Chapter 6

"Oh... u-um... well... G-g-gandalf?"

The shrill cry from the hobbit makes my gut twist. I make a mental note to exclude him from future hardcore ribbing. He isn't in the same category as the dwarves and thus does not deserve my temper. Though ill-mannered, vengeful, and all-around spiky, I'm not a bully. Not at all happy with my whole 'kidnapped' statement, Gandalf looks just about 2 seconds from turning me into a toad.

"My dear Bilbo Baggins, this young lady arrived with extremely sensitive information concerning this quest."

"What has that to do with kidnapping the girl?" He turns to assess my situation and well-being only to find my hands tied to the saddle "She is bound! Gandalf?! I thought this to be a noble quest, yet your first order of business is t-t-to steal away maidens for... sensitive information? What sort of nefarious group-"

"It would serve you well, halfling, to choose your words carefully."

Though it is Gloin who speaks, the group as a whole begins radiating hostility. Sitting upon mounts, I've no doubt that they all look even more intimidating to the smaller male. It distantly tickles the back of my mind that my simple sentence has the power to change this story immeasurably if the Hobbit backs out. He'll go home and the world as they know it will be over. Sauron will get the ring and the vision for the enslavement of the Shire, along with everyone else, will come into fruition. I can't have the whole world falling into a darkness only found in the depths of hell just because a few people annoy me... Even if they killed my dog.

"All right. All right. Everyone just dial it down a notch. Bilbo, I HAVE been kidnapped but! But" I give him what I hope is a reassuring but stern smile. It's probably a flop but at least I'm trying "It was for a reasonably logical... reason. They think I'm a spy because I know some things that I shouldn't."

"... Are you? A spy?"

"No, of course not. I really couldn't care less about all of this before the whole stealing me away fiasco."

"As if one would expect a spy to admit to being a spy. Deceptive by nature." Dwalin stares me down and my small amount of morality for not destroying the world as a whole becomes a little less interesting "She's a spy if I've ever seen one."

"Well you don't even know what a dog looks like-"

"Enough about the mutt! I'll tame you a warg if you just stop-"

"I'd love to see it eat your face off!" shaking my head in anger, I toss my hair over my shoulder with violent shrug "You killed my dog and accuse me of being an assassin, amongst other things. I think I've got a right to be reasonably upset for at least a day!"

"Master Dwalin... Young Miss... Please calm yourselves. This argument is better saved for a quiet discussion, not held on the open road. Hm?"

"..."

"Master Baggins..." Here the wizard stop as if trying to gather the words that will keep the Hobbit from setting the authorities on the troop "This young lady is in possession of information that could be harmful to our mission, those associated with it, and even herself. It is in all our best interest that she remain in our care for the time being."

"... I-I see..." Still wavering on the side of caution, the Hobbit glances at me and then my hands "And her bindings? Is she... Violent or dangerous?"

"Why no, not at all, physically. The young Miss simply does not agree with remaining under our supervision. They are unfortunately necessary for her cooperation."

"What if... What if I were to ride with her?"

Blinking in surprise I gaze down at the tiny man curiously.. He's no friend of mine nor is he an experienced Horseman but here he is offering to share a saddle with me. How... Nice "Would you release her hands then?"

"Have you ever ridden a pony, laddie?"

"... Once or twice, Master... Bebar?"

"Ha! Bofur. Bofur, laddie."

"Y-Yes. Of course. My apologies."

"You'll get it in time, just as you will with riding but you shouldn't start with the untamed..."

"He can ride with me." Everyone's head turns in my direction and were I a lesser woman, I'd squirm under their attention. Thankfully I'm better than that "He has to ride with someone and since you'll all be watching us both like a hawk, it'd be easier if we were together."

The idea is a sound one but because it came from my mouth, Thorin frowns deeply at it. He exchanges hushed whispers between his favorite cousins and the Wizard while I roll my eyes in annoyance but throw Bilbo a half-smile. Shifting his pack nervously he returns it, though shakily.

"A splendid idea, dear girl." The dwarf king would seem to disagree with his wizard friend but he doesn't voice it "Very kind of you to offer.

"Uh huh."

"Fili. Kili. Help him onto the pony. Then..." The dwarf clenches his jaw so tightly, that I think he may crack a couple of teeth. "...release her hands."

"Yes, Uncle."

"Let me be the only one to warn you, girl. You will not be pleased if I come to regret this act."

"Yeah, whatever."

My flippancy is not well received but I didn't think it would be. Im insulting a king but go ahead and ask me if I care. Hint hint, I don't. Rolling my eyes again, I feel the pony shift beneath me as the princes approach. The eldest drops off his steed to come over and assist Bilbo in getting settled in front of me. The younger however is not so kind as he just starts taking out a small knife without climbing off his mount.

I can't help but to draw back as he comes nearer, even if it is to 'help'. He sees my apprehension and his face twist into a scowl.

"I'm not going to harm you, though it would be within my rights after the insults you gave me this morning."

"Precisely why I'm worried. I've never been on the receiving end of a blade that I enjoyed."

"Well no wonder you've chosen a life of crime, Lassie! You obviously need a good lay." I choke back a laugh at the joke, knowing I walked right into it, even as the youngest Prince blushes heavily. I can't have anyone thinking I have a sense of humor "It may be small but Kili knows his way around his blade."

"I-It's not- I'M not- Ah!"

Snatching up my hands, the brunette slices through the ropes and kicks his horse into a gallop until he reaches the front of the group. His companions laugh at his expense, even his brother offers a chuckle or two as he helps Bilbo into place. Once complete and everyone is back in their respective places, the leader calls for the procession to get into motion.

"Move out!"