The Hobbit: Odd Love in Strange Times

Chapter 2 of my Hobbit story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkein and all associated companies.

Chapter 2

Having gathered their supplies, the people of Lake-Town began their journey to Dale. Their progress was slow but steady. There were wounded, but, inspired by Bard, those wounded put a brave face on things. Yet Bard insisted on them being treated as much as possible, so as not to make their wounds worse. The Dwarves and Tauriel accompanied them; doing what they could to help when necessary.

As the other Dwarves were preoccupied, they failed to notice the strange way Fili was acting. He was glancing, several times, over at Bard and his family. More specifically he was glancing at the eldest of Bard's children, Sigrid. His mind had been on other things most of the time, but he could not deny he hadn't noticed the strange feelings that stirred up inside him whenever he looked at her.

Shortly after Tauriel had healed his brother, Fili had found himself helping Sigrid tidy up the mess the orcs had made when they attacked. He had noticed things about her that he hadn't before and found her company delightful; that feeling had since grown.

'Could it be that I…have feelings for her?' He wondered; shocked at the thought.

He had seen the way Kili looked at Tauriel and recognized his reactions for what they were. To think of himself acting the same way, towards Sigrid, it seemed strange to him.

He glanced at her again and smiled lightly. 'I can't deny she is beautiful, but she is a lass of the race of Men, still a child…'

He continued to ponder these thoughts, as he helped an old woman who had tripped back to her feet.

Unbeknownst to Fili, Sigrid was in fact sneaking glances at, and thinking about, him too. She bit her lip as she did just that, looking away quickly as his head turned in her direction.

'He is…I've never met anyone like him.' She mused as she pondered on the golden haired heir of Durin. 'We've not really known each other that long but; it feels like. He's so…'

She was jolted out of her thoughts by her sister's voice.

"Sigrid; are you alright?"

She started and turned to Tilda, surprised. "Of-of course, why wouldn't I be?"

Tilda looked at her, brow creased in confusion. "Are you sure, your cheeks are red, I thought you had a fever?"

Sigrid bit her lip, realizing she had been blushing.

"It's nothing to worry about, really." She said quickly; trying to compose herself.

Tilda looked at her strangely but accepted her explanation.

'I'll have to be careful not to let that happen again.' She noted to herself. 'Tilda might have accepted what I said, but Da and Bain, no, they'd keep going until they found out the truth.'

Finally composed she focused on continuing the journey. Although still, every now and again, her gaze strayed over to the Dwarf Prince; although she tried very hard to be subtle about it and not let her thoughts get away from her.

Sometime later the large group had stopped to rest and grab something to eat. They made do with what they had, trying to make it last. Sigrid found herself taking some of the food over to where the Dwarves were sitting, talking quietly together. They all looked up as she arrived, Fili smiled politely at her and she felt a fluttering in her stomach.

"Here, I'm sorry, it's all we can spare." She said; handing the food over.

The Dwarves took the food gratefully; all nodding and thanking her, understanding the difficulties faced by the group right now.

Sigrid found herself lingering; she cast around for conversation, but could only come up with. "I hope you're all, well."

She cursed herself but the Dwarves smiled and Fili then replied. "We're all fine, thank you."

She nodded and yet still she lingered as the Dwarves ate; yet they didn't seem to mind; so she remained. A short while later Tauriel returned from scouting ahead; Kili stood and went to meet with her. The other Dwarves watched him go and shared a nervous look. Realizing what was happened Sigrid turned to leave, but couldn't help but overhear what they were saying.

"This could present some problems." Bofur noted.

Oin nodded. "Indeed; if Thorin were to find out…He'd be furious, his own nephew and an Elf lass…"

Fili then spoke up. "No ifs, Uncle will find out. I don't know about the two of you, but I will stand by my brother, no matter what."

The other Dwarves fell silent after that and Sigrid moved away; feeling like she was an intruder.

Bain looked up from the food he had just finished and noticed Sigrid. He watched her carefully, realizing she had been talking with the Dwarves. He had noticed how she had been spending quite some time with them during the journey, particularly the blonde one, Fili.

Feeling he ought to say something he turned to his father. "Da; I um…Sigrid seems to be spending a lot of time with the Dwarves, Fili in particular."

Bard smiled gently. "I've noticed; I don't see any harm in it Bain. It's quite clear they are friendly, that may even help us."

"You don't think though that…" Bain began, trailing off.

Bard narrowed his eyes, he had been wondering that, but there was nothing to prove it.

"Let's not jump to any conclusions." He stated. "Besides; what about you and that girl?"

Bain blushed immediately upon mention of her. "Elisa…Yes; we are, we're still seeing each other."

He looked over at where she was sitting, eating with her parents. She caught his gaze and smiled at him, he felt his face heat up even more.

"We're in love Da; I know her parents didn't…and I thought you…"

Bard shook his head. "Bain, it's alright; I understand."

Bain took a moment to realize that his father was actually giving their relationship his blessing and smiled.

Bard nodded and then explained. "Just be careful and always be sure to let Elisa know how much you care."

Bain smiled at this and nodded.

Finally, the group felt relief as they finally beheld the city of Dale. It was a ruin true, but there was still hope that it could offer shelter. That was what they needed most right now. Soon the people were moving into the city, already on the lookout for anything that could be used for help. Tauriel opted to remain with them, but the Dwarves announced their intentions to leave.

"We have to join up with our kin in Erebor." Kili explained.

The others nodded with Bofur adding. "Oh yeah, they'll be expecting us."

So they bid farewell to those they had befriended. Kili seemed to have a hard time saying goodbye to Tauriel. Fili had to admit, he felt something similar when he said farewell to Sigrid. Especially when she returned it, blushing as she did so. That had surprised him, but he said nothing of it. Soon they departed, Fili and Kili both taking a moment to look back as they did so.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.