her voice as high and might as ever.
"Excuse me?" Was Frodo is some sort of trouble he neglected to talk to Bilbo about? He knew there were times when Frodo would let his temper get the better of him when it came to bullies but only here and there not enough to be noticed by her. Unless Lotho was involved.
"Have you seen the pack of wild dogs he runs around with? While the gardener's son is a less than ideal playmate for someone like Frodo, he is a far better choice than the others! The badly dressed red head with the book. Always in knits, poorly dressed, the little thing is consistently underfoot in the market and wanders unsupervised through town. I'm surprised he had not been trampled by a cart, not that anyone would notice. But still nothing compares to those two deviant brothers. Breaking things and stealing. Always causing some sort of commotion. At least the red head is quiet but those two could wake the dead. I am surprised you allow Frodo to associate with such riff-raff."
As Lobelia paused to sip her tea, Bilbo tried to contain his anger, his fists tightly bunched around the fabric of his pants. How dare she talk about the children like that? Ori tried to stay out of everyone way. He was an observer, always writing and drawing what he saw. Completely harmless and a trusted adult was never too far from him. As for the Durin boys, they were a handful just like Pippin and Merry, but they were no thieves! If they took anything, it was paid for, perhaps in advance, by their uncle. The pair usually ran his errands to keep them out of trouble and any trouble they found, they usually tried to make amends before their uncle became involved.
"But they are only children. It is the adults I am more concerned with."
"Lobelia…" he was reaching his limits. His friends had troubles in the past but they did not deserve the sort of slander she was about to give.
"I'm sure you can understand. I mean dwarves can't be trusted. They are always keeping secrets. I know you trust them but I know they are hiding something, especially that blacksmith. Mark my words. They are all in on it! And you, Bilbo Baggins, should stay far away from them. They shall only impugn your reputation even more!"
By this point, Bilbo was shaking with rage. The woman didn't know them at all. They were kind, hard working people who wanted nothing more than to start new lives and as far as his reputation, he couldn't give a damn. A smirk sudden flashed across his face. "You know what Lobelia, I think you are right. I should stop running around with Thorin like some love sick tween."
Sputtering her drinking in the most unlady like way possible as she stared at him for a moment. Had he just agreed with her?
Mahal had some fucked up sense of humor. Or at least that was how Dwalin was seeing the world right now. Out of everyone in the entire world who he could be forced to work with, Nori was the last person he would think of. *"This is really fucked up."* Muttered Dwalin as he watch the people go about their business. He took to speaking in Kuzldam, not to isolate himself from the hobbits but to talk about something which were better not heard by hobbit ears.
"* Yes, you are."* Nori grinned as he flung his arm around his new co-workers neck. *" Honestly, I think you are the most fucked up person in this entire place and that is saying something."* Dwalin refused to rise to the bait. Before a few nights ago, Nori attempted to avoid Dwalin at all cost or if they were forced to interact, it would be civil with Nori attempting to be humble. But after everything that DIDN'T happen with Ori, it seemed Nori had it out for him and was going to make this life a living hell. *"Never pegged you for a guy with such low morals, but I guess that comes with the territory of your kind."*
Dwalin could understand Nori's frustration, not just at him but the whole world. In the world, there existed an invisible social ladder. There were the people at the top, like Thorin and himself, the bottom rung belonged to the Ur cousins and even farther bellow that, at the very, very bottom before the ladder even began, was where the brothers tried to scrap out a life for themselves. Too many times, they were pushed off the ladder with no more than a second thought. It seemed people just enjoyed tormenting them for no other reason than they could. "* Ye know nothin happened and I would never touch a child."*
"*I still don't trust you.*" Nori's eyes attempted to burn the other to ashes.
"*That's one thing we have in common.*" Dwalin grumbled as he refused to met the other's gaze.
"*Speaking of trust issue, what about his highness and his bedmate?*"
Dwalin only glared at his coworker. It was none of his business what was going on between Thorin and Bilbo. The former thief only wanted to rile in up and trying to get at him through his best friend as a sure fire way to do so.
"*What? Not talking? I didn't think you would. But again, it's the morals of the rich to do what they want regardless of who they hurt.*" While all the dwarves were sworn to secrecy about the royal family, it did not mean he did not feel guilty about lying to Bilbo and yes, he was lying to him. Since lying is done with words and also with silence. It killed the Ri brothers to not tell the kind hobbit the truth. After everything he did for Ori, they took his trust and smashed it into a thousand pieces.
"*Do ye think we feel guilty too?*" Dwalin looked away not really sure he could stand the shame. The hobbit must have been made of some sort of powerful magic if he was about to break though Thorin's stone heart. He didn't want to see a creature of such will and light hurt but there was little he could do. King's orders. Even his brother couldn't talk sense in Thorin this time.
Examining his partner for the first time, he was almost pleased to see guilt. Perhaps not all royals were snobs after all…
"Has Thorin talked to you about his past?" Balin inquired as he looked at his small friend from across the table. The two usually shared second breakfast together on days Bilbo did not make arrangements with Thorin. It was a way for Balin to escape his home with a destination. He hated to walk around aimlessly unlike the many of the dwarves. For the past few years that was all they were doing so why should he continue to be a wanderer in town?
"He hasn't said much. I really only know what you have said. Not much else. It's like he wants to forget everything that happened before he came here." Bilbo stirred his tea, he could not help but hear that wretched woman's voice harping. He tried to pay it no mind, only wanting to enjoy his friend's company.
"You are right to a certain extend, Bilbo. But he knows he can not run forever. Eventually the past will catch up to him and so will his destiny. I just hope we are strong enough to deal with the out come." Bilbo and Thorin's growing relationship brought uncertainties with it which kept Balin up at night. He feared not just for his people but for his cousin and Bilbo as well.
"Balin, I do not know much about his past, but I whatever happens, I will be there for him."
Balin wished he was as sure as the hobbit. "You say that now. But there are things you do not understand." Balin didn't have the heart to out right tell Bilbo he was being lied to. Too many hearts broken in his life time and he did not want to add this gentle soul to the list.
"Has he committed some sort of crime?"
Crime…by who's law? "No. Not by the law anyway. But if lying was a crime most of us would be in jail."
Bilbo had to laugh. "Lying? That is his great crime? Did you know you are lied to at once a day? Do you what is the most common lie?"
"No, I'm afraid I do not."
"When someone asks 'how are you' and your answer 'I'm fine'. Most people relay with what they think the other person wants them to hear. Not the truth. So, if Thorin is lying. I hope he will find the courage to tell me the truth."
"But the question now becomes, my dear Bilbo, what will you do?"
"People who lie, lie for a reason. Some to protect, some to prevent. They might be scared of something or of someone. Maybe they are trying to gain something. I will have to see what the lie is and his motives. Beyond that, I can not say."
"And what if he was not the only one to lie to you? What if it were many? Than what?"
Lobelia's voice could not be stopped. Not after this conversation. "I know you trust them but I know they are hiding something, especially that blacksmith. Mark my words. They are all in on it!"
"I will have to see."
"I don't know what to do with him." Gloin sighed as he looked at his son's locked bedroom door. Gloin caught Gimli trying to sneak back into the house early his morning. He could tell the boy was sleeping in the forest. His clothes were filthy and damp from the morning dew. The boy tried to play it off like he went for an early morning walk but the boy was a terrible liar, not to mention he was still wearing his pajama's. When confront with his lie, Gimli cursed and refused to speak the truth. Gloin, refusing to be spoken to in such a manner, promptly grounded his son, until he not only apologized but spoke the truth as well.
"I know you are worried. But remember when you were his age you did the same things and you grew out of it." Oin saw how Gimli's behavior was effecting his younger brother and it broke his heart. Neither was cruel but Gimli was growing up and growing up sometimes meant keeping secrets from your parents.
"But I am worried! What he is doing out there? He is there everyday for most of the day, brings food and will not speak of his actions to anyone. I'm worried he could get hurt or lost. I might not feel this way if he would just tell me what he is doing!"
"I could always follow him."
"Maybe…"
"Oh, don't look like that! He's probably doing the same thing you were doing when you would hide as a lad. Now what did you call that beast again?"
Bifur sighed contently as he watched the clouds over head. Over all the past few days seemed to revive something in the odd dwarf. Having so many people, or more accurate, hobbits, stand up for him, he was truly beginning to feel like part of the community. Still there were some who didn't completely trust or accept him, but in time they would. Yesterday showed him that.
Looking back to the forest, he could see his little sun jewel running around through the trees with her older sister right behind her screaming for her to come back.
"Hey, you really don't look so good." Gimli reached a hand Legolas' sweaty forehead. "You're burning up."
Legolas attempted to push away his friend's hand. The last thing he needed was another lecture. "I'm fine. I just need some rest." His eyes went wide as another sound caught his ears. Freezing like a deer, his eyes watched another figure enter the clearing. They were not alone. They found him.
Gimli tried to keep his composer as he watched his uncle enter the clearing. Rage evident on his face, Gimli watched as his uncle opened his mouth..
Shooting up from his bed panting, Gimli looked around for a moment. His heart racing as he gasped for breath. He was alone and safe in his bed. But still it had been a close call. Gimli flopped back on his bed using the back of his hand to shield his eyes from the offensive sun. Uncle Oin had followed Gimli into the forest yesterday. Had it not been for Legolas' great hearing and Oin's lack of it, the pair might have been caught. Gimli only shuttered to think of what could have transpired.
Having caught his breath, Gimli wanted to sneak out to keep an eye on his friend. Something was really wrong and Gimli needed to be there to help in whatever way he could. Now, however, things were more difficult. After yesterday, Gimli was grounded only for his frequent trips into the woods but for sneaking out when grounded. His father was becoming more protective. He said he could feel trouble deep with in his bones and knew something was going to happen. According to Uncle Oin, his father had the same kind of inklings right before Smaug attack or the Battle of Azanulbizar. But what could happen, unless that bad feeling had to do with his friend.
Hearing a gentle knock on the door, Gimli waited to see what would happen. His father would knock and wait only a moment for an answer before entering. He rarely announced who it was. His uncle would knock so loud as to wake the dead and scream to announce he was entering. It was rare for them to wait even when he was getting dressed. But this knock was different. Much lighter and no one barging in. Someone was waiting for permission. "Um, hello?" Gimli called.
"Oh, Gimli, you're up! Is it alright if I come in?" Gimli smiled as he heard to hobbit's voice. He liked Bilbo. All the children did. He was strange and would give them their space if they needed it not smothering like other adults.
"Sure!" He cried as he tried to straighten his clothes making him look more presentable.
Opening the door, Bilbo was greeted by a well rested dwarfling. "I hope I didn't wake you." Bilbo said as he took a seat on the bed, giving Gimli the once over.
"No. I just got up. Where is everyone?" Perhaps if Bilbo was the only one here, he might be able to sneak out again.
"Your father is at work and your uncle is making a house call. They asked if I could stay till they returned. I hope you don't mind."
Bilbo's gentle smiles always seemed to win over any dwarf. "Nah, you can stay."
"Good! I was hoping to make us some lunch before your uncle gets back. Is there anything you would like or should I surprise you?" Bilbo helped Gimli from the bed and began to make the bed.
"Whatever is good." Looking out the window, Gimli wondered how easy it would be to give the hobbit the slip. Bilbo was always so trusting and would never think anything was a miss if he said he needed some fresh air.
"Oh and Gimli. Don't you think for a moment I wasn't told that you were grounded." Bilbo chuckled as the startled face of the child. Having been that young once, Bilbo could empathize with the desire to flee the confines of parental rules. "I was told you were grounded, but not for what."
"I've been going to the forest a lot. My father doesn't want me to go as much. He thinks it will be dangerous."
"Perhaps your father is right. He only wants to protect you."
Protect you. That's what parents are supposed to do. But from the inklings and other clues, that wasn't always true. Sometimes alone was better. Alone is what I have. Alone protects me. "Yeah right. Alone protects me."
Expecting harsh words and a raised voice, the young dwarf was surprised to feel a kindly hand resting on his check. "No. Friends protect people. A good friend is there when you need them anytime or anywhere. Good friends are hard to come by but they do exist if you let them. Sometimes those friends may even be cruel to be kind. But alone will not protect you. That's the job of a good friend."
"I can do it, I can do it." Ori muttered as he walked back and forth near the line of trees leading to the forest. A stupid dare from the princes. He had to accept to play the game, didn't he? Wasn't he smarter than that to play truth or dare and didn't he know better than to pick dare? Well, at least his dare wasn't as humiliating as Kili's. The young prince was forced to run though the town square naked. But the forest was dark and scary. Bad things happened in the forest. If he chickened out no one would know. Fili and Kili were practically chained to their uncle after Kili's behavior. But still, he would know and if he ever wanted Dwalin to really like him, he had to be brave just like him.
"Here goes nothing."
Elevensies were quieter than usual in Bag End. Normally, there were dwarves coming in and out of the smial stealing a bit of food and looking for some quiet company to ease them through the rest of their day. However, today it was only the two of them. Frodo did enjoy the quiet but he had become so accustomed to the noises of others, the silence was almost haunting and quite a bit alarming.
Even though the table was spread with delicious jams and breads, fit for a light snack, nausea prevented him from sampling. Perhaps Frodo was in some sort of trouble. Did his uncle know about him sneaking out last night? Was he being sent away like Lotho always said he would be?
Noticing the paler than normal look on his nephew's face, Bilbo push a fragrant cup of tea towards his charge. "Drink up." He smiled. "Tea always helps when there is a problem. It soothes the soul." Picking up his own cup, he carefully took a sip of the hot liquid.
Mimicking Bilbo's motions, Frodo mirrored. Peering over the rim of his cup, he noticed something he did not before. As slight as it was, Frodo was sure he saw it. A tremor in the other's hand. "Is everything alright, Uncle?"
"Uh…yes…everything is alright." He laughed with more moxie than normal all but telling his nephew he was hiding something.
Staring at his guardian, Frodo waited for the true answer. Bilbo would tell him in time. Hopefully before the meal was over.
Pushing food around on his own plate, Bilbo thought it was best to just get it over with. "Say, Frodo, how do you like Fili and Kili?"
Frodo was slightly taken back by the question. Surely Bilbo already knew the answer. "They are my friends. Strange at times but they mean no harm and you should see the way they team up with Merry and Pippin."
"Oh! I've seen that! Putting the four of them in a room together is a sure recipe for disaster if I ever saw one!"
"Even without the fireworks." Frodo giggled as he thought about the trouble the pair was able to get into. However, despite all their mischief, they would not abandon hard work if someone needed help. Earlier on in the week, they offered to give Sam help with planting a few of the sprouting.
Licking his lips, he braced himself to ask a harder question. "And what of Thorin?"
Pausing for a moment, Fordo had to think. How did he feel about the older dwarf? Truly, he didn't spend as much time with him as he did others but it was on the account of him working so much. From what Fili says, their uncle can be stern but fair and would do anything for their people. Kili added how after their mother passed, he took them in as his own and never treated them any differently. "I like him just fine." Then it dawned on him why Bilbo was asking this. "And how do you like him?"
Bilbo sputtered his tea into his napkin in surprise. He wasn't expecting Frodo to ask him any questions. "I…I like him just fine as well."
"Good."
"Uh…Frodo…What I really wanted to ask you was how you might feel if they came to live with us?"
"Live with us?" As in people would be moving in, like he had?
"Yes. Fili, Kili and Thorin. I mean, we have plenty of room and you, of course, would still have your own room but I thought it might be nice. After all, you would have children to play with when Sam is not around and it is awfully quiet around here. A little company might be nice."
"And a little company for you as well."
Bilbo smiled as he gazed into Frodo's blue eyes. Wisdom beyond his years. He could see through practically everything. "I wanted to ask you first before I breathe a word about it to Thorin."
"Why ask? It's your home."
"And yours as well. Never forget it." For the first time, Frodo truly felt at home.
"So when is my new uncle moving in?"
An eerie sound whispered on the wind, catching Bifur's ears. It was the sound he now only heard in his nightmare when he closed his eyes and wanted to world to disappear but those horrid sounds still resonated from inside his skull bouncing around and refusing to leave. Sweat started to form and trickle down his weathered face and as he shock his head, he hoped it was only in his mind. Perhaps they were only in this mind. Yes. That's it. They were just figments of his over active imagination. But there is was again. It was not in his mind this time and it was slightly louder than before. His heart raced as the revelation of reality began to sink in. No, no, no! His mind cried as he gripped his skull wishing for it to be a dream. The sound came again. There was no escaping the truth of their presents. He had to do something.
Running home, he grabbed his boar spear, when another thought, even more frightening than the one before it came. Marigold and May were in the forest with them!
"Of all the pig head, stubborn, foolish…" Dori wanted nothing more than to ring his younger brother's neck. How dare he interfere like that and to Bofur of all people?" Seeing Nori standing over by Dwalin, Dori knew the guard's presents wouldn't save his younger brother from the tongue lashing he would so rightfully deserved. "You!" Dori pulled his brother in front of him. "How dare you do such a thing?"
"Please, brother remind me of what I did this time?" Dori normally being cross with Nori left him little worry and could really care less about whatever minor irritation he caused his brother. In, Nori's mind, Dori needed to relax a bit.
"Bofur!" Ok, so maybe it wasn't that minor. "How could you even think of even-to Bofur! He's your best friend. Over a kiss and nothing else."
This really wasn't a talk they should be having in public, let alone in front of Dwalin. Nori might have been on his "good" list at the moment, but his actions might just put him both out of work and into a cell. "Not here, Dori." He growled trying to keep his voice low.
"No! We are having this conversation here! Bofur is completely harmless; he wouldn't hurt a soul much less me. I might be a bit over protective but your level boarders on criminal."
Up until now, Dwalin tried to ignore the brothers. It was bad for their working relationship to interfere with domestic issues and Dwalin didn't want Nori to add "ease dropper" to his list of crimes. But the last phrase did catch his ear. Whatever Nori did to piss Dori off, even he was calling criminal.
Trying to shift the blame, he attempted to throw his co-worker under the cart. "But Dwalin-"
"Don't you bring Mister Dwalin into this! He is a fine dwarf and is guiltless of any crime you have concocted in your head!" While Dwalin was grateful for Dori's backing, he was a little more than surprised to find Dori's animated actions did not draw a crowd.
"But Ori-"
"I spoke to Ori! Did you? It is a silly little crush and you need to stop trying to shift the blame. Now back to the matter at hand!"
Nori couldn't glare at Dori as he might some other annoyances. He had goofed big time and his brother had ever right to be vexed. "So, you talked to him I'd take it."
"Of course."
"And?"
Before Dori could explain, his attention shifted to across the village square where he saw a bit of a commotion. Concerned at seeing Bifur in the middle, both brothers silently decided they would finish what they started later.
Bifur ran frantically to through the village square screaming. He had to get help. They needed to be warned. Looking around, he was distressed to find no one who could understand him. Time was of the essence and if he didn't do something soon, people would die! Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Hamfast. Perhaps he could find some way to explain the situation. He had to try.
Startling the hobbit was his rushed motions. Hamfast could only hold himself back as he tried to keep himself calm. He hadn't the faintest idea what the dwarf was trying to say. Waving his hands around and howling like a mad man, Hamfast began to seriously doubt the dwarf's sanity even more than he had as of late. Perhaps he had finally snapped. If this was true, he regretted the decision he would have to make. Marigold seemed fond of the wild dwarf but if he became dangerous, he was have to distance her from him.
Tears of frustration and panic gathered at the corners of Bifur's eyes. He didn't understand. He couldn't understand. Bifur would do this alone if he had to. His was only one life. If he had to sacrifice it for them so be it.
"Cousin, what's wrong?" Bifur was never so happy to see Bofur in his entire life.
"You!" Great, now what? Thought Bifur as he turned to see the Ri brothers and Dwalin.
"Not now, Nori!" It was all well and good to try to stab him in the forest clearing but Bifur needed help. He would deal with Nori later.
As Bofur went back to his conversation with Bifur, Nori could help but be startled. Bofur was not a snippy person. But then again, Nori's timing was completely off. Looking over to the cousins, he felt a twinge of guilt. Franticly, Bifur was clinging to Bofur trying to say something. His words getting all mumble. But finally the words came out and Nori felt the air go cold.
"Are you sure?" Bofur asked his cousin practically shaking him. He knew Bifur wouldn't joke about this but could it be a mistake? Please, please let it be a mistake.
Bifur looked at his cousin, gave him the look telling him he was sure before pointing to the axe head. He was sure.
Bofur had to calm himself for a second before he took a deep breath to shout. "Orcs!" This caught everyone's attention. Every hobbit and dwarf with in hearing distance stopped what they were doing and turned to the toymaker in shock.
"What?" Dwalin hoped his ears were playing tricks on him.
Throwing his hands up in frustration, Bifur ran. Those fools could take their time but he was not going to let them die!
"Bifur heard Orcs near the edge of the forest." He looked around at all the hobbits to find them fidgeting and murmuring in fear. These creatures had no defenses, no weapons. They had nothing of value any outsiders might want. No gold or riches. Only land. "It gets worse." Bofur told Dwalin. "The girls are in the forest."
Hamfast blood froze. It couldn't be right. "The girls?"
"Yes. YOUR girls. May and Marigold." It was at that moment, Hamfast understood why the crazed dwarf ran to him.
"Please, there must be something we can do." He cried. This girls. His baby girls.
A reassuming hand rested on the gardener's shoulder. "We shall handle this." Dori tried to comfort him but the hobbit was still shaking and with justification. Orcs were not known for their kindness and children were not exempt from their wrath. From the corner of his eye, he saw Dwalin had sprinting away to talk with Thorin. Their heated glances and body language was more than enough to know the orcs wouldn't be there long.
No longer was Thorin the blacksmith when he reached the square, he was their leader once more. All of the dwarves, young and old, turned to hear his words. "Du Bekâr" He cried out as he saw many of his people just standing there. "Bofur, go to the homes near the forest and tell them to stay inside away from windows and doors. If they have anything like a weapon, tell them to hold on to it. We shall come around later to tell them when the orcs have been dealt with. Bomber, Balin spread out and patrol the area. If someone is outside, explain the situation and see to it they are brought some where safe. Dwalin-"
"Uncle." A small hand grabbed the pant leg of his trousers.
Now was not the time for Fili to interrupt! "Both of you back into the forge and stay there!"
"But Uncle, Ori's in the forest." His wide eyes filled Thorin with dread. He was not lying.
"What?!"
By the time Thorin turned his head back to his men, Dwalin was halfway cross the square with Nori and Dori hot on his trail. Thorin couldn't blame Nori and Dori, but Dwalin was the surprise. Either way, he needed to round up the rest of his men. "The rest of you come with me." As he was ready to leave, he felt a withered hand grasp his arm.
"Please tell me what I can do, sir." Hamfast begged. They were his girls, his children out there. He couldn't just sit there and wait.
Resting a callused hand on the other's, he tried to explain. "The only thing you can do is stay here. If you go, you might be in the way. If you would like, try to make sure everyone is inside just incase the orcs get this far."
"Do you think they will?"
Thorin looked around at the people gathered in the square. All of them, both hobbits and dwarves, looking to him for guidance and reassurance. It was the role life cast him in and he was going to do his part. Not just for the dwarves, but for the hobbits as well. They were all his people now. "Not while I breathe."
Gloin knew he was breaking rank when he stopped over his home, but Thorin gave him the look giving him silent permission. He needed to warn Oin and have him start gathering his medical supplies. Bifur never said how many orcs, but it was not usually just one. Orcs were messy business. They didn't like to leave survivors and those who were fortunate enough to live, were never the same.
Bursting through the door, he was glad to find both Oin and Gimli in the same spot. It would save him both time and energy to only have to say it once.
One look at Gloin told the older brother something was wrong. "What happened?"
"There are orcs in the forest. I need you, both of you, to stay here. Don't leave, don't answer the door unless they state who it is."
"And my medical expertise will be needed most likely afterwards."
"Yes." Turning to his son, he needed to make sure he understood the danger. "Gimli, under no circumstances are you to leave this house. Doing so will not only cause a distraction for the others and could not get them killed but yourself as well. So, please for the love of Mahal, stay here!"
Only bits and pieces of what his father was saying actually penetrated his skull. His mind was else where thinking of a frail looking elf all alone and scared in a forest filled with orcs. Legolas….
What is all that commotion outside? Bilbo wondered as he walked to the window. Many of the dwarves were headed to the forest, weapons in hand. What on earth could be going on? Thankfully, he saw Thorin make his way past the gate and up to the front door. It was just the dwarf Bilbo wanted to see. "Hello, Thorin. What seems to be going on?" As cheerful as Bilbo tried to sound, there was still a strain of apprehension in his voice. With how well the dwarves were armed, nothing good was about to happen. Looking Thorin over, he noticed his sword was firmly in its usual spot.
Thorin wrapped his arms around the smaller hobbit. Before, when he would go into battle he had no worries about the people at home, many of them were warriors too old to fight or too young and still in training. But here in the shire, there were no warriors, nothing that could be considered as a defense system. If for some reason they failed… "I need you to listen to me and do exactly what I tell you. Go back into your home and find your sword. Take the children, I am assuming Sam and Frodo are with you" he waited for the nodded before continuing. "Take them and hide. Stay away from all the doors and widows. The cellar might be the best spot. But incase the unthinkable happens you would be trapped…no, don't go into the cellar."
"Thorin, what is going on?" Far be it for him to not listen to his when Thorin was like this. He never saw the dwarf so serious.
"Bifur said he heard Orcs in the forest and I am likely to believe him. He would know that sound anywhere. Bifur said he saw-"Thorin peered over Bilbo to make sure Sam was not within hearing range. "The younger Gamgee girls play there and Fili informed me, Ori was in the woods as well. We are going there to find them and deal with the Orcs."
"What? Orcs? Orcs never attacked the Shire in the past, why now and where are the rangers for that matter?" Bilbo thought out loud. "Wait, you can't seriously be going there, can you? You'll be hurt or killed."
Despite the situation it was nice to know some cared for him. "It won't be the first time I've battle orcs and I seriously doubt it will be the last. But I need you and the others to stay safe, is that understood?"
"Of course." He brought Thorin in for a hug and a quick kiss before letting him go.
As the dwarf walked of, he could hear Bilbo cry out. "Thorin Oakensheild, you better come back from this. We need to have a talk!"
"Marigold, wait up!" May called as she tried to keep up with her little sister. For such a small thing, she sure could move! It was only when she stopped to look at a patch of flowers was she able to catch up. May wanted to grab her little sister and shake some sense into the child. "I thought I told you to wait! Wait till we get home and I tell Daisy on you!"
As the Marigold looked at the flower, a dark shadow fall over her followed by a putrid stench of rotting flesh. Looking up to see grizzled form with gnarled teeth and something in its hand, she could only turn her head in confusion. What sort of creature was this? She wondered.
While she was not properly afraid, May was as she grabbed her little sister and made a run for it.
The creature seeing his prey try to escape, gave chase and quick over took the young hobbits, leaving the gripping each other for dear life. May watched in horror has the weapon rose above their heads ready to deal a deathly blow. She only wished she could have said goodbye to her family. Closing her eyes, she awaited their death.
Even though her eyes were closed she could hear as clear as a bell the sound of another weapon. Chancing to open her eyes, she saw, some sort of long axe, intersecting the fatal blow. On the other end, too her relief was Bifur.
Growling at the orc, Bifur put ever last muscle in his body to push the fowl creature back and away from the girls. The force caused the orc to stumble backwards, nearly tripping over a log in the process. With the little bit of given time, Bifur was able to position himself between the girls and danger. He didn't know who was coming or if anyone was coming at all, but he was going to save them even if it cost him his life. Sparing the girls a sideways glace, he nodded his head over to the bushes.
May like most of the Gamgees only played the part of the fool. Quickly grabbing her sister, she all but threw themselves into the bush for concealment. One hand wrapped around Marigold's waist and the other over her sister's mouth, she watched as the battle unfolded.
A strange calm eased over Bifur as he noticed the girls hid in the bush, grateful they did not try to run. Running might seem like a wise choice but there were orcs running about. If they were to run, there was a high probability for danger and their path to intersect. The girls would have to wait hidden until he was finished with this menace.
Turning away from the orc proved to be erroneous as he barely missed his face being sliced from his head. It was only with a faltering step back he was able to avoid it. Bifur needed to focus. If he thought too much about the girls, he would lose his focus and their lives would be in danger. Right now he was the only thing standing between them and death.
Raising the boar spear in both hands, he charged for the creature. The orc tried to swing at him with the long sword but Bifur unitized his weapons long range to dodge and avoid the blows while landing some of his own. It was this strategy and his patience helped win the fight. As the creature lay there bleeding, he waited, not moving a muscle until he was sure the creature was dead.
Satisfied with his kill, he rushed over to bush, pulling the two frightened children from within it's safety. He breathed a sigh of relief as he held the girls. They were safe and unharmed. Griping them to his chest, he felt little Marigold wiggle to look him in the eye. Her smile really did blot out the sun as she giggled and laughed as she was held. His little sun jewel was safe as was her sister.
Ori flung himself onto the shadow of the large rocks in the forest. Orcs! Orcs! What are they doing here? Over his years of travel, he was given the misfortune of seeing these fowl creatures up close and personal. He remembered what his brothers always told him. Stay still and stay in the shadows. He prayed they would over look his tiny form as he tried to become one with the rocks.
One of the orcs stopped to smell the air. Ori froze in terror. They smelled him. They must have. As if to confirm his dark fears, the two creatures turned to the rock and shambled over, their weapons already in hand to catch and kill their dinner. Holding his breath, he hoped they might miss him even as they approached.
A loud noise sounded though the forest as the battle cry drew their attention away from the rock and to their uninvited guest. A deep guttural growl forced from the throat of their guest was the only clue Ori was given to the identity of his savior as he refused to raise his head out of the shadow. Desperately, Ori tried to think of who it could be. Having not heard many war cries, his number was very limited to only Dori, who Ori once saw take down an orc with his bare hands. But it wasn't Dori…it was too deep and was too well projected. Someone with a bit more practice. Once, Ori asked Balin the reason for war cries. It was not for strength but for moral. Hearing the battle cries of your comrades, reminds one they are not alone. It was serves to unnerve ones enemies.
As he sat listening for the tell tale sounds of battle, the little dwarf was almost alarmed to find none. Had the battle finished as he was reminiscing? Who won? Was anyone hurt? He had to know. Carefully, he peered out from behind the rock, still eclipsed by its shadow. For his vantage point, he was able to see a monster of a dwarf standing like a mountain with his back to Ori. Ori sighed for the first time actually allowing himself to make any sort of noise as he took in the battle worn figure of Dwalin.
Hearing a noise, the warrior quickly turned, to examine the rock. A small smirk cracked on his face as he spotted little strands of rouge hair coming from behind the rock. Quickly, as not the scare the little one, he approached, putting away his weapons. The last thing the kid needed to see were his blood soaked axes. "It's alight little one." He rumbled as softly as he could.
Taking a moment to look the kid over, he was please to see there was no damage. Other than his clothes being a bit dirty, he seemed to be in fine health. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he reached out his large hands and gently picked up the child. As they neared the battle ground, one of his gargantuan hands grasped Ori's skull forcing it closer to his chest preventing the child from seeing the carnage. Dwalin had not been in the finest mood when he arrived to battle and the mutilation on the bodies showed it.
The brothers ran though the forest ignoring all sense of decorum and protocol as they franticly searched for their brother. Somewhere in the forest, was Ori. Neither knew if he was hurt, lost or…no. Not after everything. The boy was resourceful and would hide until someone found him. If the unthinkable happened and he came across an orc, the boy would hide just like they taught him. But until he was found, neither wanted to rest.
"Nori, look!" Hearing his older brother's voice, he quickly turned to see what his brother was so excited about. All of the pent-up energy left him as he looked at Dwalin carrying his little brother. The lad curled up into the guard's chest protectively as Dwalin for once didn't look like he wanted to hurt someone. He almost looked…happy.
Standing back he allowed Dori to rush over and grab their brother. While Dori gushed over Dwalin, thanking him over and over, Nori couldn't find the words to say. Perhaps later when he found them but until then a nod would have to do.
It was getting tiresome fighting the orcs, thankfully there weren't that many but the fear of losing yet another home was taking an emotional toil on Gloin. Finally, they found a place to stay. Finally, they found some sort of occupation. Finally, they were rebuilding their lives. If the orcs thought for one moment they were going to come in the shire and ruin all of that, they were sorely mistaken. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he looked over to his cousin. It felt just like old time, fighting against the orcs in defense of something they loved. But this time was different. Not only were they lucky enough with the lack of orcs but they had the element of surprise. Almost humorous it was to see the looks on the orcs faces as they caught sight of the dwarves ready for battle. Apparently, they didn't hear the rumor of the refugees from Erebor settling in the shire.
"Nice to be on the winning side for once, right cousin?" He shouted to Thorin and he loped of the head of a fallen orc. One could never be too carful.
"Nice is not the word for it!" Battle might be in his blood but it was not a requirement to enjoy the hardship every single time. Especially when he would much rather be at Bag End having lunch. Thorin tried to think of what sort of defense, the shire truly had. He knew there were some watchers but what good were they if they didn't know how to fight. Something about rangers, but where the hell were they now?
In the distance, Thorin heard something akin to the clomping of hoofs. The rangers? "Well, it's about bloody time!" Cursed Gloin as an arrow flew by nearly missing him as it become embedded into one of the few orcs. "Watch it!"
Feeling a hand tightly grip his arm, he turned to his cousin concerned. "I know some of them." Thorin whispered as iron grip refused to yield.
It took Gloin a moment to understand Thorin's fear. "Crap." This could ruin everything. "You head back. Bifur already left with the girls. You could tell everyone reinforcement have arrived and they no longer need to be shut in and afterwards hide in the forge. They won't look for you there."
"Really? They won't look for a dwarf in the forge?"
"You know what I mean. Go! Quickly before they see you." Pushing his cousin towards the village.
Gloin watched as his cousin disappeared into the foliage as the men approached. "Here comes the cavalry. Just in time for the battle to be over."
Watching the men dismount, Gloin felt all eyes on him. "You there, dwarf. What is the meaning of this?" Great, someone else who obviously didn't know the dwarves were there. Given Thorin's reaction to their presents, he could only assume they were not on friendly terms.
"One of my comrades heard orcs in the forest. We went to investigate. As you can see, we are more than able to handle them."
"And pray tell, why should the dwarves care if the orcs attack the shire?"
A better question is why were you late! "Our people have taken refuge in the shire. They do not seem to mind our presence and it was very fortunate we were here."
"Yes indeed." The ranger muttered.
Oin always said one day his big mouth would get him in trouble and today was probably that day. "I thought it was the responsibility of the rangers to protect the shire. Were they able to slip by your eagle eyes or were they allowed to pass?" Gloin kept rolling it over in his mind. The orcs should not have been able to get as far as they had unless they had some sort of assistance.
The ranger glared at the dwarf trying to make the smaller creature feel no bigger than an ant. It might have worked had if he was someone else, but Gloin didn't cow tail to anyone, even the king. "You are correct. It was an error on our part, which was soon rectified. Now, if you will excuse us, we have some business in town."
The ranger motioned for his comrades to follow him though the forest. Watching their backside, Gloin only hoped they didn't run into Thorin.
Thorin might have told Bilbo to stay away from the widow, but of course it didn't mean he would. The hobbit sat near the window sill watching and waiting as he hoped to see someone he knew. Until then he was forced to hold his breath.
However, seeing Thorin scurry past his home, Bilbo began to approach the door, with Frodo and Sam close behind. Where ever could he be going? If the battle was over, shouldn't he stop by here? Bilbo could tell something was amiss as he left walked down the path leading to town.
He took a moment to breathe a sigh of relief as he saw Hamfast holding his children with Bifur standing vigil. They made it back. All though he had no doubt Bifur would see them safely returned to their father, it was nice to have confirmation. Looking around he spotted Balin, his weapon still at his side, patrolling the area. "Balin!"
The old dwarf stopped to greet his king with a smile until he observed some sort of distress in his dark eyes. "*What seems to be the trouble?*" Balin knew he was being rude, but Thorin rarely looked this distressed.
Grabbing his mentor's arm, he brought the other close. While the hobbits might not understand the all the words, he was aware a few picked some up some words and now was not the time for someone's language prowess to make itself known. "*I might have been spotted*."
"*What? How?*"
"*The rangers in the forest. I recognized some of them.*"
"*Would they know who you are?*"
Thorin quickly nodded as Balin tried to push Thorin out of sight. This was bad. The dwarves built their reputation on their hard work, but a lie such as this could destroy everything.
"Oh, Thorin, there you are!" Great timing, Bilbo! Balin grumbled to himself. "Where are you going?"
The dwarves shared hidden look as they tried to come up with some kind of lie Bilbo might believe. Thankfully, Fili and Kili poked their head out of the forge door at the moment giving Thorin some extra time to think. "I was going to check on the lads before working on some plans to reinforce the village." It wasn't a complete lie. He planned to have a meeting with Balin and Dwalin later on to discuss the matter but at this moment it was a good out.
"Uncle, is everything ok?" Fili knew something was wrong with his uncle. Something in the way he stood, one foot to the door another forward as if he was trying to leave.
"Ah, yes. I want to tell you two, Ori is safe and there was no need to be locked up anymore. But stay within the Shire. I do not want anyone going to the forest until we are absolutely certain it is safe."
Fili knew his uncle was lying but would not push the issue. Instead, he forced his attention on his little brother and their friends. Hopefully, whatever his uncle was worried about would pass soon.
If the gods heard Fili, it was only to acknowledge and laugh because at the moment the rangers arrived in town. The leader took a puzzled look at his uncle before a huge smile broke across his face.
"Well, well. Who do we have here? I have not seen you in quite some time, your Highness."
Bilbo gaze shifted back and forth from the ranger to his lover. What was he going on about?
This was not happening. Everything they built was about to come tumbling down. Looking over to his nephews, he could see they came to the same conclusion. Even at their young age, they knew the repercussions and could see ever bit of the on coming train wreak with no ability to stop it.
"Thorin Oaksheild. Prince, well…King, I suppose now, never could find your father after the battle could you? And with your grandfather dead, I do believe that would make you king."
"King?" Thorn wasn't sure who spoke but it really didn't matter. His attention was sole on the man destroying everything he built.
"So tell me, Thorin, did no where offer you refuge? Was the Shire your last hope? Honestly, I would have thought your people would tuff it out instead of graveling to the hobbits."
"WE GRAVEL TO NO ONE!" He bellowed finally losing his temper. His secret might have been revealed but he was not going to let this man shame his people. They did not beg, they did not gravel. Anything they had, they worked hard for and no one could tell them other wise.
Dwalin, Dori, Nori and Ori could hear their king's roar across the town.
"Well, this can't be good." Quipped Dori as he adjusted his hold on his brother. "Oh, well. At least whatever is going on, does not have to do with orcs."
"That doesn't mean we should just stay here." Nori resisted rotating his shoulder. Any sort of ailment meant Dori hovering over him like a hawk.
Dwalin grunted in agreement as the two went ahead of Dori and Ori.
"Those two… Well, I am just glad everyone is safe!" Dori ruffled Ori's hair slightly watched them leave.
Crap! Was Nori's first thought as he took a good look at some of the rangers. Why the hell did it have to be them? Nori could feel the sweat starting to run down his neck as he tried to calm himself. While he might be on good terms with everyone in the shire, this of course did not mean the bounties on his head disappeared. A few of the men he recognized as pursuers from one time or another.
"Know them?" Dwalin grumbled as he took in Nori's body language. The usually calm dwarf was anything but.
"Yeah."
"Not friends?"
"Nope."
Nori might be the biggest pain in his ass, but he was still his comrade and the guard would defend him. Dwalin pushed the smaller dwarf near one of the alleyways. "Stay here and don't make a sound." He whispered as he used his giant body to block the entrance. If anyone were to come this way, all they would see was Dwalin standing with his arms folded looking irritated. Irritation was only one of the emotions though. Anger and almost pity were in there as well. Looking over at his cousin, he could see the dwarf's world falling apart.
"Of course you don't gravel, Your highness." Mocked the ranger as his gaze turned to the boys.
The hairs on the back of Thorin's neck started to rise as he noticed the shift in eye contact. As much as he didn't want the man's attention, he wanted it even less on his nephews. "What do you want?"
"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to say hi." He laughed as he saw the impotent rage on Thorin's face. "But we really should be leaving now.' As he walked by Thorin heard what only he was supposed to. "Next time keep out of other's businesses."
Balin watched as the rangers left, leaving the dwarves to try and pick up the pieces.
Thorin threw one of the many heavy hammers across the forge, striking the opposite wall. Rather than turning to the offensive anvil with the hammer, turning heavy iron over. His rampage continued leaving chaos in his wake. The creak from the damaged door only slightly brought back out of his rage. But seeing who entered was what caused him to pause.
"Is it true?" Bilbo spoke as he looked around the mess. "What the ranger said. About you being king." Still he received no answer. Deep down Bilbo hoped they were mistaken perhaps they thought he was another dwarf. But his logical mind knew the truth. Too many things were falling into place for it to be otherwise. "Don't just stand there! Tell me! Tell me they were mistaken!"
Thorin couldn't even look Bilbo in his eyes. To see the pain and betrayal was too much. Looking instead at the hammer, he wished he hadn't caused such a mess. Then he could hammer away his frustration. Perhaps the noise might even drive Bilbo away. That would give him time to come up with another lie. Bilbo seemed to want to believe anything other than the truth. Thorin could have told him the sky was purple and he might have bought it in his desperation. But no. He couldn't run. Not any longer. "No. They were not mistaken Bilbo."
But. There had to be a "but". Thought Bilbo desperately trying to make sense of his sifting world. Nothing came. Instead he watched silently as Thorin started to clean the ruined forge. The heaviness of such few words weighted his heart and breathing down as his mind started to work. Sadness, shock, betrayal and most of all anger. He was lied to, used as pawn, a fool. Rushing out of the forge, he glared at Balin for a moment before he continued on his way. He needed to get home. Back to where he was safe.
Balin didn't even try to stop the hobbit. There was nothing he could do. Bilbo had every right to be upset, not just with Thorin, but with all the dwarves. Each one of them was responsible for perpetrating this lie. Perhaps when everything calmed down a bit Balin could explain the situation to him. But why should Balin? It was not his lie, it was Thorin's. Speaking of Thorin, he had expected his cousin to come chasing out after the hobbit in a desperate attempt to explain himself. Yet instead he hid in the forge like a coward. His parents didn't raise Thorin or his siblings to be cowards and he would not let such behavior continue.
Like most of the Durin's, Thorin possessed a wicked temper. His wrath was evident in what remand of the once well organized forge. "Why are you still in here?" Balin demanded as he watched Thorin attempt to clean.
"Not now." The last thing he needed was for his cousin to reprimand him like he was a small child.
Balin had enough and did something he should have done a long time ago. Stomping over the Thorin, he grabbed the other by his ear and twisted painfully. Ignoring Thorin's cry, he continued to twist and turn like he had when Dwalin was little. "Now you listen to me, Thorin Oakensheild! You lied to that sweet hobbit. You had all of us lie to him. Now that your lie has been discovered, you wallow away in self pity when you should be out there trying to make amends." Shoving Thorin away, he look at him in the eyes. "Right now you are at a crossroad. If you follow him, you might be able to explain the situation. What was going on in your head, why you felt it was necessary to lie. But if you stay here, you might lose him forever. You deserve happiness, Thorin. I have always thought that and right now you have a choice."
"So your uncle is king…" Frodo whispered as he looked at his friends.
Kili was uncharastically silent leaving Fili to do all the talking. "Yes."
"So what does that make you?" Frodo looked at his friends as if it was the first time really seeing them. So, this was the big secret.
"I guess you would call us "princes". When I was born, Uncle named me his heir. It means when he steps down, I will take over." Fili didn't want to use the word "king".
"As king."
"…yes."
The little group didn't really know what to say to each other. Frodo and Sam never had princes as playmates before. Were they even playmates? Did princes have playmates?
A small unKili like voice caught Frodo's pointed ear. "Does this mean you don't want to be friends anymore?"
Balin, as always, was right. He couldn't just stand there and let one of best things which ever happened to him get away.
Running through the town, he ignored all the stares. Let them stare. He thought as he race thought the obstacles of dwarves and hobbits alike. All of the damage he would repair later, but right now he needed to repair his relationship. If it could be repaired.
Reaching Bag End, he was pleased to see Bilbo was not yet in the door. "Bilbo! Wait!" He cried. Surprisingly the hobbit did in fact stop. "Please let me explain."
"Explain? Explain how you lied to me on end? How you tricked me? How you couldn't trust me!" Everything Lobelia said was true. About Thorin, about his reputation, about everything!
"No, I-"
"Did you think I was a joke? Were you laughing at how foolish I was?"
"Of course not-"
"Then why? Why?"
Thorin thought for a moment. How to explain it? Would Bilbo even understand? "I can't really…I don't know how to explain it."
"Then I do not wish to see you again until you do." As Bilbo made his way to the door, he could still hear Thorin talking.
"I didn't lie about everything. And if it was still with in my power, I would give you a crown."
Slamming the door shut, Bilbo leaned against it his head in his hands as tears came down. A crown…
He had to get to the forest! He had to make sure he was ok. Making sure the coast was clear, Gimli tried to make a run for it.
A large hand grabbed him pulling him back. "Gimli, where do you think you are going?" Yelled his father. This was the second time his son tried to escape today. Many of the dwarves were sent into the woods to make sure there were no remaining orcs. The children were ordered to stay in the village. Gimli, unlike the rest of the children, was doing everything in his power to run headlong into potential danger. Gimli could hate his father for the rest of his life, but Gloin would be damned if he would put his son in unnecessary danger.
"Let me go!" Gimli tried to squirm his way out of his father's iron clutches to no avail.
Gloin had enough of this madness. Was his son trying to get himself killed? Did he want to others to get hurt? The forest was no place for his right now. "Whatever animal it is, I'm sure it will be alright. The Orcs don't care for forest creatures!"
"It's not an animal!" He cried as Gloin let go of his son in shock. "It's not an animal."
His father's mind raced. If its not an animal and Gimli was taking food to the forest…Oh shit!