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Celebrisilweth – Imagine how she's feeling about it all.

Rachetg – Glad you're enjoying it!

Concerning Hobbits and Dinner

As expected they reached the Shire just as the sun was starting to set. Fira had spent the whole journey doing her best to dodge Fili and Kili's relentless questions; why was she going to the Shire? If she was a dwarf why was she out alone? Had she family in the Blue Mountains? What family line did she come from?

Fira had done her best to avoid answering the brothers by asking them similar questions in the hope they would leave her alone. And whilst they were both willing to answer her, she could tell they weren't just going to drop the whole matter. She was also getting increasingly uncomfortable about the fact that Kili's arm was still around her waist. Whilst she wasn't too proud to admit she had needed his support, there was something else about his touch that shook her. Thankfully her long hair hid her face so neither would see her blush.

"And so," Fili said, "After about two days of arguing our mother finally agreed to let us come out here?"

Fira nodded, "Why was she so upset? What's so dangerous about the Shire anyway?"

Fili opened his mouth before shutting it. Fira sighed. Sometimes not talking gave just as much away as talking. It was obvious these two dwarves were her for something of importance. And Fira knew it was too much of a coincidence to hope there was more than one quest starting in the Shire. Nodding she moved her glance from Fili to see the view up ahead. Kili whistled in appreciation and Fira found herself nodding in agreement.

"It's…"

"Small," Kili finished. Fira snorted at his answer but he was right. She had never met a hobbit but they were clearly shorter than dwarves. Several small children ran past their ponies and Fira's eyes widened at the huge feet poking out from under their dresses. Fili took the lead and as they trotted along one of the many paths Fira saw several strange mounds and bumps in the hills. Only when she took another look did she realise they were houses! Houses underground!

"Fira?"

"Hmm?" Looking round at Kili, Fira saw a glimmer of concern in his eye.

"Tell us where it is you're going and we'll drop you off."

Fira looked down at her gloved hands. There was no way she would be able to put this off for much longer.

"I'm going to Bag End," she shut her eyes as she let both brothers process the information.

"Bag End?" Fili blinked, "Are you sure?"

Fira nodded, "Why?"

"Well," Kili flashed Fili a nervous glance before answering, "We're going there as well."

"Oh," Fira's stomach twisted uncomfortably. She had suspected as much, but to hear it in person shook her more than it should have. She wouldn't be able to do this. It didn't matter what Tharos had said. She couldn't do it.

She heard a small thud behind her. Looking down she realised Kili had dismounted and was now holding his arms out to help her. Fira raised an eyebrow at his manner; she could get off a pony well enough. Swinging her injured leg over however proved how wrong she was. The wound throbbed horribly whilst her other foot slipped from the stirrup. For a few seconds Fira found herself falling backwards. And then Kili grabbed her by the waist and pulled her down. Fira nodded.

"Thank you."

He bowed before grinning at her, "My pleasure my lady."

Fira said nothing as he then handed her, her pack. Instead she simply shuffled her feet.

"I'm not a lady."

Kili shrugged and Fili rolled his eyes.

"Ignore him Fira. He has this idea that his charm and good looks will make every single girl swoon at his feet."

Kili gave Fili an elbow to the ribs before grabbing hold of his pony's reins. Fili did likewise and Fira chewed her lip, aware of the awkward silence.

"Well I'm sorry Kili but I'm not the swooning type."

"Oh well," he winked at her, "I'm sure I can change that."

Fira shook her head. This dwarf was so sure of himself. Normally she found cocky people to be beyond irritating. But with Kili she didn't mind. It was as though his charm and cheekiness diluted his cockiness to a bearable degree. Shifting her pack so it was fully on her back Fira watched as the brothers tied their ponies to one of the many fences. She had no idea if they were allowed to do so – they probably weren't. But she could see no stables of any sort and it didn't look like the hobbits were going to run them out of the Shire for such an action.

"Fira?"

Looking up she saw Fili standing a few feet away. He gestured towards a slightly larger mound – or house as she now knew it to be – at the top of a flight of stone steps. Fira nodded and watched as Kili hurried off in front. Leaving her and Fili together.

"May I ask why you're here?" Fili whispered. Fira bit her lip and he shook his head.

"I don't mean that in a horrible way. I'm glad. The more people the better. But I've never seen you before. You aren't from Ered Luin are you?"

She shook her head and Fili sighed.

"Plus we weren't told of a woman coming along. I didn't think Thorin would have allowed it."

Fira shook her head again. She had to tell him something unless she wanted this whole thing to blow up in her face.

"Thorin…he doesn't know I'm coming."

Fili froze and Fira noticed he was already drawing out a dagger. Holding her hands up she took a step back.

"Someone else told me about this…quest of yours. I never said earlier because I had no idea you were coming as well. But I can help Thorin. I can help all of you."

"How?"

"That's for him to know." Fira waited with baited breath. Fili's face was unreadable and only when the dagger vanished did she relax.

"I'm sorry I never said earlier."

Fili nodded, "its fine. You didn't know us."

"Fee!"

At Kili's voice they both jumped. Fira flashed Fili a nervous glance but he merely nodded before turning to join his brother. Both hurried up the steps, leaving Fira to limp after them. They had already knocked on the door by the time she had reached them. Fili had puffed his chest out whilst Kili was wringing his hands nervously.

"Fili? I can't remember if it's Baggins or Boggins."

Fira rolled her eyes – not that she had any idea who they were meeting with. Fili opened his mouth when the door opened and all three of them jumped. Peering between the two Fira saw a short man with light brown hair that curled over his pointed ears. A thick red dressing gown hung from his shoulders and she couldn't resist a smirk at his annoyed expression.

"Fili."

"And Kili."

"At your service." As both bowed Fira watched as the hobbit's eyes rested on her for a split second. Then both brothers rose and she stepped back out of sight.

"You must be Mr Boggins."

Fira caught sight of an eye roll – so it was Baggins then. The hobbit shook his head.

"You can't come in."

He started to shut the door. Fira had never seen anyone more so fast in her life. Kili's hands grabbed the edge of the door and he shoved it open.

"Has it been cancelled?" There was real worry in his voice. Fili frowned.

"No one told us."

"Cancelled? No nothings been cancelled." The hobbit seemed more confused than Fira was. Kili nodded.

"That's a relief." He hurried in, closely followed by Fili. Fira stayed outside, deciding to watch as Fili unloaded his weapons into the hobbits arms whilst Kili wiped his muddy boots on a box in the corner.

"It's nice this place. Did you do it yourself?"

"No it's…that's my mother glory box can you please not do that?"

Fira raised an eyebrow at the hobbits tone. However, as his eyes settled on her she brushed herself down and smiled warmly at him.

"I'm Fira."

"Bilbo Baggins." He sighed. Hurrying inside Fira watched as Bilbo peered outside before shutting the door and locking it behind him. Removing her own pack and weapons she saw several other similar piles against the wall. Clearly this company was made up of more than a few dwarves. Bilbo shook his head at his mothers glory box. Not bothering to say anything Fira knelt down and wiped most of the mud away with her sleeve.

"I'm sorry about them."

Bilbo shook his head, "It's fine. The others are through there…I think."

Others? Nodding Fira got to her feet and made her way through the house. It was nothing compared to the grandeur of the Dragonborn halls but she couldn't deny it would be nice to live here. Each room had a warm fire and every so often she stopped to look at the pictures the adorned the walls. Her ears had picked up the sound of laughter from another room whilst behind her Bilbo was yelling again.

"There are far too many dwarves for one night!"

Ignoring him Fire brushed herself down before turning the corner. Fili and Kili were sitting by a beer barrel, trying to open it without breaking it. Meanwhile two other dwarves were leaning against the wall. One was slightly taller than her with a bald, tattooed head and thick furs. The other was older with a long white beard and dark robes. Both blinked at her curiously.

"Who, exactly, are you?" The bald on asked. Fira folded her arms – noticing both Fili and Kili had given up on the beer and were now watching with interest.

"Fira, at your service," she added with a bow. The two dwarfs nodded at her and the older one smiled.

"Balin, at yours," he pointed to the other, "This is Dwalin."

Dwalin narrowed his eyes, "Ye haven't answered my question lass. What are ye doing here?"

"She's part of the company Dwalin," Fili placed a hand on his arm, "Gandalf asked her to come."

At the mention of Gandalf Fira stopped. She had heard of him alright. Everyone knew Gandalf the Grey. If he was going to be on this quest then she would have to be extra careful. Dwalin raised an eyebrow.

"I don't care if he asked her. I'll not be happy until Thorin himself allows her on this quest."

Without letting Fira answer he roughly pushed past her. Balin gave an apologetic shrug whilst Fili and Kili sighed. Fira simply folded her arms.

"Cheerful isn't he?"

It hadn't taken long for Bag End to be thrown into chaos. Eight more dwarves had arrived bringing the total the twelve; and still no Thorin. Whilst the dwarves feasted on Bilbo's food Fira found herself hanging behind in the kitchen. She pulled at her gloves absentmindedly whilst her gaze often strayed to the window. Several of the others had seen her but no introductions had yet been made. Although she wasn't going to admit it to anyone, Fira had been shaken by Dwalin's reaction to her. She hadn't thought for one second that the others would hate her without even knowing her. Supposing Thorin didn't let her join? What was she meant to do then?

"Fira my dear?"

Fira glanced up to see a tall man with a thick grey beard sit down beside her. He was far too big for the chair but it didn't seem to bother him. Instead he just sat back and sucked on his pipe. She gave a small nod and the man smiled.

"My name is Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey."

"I've heard about you," it seemed to be the best thing to say. Gandalf smiled.

"And I've heard all about you."

Fira raised an eyebrow and Gandalf pointed to where the dwarves were still feasting.

"Kili hasn't stopped talking about you all night."

Fira lowered her gaze. But then she paused and looked over at the wizard who was frowning at her.

"What does a Dragonborn want with a group of dwarves?"

Fira's blood chilled. She hadn't told anyone! Gandalf smiled at her.

"I can sense your dragon blood my dear. Although it's not that strong."

Fira nodded with relief, "My mother was a Dragonborn and my father was a dwarf."

"Ah, that explains a few things."

Fira pulled at her sleeves, "I was exiled from my people and I heard about this quest. I thought I could be useful to them," she paused, "Only…only I told Fili that you invited me."

Gandalf chuckled before staring her in the eye harshly. For a few seconds Fira was sure he would throw her out. However he simply nodded.

"And that is what we shall tell Thorin when he arrives."

Fira let out a small sigh as Gandalf got to his feet. His head brushed against the light hanging from the ceiling and she couldn't help her smirk. Gandalf sighed before exiting the kitchen – making sure to duck on the way out.

"Bilbo?"

The hobbit gave a small jump and Fira smiled warmly at him. Despite having gotten dressed he looked more rumpled than when she first met him. He shook his head.

"My larder is completely empty! I've only just restocked it! I'll have to buy it all again tomorrow and I know old Master Proud-foot is going to start spreading rumours I'm getting fat!"

At this Fira risked a glance at his stomach. He wasn't exactly fat – not yet anyway. Bilbo shook his head again as the dwarves laughter could be heard.

"I don't even understand why they're here! No one of them have actually bothered to explain anything. They all seem to think I arranged this whole charade."

"You didn't?" Fira twitched her nose and Bilbo shook his head. She reached out and rubbed his shoulder.

"We'll be gone by tomorrow by the looks of things," she had no idea if this was the case. But the answer seemed to satisfy Bilbo.

"Am I interrupting?"

At Kili's voice Bilbo forced his face into a smile. Fira shook her head and as the hobbit hurried off to another corner of the house she pulled a chair out for Kili. However he was too busy staring after Bilbo.

"You looked…cosy with him."

Fira flinched at his tone. Wrinkling her nose she got to her feet.

"I was being polite. Given we've invaded his house, eaten all his food and trodden our mud caked boots across his carpets without so much as by your leave I figured it was time one of us at least acknowledged his existence."

He blinked at her and Fira gave him a bashful smile.

"I'm sorry I'm just tired."

Kili nodded, "It's fine. And you are right I guess."

Silence fell on the room and Fira knew Kili was staring at her gloved hands again. She tried to tuck them into her pockets when he reached out and took one.

"Why do you cover your scars?" He whispered. Fira shrugged; trying to ignore the sparks that shot up her arm. Kili gently turned her palm over and began easing her glove off. Fira wriggled her fingers, telling herself to free her hand. But she couldn't move as the glove came off – leaving her scarred hand in Kili's soft one. He gave her a sad smile.

"What happened?"

Fira shook her head; she had at least prepared this answer.

"Childhood accident; I was learning to walk and I tripped. I put my hands out and they landed in the fire."

Kili winced at this, "Why hide them?"

Fira watched as he took her other hand and removed the glove.

"I didn't want people staring and asking questions. It's not something I like talking about."

He gave her an understanding nod; "We wouldn't have done that. At least not much. People all have things they don't like talking about and we understand that. I know you might not think it judging by tonight but we do have a great respect for other people's feelings."

Fira nodded and gently pulled her hand back. Kili blinked before he realised he still had her gloves. As he handed them over Fira paused before taking them and slipping them into her pockets. Kili beamed at her.

"Have you eaten yet?"

Fira shook her head; in truth she hadn't eaten all day. Kili's eyes widened but he simply took her hand and dragged her towards the growing noise. Fira shook her head.

"Won't they wonder why I'm here?"

"They'll assume you're here because you've been asked to join us," Kili shrugged, "They won't really notice you anyway. They've had too much to drink already."

Nodding Fira allowed Kili to take her to the table. As he had said no one other than Fili and Gandalf paid her any attention. The others were laughing and talking amongst themselves. Sitting between Kili and the wizard Fira allowed food to be piled onto her plate by Kili. She tried to tell him she had enough but he wouldn't hear of it. Only when she thought the plate would break from all the food did she get him to stop. Kili nodded at her.

"Enjoy."

The chaos carried on even after everyone had finished eating. Fira watched as Bilbo hurried after Gandalf, complaining that the dwarves had done this to his carpet and this to his bathroom. She didn't really want to imagine what exactly they had done. She herself had relieved herself outside where, thankfully, no one had disturbed her.

"Excuse me?"

Fira looked up to see a small dwarf holding out a plate to Bilbo. During the meal Kili had done his best to point out who was who. Fira racked her brains before she got it. Ori.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but what do I do with my plate?"

"Here you go Ori," Fili took it carelessly, "Give it to me."

Fira's mouth dropped as he threw it towards Kili who caught it and chucked it behind him. Not only that but he had his pipe in the other hand. Bilbo began yelling as the pair carried on tossing the plates and bowls to another dwarf – Bofur? No Bifur – who was washing up. Meanwhile Bofur, Gloin and two others who Fira couldn't name were banging forks on the table.

"Blunt the knives, bend the forks." Kili sang. He had a deep voice and his eyes shone brightly.

"Smash the bottles and burn the corks," Fili joined in.

"Chips the glass and crack the plates!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!

Cut the cloth and trail the fat!

Leave the bones on the bedroom matt!

Pour the milk on the pantry floor!

Smash the wine on every door!

Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl!

Pound them up with a thumping pole!

And when you've finished, if they are whole!

Send them down the hall to roll!"

Several of the dwarves had gotten their flutes out and Fira looked over to see Gandalf cheering down at them. She herself wished she could share in their happiness.

"That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!"

As Bilbo gaped at his newly washed up crockery Fira watched the dwarves laughing at him. Her eyes fell on Kili's face for the briefest of seconds before there was a loud knocking on the door. The laughter slowly died and at the grave look on Gandalfs face Fira gave a small gulp.

"He is here."

Like the others Fira knew who Gandalf was talking about. Bilbo hurried towards the door and Fira could feel Kili's eyes resting on her. Forcing herself to keep calm she followed the others towards the door.

So she's finally met the company! And surprise surprise Dwalin's being a bit pissy about it. But Kili just keeps getting cuter and cuter by the second doesn't he? Really wish I had my own dwarf prince right now. As ever let me know what you think xxx