Chapter 5
Hobbits were very strange creatures. Well, maybe not all of them but this one was.
Thorin thought as he pulled out his harp.
Everyone had decided to play a bit of music as a way to wined down before they turned in for the night. Hopefully it would put them in good spirits for when they departed next morning.
Master Baggins had retired further into the smial a while ago, saying he had some affairs to set in order before they left tomorrow. The wizard was lounging in a chair smoking his pipe, his brow creased and a far-off look in his eye as if in deep thought.
Once everyone was set with there instruments in hand they started to play a very, painfully, familiar tune.
Bilbo had left his Dwarves and retreated to his study an hour ago to wright a very important letter he had only just realized he needed to wright, apparently three weeks just wasn't enough time.
It was a letter to Gandalf. A letter that he would only give the wizard if he died before the Quest was over. About everything that had happened the first time, about Frodo and the one ring, about Sauron and Saruman and how sorry he was that they would never have the same friendship that they had the first time. He told of how selfish he had been and still was.
He was just writing out how he would haunt the old goat if he didn't watch over Frodo when he heard a soft somber tune drifting in the air from the sitting room, and then a voice gentle yet strong drifting into the Hobbits ears making his throat tighten, warm tears, once again making their way down his face.
Bilbo quietly walked down the hall, stopping just outside of the doorway to the sitting room, not even trying to quell his emotions, he knew it would be pointless anyway.
Far over the Misty Mountains cold,
To dungeons deep and caverns old,
We must away, ere break of day,
To seek our pale enchanted gold.
The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
While hammers fell like ringing bells,
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
In hollow halls beneath the fells.
For ancient king and elvish lord
There many a gleaming golden hoard
They shaped and wrought, and light they caught,
To hide in gems on hilt of sword.
On silver necklaces they strung
The flowering stars, on crowns they hung
The dragon-fire, on twisted wire
They meshed the light of moon and sun.
Far over the Misty Mountains cold,
To dungeons deep and caverns old,
We must away, ere break of day,
To claim our long-forgotten gold.
Goblets they carved there for themselves,
And harps of gold, where no man delves
There lay they long, and many a song
Was sung unheard by men or elves.
The pines were roaring on the heights,
The wind was moaning in the night,
The fire was red, it flaming spread,
The trees like torches blazed with light.
The bells were ringing in the dale,
And men looked up with faces pale.
The dragon's ire, more fierce than fire,
Laid low their towers and houses frail.
The mountain smoked beneath the moon.
The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom.
They fled the hall to dying fall
Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.
Far over the Misty Mountains grim,
To dungeons deep and caverns dim,
We must away, ere break of day,
To win our harps and gold from him!
By the end of the song Bilbo's face was flooded with the sorrow he felt for his Dwarves. It had been so long since he had last heard the tale he had almost forgotten just how heartbreakingly beautiful it was.
He turned quickly back down the hall before anyone saw him though he didn't notice a pair of grim steel eyes watching him as he dashed down the hall.
Very strange indeed.
Bilbo awoke at rusters call the next morning, feeling refreshed with a great sense of anticipation for the days to come.
He dressed quickly in a simple vest, cotton shirt and trousers and strode into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, He started frying up sausage and bacon in a pan over the fire. Cooking had always been one of his greatest comforts in life, he was going to miss it on their journey
Ori walked in while the Hobbit was mixing berries into the porridge, yawning all the while.
"Good morning master Baggins, something smells good." The scribe commented as he blinked the sleep out of his eyes and plopped unceremoniously into a chair at the kitchen table.
"Good morning master Ori." Bilbo chriped brightly, "Would you like some tea or coffee?" he injured.
"Just tea thanks, Dori says i shouldn't have coffee, that it makes me jittery" Ori replied with a smile
The Hobbit chuckled as he pulled raspberry muffins out of the oven, the fact that Dori wouldn't let him have coffee didn't surprise him at all but it was still amusing.
Just then Dwalin came stumbling in, a groan on his lips and a hand on his head, obviously suffering from the previous night
"Morning master Dwalin" Ori called with a smile, Dwalin let out another groan.
"Do you hav' ta shout lad?" The tattooed Dwarf asked rhetorically as he sat down and laid his head on the table. Bilbo chuckled again.
The Hobbit ventured into his cupboards and pulled out a jar of a special hangover tea his mother had invented, the Burglar had a feeling he would be using quite a lot of it this morning, also pulling out a simple camomile for Ori.
"Here you are" he said placing the tea in front of their respective owners. Ori thanked him, Dwalin grunted.
"That's a special Hobbit tea, it works wonders for hangovers." The Hobbit commented, while he flipped the bacon.
He was also preparing food for the upcoming journey, packing cooked meat in brown paper and putting together small jars of spices. He had thought of making Lembas bread but then he decided he didn't want to explain to Gandalf how he knew the recipe.
Like Bilbo's thoughts had somehow summoned him the old wizard came in at that moment looking in quite a state indeed, it was apparent that Dwalin wasn't the only one who had too much to drink last night.
"You wouldn't happen to have some of that hangover tea your mother use to make, would you?" he asked leaning heavily on his staff as he sat down.
"I've already got it out master Gandalf." Bilbo replied with a smirk, getting a mug.
"My thanks" the wizard murmured.
"Is the food almost ready?"
"Almost, master Ori, i'm just waiting for the tarts to finish baking" the burglar replied with a smile.
"Did someone say tarts?" Kili walked in at that moment followed closely by a haggard looking Fili.
"Yes i did, they'll be ready in a few minutes" the Hobbit mumbled, opening the oven to check on them and getting a face full of hot air in the process.
"But i'm hungry nooooow!" The brunette whined as he plopped down into a seat next to Gandalf with Fili sitting opposite him.
"Do not whine, it's unbecoming" Thorin reprimanded his nephew as he strode in.
Kili nearly pouted as his brother laughed loudly. Gandalf and Dwalin both let out groans of deepest agony.
"Good morning master Thorin" Bilbo chirped as he finally pulled the strawberry and blueberry tarts out of the oven.
Thorin nodded at him as he sat down next to Dwalin.
"You look unwell, are you sure you can handle fighting a dragon if a bit of ale has you in such a state" Thorin asked his friend with mouck concern
Dwalin glared at the king as if he were an Elf.
"I didn't think someone so stoic was capable of making a joke" Bilbo commented with all seriousness as he put plates and forks on the table. This is good, he thought, just keep casual and no one will notice how fast your heart is beating.
Thorin was the one glaring this time while Fili and kili were looking him as if he had just defeated Smaug and reclaimed Erebor single handedly, even Dwalin was smiling appreciatively.
"I think we're going to get along quite well master Boggins" Fili said as he laughed, Kili didn't stop chuckling until Bilbo set a plate of eggs, bacon, sausage and of course a tart in front of him, his eyes immediately lighting up as he started eating.
Throughout the next hour everyone found their way into the kitchen, many of them needing his special tea. When Bombur came in he struck up a conversation with Bilbo about the kind of spices he had used on the lamb the night before. After everyone was fed and watered they all started to get ready to leave.
Bilbo made his way into his room to retrieve the bag he had packed last night then wondered outside were everyone else was already waiting.
"Are you ready master Bilbo?" Gandalf called, standing just outside the gate.
"Yes. yes, i think so" he replied hoisting is bag higher on his shoulder.
"Then let's be off" Thorin announced, already marching away with the others.
Bilbo looked back at his home for what may be the last time but he didn't feel any sadness or regret, he found that he was completely fine with leaving and possibly never coming back as long as it meant saving the ones he cared for.
He locked the door, turned away and caught up with the others were he found Fili and Kili in the middle of some kind of playful argument, Gandalf was discussing something with Balin, Dori was scolding Nori for something while Ori watched his brothers with concerned amusement, Gloin was telling stories of his wife and child to anyone who would listen.
Yes, he didn't mind leaving at all.
Bilbo. Hated. Ridding.
It made sense why, Hobbits were never very fond of it but having to do it again made him remember just how horrible it was. His thighs chafed, it was bumpy, his pony smelled and his back ached, he liked ponys well enough but Hobbits really weren't meant for such thing.
Much to his dismay he was going to be stuck ridding for some time. They had left the borders of the Shire and hour ago and were well on there way now.
Bilbo's heart no longer did backflips every time he looked at his very much alive companions though it did still ache a bit it was to a tolerable extent now. He looked over to Fili and Kili who were riding side by side like always. He remembered how Fili had decided to stay in lake town to be with his brother rather then going with them to Erebor, he had always admired just how close and loyal they were to each other. It was refreshing to be able to see that again.
"Mister Baggins?" Bofur rode up beside him.
"Hello master Bofur" he returned with a smile.
"Can i ask you a question?" he inquired
"ofcourse"
"Are all Hobbits as accepting as you?" he asked slowly
"How do you mean?" Bilbo was a little confused.
"Well, it's just that most races aren't to accepting to outsiders but you just sort of took us right in without question, do all Hobbits do that?" The hatted Dwarf finished with a sideways tilt of his head.
"Oh! No they don't really, most Hobbits aren't to fond of outsiders, i mean they will always be polite just suspicious." The burglar explained
"Then how come you aren't?" Bombur inquired further as he rode up beside them.
"Uh...my mother liked to travel, she use to travel to Rivendell to see the Elves and when i was young she sometimes took me with her. Both my mother and the Elves taught me to be courteous to everyone no matter what race and they taught me to never judge anyone based on how they look." It was the best excuse he could come up with in the heat of the moment, he hadn't expected anyone to ask such a question.
"What in the world would ya' want to visit Elves for?" Bofur asked, appalled.
"Well Hobbits don't really have anything against them and they were always nice to me and my mother." he replied with a half smile, he had always found it funny how much Dwarfs and Elves hate each other.
"They might seem nice but Elves are no good, the damn leaf eaters" a new voice comments from somewhere to Bilbo's left.
Bilbo turned his head and saw that Fili and Kili had joined them at some point during their conversation.
"Mister Kili is right mister Baggins, Elves are not to be trusted" Bombur put in.
The Hobbit rolled his eyes at there words
"I know Dwarfs don't like Elves but i think you're being a bit ridiculous." he muttered.
"We are not!" Fili countered with a dramatic wave of his hand. "There are good reasons that Dwarfs don't trust Elves" he finished with a nod of his head.
"I'm sure there are but one bad Elf does not define the whole race." The Burglar shot back.
Fili sniffed with a sour look on his face but said nothing more, Bilbo counted that as a win, although if he wanted to get his Dwarves to trust him then perhaps he shouldn't be arguing with them, especially about Elves.
They had set up camp for the night near a small cliff off the road, Bilbo laid out his bedroll on the softest bit of grass he could find, a little bit apart from where the others were setting up closer to the fire and Bombur who was just getting supper started.
He still found it hard to believe that they were all alive and that he had been given this second chance to try and save them. Bilbo glanced over at Thorin who was studying the map that was so vital to their journey. Even now he found it hard to look at the king, when he had talked to him briefly that morning he had thought he might pass out. Thorin. Stubborn, brave, handsome Thorin. He didn't even know what to make of seeing his old love again. His heart pounded in his chest, his hands became clammy and he could swear that a horde of rampaging Wargs were running amuck in his stomach. In other words he felt like a damn tween again, which was not an experience he ever wanted to repeat.
He attempted to shake himself of his, not exactly pleasant, thoughts. He wandered over to Bombur in an attempted to distract his mind, though he told himself it was to see if there was something he could do to help.
"Good evening master Bombur, what are you cooking?" the Hobbit injured lightly.
The ginger Dwarf jumped from where he was leaning over his pot, startled.
"Oh! I'm uh, i'm making beef stew ladie" He replied once he righted himself. Bombur fidgeted a moment, leaning his weight from foot to foot, looking a little stuck, finally he spoke. "Master Baggins, if i may ask, what did you put in that beef stew of yours last night? It was very good" he finished hurriedly.
Bilbo blinked at him a moment, well it seems his food had made a good impression after all.
"Well, um, thank you, it's nothing special really, just a oregano, cumin, cinnamon, basil, parsley, pepper and a bit of rosemary from my garden" he looked down as he felt heat raise in his cheeks, fiddling with his fingers as he shuffled his feet.
"Ah! Of course!"
Bilbo looked up abruptly at the sound of Bombur's loud voice.
"Cinnamon! Of course! I never would have thought of that. Now tell me…" and he was off asking all sorts of questions regarding all thing cooking and food, with Bilbo answering in turn, equally as pleased to have someone to talk with about such a familiar topic as cooking.
Bilbo couldn't say he had know Bombur particularly well when he had returned to the shire the first time but he did know that he wasn't a worrier by nature, rather a kind hearted Dwarf with a warm smile and a love for the simpler things in life. He reminded Bilbo a bit of himself in that respect. Even though Bilbo very much loved a nice adventure every once in awhile, he did still enjoy his books and soft armchair, just not as much, at least not any more
Bilbo decided he would get to know as much about Bombur as he could while on their quest. After all he might not get another chance.
"It's our little secret Myrtle, you must tell no one." Bilbo whispered as he feed an apple to his pony, just then the sound of screaches could be heard in the distance, makinging the Hobbit jump though he knew what was to come next.
"What was that?" he asked, turning towards the fire. he knew the answer of course but he wanted to hear it again.
"Orcs." KIli answered with, what appeared to be seriousness, though Bilbo could see right throw it.
"Orcs?" The Burglar asked with mouck concern, now moving to sit at the fire with the princes.
"Throat cutters, they'll be dozens of them out there." Fili continued.
"The lowlands are crawling with them, they strike in the wee hours of the mornings when everyone's asleep, quick and quite; no screams, just lots of blood." Kili finished their dramatic speech, cracking up immediately afterwards only to be sobered by the stern voice of their uncle.
"I didn't mean anything by it" the archer apologized.
"No you didn't. You know nothing of the world" Thorin muttered darkly as he stalked past Bilbo, had he not of know the story the Hobbit would have thought Thorin over dramatic, actually, he still did.
"Don't mind him laddie, Thorin has more cause then most to hate Orcs." Balin assured, walking over, "after the dragon took the lonely mountain, king Thror tried to reclaim the ancient Dwarf kingdom of Moria but our enemy had got there first. Moria had been taken by legions of Orcs lead by the most vial of all their race; Azog the defiler, the giant had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began by beheading the king. Thrain, Thorin's father was driven mad by grief, he went missing, imprisoned or killed we did not know. We were leaderless, defeat and death were upon us. That is when i saw him; a young Dwarf prince facing down the pale Orc, he stood alone against the terrible foe, his armor rendered, wielding only an oaken branch as a shield. Azog the defiler learned that day that the line of Durin would not be so easily broken. Our forces rallied we drove the Orcs back, our enemy had been defeated but there was no feast nor song that night for our dead were beyond the count of grief we few had survived and i thought to myself then, there is one who i could follow, there is one i could call king." The company all looked to Thorin as Balin finished his tale standing stoic and vigilant, there they saw someone they too could call king, although if you looked closely enough into the Thorin's steel eyes you could see a pain that ran much too deep for any of them to understand. It's that pain that worried the Hobbit.
I had forgotten about this part. Bilbo thought miserably as the company trudged along through sheets of rain. It had been like this for two days and frankly everyone was tired of it. The murose weather did nothing to keep the Hobbit out of his own head, the dark clouds converging upon the sky only served to remind him of the darkness about to embark on the world. The war. A catastrophic collision of all the races of MIddle earth, before finally being won by the hands of an Elf, a Dwarf, a wizard, a woman, two men and four amazing Hobbits one of which he loved and cared for above all else.
Despite his age in which the war had been won he could remember it well, despite his eyes being half blind Bilbo could still see the change in his dear Frodo's eyes, he could see the toll the ring had taken upon his nephew. The thought saddened the Burglar greatly, even now when he had the chance to change that fate, to destroy the ring and end the war before it ever began. The notion frightened him a bit, the mere idea of trekking through the dead plains of Mordor, and up the jagged terrain of Mount Doom was enough to send shivers of dread down his spine but he would rather die than see Frodo succumb to that fate once again.
"Mister Gandalf can't you do something about this deluge?" Dori's voice snapped Bilbo out of his less than pleasant thought and back into his less than pleasant surroundings.
"It is raining master Dwarf and it will continue to rain until the rain is done." the wizard replied irritably, "if you wish to change the weather of the world you should find yourself another wizard.
"Are there any?" Ori piped up, bearly adubal through the rain
"Any what?"
"Any other Wizards?" the scribe elaborated.
"There are five of us, the highest of our order is Saruman the white then there are the two blues, you know i've quite forgotten their names, then there is Radagast the brown." Gandalf finished.
"Is he a great wizard or is he more like you?" Bilbo jabed, unable to help himself.
"I think he's a very great wizard" he answered a bit indignantly, "in his own way, he's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others, he keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the east and a good thing too, always evil will look too find the foot hools in this world." the wizard finished
"Gandalf, was there ever a time in which you were not dramatic?" the Hobbit asked rhetorically.
Fili and Kili gafuad from behind them while Gandalf looked more indignant the ever.
A/N: okay so i'm probably not going to be doing many of these authors notes but i have a question, i was thinking about what to do with Smaug, my original plan was just to do the regular thing and kill but then i saw some human!Smaug fanart and i thought what if Bilbo found a way to turn Smaug good?( this would include jealous Thorin and an interesting BotFA) so what do you think? Let me know in the comments if you want me to do 'good Smaug' or 'bad Smaug'.
-Dork