Hello people! Sorry it took me ages to write another chapter.
For those of you that are still here, you guys are amazing! You have the patience of angels.
The dwarves needed some time to heal their wounds so, they spent the following days in the woods. Bronwyn gathered wood for the evening fire and thought back at the last few days. They were different, odd even. She knew she had earned some of Thorin's trust because of what happened but, the way he treated her was... Well disturbing, really.
He didn't glare at her anymore when she did something wrong instead, he offered to help her. He even gave her a piece of his food the other night, probably because he heard her stomach growl when she sat next to him, like that wasn't embarrassing enough. She knew it was a big improvement from before but it felt like he was too nice.
She also noticed that he was always around lately. Every time she left camp, he would be there prancing around, watching her... It is quite annoying really. There are some things that need to be done without someone watching her.
Bronwyn raised her arm and sniffed. Ehw , She hadn't been able to wash herself at all with the almighty king around.
She quickly looked around to see if she saw someone. I could pop to the river before dinner. No one would notice...
''Ah, Mister Baggins.''
For Eru's sake!
She turned around and yes, there he was. Coming through the trees with his long black hair, his arms behind his back being al majestic. Her heart jumped a little in her chest. It was already quite dark but Bronwyn could still see his piercing blue eyes gazing at her. Those blue eyes always made her a bit nervous.
''Mister Oakenshield. What can I do for you on this fine evening?.
His mouth turned in a faint smile.
''Just wondering if I may walk with you.''
''Ah, I see. Afraid I'll get taken by trolls again, are you?''
He laughed. It was a low deep sound , Bronwyn wished that she could hear that sound more often.
''You are quite capable of defending yourself. I know that now.'' A smile still lingered on his lips and Bronwyn felt captivated by it. She had never seen him act so carefree, almost happy. She noticed that she was looking at his lips a little too intensely and tore her eyes from his mouth.
''I wouldn't be able to defend myself if it wasn't for all of you. I never felt this brave or strong in my whole life. I wouldn't be anything without you.'' That last part just sort of slipped out and a blush crept on her face.
"Ehh... Ahem... I mean-" She waved wildly with her hands to cover up for her embarrassment. "If it wasn´t for you I would still be in the Shire reading books in front of the fire in my comfy chair."
''That is true. You would be still boring.''
Bronwyn looked back and saw Thorin's smug face looking back at her.
She grabbed some of the fire wood and hit him against his arm.
''I mean it though!'' She said, with the sternest look she could.
Thorin raised his hands is defence, a small smile still plastered on his face. Eru, she loved that smile.
''We'd better get back.'' He said when he looked at the darkening sky. ''We have an early start tomorrow.''
Bronwyn looked around at the direction of the river.
Well, it's already too dark for a bath. She suppressed a groan and dragged herself after Thorin. But she didn't felt too disappointed. Tonight turned out to be a good night. Bronwyn looked at the dwarf walking in front of her, at his long hair and strong back that could carry the world. He finally let down his guard around her. She even managed to make him laugh! It felt like she knew him a little better.
Bombur snatched the fire wood out of her hands when they arrived at the camp, mumbling something about her being late and him being hungry. Bronwyn chuckled and quickly released the fire wood from her arms.
''I thought you knew better than to let Bombur wait for dinner.'' Bofur sat under a tree and gave her a playful smile.
''I'm surprised he hasn't start eating you instead.'' Bronwyn joked back and took a seat next to him while he was trying to light his pipe.
''Oh, don't worry love. I'm pretty sure he won't eat me first.'' Bronwyn flinched a little. She wasn't sure what Bofur had said to her in the Goblin caves and she never had a chance to talk to him about it yet, but it was obvious he knew. He gave her a small wink and took a deep drag from his pipe.
That wink was al it took to convince Bronwyn that her secret was safe with him. He hold out his pipe and she smiled taking a satisfying drag, her eyes closed.
Ah, good old toby. Just like home. Home. Her eyes slowly opened. She hadn't thought about her home for awhile now. It's funny how much she enjoys being on the road, sleeping in the woods, washing in the river. Well, that last bit was a little tricky at the moment but she enjoyed it nonetheless. The fact that hey were hunted down by Orks wasn't really pleasing but, everything else just felt right. Back home she never felt so at ease, so herself. Which is pretty ironic considering she is posing as a man.
Kíli ran towards her with a bowl of soup.
''Eat up! Were leaving first thing tomorrow!'' The excitement in his voice was clearly audible. They were camped for a few days now and Fíli and Kíli became quite restless.
Bronwyn smiled when she looked at them running around while Thorin glared at them for disturbing the peace. When Thorin met her gaze, he rolled his eyes at his nephews and smiled back at her.
Yes, she never felt so at home. She thought, ignoring the loud beating of her heart.
Morning came and Bronwyn was roughly awakened by the two younger dwarves.
''Time to go!'' Fíli pulled her pillow from under her head and smacked it in her face.
''Ugh, I'm awake.''
All around her dwarfs woke up groaning at the excitement that was happening too early in the morning. After everything was packed and Fíli and Kíli were scolded by Thorin, they were finally on their way.
Sorry really short chapter! I wrote more but it just felt right to split it up. I hope to post the rest by the end of the day.
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