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marvelhead17 · 3 years

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The Tale of Eossimar (Original Female Character x Bofur Fic)

Chapter 5

Word Count: 6.4k

Warnings to cover the whole fic: Fake relationships, half-blood children, mild violence, fight scenes, male/male relationships, Dwarf gender concepts, battle of five armies fix-it, pre-battle of five armies, near death incidents, talking to dead people, mentions of paradise/heaven.

The sunlight casting through the front door was what alerted Thorin to the start of the new day; he immediately got up and started to wake the rest of the company from their sleep. Soon they were all up and they wandered out into the sunny day, most of them raised their hands to cover their eyes as they adjusted to the sudden brightness, and they found Nari, Callon and the princes already standing outside.

“Morning, I was just about to come wake ye up,” Nari greeted them, “Thought ye might need the rest,”

“Yes, well, we’re rested now,” Thorin nodded.

“Callon suggested visiting the market so we can get some supplies if ye need,”

“By all means,”

The group walked on towards the marketplace, it was near the entrance they had entered through the day before, and bustling with activities already considering it was only the start of the day.

“For a small village your people don’t seem short of busyness,” he noted.

“One has to keep busy if ye can’t live a life outside of these walls,” she glanced back at him and his wandering gaze turned to that of shame, she stopped walking and stood in what seemed to be the centre of the marketplace, “Now I’m sure ye’d like to get yer hands on some supplies whatever they may be, so explore what we have to offer, and tell the owners that I sent ye, if they give you grief then find Callon or me,”

“What about the weapons you promised us?” Dwalin asked.

“Ye’ll get them later, we’ll meet up back here sometime passed noon,”

The company didn’t argue and disbanded into smaller groups, each moving to a different stall of their choosing, the only remaining were Nari, and Bofur.

He walked over to Nari with his hands behind his back and a big grin on his face, she raised her brow, “Ye wouldn’t happen to know where I could acquire a musical instrument would ye?”

She smiled, “Aye I would, come along,” she cocked her head and started walking towards the furthest side of the marketplace.

The stall was set up with a variety of instruments displayed on a beautiful red cloth, and they approached it just as a young family finished up their purchase, their young child jumping in tow of their guiding hand while clutching a lute in their own small hand. Bofur looked across the entire table, to his amazement there were some instruments he’d never seen before, and some were so large that they had to be displayed from the ground up.

“Got a big enough selection have ye?” he asked the stall owner, he stared longer than intended as he tried to recall where he had seen the face before.

“Ye remember Nikolas, don’t ye?” Nari asked.

“Oh, yer brother-in-law, I thought I recognised him,” he stuck out his hand to shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet ye, officially,”

“You must be part of the company that has my poor wife fretting,” Nikolas chuckled and took his hand giving it a firm shake before releasing it, “What’s yer name?”

“Bofur,”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He gave a genuine smile, “So what do you have your heart set out for?” He looked him over, “Perhaps a flute?”

“Oh ye’re a right clever lad, how did ye figure that out?” Bofur asked in amazement.

“You have an old one hanging from your side,” he nodded his head and Bofur touched the dangling instrument and laughed.

“I must’ve put it there out of habit,” he untied it and held it in his hands, “Though I do believe that this one has seen better days…” he sighed.

“How did I not notice that?” Nari asked out loud, “Ye know, I didn’t think ye to be the kind to play something so delicate,”

“Really, and why’s that lass?”

She shrugged, “I just thought ye’d play the drums or perhaps a lute, something more accustomed to yer personality I suppose,”

“There’s plenty about me I could surprise ye with,” he winked at her.

“Well I have plenty of selection for you among the flutes,” he gestured to the ivory, ebony, metal and honey coloured options, “Oak, maple, brass, silver, even bone; have a look,”

Bofur looked down at all the variations, seemingly overwhelmed by the sudden need to choose, to him they were all beautiful, and then his eyes fell upon it. He carefully picked up a white flute, examining the intricate carvings of flowers that were well planned and etched with care, something about it made him desire it.

“This one, it’s perfect,” he almost whispered.

“Ah, the stag-bone flute, it took me over a year to carve that one,” Nikolas said, “It’s best suited for upbeat music, and it’s the strongest material I’ve encountered, it will last a lifetime,”

“Is that so?” Bofur asked, becoming deflated, he moved to place it back onto the table, “It must cost a fortune-”

“Then I shall pay for it,” Nari stopped him, “How much Nikolas?”

“Nari, you’re family, I could not-”

“Ye said it yerself, it took a year for ye to carve, and I will not have my nephews and niece suffer because their father may struggle to make ends meet,” she retrieved a pouch of coins, leaving him no room to argue. “How much?”

“Two hundred and fifty,” he said, she looked at him with a small glare, “Alright it's three hundred and fifty,” he sighed, she smiled and dumped the bag of coins on the table.

“That should be enough, thank ye Nikolas,”

“You’re welcome, thank you.” Nikolas nodded with slightly widened eyes, he cleared his throat, “And don’t worry about Lúthrien, she just needs time to calm down, you know how she gets,”

“Aye, I know,” she nodded. “Let’s go,” she looked to Bofur and walked on, he followed after her.

“I can’t thank ye enough for this,” Bofur beamed, “Truly, I owe ye,”

“Consider it a gift, ye did almost die following my instructions after all,” she looked at him and gave him a lopsided smile, “Probably the least I can do to make up for it,”

“Still, that was a great deal of money,” he glanced at the instrument and carefully tied it to his side.

“Really, it was nothing Bofur.” She waved her hand, “Now, is there anything else ye might need?” Nari looked around at the other stalls and raised a brow to him, he shook his head, Callon and the princes were examining knives with the craftsmen not too far off and her brother was eagerly speaking with Fíli while Kíli seemed distracted.

“Nothing more I could need,”

“A dwarf of simple needs I see,”

“Aye, ye have to be when ye move about from town to town,”

Nari glanced up at the sky, “Let’s take the opportunity to enjoy the sun while we’re here,” she suggested, Bofur agreed and they walked side by side until they reached a sitting area.

They found that Bombur was seated further away with a large pile of food before him, Bofur laughed at the expression on Nari’s face as he sat on a bench, she sat next to him and looked at him with concern.

“Does he always eat that much food?” she asked, noting a wheel of cheese, fresh fruits, bread rolls and some cooked meats all piled together.

“Aye,” he leaned back and looked to the sky before returning his gaze to her, “Ever since I could remember Bombur’s always eaten hordes of food, mind ye, he can cook about as well as he eats,”

“I’ve heard ye should never trust a slender cook, so I would believe ye,” Bofur laughed and she looked at Bombur in wonder. “How do ye know him?”

He rested his hands behind his head and stretched his back out, “He’s my older brother,”

“Really?” she asked in surprise.

“Aye, the resemblance is uncanny, I know,” he grinned with a familiar cheek. “And that dwarf who wears the decorative axe in his head is our cousin, Bifur, we’re not quite sure how it got stuck there, but he was never much for words to begin with,”

“Well I certainly see the resemblance between ye and Bifur,” she chuckled lightly, “Ye both like to adorn yer heads with funny things,”

“Ooh that was a low-blow,” he pretended to wince and grab his side.

“So who else is related? I gather Fíli and Kíli must be related, and Fíli addressed Thorin as ‘uncle’?”

“Aye, Fíli is Kíli’s older brother, and Thorin is their Uncle by blood,”

“That explains why he’s been so protective of them,” she nodded, “I take it he has no bairns of his own?”

Bofur shook his head, “I don’t think he ever looked to find love, but he treats his sister’s sons as if they were his own,”

“I understand that,” she looked around the marketplace absentmindedly.

“Aye, ye seem close to yer nephews and niece,”

“What? Oh yes,” she caught sight of her brother, “Them too. But I’ve been keeping an eye over my brother since he was a pebble,”

“He must think the world of ye for that,” Bofur said, Nari looked to see that his face was serious, she glanced back at Callon.

“I could only hope so,”

Bofur didn’t press the subject further, so he continued speaking about the company, “And then ye have Dori, Nori and Ori, they’re all brothers, different fathers and in that order by birth,” he pointed to the three that stood together near a crockery stand, “Dori is the grey-haired mother hen of the lot, Nori the pointy-haired lad likes to make bets and does the occasional theft now and then, and young Ori is an artist and writer, and I heard that he’s hoping to document our journey someday,”

“Dori, Nori and Ori, alright, that’s not at all confusing,” Nari scrunched her nose and pointed to Balin and Dwalin, “And they are brothers as well? At least that’s what I gathered based on dinner last night,”

“Aye, Balin is Dwalin’s older brother, they may not seem like it but they’re thick as thieves, and our healer Óin along with his brother Glóin are their cousins as well,” he pointed out the two older dwarves.

“Balin and Dwalin, those names continue to sound so familiar…” she thought for a moment and then shrugged it off, “Never mind.” She nodded to Bilbo who had found himself in conversation with Thorin. “What of Master Baggins?”

“Bilbo? Oh, he’s on his own, poor lad, there’s no family I know of waiting for his return back to the Shire either,”

“Oh, that is a bit sad,” she rubbed her hands awkwardly together, “But what I meant was, why did he join the company?”

“Oh! Well we needed a burglar to get inside the mountain and get the Arkenstone, he’s lighter than a feather when he wants to be that Bilbo,”

“Burglar?” she frowned, “He doesn’t seem the type... but who am I to be judging?” she leaned back on the bench and stretched her arms out behind her, “Well I’m certainly glad to know more about the famous company. Thank ye,”

He smiled at her, “Anytime… though if ye wanted to be alone with me all ye had to do was ask ye know, ye didn’t have to single me out,”

She laughed and smacked him playfully on the shoulder and pointed at him, “Ye were the one who sought me out, playing daft the way ye were,”

He chuckled and rubbed his arm where she had hit him, “Caught on to that, did ye?”

“Of course I did, ye’re a right cheeky dwarf, and it’s easy to tell when ye’re up to something,” she smiled at him and rested her arm on the bench, “So, tell me more about yerself,”

“About, about me?” Bofur almost stuttered, “What about me?”

“Anything really,” she rested her chin on her hand and looked at him, “It’s not often that we meet people from outside of our village anymore,”

Bofur was about to speak when he was interrupted, “Nari, I’m sorry to disturb you,” it was the young elf maid from the evening before, Elva, he recalled, “But it’s nearly noon and-”

“Already?” she asked, looking up at the sky, “My how the time flies… I’m sorry to leave ye on such short notice Bofur but I have something I need to attend to, tell the others I’ll meet them shortly,” she excused herself and got up, jogging away from the marketplace and out of sight, with Elva following not far behind.

Bofur closed his mouth and lowered his hand, he was joined by Fíli and Kíli who seated themselves happily next to him, the youngest brother decided to prop his leg over Fíli’s lap while munching on a sweet treat in hand, with Callon standing nearby and looking to where she had gone.

“Must you put your leg on my lap?” Fíli sighed.

“What?” Kíli asked through a mouthful of food, “Nari said to keep it elevated,” he grinned and took another bite of his food.

“The only time you decide to listen to someone, and you decide to use me for a footrest,” Fíli sighed, shaking his head, he looked over to Bofur and frowned. “Where did Nari run off to?”

Kíli bent his head back to look at Bofur upside-down, “Yes, she seemed eager to leave,” he munched at his food again.

“Kee,” Fíli hissed, making the young brother move back upright and shrug.

“What? You saw it with your own eyes-”

“Sometimes there are things you just can’t say-”

“Well I wish I knew lads, she just pardoned herself and then ran off down that way,” Bofur pointed in the direction. “I think it had to do with whatever that Elva lass told her yesterday while we were waiting to bathe,”

“Bofur, where is Nari?” Thorin asked as he approached them, the other members had gathered to the bench and some looked around muttering to each other.

“What time is it?” Callon asked, causing everyone to look at him.

“That lass Elva said it was nearly noon, why?”

“I know where she went, and it’s not good,” he tensed slightly, he looked at the others, “I don’t suppose it’s anything to hide, so ye may as well come along,” he nodded his head and walked off.

“Are you certain we should be going to wherever she is?” Thorin asked him.

“Well, most of the village will likely be there to watch, it’s no secret,”

The company all glanced at one another and shrugged, they tried to bounce ideas around quietly about what it could possibly be, but none of them were close. They stopped their chattering when they heard a loud whistling noise from nearby.

“Seems that we’re just in time,” he stopped walking and the dwarfs nearly walked straight into him, grumbling they dispersed and looked ahead.

Nari was facing a dwarf not too far from herself, in an open clearing that was surrounded by a crowd; they kept their distance as they waited. He removed his sword from its sheath and Nari did the same, neither moving from where they stood, holding each other’s gaze.

“What’s going on?” Kíli asked Callon, seating himself on the ground to rest his leg.

“Cáleb’s trying to win my sister’s hand in marriage,”

“Marriage?” Bilbo asked surprised, “It looks like they’re about to dual-” he said in disbelief, “Is this normal Dwarf custom?”

“Certainly not,” Balin shook his head.

“Right, so who’s betting that Nari shall beat the lad?” Nori asked, not hesitating in making money out of the situation.

“My money is on the lass, if she can nearly get Thranduil then she can certainly handle this dwarf,” Bofur said confidently, “How much are we talking?”

“A hundred coins,” Nori said.

“I agree with Bofur, I’m certain the lass can handle her own,” Dwalin agreed.

“Really? I don’t think she’d be able to,” Kíli shook his head, “I wager that she won’t win,”

“I might not be agreeable with the violence of the situation, but I’d put my money on her,” Bilbo nodded.

“I’ll wager that she might teach him a good lesson,” Fíli smirked, “She doesn’t seem the type of dwarrow to be objectified as a trophy, I’m in,”

And soon enough the others had placed their bets; Bofur, Dwalin, Bilbo, Fíli, Dori, Nori and even Callon had made the wager for her to win, while Kíli, Bombur, Bifur, Ori, Óin and Glóin otherwise disagreed, the winners would divide the money amongst one another; Thorin and Balin wanted nothing to do with it as they watched on in concern.

As if they had been waiting for the bets to be placed they started to move, with Cáleb making the first swing towards her, she lifted her sword and swiftly blocked the attack, and taking a strike at him in return. They continue their back and forth assaults, with Cáleb seemingly taking the lead, the company muttering among one another that Nari was holding back against him while the others waved it off.

Nari was returning the swings with ease, until Cáleb’s foot slipped underneath her unnoticed and tripped her up, she stumbled backwards onto the ground with a grunt and he took the opportunity to try and pin her arms down, kneeling heavily over her.

She wriggled underneath him, both of them panting slightly from the exertion; he looked her dead in the eyes.

“Yield,” he growled, she freed her arms from his grip and grabbed her sword that lay next to her.

“Never,” she quickly slid her sword between their chests as a barrier, and grasped the other end of the blade with her other hand, she shoved him off of her with excessive force and he immediately moved back to retrieve his sword.

They fought again with their swords clanging away, but the company could sense that Nari’s swings were becoming more aggressive than needed; in fact to their surprise she missed a few chances to strike him. Cáleb swung hard enough to spin Nari on her heel, momentarily disorientating her direction of attack, and he came up behind her speedily, pressing his free arm across her chest into him and held his sword to her throat.

She didn’t hesitate in elbowing him in the gut, breaking free from his hold and then turning to strike him with her sword again; however, he had raised his sword in the nick of time as the weapons made a loud ringing as they scraped against each other.

Neither of them backed down, and as a result their swords were reaching dangerously close to their hands, Cáleb struck his sword against her hand to disarm her of her weapon; she dropped it with a yelp, shaking her hand but not slowing down when reaching to pick it up once again.

Cáleb’s sword to her throat made her fall short, she looked up at him as he eyed her, he pressed the cool metal to her neck and she didn’t give him the satisfaction of expressing her fear, simply staring at him.

“After all this time and you still hold on?” He asked, moving the blade slowly to the single braid that dangled from her face, with a flick of his wrist he cut it from her hair and it fell to the ground softly.

“I reckon she might just kill him now,” Callon muttered, pressing a hand to his head with a deep sigh.

“Why would ye say that?” Bofur asked.

“Our father braided that some time before he died, that was sixty years passed,”

Nari briefly glanced down at the braid; before she ducked under the sword that Cáleb now hovered carelessly by her, he stepped back in surprise at her sudden movement, clearly believing that he had won the match. She grabbed for her sword and swung hers hard enough to knock his from his grasp, it landed just in front of the crowd that had now gathered, he looked at her with widened eyes and started stepping backwards as she stomped towards him.

The most unforeseen events followed as she threw her own sword to the ground in rage, “Ye dare to dishonour the memory of my father?” She charged forward and grabbed him by the tunic, raising him from the ground slightly and pulling him close to her face, she used her free fist to punch him squarely underneath his jaw.

The crowd including the dwarves winced as he tumbled onto the ground stomach first, and he looked back almost helplessly as she came up behind him. She grabbed the scruff of his tunic using both hands, plucking him off the ground without effort; she walked backwards and then ran forwards, releasing him towards an empty hay-wain.

Feathers, hay and a few loose chickens flew into the air at the sudden collision, she brushed her hands off and watched him as he struggled, the company staring at her and astounded by her strength. He coughed heavily and discarded some of the mess that now covered him, wobbling to stand himself up once again, and he was clearly dazed and struggling to make sense of where he was.

His face was dirty from the mess of the hay-wain, and the drying blood that had bled out and dripped down to his mouth.

“C’mon! Ye wanted a fight and now ye’ve got one,” Nari gestured for him to come closer and he hesitated, “{Fight me!}” she yelled, causing some of the crowd to be startled, he walked forward slowly and raised his fists to protect his face.

She made a few low blows to his abdomen which winded him, and he tried his best to get a few hits but missed on every attempt, his vision getting the best of him as he tried to focus himself. She hit him hard in the stomach and he dropped his hands to hold himself, she immediately punched him in the face and he crumpled to the ground with a spin.

Some of the crowd cheered while others gasped and talked in fear, only a handful booed their dislike. She moved back and retrieved Cáleb’s sword in her hand, Nari hovered over him and raised the sword, the crowd panicked as she stabbed downward, and the sword sunk firmly into the dirt next to his face. The company themselves let out their held breaths as they stared at the scene.

She leaned down to address him, “It’s over,” she hissed, and stood up quickly, marching away from the fight to the opposite direction of where the company stood, not having seen them.

The company fumbled for their coin sacks as they made their exchanges, those who lost admitting that they had clearly underestimated her capabilities, while the others roared in triumph at their winnings.

“Narriel.” A female voice called out sternly, making her halt and shrink a little, she glimpsed up at the elf that stood tall on the side of the hay-wain, and bowed her head to look at the ground when she saw the look on her face.

Nari immediately walked passed the elf, appearing shameful as she avoided further eye contact, the company watched in confusion and took in the features of the new figure, wearing a long flowing powder blue dress that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.

“I suggest you come along, Thorin Oakenshield and Company,” she spoke calmly but the command behind it was clear, and she didn’t even look back to see if they were following.

Nari and the mysterious elf maid had disappeared from sight as Callon led the company onward after them, they didn’t even make conversation as they walked, as an uneasy feeling began to settle for all of them.

Nari waited impatiently for her, and she was met with an equally frustrated face from the elf maid as she entered and climbed the small steps towards her throne, looking back at Nari.

“You should apologise for humiliating Cáleb in such a way, what you did was unreasonable and unladylike to say the least, especially in front of all those villagers,” Nari rolled her eyes and sighed.

Lúthrien smirked at Nari from where she stood next to the throne, clearly satisfied that her sister was about to be punished for her actions; causing Nari to glare and cross her arms indignantly; she looked to the elf once again.

“I will not apologise for my actions, he has been pestering me for the last sixty years wanting courtship where he had no chance, not after what he did,”

“I really wish you’d give him a chance dear,” she frowned deeply as she looked at her.

“He betrayed my trust; I cannot simply let that pass by-”

“He played no part-”

“I wish ye would stop making excuses for him!” The company stopped by the entrance, unnoticed by the bickering women, and they shifted on their feet uncomfortably.

“And I wish you didn’t have the same stubbornness as your father,” she said curtly, Nari glared at her for some time, before Thorin cleared his throat loudly and revealed their presence.

“Apologies Thorin and Master Dwarves,” the elf maid shot a look at Nari and waved her hand, “Please come inside, I’m sure you must have some questions,”

“Yes indeed, thank you,” Thorin entered, followed by the company, and Callon took his place next to his sister, standing with his hands behind his back.

“I am Misteth, Eossimar’s ruling Queen,” she introduced herself, “And also mother to the three standing here with you,”

The company’s jaws dropped collectively as they looked to Nari and Callon, Kíli and Fíli looked to each other and back to the siblings, and the group chatted excitedly.

“So… ye’re a, a princess then?” Bofur asked Nari in amazement.

“By birth I might be, but I’m not above anyone,” she briefly met his gaze but quickly returned it to her mother.

Misteth chuckled, “My oldest being ever so humble,” she shook her head, “Now as much as I’d like to give you time to process all this new information, I think it’s best to get to why you have come here. I’m sure Narriel and Callon have already helped you somewhat, but I’m certain you would like to get your hands on some weapons?”

“Yes,” Thorin nodded, “And your children have been very welcoming to us,”

“I am glad to hear that my daughter still has some manners, considering the ruckus and madness I stumbled upon not too long ago,” Misteth said, looking at Nari with disappointment, and she bowed her head down irritably at her mother’s remark. “I’ll let the Captain of the Guard show you to the weaponry and armoury before you leave,”

“Thank you, we will be sure to return our thanks to the people of Eossimar once we’ve reached Erebor,” he assured her, and then he looked around with a frown, “So where is this Captain of yours?”

Misteth looked to Nari, “I believe you’re already acquainted with her,”

Dwalin was the first to speak, “Princess and Captain of the Guard?”

Nari crossed her arms, “Aye, don’t be so surprised. I’m the best fighter in the village, as I’m sure ye’ve just witnessed,”

“It’s best that you go on your way Master Dwarves, and Master Hobbit,” Misteth suggested, “And I wish you the best of luck on the rest of your quest.” She paused as Callon led the company out of the hall, “And Narriel, I’ll have a word with you in private once you’ve finished,” she nodded her head with a serious gaze, before turning around and walking on to Lúthrien.

“Yes, Mother,” she mumbled and followed them out.

Nari walked tensely next to her brother on the way to the armoury, her hands now balled into fists as she focused her attention ahead of her.

Kíli popped up next to her and she frowned at him irritably, “You know, sometimes my mother would get angry at me sometimes,”

“Kíli-” Fíli stepped up and placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder to pull him back.

He ignored his brother and continued despite her lack of response, “But as much as it would anger or sadden me, I knew she would only say those things out of love,”

“Aye?” she asked stopping still, tightening her fists, “And I’m sure yer mother wished for ye to be prim and proper like yer sister, with long flowing hair and pretty pink dresses instead of-”

“{Sister, breathe},” Callon touched her shoulder gently, she let out a shaky breath and let her hands fall open, he looked at her and she nodded.

“Sorry Kíli,” she mumbled, “I know ye were only trying to help,” she sighed and carried on walking. “Ever since my father passed it’s been hard to maintain a relationship with those two,”

“Why is that?” Kíli asked.

“Because… well…” she couldn’t think of an explanation.

“Because our sister and mother are very similar, and they’re both, a bit snobbish if I’m to be honest,” Callon answered, “Our father was the one who brought out the fun in them, at least that’s what I remember of him,”

“Besides that… my father decided to toughen me up since the assault from those dwarf boys, and started to treat me as if I were a lad instead,” Nari added, “She’d never admit to it, but I’m certain she’s disappointed that her daughter acts as a son,”

“Well I would think that a lass that could hold her own would be a relief for her parents,” Dwalin spoke up, “I would certainly be at ease if I had a daughter who could punch off any cheeky admirers the way you just did,”

“Aye and it was a sight to see,” Bofur agreed, taking to Nari’s side, making Kíli and Fíli fall back easily with the others.

“Aye, I heard ye all placing yer bets,” she smirked making Bofur grin sheepishly, “Ye really need to work on lowering yer voices,”

“About that lad-”

“Here we are,” Callon announced, he held his hand out to her, “Do ye have the key?”

“Oh damn, it’s back in the mess hall,” she shook her head after feeling her pockets, he waved his hand.

“No matter,” he pulled a hair pin from under his braiding and slid it into the lock, he wiggled it until it clicked and popped open, “Been meaning to practice my lock-picking,” he grinned, removing the lock and pushing the doors open.

“Does everyone in yer family know how to pick locks?” Bofur asked as they walked inside.

“Well my nephews and niece have nearly perfected it too,” she gave him a cheeky smile. “Can’t see a reason not to know,”

The company walked around the large room to take everything in, Callon taking pride in showing Fíli the multitude of swords and pointing out the arrows for Kíli, Nari smiled as they wondered in fascination. All of them touched and examined what interested them, finding variations that they did not expect, and trying to determine what they’d like best for themselves.

Bofur was among the first to finish his choice and stood next to Nari outside, “Erm, if ye don’t mind me coming back to my question, about the lad?” he propped himself against the other side of the entrance.

“I suppose it’s best to ease yer curiosity,” she chuckled, “Cáleb… hmm, well, he’s roughly my age, his family was one of the first to live here in Eossimar, we sort of grew up together, and he was with my father when he got injured and later died,”

“Why had he been with yer father?”

“I told my father that it was more than likely that the dwarves would fall back to Moria, the old kingdom he’d told me about, after Smaug desolated Erebor; so he, Cáleb and several others went on to help them fight and have a place to claim as home. My father had ordered me to stay home,” she looked around before looking back to Bofur.

“But ye didn’t, did ye?” he asked solemnly, she shook her head.

“If Cáleb hadn’t been so fearful, he could have prevented the injury from ever happening, he could’ve been alive,” she spoke softly, “I watched him freeze as my father got held by some orcs as a target, they shot him with one of their arrows, and then left him to die.”

“An arrow, like Kíli’s?” he asked, she nodded.

“I’d managed to kill off a few orcs but then the fight suddenly ended when Azog fled, I believe from Thorin’s assault. We managed to bring my father back home, but he died from the poison,” she took a deep breath, “He promised to protect my father, and I trusted him to bring him back home safely, and not only did he fail, but he tried to tell me it was beyond his control,”

“That must’ve been terrible, watching yer father become sick like that,” Bofur spoke quietly.

“Believe me, it was. We had no understanding of how to heal him at the time,”

“But now, what does this all have to do with yer fight and… marriage?”

Nari laughed derisively, “Cáleb had been trying to court me, and he was trying to ask my father for his blessing while he was on his deathbed,” she shook her head in disgust, “My father was likely mad from the poison, or very confident in my abilities,”

“I don’t understand,” Bofur frowned.

“He told Cáleb, that if he wanted my hand in marriage he’d have to duel me and win, little did he know that my father informed me to never let ‘that idiot’ beat me, and so for the past sixty years he’d been persisting,”

“For sixty years? I’d say I was sorry for the lad but it seems a bit excessive to keep trying,” Bofur shook his head, “He should’ve learned when to quit years ago,”

“I agree,” she nodded, “Which is why this was the last duel,” she smiled at him.

“Well that explains why ye kicked his arse so hard,” Bofur chuckled, “It was both impressive and terrifying to see yer strength ye know.”

She laughed, “Aye, it goes to show ye that looks don’t mean everything, yer companion Dwalin might be built like an ox, but I’m certain he can be soft hearted and compassionate like any of us,”

“What did you say about me being soft?” Dwalin barked from inside the room, he nearly dropped the axe he was wielding.

“Nothing Dwalin,” Nari called back and he huffed, moving out of the room to stand in the fresh air.

“That’s what I thought,” he grumbled irritably.

Soon the others made their way out, and Balin stopped near them, “And this father of yours, who was he then?”

“He was a member of the guard back in Erebor, Kalin, son of-”

“Fundin?” Dwalin walked up to them.

“Aye, did ye know him?” she frowned, looking at both of them as they looked to each other in surprise.

“Are you certain that was his name?” Dwalin stared at her.

“Of course I am, why?” she looked between them again.

“He was our…” Balin started.

“Brother,” he and Dwalin finished, they looked at each other in disbelief.

“Brother? But that means…” She scanned their faces and connected the dots.

“Hold still for a moment,” Balin asked as he moved forward, he raised his hand to cover half of her face, showing mostly her eye and damaged ear. “Dwalin, I told you he’d had a daughter, this is her,” he lowered his hand and lightly grabbed her shoulders, taking in her features, and she froze as she looked at him.

“Kalin was the youngest of us three,” Dwalin spoke up, “We’d heard that he’d had words with Thrór, but we never saw him again… I, I trained him myself,” his mind began racing.

“The only time I managed to see you, you were hiding behind your father’s legs, you were shy, and perhaps a little scared,” Balin’s eyes sparkled and he hugged Nari tightly and stepped back. “I knew he’d run off after a maiden but… an elf?”

“And I never even met you, until now,” Dwalin stared at her, “You resemble so much of your father now that I think about it,” he almost choked, “A part of our brother still lives on Balin,” he stepped forward and hugged Nari tightly, she rubbed his back gently, still slightly shocked.

“I remember why yer names were so familiar now,” she stepped back and looked at them, “Balin the Wise and Dwalin the Fierce, he used to tell us stories about ye.”

“‘Us’?” Dwalin asked.

“Aye, us,” Callon walked up to them. “Though Lúthrien always thought they were fairy tales,” he said.

“So we have… two nieces and a nephew that Kalin hid from us,” Balin stared at the siblings. “This is very overwhelming indeed,”

“I think it's wonderful,” Nari laughed lightly, “Callon and I certainly would welcome ye with open arms to the family…” she looked at him and he nodded with a smile.

“As much as I am glad to witness this reunion of families,” Thorin interrupted the gathering, “We are running short on time,”

Nari cleared her throat, “Of course, and everyone is ready?” She scanned the company and they all gave their agreements. “Then we’ll be on our way,”

Nari and Callon led the way towards the main entrance once again, and the dwarves took one more look at their surroundings as they walked; families conversing together, children playing loudly, the marketplace coming to a slow, the ponies that hadn’t been seen before whinnying in the distance, along with other farm animals getting their say in.

It was all too familiar for them, Erebor had been much the same before the dragon had fallen upon them like a curse, and they so longed for home to be theirs once more; to bring their own families joy once again.

Bofur noticed three little heads not too far away staring in curiosity, he grinned as he recognised the children, Nari’s family; and he gave them a wave, they all waved back eagerly and he even heard the girl yelling a goodbye for them. He chuckled, a few dwarves looked at him and he shook his head, deciding to keep this as a memory for himself.

____________________________________________________________

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avaria-revallier · 4 years

Text

Chapter 3: Of silver bells and painfull memories

They left quietly at first sunlight.

None of the dwarves dared to wake the hobbit. They all heard the scrubbing sounds coming from the kitchen till past midnight. Not one muttered curse nor angry looks were casted in the dwarves direction. Even thought Kìli and Fìli as well as Ori offered their help. The cleaning lass just shook her head. She gently pushed them outside and into the living room, ordering them to rest as they would need it.

Bombur remembered quite clearly the nervous flutter in his stomach when Fìli told him to go and see Bella. He found her sorting through some herbs.

"Would you be so kind and take these with you?" she pointed on a small sample of spices.

It sounded like a request, well it was one. On the other hand Bombur had witnessed the whole company flinching just earlier that evening -for the second time- as she was turning around after the fire, her cheeks darkened with coal. Bella also allowed him to take what was left from her pantry. As well as everything he would see of help to the company. He had put away most of the herbs and sat with the other dwarves in the living room when she entered again, carrying a large tablet full of cold snacks.

"I guess some of you might still like a small snack before going to bed." she smiled shy on her way out, avoiding the eyes of the company.

Nobody except Bombur saw her taking the contract and tucking it safely under her blouse.

Bombur wouldn't judge the lass for not coming along. He, as well as the other dwarves had a chance to observe the hobbits living in the Shire. They were all but friendly and kind. No weapons to be seen, blunt knives only used to chop food. No gold, silver or other fine jewellery on the market. Mainly food and simple clothes. Bombur could understand the hobbit. He as well wouldn't want to leave such a great home for a dangerous journey with an uncertain outcome. If he could he would have stayed in this peaceful corner of the world a little longer. He looked back. The Shire was lying still in the soft light of the morning. The hobbit would wake alone. They didn't even leave a note. Maybe it was better this way. The wild was no place for gentle folk like her.

"Bombur, keep up!" They all stopped for a moment as if they were waiting. The dwarven king was the first one to turn around and make for Bree.

Bella woke alone. It is quiet in her smial, even when she calls out for her dwarves no answer is provided. She looks around her living room. Everything seems to be at its designated place. The kitchen is clean. No sign that there where thirteen dwarves in her home. Only the empty pantry and the contract in her pocket are proof for the events of the last evening. She looks down on the contract in her hands.

'What if Gandalf wouldn't make it in time to save them from the trolls? What if Thorin won't give in in the woodland realm -as if!- What if...' While she thinks of all the horrible possibilities her feat had already taken her into her own room. Excitement grows in her heart as she pulls out her mothers old backpack, sleeping bag and bed roll. Hastily she takes some trousers, undergarments and her fathers old pocket knife out of the closet and places them next to the contract. Soap and other small necessities where thrown on the pile. She rushes to the pantry on the far end of the left wing where she usually stores her winter rations and takes a good arm full. She would need it on the first few weeks. She remembers clearly her always rumbling stomach in her last life. Her mind knows that she would have to do with three meals a day instead of the seven or eight she is used to. She would have to start her swordtraining all over, she realises. Her mind might remember clearly, but her body wouldn't. A small sight escapes her mouth as she thinks of all the pain it would bring her and her muscles.

All packed and ready to leave she looks around one last time. She would miss Bag End, no doubt, but she was truly happy to go on an adventure once more. With a bright smile she steps out of her door. The sun was already up for quite a while. She hurries down the steps and over to her good friend Primula and her husband Drogo. They agreed to watch over her when her parents passed away. As Bella wasn't of age she would likely have to ask for permission. She was not the kind of girl to just run off without a word, well at least not in this life. She slips the thick envelope with the key to Bag End and a letter of farewell into their post box. Within was a smaller envelop for her grandfather and one for her trusted gardener Mr. Gamgee. Her grandfather would be furious to hear that she left.

With watery eyes she makes her way down the hill, through the familiar neighbourhood. At some point she starts running, away from the road and over the farmland, through gardens and over fences. Her heart happily beating to the drumming of her footstepps. It was freeing and finally a happy laughter escapes her chest. She runs all the way till she can see the company between the trees.

"Wait! ... Wait for me!" she huffs.

She stops near Balins pony to take a deep breath.

"Here, I signed it." she takes the contract out of her pocket and hands it shakily over to him.

Nervous she glances at the other dwarves. Fìli was nodding and nudges his brother to hide his wide grin. The Ri brothers where looking at her slightly relieved, as she would be the one to enter the mountain and face the dragon instead of Nori. Dwalin looked annoyed down at her. Her heart dropped for a second there. It has always been hard for her to read the big warrior, but she could imagine him to be happy even if he wouldn't show. Bofur grinned at her openly and she couldn't hide her own grin seeing him. Bombur was delighted to see her and smiles hearty at her. Bifur made a few signs in her direction when she met his gaze. The only one she could decipher was something like 'welcome'. It had been some time for her to actually communicate in their ancient language. She only tilted her head with a small grin on her lips. She wouldn't want to scare them by replying to him with a thanks. Thorin was the last one she looked at. He reacted just as she remembered, frowning. She gifted him a sweet smile as she would to Lobelia and turns back to Balin. The white dwarf studied the contract a moment longer before declaring it as right.

"Get the halfling a pony." Thorin grunted.

He wasn't sure why he's so annoyed by the smile she gave him. It felt not right. Somehow it bothered him to see her so openly smile at Bofur and his sister-sons while she gave him a political smile. He clenches his jaw, stubborn looking ahead.

"I am half of nothing!" the angry voice of the hobbit lets him turn around. He had to control his body not to flinch at her angry tone. He himself wasn't sure why, but seeing her angry made him feel guilty. When he sees the slight hint of being hurt in her eyes a cold hand seems to grab his heart. His mouth is suddenly too dry to speak. Thorin would like nothing better than for her to smile all day, to be happy and safe.

'You could let her ride with you. She would be safest with you, near you' a small voice whispers in the back of his brain. He is tempted to give in to this voice. Before he could do something he would regret later 'As if!', she continues angrily.

"Don't give me that look, Thorin Oakenshield! You got lost! In Hobbiton! All ways are marked and everything has signs!" she hisses at him. Her hands on her hips she stares up to him, challenging.

For a moment he is stunned. Only few people would talk to him in this manner.

She stares at him, angrily, one foot tapping. Before she or Thorin could say any more Kili and Fili gently grab her by the elbows and lift her onto a pony. She glares at them halfheartedly. She could never be angry at them for a very long time. They meant well and she knew.

A coin purse flew past her head and lands safely in Kilis hands. She lifts one brow, asking: “You took wages on me?”

“I knew that you would come with us!” The dark haired dwarf swiftly escapes her question by smiling brightly.

Bella fills the time chatting with the company. Gloin was more than delighted to tell her everything about his son Gimli. She heard a lot about him in her last life. He was a good friend to Frodo and even friends with an elf.

Somewhere in the middle of Gloins extended story of how Gimli threw his first axe, Bofur groans displeased.

“Mistress Baggins… Tell him to stop! I can’t take any more!” With his hands he covers his ears.

Gloin, disbelief written all over his face, opens his mouth to respond to his friend but is interrupted by an apple flying in his direction. Bombur was the one to throw it and continues to give out their lunch, ignoring Gloins muttered curse and Bofurs thanks. Watching them a warm tingly feeling begins to grow in Bellas stomach.

Gently she nudges her pony to go a bit faster and sets herself next to Gloin.

“I would be more than delighted to take first watch with you, master Gloin. I am happy to hear a bit more about your son.” She inquired.

The proud dwarf immediately straightens his back and seems to grow a few inches.

“It would be my pleasure, Mistress Baggins.” He responds enthusiastic.

Bella slows her pony again to fall back to the back of their group.

Ori was writing in a leather bound book, all by himself. To Bella he looked quite focused, so he took her by surprise when he glanced up to meet her curious look.

“I didn’t mean to stare, I am just a bit curious. What are you writing there, Master Ori?” Bella tilts her head.

The young dwarf blushes lightly and lowers his head, looking at the written pages in his hands. Careful he closes the book and tucks it safely into his coat. Ori fiddles with the buttons on his shirt as he glances to the hobbit only to take on a deeper red.

“I am- I am the scribe for this journey. I will write down the events and the p-progress on the road. We will need to keep track for later…” he mumbled.

“That is a really important role, right? May I ask you something, Master Ori?” again she tilts her head slightly, watching his reaction.

Ori, as Gloin before, straightens himself in the saddle and grins happily at her. He was always more than delighted to share his knowledge with others.

In her past life he had been the first one to tell her about dwarven manners and morals. He had also been the only one to tell her -flushed deep red- that asking Thorin to undo her hair was equal to invite him to sleep with her. She had somehow managed to tangle her hair into the buttons on the back of her blouse. Thorin was the nearest dwarf at that time and so she had asked him to lend a hand. He did, very gently for someone gruff as him without any kind of discomfort on her side. He said not a single word and the bigger part of the company watched them silently, only Fili and Kili snickering in the far back.

“Mistress Baggins?” the soft voice of Ori brought her back to the present. “You had a question for me?”

Bella blinked at him for a moment. The butterflies in her stomach settled and the memory faded. Unconsciously her fingers had wandered up again to brush over her lips. Slowly she puts her hand back down to rest on the warm neck of her pony. Interest sparked in Oris eyes, with a spymaster as a brother everyone would learn to pay attention to smaller details. Even though he didn’t dare to ask about her unusual behavior, he would just have to watch her a bit closer from now on.

“Ah, well you see, I – I never encountered dwarves before, so I am a bit lost. I don’t want to offend any of you by accident.” She hesitates a moment, looking around as if she was expecting someone to listen in on them. “Well, I would love to know more about your customs. Only if you are free to tell me… Obviously I would be answering any question of yours about hobbits if you are interested.”

Unsure how the young dwarf would react Bella plays with a loose strand of her auburn curls.

“Dwarrows.”

Her head jerks around. “What?”

“We prefer ‘dwarrows’ over ‘dwarves’.” He smiles at her.

Bellas face heats immediately. Eyes wide she clutches her hands, covering her mouth.

“Oh, oh my. Good gracious! I am terribly sorry! I- I am so ashamed, please do take my sincere apology, master Ori.” She had called them dwarves in her past life too, the entire time! This was more than shameful.

“No harm done.” The young one chuckles. “We didn’t know either, that ‘halfling’ is so insulting to your people. I say we are even.”

“That is a relief. Please do ask away, master Ori. I would be more than happy to answer your questions.”

They talked for a good while, taking turns in asking questions. Bella learned a few more things about her fellow dwarves – pardon, dwarrows – and confirmed some of her assumptions.

Ori was just about to teach her the difference between dwarven craftsmanship and the ‘poor quality of any other race who might try’.

“Belladonna Baggins! Get down from that great beast this instant!” the voice was piercing her ears, she would have recognised her anywhere.

“Lobelia, my dear. A wonderful day to you too. Isn’t the weather just lovely. Perfectly right for a small trip, don’t you think so too?” she smiled down at Lobelia as she did smile up to Thorin this morning.

Her knuckles turned white so hard was her grip on the reins of Myrtle. She wouldn’t let Lobelia have the satisfaction of her obeying like a little faunt.

“I always knew you would take after that hideous mother of yours! Up to no good. I can see you follow in her footstepps, going on with a whole harem of men, Belladonna.” Lobelia nearly spat her name as if it was some kind of insult.

“At least the Shire will once more be entirely peaceful. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, when you come back, pregnant with a bastard, crawling into the Shire and weigh down some respectable hobbit, just like your mother did.”

A growl climbed up in Thorins throat. Only Dwalins hand on his shoulder held him on his pony. Insulting the gentle hobbit lass was one thing, but also insulting her mother and the whole company in one breath on top, an entirely different.

Thorin had no doubt that she would climb down her pony to give that detestable woman on the sideway a pice of her mind.

She didn’t.

“You made your choices and I made mine. Just because you can’t live with yours doesn’t mean you should shame me for living with mine.” She turns around, nudging her pony and rides, head held high, past the stuttering, gasping woman and the stunned dwarrows.

There was a moment of silence. None of the dwarrows dared to move. They all were watching their burglar moving on. Bofur is the first one to break the silence.

“Loud that one.”

They moved one, behind them a distant cry: “In trousers!”

They stopped in Bree that evening. Bella had been silent for the most part of their travels. The others had been respectfully keeping their distance, giving her some space for herself.

Kili and Fili were the first to approach her after she left her room in the tavern.

“How about you come with us? We were planning on going shopping for a bit.”

She hadn’t imagined to meet Lobelia of all people on her departure. Well, no harm done as she isn’t going to come back any time soon.

She beamed up at the brothers.

“It would be my pleasure, I do actually have some shopping to do. You two would be a great help to me.”

And so they went on, visiting a smith to buy a stone to sharpen her pocket knife and a grocer for her to replenish her rations for the next days on the road, as well as a rather large bag of dried leafs neither of the brothers could identify.

“Do you happen to know a junk-shop? Fili here has a pretty good eye for things that can bring a fine price once repaired or polished.” Kili boasted about his older brother, proudly looking up to Fili.

Fili on the other hand blushed at the tip of his ears, scratching his neck and avoiding eye-contact.

“Oh my, I hadn’t noticed we had such a skilled handsome dwarf in our very middle.” She teased him.

Kili tries to hide his laughter by coughing, while his brother turned as red as Bellas winning tomatoes.

Each of them were rummaging through the shelves of the small junk-shop. Fili focused to find some hidden treasures und gems beneath all the junk that occupied most of the space. Kili was more interested in watching their newest member of the group carefully. The hobbit was searching the shelves, picking up this and that, nothing really seemed to catch her eye. Then she went stiff and Kili watched her more closely. A pair of silver bells had caught her attention. Gently, almost awestruck she touched them. Yanking her hand back almost immediately as if she had burned herself. A pained expression ruled her face and a shadow lowered itself over her eyes. Fast, almost running she made her way into the opposite direction.

Kili picks the bells up as soon as she left. They were nothing special, a small pair of silver bells, a bit beaten and bruised but still repairable. Shrugging he added the bells to his other findings. He would tell Fili later about what he had witnessed.

The ‘prancing pony’ was rather crowded on this particular evening. The company managed to get a table in one of the more secluded corners of the room. Dwalin’s the first one to spot the young princes and the hobbit lass. The dwarrows had the arms full with food and other bags, as well as the small lass, who looked like she would fall over every moment. He nudges Thorin to shift his attention to his nephews. The king frowns slightly at the sight of the packed trio.

“Do you think we can’t care for your wellbeing, burglar?” his voice is no more than a low rumble, even though they could hear him perfectly in the noisy room.

The lass opens her mouth, no doubt to give him a portion of her mind, but Fili lowers his head to whisper something in her ear, resembling in her staying silent.

Everybody is surprised, as Ori clears his throat.

“W-well, as I have learned today, hobbits eat s-seven meals a day. She told me, she would just need a f-few weeks to adjust her eating habits and I wouldn’t have to worry.” He mumbles, shyly looking down on the table.

“Seven?! By my beard, weren’t you starving laddie?” Balin questions the hobbit.

Bella was more than uncomfortable. Of course her stomach would choose this particular moment to rumble on like a great bear. She flushes crimson red to the very tips of her ears, attempting to hide her face behind the bags in her arms. Dwalin hops down from the bench, taking the bags without a comment and shoving them in Kilis arms.

“Come here lass, have some food while the lads bring your purchases to your room. We don’t want to alert anyone with that sound of your stomach.” With a swift motion he sweeps her off the ground and places her next to Thorin on the bench.

A large bowl of soup is placed before her, bread and some kind of drink. She starts eating under the watching eyes of the company.

“Care for another drink, small lady?” the faint smell of alcohol accompanies the lulling words.

Slowly she turns around.

The man behind her was the perfect example of a drunken idiot. Oily hair and bloody eyes. His friend had to stabilise him as he swayed forward.

“Oh, well thank you for your kind offer, sir. As you can see I am already in a very fine company. I have to politely decline your offer.” She didn’t even bother to smile at him.

“Don’t be shy. Come on little lady give us a smile. We promise you to be gentle.” He laughs at his own words.

Bella frowns, slightly cross. With her strong hand she adjusts her grip around her fathers pocket knife.

“You heard the lady. Scram.” Thorins words were more like a growl than anything else.

Without looking up he had his sword drawn and held it protective behind Bella and the drunkard.

She relaxes a bit as the two of them raise their hands and leave the tavern shortly after.

“Thank you, Master Oakenshield.” Ever so lightly she touches his -very damn muscular- arm, smiling at him.

Shortly after she returns to eating her meal, tucking away the knife. She didn’t notice the curious look of Nori, the spymaster of the group, neither the slightly red ears beneath the dark hair of the dwarven king.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Masterpost

#hobbit #hobbit imagine #hobbit headcannons #the hobbit x reader #the hobbit #thilbo #thorin oakenshield x reader #thorin x reader #thorin #thorin oakenshield #thorin x bilbo #my story #bagginshield #bilbo baggins #female bilbo

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jlf23tumble · 4 years

Note

Monthly fic rec anon here! I hope i'm not being annoying by asking what you've read lately and that you're staying safe where you live. I teased you a bit about Time Passed last month but you are so right about how much it sticks with you! Stay safe, jen! x

Hey, thank you, friend--and same to you!! Rest assured, a little teasing doesn’t bother me, I will never shut up about that fic, no matter how many transphobes drop into my inbox with their y’alls and their lols. Block city, BBs! Die mad about it! Etc.! I have a few other recent fics I’d rec, but I need to gush about my absolute fave, a fic @alienfuckeronmain wrote for me in the GBBO world that she hasn’t published (yet), but mannnn, did I love it. It was truly the highlight of the month--surprise gift fics for me? YES, PLEASE!!!! LOVEEEE!! Here are some you *can* read, though!

tomorrow is another day, haemophilus, 500 words, one direction, harry s/harry l. Pure G rating territory, this is just an imagining of when the two Harrys first met (plus I adore this writer’s ability to cram so much story into a mere 500 words)

I Feel Pretty and Witty and, haemophilus, 500 words, one direction, harry/nick. THE ANGST THIS AUTHOR PACKS INTO 500 WORDS, howwwww? So much is going on here, gender, too, and it’s just incredible, deep sigh.

show me devotion, @mercutionotromeo, 1.4k, one direction, harry/louis. One of my fave authors came out of nowhere with a quarantine fic?? In this economy?? This is why god invented the ao3 subscribe button!

Nothing but Time on My Hands, YesIsaWorld/ @louandhazaf, 2.2k, one direction, harry/louis. Masturbation fics, AIMH, but truly, there’s not much better than a poster of footie star Louis, if one is so inclined...you can *see* this poster, that’s how well this is written!

you know I’m comin’ back to you, thehufflepuffhobbit, 5.7k, the hobbit, thorin/bilbo. This wip is a gift for Phoenix, and it just so perfectly reps what I love most about fanfic: a modern AU, set at Lush, meet cute, LOVE!!!

All Night Long, objectlesson/ @alienfuckeronmain, 7k, the hobbit, bofur/bard. This wip just started and is another perfect example of a perfect fic: serving up a pairing you wouldn’t expect in an AU that absolutely works (post- Living After Midnight, which finished this month and is equally wonderful)

Your God Shaped Hole Tonight, objectlesson/ @alienfuckeronmain, 8.4k, one direction, harry/ben/orville/armie/henry. This was a commissioned gangbang fic, and it was a pure delight to edit from start to finish, I love how much the person who asked for it LOVES IT. And how much more Napollya I need in my life.

tonight these streets are heaving, with young hearts on the chase, publunchesownmyass, 19k, one direction, harry/louis. Lisa rec’d this wip from a first-time writer, and it’s all kinds of soft, sigh. Not a crack fic (it’s more “what if they went on XF and didn’t make it”), but it definitely makes me think of “Harry Styles Cooks...” (maybe it’s all the briddish??)

Gold and Gold and Gold, Again, TinyBeautifulTales, 32k, one direction, harry/louis. An anon rec’d this and I’m not a big magical realism fan, but I liked how this one was written--it gave me real throwback vibes (greek gods, sacrifice, love through the ages, if you’re curious on the magical realism bit)

The Murmur of Yearning, @mediawhorefics, 93k, one direction, louis/harry. This sprang up PURELY from the picture of Harry in Rolling Stone with the fascinator and became an entire P&P-esque 18th century novel, incredible! I have more BB on my “to read” list, but the widow Harry was the one I was waiting for!

Finally, you know I won’t leave you without a rec for Time Passed, just so you can weep whenever you see Tokyo Harry pictures or listen to “Fine Line” (the song) or think about that YouTube search history, sob. Transphobes, begone!

#fic rec #june 2020 #the hobbit #one direction #i read an interesting tmfu fic that didn't pan out...boooo #but it just made me want to dig back into that fandom #so i will

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thebeethathums · 5 years

Text

An Adventure - 7

Bilbo Baggins x Reader

Elrond emerged from some far off hall as they were eating, the dwarves examining the food they’d been given disdainfully as they conversed in hushed tones. Gandalf looked to him in a silent question and the elven Lord gave a slight nodded and offered, “It will heal nicely. I have left her to clean up and change clothes, though I believe she will have some trouble. Arwen, would you please check on our guest?”

“Of course, Adar.”

The young elf knocked lightly on your door, opening it when she heard a call from inside. She found you fully clean and dressed but struggling with the long impossibly tangled locks that fell down your back in a wet clump. She quickly assessed that you couldn’t bring your arm up far enough to run the comb through them and you were grumbling under your breath about how you should just cut it all off.

She hummed in amusement and you turned to see who could possibly have come to check on you, blushing red when your eyes landed on her, “I see I have made my host wait long enough that he sends his own daughter to assure my well being. Give me just a moment and I will return to him with you.”

She looked you over as you struggled to pull your hair into a sad excuse for a bun. There was no doubt that you were part elf in the flowing dress her father had given you as it accentuated your fair skin and elegant form.

Short you may be, due to your father's dwarfish genes, but stocky you were not. It was like you were an elf that just ceased to grow at a certain point in her childhood, leaving you with long and elegant limbs and slender shoulders.

She stepped forward and stopped your hands, “Allowing you to leave with your hair in such a state does your beauty a disservice. Please let me aid you with your burden.”

You blushed but didn’t protest as she directed you toward a chair and, once you were sitting, began the task of fixing the tangled mess. She brushed it back gently as she began, revealing your delicately pointed ears, “Ah so you are Peredhel.”

You sighed bitterly, “That is the nicest way of putting it, yes.” She wondered what you meant but did not press further as she sensed it was a sore topic for you.

A short while later you trailed along behind her on your way to where your group was eating, as Arwen’s skilled hands had made quick work of your matted hair. She went ahead of you onto the balcony when the pair of you reached it as you paused hesitantly before venturing forward to follow her.

Elrond couldn’t hide the small smile that tugged at his lips as all eyes turned to look you over, “It would seem you found our friend well, my daughter, as you were not absent long.”

Arwen gave her father a slight nod and mischievous smile, “So it would seem, Adar. She only needed some help with her hair to which I gladly obliged.”

Bilbo’s jaw hung open, much to the amusement of his dwarven cohorts, particularly Fili and Kili who were having trouble stifling snickers. You held yourself with grace but kept your eyes on the floor, uncomfortable with your current state of dress and uneasy with displaying your elven-like traits so openly.

The dress you wore flattered your form and brought out your eyes with subtle tones of purple and silver and your step was light and made only the softest of sounds in the matching flats that encased your feet. Arwen had outdone herself with your hair doing it up in full elven style with countless braids going this way and that through a mass of loose natural curls that fell freely down your back, leaving your pointed ears exposed.

Gandalf gave a small knowing smile, remembering your passionate hatred for dresses as you thought them entirely impractical, “My dear, come join us. Surely some food and drink shall do you more good than bad.”

You bypassed the tables where the dwarves sat, much to Bilbo’s dismay, and found a chair next to your mentor, forever by his side as an apprentice should be. You bowed gracefully to your host before offering, “Imladris is even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined, my Lord. It is truly a gift to be able to see it and I thank you for your hospitality.”

Elrond examined you closely, “Few Peredhel choose to come here if their elven parent chose to live among mortals.”

You gave a slight nod, “My mother may have chosen that path but her heart never left these halls, she spoke of it and you often in my childhood.” Gandalf rested a hand on your shoulder reassuringly and gave you a proud smile to which you returned a small, shy one, embracing your mother’s elven genes was not something you often did.

Elrond had questions that he dare not ask for fear of offending you, so you let your betters speak as you took in your surroundings, observing as always. Balin noticed that Bilbo’s eyes never left you and he nudged the young hobbit, “Quite a transformation from the clever little tomboy that camps with us each night isn’t it?”

Bilbo shook his head, trying to keep from staring any further, “Yes quite. If it weren’t for her height, I’d say she looked as though she belonged here, among the beautiful things of elves.”

“I doubt she sees it that way, laddie, in fact, I think our host’s attentions make her quite uncomfortable.” Balin offered, inclining his head in the direction of your fidgeting hands under the table that, from their angle, were clearly visible.

Balin was more right than he could have guessed as a moment later you caught the attention of Fili and Kili and inconspicuously pulled a face, to which they chuckled and then returned even more grotesque and odd faces very openly, causing you to let out a soft giggle.

Your host raised an eyebrow at the noise and you offered quiet apologies, waiting until he was no longer paying attention to you to return your own contorted face. They and a few other dwarves who were now watching erupted into loud laughter and when Gandalf looked at you, you feigned innocence.

The next time you looked up your eyes locked with Bilbo's and you sent him a small, shy smile, which he returned before Gloin flicked his ear, “If you think the young maiden fair you should tell her so.”

Bilbo startled, shaking his head, “What? I don’t- I mean she is but- I couldn't- she's-“

The dwarves erupted into laughter at his complete befuddlement just a Thorin excused himself from your table. You looked after him, feeling as though you shouldn't have returned or at least continued to cover your ears. Despite your doubts, you couldn’t help but join in a moment later when Bofur began to sing from atop a chair, your lips soundlessly mouthing the words to the merry tune as a wide grin crossed your face.

Elrond didn’t notice until you allowed your voice to join theirs in the last verse and as it finished, he commented, “Your voice rings out true and beautiful, a gift of your elven parentage I'm sure. If only you would put it to use singing something other than boisterous dwarven chants.”

You blushed a soft shade of pink, “A fair voice can be used for many things and still carry the same quality my Lord and, though my voice is not something I often share, in my time I have sung both the gentlest of elven songs and the roughest of bar rhymes for one without the other greatly diminishes one’s appreciation for each. Now if you’d please excuse me, I’m feeling rather tired.”

Gandalf gave a small smirk at your wise answer as Elrond gave you a farewell nod and watched you almost float away, “Your apprentice is quite something, Gandalf, wise beyond her years and able to slip between worlds with ease, where ever did you find her?”

Gandalf offered his host a secretive smile, “Sometimes the most valuable of gems is found in the lowest and darkest of places Elrond, I can offer nothing more for her tale is not mine to tell.”

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enter-fandom · 5 years

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The Long Road (Part 2)

Fandom: The Hobbit Pairing: Thorin x Reader Rating: General Warnings: General, Canon Compliant Violence Theme: Radioactive - Pentatonix & Lindsey Stirling cover Request: N/A Words: 1841 Status: Part 2 (read part 1 HERE) Notes: I wanted to have a little fun with Rivendell. The outfit featured here is modeled after one of my favorites from Faire. Mostly just a breather, some minor foreshadowing, revealing a secret, and some music. Hope you enjoy!

Lord Elrond was exceedingly generous. Despite the way hunger clawed at your stomach, you wished to take advantage of the brief reprieve, and while the Dwarves were led straight to dinner, you requested the opportunity to freshen up, and the aid of one of his people. Digging through your pack, you removed your spare clothes, carefully packing away your armor before dressing as swiftly as possible. The black skirt was nearly too long for you, brushing your ankles even as it sat just below your breasts, which were covered by a red linen peasant top. You pressed your corset close as the Elven maiden entered, smiling and moving to tighten the laces at your back.

Your belt and blade were at your waist again once she finished to your satisfaction, and you gave her a small bow of thanks, before following her to dinner, your pack over your shoulder once more.

Eyes were upon you quickly once you rejoined the group, and you smiled, chuckling softly. “Quite an unexpected change,” Gandalf mused, nodding as you fell into step with him, Elrond at his other side.

“I doubt there will be much opportunity on our journey to wear such things. I'll be back in my armor before we leave.” You absently reached to toy with the stone pendant at your chest, revealed with the change in attire as you hesitated, uncertain of where to sit before Gandalf beckoned you to join him with Elrond and Thorin.

The Dwarf's eyes remained upon you as you sat, leaning in just a little, “What is that?”

You turned the stone, the engraving resting against your skin when you removed your hand, revealing only the flat back side, smooth deep grey on black string, “It's nothing. Just a trinket.” His brow was not the only one that rose, and you gently draped your napkin in your lap, reaching for your fork as dinner began. Laughter at your back had you glancing over, catching sight of Kili being teased, and you smiled into your salad, attention moving back to the conversation at your own table.

Orcrist and Glamdring were named, and you smiled, shocked as Elrond asked, “Might I see your blade?”

“It isn't Elvish make, or from the hoard,” you managed, but he reached out, and you obliged, allowing him to turn the blade over slowly in his hands.

“It is a fine blade, a gift, if I'm not mistaken.”

“Yes, from my stepfather. He passed two years ago.”

“A fine gift indeed.” You smiled, returning the blade to its home, as Elrond returned to his talk with Gandalf and Thorin, watching with a soft sigh as the Dwarf left your table in a huff. Any moment now, things would fall into disarray. The Dwarves would prove a rowdy, if enjoyable bunch, and as if aware of your thoughts, Bofur rose, singing, your own foot tapping to the rhythm beneath the table. The Elven music was nice, but even you had to admit it was a little dry in comparison to the Dwarven tune, and you laughed, ducking when the food fight started. Nearly hit with a roll, you reached for your own, taking aim and knocking Kili square in the head, a light in your eyes as you stood. If they kept at it, you’d be changing before you were ready. Behind you, you could hear Gandalf and Elrond’s low voices, a brief mention of the strange company, yourself included. When Gandalf mentioned that you were an unexpected addition, you glanced back, hit with another roll as you did, “Unexpected is an understatement.” There was a knowing look from Elrond, and you could only smile. He was wise, and there was no hiding from him that this was not your home, that you were from another world. He didn’t say anything, however, as you all but hopped down from the dias, joining the Company on the lower level as they began to disperse, glancing between Dwalin and Fili, “Would either of you care to spar?” Dwalin shot you an incredulous glance, “Not dressed like that, lass.” “Yes, dressed like this,” you countered, shaking your head some. You were just as capable like this, though you really did need the practice. True battle would be different than the reenactments you participated in back home, even if the technique was the same. Fili shrugged beside you, and you followed along to a clear area, drawing your blade and taking a ready stance. “Do you even know how to use that?” “Of course, though most of my fighting has been for fun, and show.” It was the closest to the truth you could easily manage, and a brow rose, Dwaling gesturing for Fili to take the first round. You should have known you’d lose, but you put up a decent fight. It didn’t help that Dwalin began questioning you the minute everything started, “What do you mean, fun and show?” “Like a tournament, only we’re not actually aiming to hurt one another. We have these Faires. I worked at one.” Which just led to more questions, until you were kneeling, panting on the stonework, propped gently on your blade, “I yield.” At this point, despite your loss, Dwalin was smiling, moving over to reach a hand to pull you up, “You fight well.” Glancing down at your attire, you nodded, “I think it’s time to change back, though, if you’ll excuse me.” Later, when you returned to the group in your armor, you truly wished you could charge your phone. It was sitting, turned off for the moment, to preserve what you could of the battery for as long as possible. The lack of wifi at least allowed you to save some, by turning on airplane mode, but it would still not be long before it was fully dead, and your past lost to you in such a concrete way. Still, as you joined them around the fire, you found yourself reaching for it, powering it on as they sat and talked, sometimes breaking into song before Bofur glanced your way, “What’s music like where you’re from, Y/N?” You hesitated, shaking your head some, “That’s a broad question. There’s so many types, and centuries of songs. We have music much like the Elves, and some like your own, and some that are harder, darker, faster.” You thought through the genres, before gesturing with your phone, “I have some here, if you’d like to hear it.” The company nodded, a little confused by the prospect, but intrigued nonetheless. Pulling up some of your downloaded music, you scrolled, before smiling. “Okay, so what I’m about to play is a collaborative effort. There’s this amazing violinist, and an acapella group who decided to work together to cover a popular song, and I think you’ll like it.” You didn’t wait, pressing play and the Pentatonix Lindsey Stirling cover of Radioactive started playing, your eyes on them as they took the music in. It didn’t take long before you were singing along softly, “I’m breaking in, shaping up, and checking out on the prison bus. This is it - the apocalypse…” In some ways, it almost felt that way. Middle Earth was like something from the history of your own Earth, something from the past, and you were an anachronism. Out of time and place, waking up to a new age. The song lapsed automatically to the next, but you paused it. While you liked the next song, you wanted to give them something else, something a little more out of their comfort zone. You scrolled a little more, and the next song you played was a little more apt than perhaps you intended, Through the Fire and Flames screeching through the speakers, startling Ori beside you. Dwalin listened with rapt attention, his eyes darting to you as they narrowed. “And what is this?” “Dragonforce. Through the Fire and Flames.”

He huffed, “I like it.” Of course he did. You went through a few more songs, some more mellow and melodic, some a little more forceful, avoiding the recordings you had related to Middle Earth. When your phone battery lowered more than you could really bear, you turned it off, Bofur studying you curiously, but didn’t speak, watching as Balin and Thorin stood, the map tucked slowly into Thorin’s coat. You rose as well, hesitating before you asked, “Do you mind if I join you?” Thorin frowned, but Balin stayed him with a gentle hand, “It might be important that she do so.” With a curt nod from Thorin, you fell into step with Bilbo behind him, reaching to press the pendant to your chest tighter beneath your leathers, aware of what was to come and wondering just what a difference your presence would make.

The cavern was breathtaking, the midsummer moon illuminating it as you moved into place, watching Thorin grudgingly hand it off to Elrond. As the runes were illuminated, you mouthed along with Elrond, getting curious looks from the assembly. If they had bothered to ask about it, you wouldn’t have had a convincing lie, but they didn’t, at least not there, things progressing much as they had initially.

It was Balin, of all people, who questioned you, once you were removed from the situation and on your way back to the others, falling into step with you and slowing until you lingered alone, “You could read the runes?” “No, not really, but...I did know what the map said.” His brow rose, and you sighed, “Where I’m from, this quest is a story. A children’s story at that. I’ve been aware of the tale since my childhood. I know the path, the dangers, and things like what was written on the map. I don’t wish to reveal too much, to jeopardize the quest itself, but I will reveal things that come up that could potentially be changed, things that need to be changed.” You were still uncertain of the Goblin Caves. Bilbo finding the ring was important, almost tantamount to the quest itself, but Thorin’s death? Those of Fili and Kili? Those would be changed if you had any say.

He studied you for a moment, and you reached into your pack, still at your back, and pulled out a well worn paperback, the title The Hobbit clear on the cover as you flipped through the pages, pointing to a portion of a page, “There, see. The map being read. The reveal of the hidden door.” “Keep that book close, lass,” he instructed, and you nodded, tucking it away once more, having already intended to do so. He gestured for you to continue walking, and you both quickly rejoined the group, nerves settling in your stomach. Maybe that’s why you were here. To save Thorin and his sister-sons. Maybe the Valar knew and were not ready for them to cross to the Halls of Waiting. While you were no Dwarf, nor Hobbit, you said a pair of silent prayers to both Mahal and Yavanna to watch over their children. They were going to need it.

#the hobbit #reader insert #multiple parts #part 2 #female reader #eventually thorinxreader #Thorin #Thorin Oakenshield #Thorin and Company #Rivendell

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blankdblank · 5 years

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Crash Pt 6

Pt 1 - Pt 2 - Pt 3 - Pt 4 - Pt 5 -

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…

And we are left to wonder just how much this round the clock surveillance is costing us for having the King’s Consort, our surprise Queen Pear surely must be racking up quite a bill. But our sources have said there is now a group of Elven guards that have begun rotating with the King’s Guards in protecting the source of our King’s smile.

Another Anchor cut him off. Some may find it exuberant, but seeing the sensible Smial she’s been residing in there is a lot to appreciate that she hasn’t forced the topic of moving in.

He was cut off as well by the female anchor between them. I could imagine the number of women that would jump at the chance to throw herself about the Palace while she mentally plans out all the changes she is to make if the union is finalized.

The first anchor chimed in again. I am curious how that would work. The others looked at him curiously. No, hear me out. She’s a Queen, which in most cultures she has to be the one to offer marriage. How would they even get comfortable enough with all involved to approach the topic? Her lands are still merging together, there are those Spider radicals trying to fight against it. All of this and yet, they do seem happy together. Even going so far as to have started inviting each other to official events.

The female anchor added on. I think it’s a positive thing, to have them be at least that comfortable to stand up and say, as the first monarchs in this situation, that they’re going through the usual steps. Dates, nights in, little tokens here and there, meeting the family which for both of them would also include meeting the public.

One of the men spoke up when she finished. Not to mention Queen Pear has gone so far as to cross of a great milestone in our culture at least, proving her willingness to protect your mate, with your life if necessary. She was attacked and our kin and King were nearly harmed had she and the Royal Family from Greenwood not been so readily prepared for the dangerous rebels still being sourced out in her lands. That in itself should be statement enough as for their growing bond after she all but proposed, if we go by our oldest of proposal traditions. Saving his life then simply touching his hand while on her throne. For me at least I would assume there is already discussion of possible terms for a contract.

The first man spoke again. It does seem, at least from what we know so far, that the pair of Councils involved have begun talks of possibly restarting a long lost round of trade between our Kingdoms. A positive whether or not a union can be finalized.

The woman interrupted again. I doubt any woman, Queen or not would, under this microscope filled world would be so, affectionate, or involved in the King’s busy schedule unless there was some mutual not just attraction but, I’m going to be generous and say a promise, or at least a possibility of it becoming more than just dating.

The men nodded and one added. I agree. To just willingly give away any privacy, even just for publicity or attention obviously chasing after a King requires far more than just a determined woman wishing to claim a King as her own.

The other man joined in. I do think this does have some, at least some, hints of some sort of promise for their future. Our King was gifted that pin for her first event marking him as her favorite. Which I have read up on and learned it is merely a weakening of the term in translation, it is closer to that of Consort for her kin.

The woman spoke again. Which I think is a fitting message. To state it right away and ease King Thorin into her people’s lives when we’ve already seen at least a month of their brewing relationship. On all counts Queen Pear does seem to be well versed in our customs, it really makes me wonder what traditions or expectations our King has to meet. But in all this we are just thrilled to see the pair of them at the State Dinner at the end of the week.

The music came on signaling the commercial break as Thorin shut off the screen and wrapped his arms across your back. A late night drop by after yet another day of touring the final factory on a long list being updated with more efficient machines far safer for the workers brought on a date night to enjoy your next bout of baking with Glorfindel before his flight home again. All this after his bringing the tech team to finish setting up the system to keep you in touch with your Council.

Warmly under a thick flannel you snuggled beside Dwalin through the film playing an hour prior you had fallen asleep through. Somewhere between then and morning Dwalin had left the room to claim your spare bed you had offered the guards on night watch inside signaling the guards outside to continue their rounds circling the home stealing glances at the King holding you tighter in his sleep.

Loudly the latest chiming of the grandfather clock in the hall sounded as you slipped free from Thorin’s loosening grip to sit up beside his legs as you brushed your hair from your face then glanced around the room curiously. When you stood up Thorin stirred, slowly rubbing his face wondering why you’d left his arms only to stare at you wide eyed in your tearful whisper of, “We’re alone.”

Thorin glanced across the room spotting the door shut to the guest room he could hear Dwalin snoring through then looked at you and tensed seeing the tears welling in your eyes and hands smoothing over your upper arms. Wetting his lips he sat up, “Dwalin probably didn’t want to wake you with his snoring.”

Before he could ask you what was wrong his lips parted after you stated, “I’m not supposed to be alone with anyone but my kin and my Husband.”

Standing up he softly uttered, “Jaqi,” watching a tear roll down your cheek in his steps closer to you. His hand extended silently asking for yours you were cautious at granting him. “Please don’t be upset.”

in a broken whisper you replied, “He closed the door. There’s doubt now.” At the falling of more tears down your cheeks he moved closer offering both hands he was reluctant to place on you, merely holding them carefully a couple inches out from your arms in his move to be closer to you in the scrunching of your face.

He wet his lips then stated, “Jaqi, I’m not allowed to be alone with you either.” Making your eyes rise to meet his. “You said our relationship has to be a great deal based on trust. I trust you, you trust me. We fell asleep on the couch, as poor of a choice of wording as it is, I’m just as tarnished as you are.” Making another tear roll down your cheek. “Dearest, please,” his hands motioned to request one of yours you reluctantly eased into his palm and he led you back to the couch. “Let me show you something.”

His free hand dipped into his pocket to pull out his phone he quickly typed a message that a few moments after caused his phone to buzz when you sat down beside him. “Bofur’s on rounds outside. See, the window blind is open on the side.” You nodded then glanced at the phone looking at the first picture of Thorin flipping through the channels when you had fallen asleep. “When I am alone off the Palace grounds my guards are required to take a picture of me every fifteen minutes, especially when I fall asleep as proof of my safety. So technically, we aren’t alone. Not truly.”

“There’s no doubt then?”

He shook his head locking his eyes with yours as he passed you the phone and wiped your cheeks then stood, crossing the room to ease open Dwalin’s door and walk back to your side again reclaiming his seat. Sweetly his hands rose to wipe your cheeks again, “We can look through them together, alright?” You nodded and shifted to sit closer to him holding up the phone as he said, “Nothing good was on, ended up on the news. So far good things have been said.” You swiped again to the next image, “All four hands visible.” You kept swiping through his comments on each, “Ooh, your hand moved, to my face, maybe I snorted.”

Making you giggle and pass him the phone at the end of the images and locked your eyes with his as his hand rose to gently stroke your cheek. “Dearest. I will speak with the men in the morning, it won’t happen again.” He wet his lips and inched closer to you with a sheepish smile, “It was meant to be a surprise, but with the full day tomorrow, it sort of put back the dinner I planned.” His hand settled around yours, soon joined by the other to cup and caress it adoringly, “I am going to say something,” you nodded as he swallowed dryly, “There’s no one else. No one I would consider to rule alongside. It has only been just barely over a month, but I am certain, our dinner was to aid me in working up to granting you my first gift. A marker just as your pin is, to promise my intentions of an engagement, and to signal the start of forming terms.” His eyes scanned over your face hopefully, “Would you accept my offer of a promise and to start forming terms?”

You nodded and his lips instantly molded to yours in a firm kiss as your hands smoothed around the back of his neck while he drew you onto his lap then broke the kiss to press his forehead to yours. Softly you asked, “You’re certain?”

He nodded then placed a kiss on the tip of your nose then eyed your still exhausted expression, “Now that the door’s open could another nap be possible?” The hopeful gleam in his eyes making you smirk, “I would love to take full advantage of my chances to hold you in my arms until we can finally be alone.”

You nodded, “I could use some more sleep.” His smile eased larger at yours growing, “You don’t snore as badly as your Cousin, thankfully.”

He chuckled then stated, “I could always get those nose strips.”

You smirked kissing his nose, “I don’t mind. Just like having my own life sized teddy bear with a thunderous roar.” Making his smirk grow as he shifted to stretch out again with you across his side and chest as his lips pressed to your forehead. “Night Thorin.”

Lowly he rumbled back nuzzling his head against yours, “Good Night Dearest. I’ll have the gift sent over today and let my Council know.” Typing a message on his phone before setting it aside to sleep.

With the next chiming of the clock came a groggy King opening his eyes to his Cousin shaking his shoulder. Carefully you were cradled in his arms through your irritated grumble at the shifting on his path to take you to your bed where he tucked you in lovingly and kissed your forehead. With his phone back in his pocket and the ring Nori had brought for him eased onto your right index finger he stole one last look at you then headed to the car waiting for him. On his path to the car he glanced over at the equally irritated Dwalin at his side, wetting his lips he locked eyes with Dwalin when his door was opened halting Dwalin in place. “There’s, Jaqi’s not allowed to be alone with me.”

Dwalin’s lips parted, “I-.”

Thorin shook his head, “Bofur’s pictures calmed her down. Just, when you or the other guards do go to sleep when I’m there just leave the door open.”

Dwalin nodded, “Of course.”

Thorin grinned at him patting him on the shoulder, “Let’s go see what Dain wants this time.” Making Dwalin chuckle and climb in behind him for the drive to meet his feuding kin eventually leading him to the airport for a flight to Moria to handle the problem himself.

…

Three in the morning drew a loud grumble from you as you rolled over and grabbed your phone Thorin left by the bed ringing loudly. With a glare you brushed your curls from your face to read the name on the screen before you raised the phone to your ear as a car filled with Elves arrived to take you to the airport. Smacking your lips after stating, “I’m on my way.” You sat up in bed brushing the covers down and you tucked your phone in the pocket on your barely visible shorts under your large baggy sweater.

Groggily you moved to the foot of your bed slipping on your moccasin slippers before you walked through the house to the front door as Gimli followed after you joining you, with a warning text to Thorin about your disturbance. “Your Majesty, surely it can wait for you to get dressed.”

You sighed brushing your hair out of your face, “They woke me at three in the morning, meaning there is no time for pants. Or they better at least hope there won’t be.” Making him smirk at your yawned threatening response.

To the young Dwarf’s surprise you were driven to the private airstrip to another waiting jet that flew you to the ridge between Lothlorien, Moria and Greenwood where he eyed the damage a group of bristling trees growling at the bloody group of Men from Gondor training in your lands for their upper level military rankings that all straightened up and bowed their heads to you. At first your appearance froze them in place, especially your exhausted glare at the Men in question all trying to take in the details of your unkempt appearance in the moon and lantern lit night.

Approaching the General in charge you nodded your head at his deep bow, “Your Majesty. We apologize for disturbing you this late.”

Your eyes shifted over to your Uncle Celeborn in the distance speaking with the trees trying their best to withhold their vengeful swings at the Men. “Well I had certainly hoped it wouldn’t be this soon to get this particular call, again.” To which he nodded his head as you walked over to the group of Men tugging up your sleeves and crossed your arms then asked, “Who stole the wind chimes?”

Between the twelve of them you looked them all over taking in each tick and flinch at your spark filled glare. Their leader Deanorte barked out brashly, “What wind chimes Your Majesty?”

Your eyes locked on his and he visually flinched at the contact, “The ones you and your Men stole from the trees trying to kill you that tore apart half of the barracks trying to retrieve them.” The youngest Son of a Lord from Numenor you knew would be calling you when he heard about this nonsense.

Smuggly he shook his head, “Don’t recall any wind chimes Your Majesty.”

With a nod you stated, “Perhaps this will jog your memory.” Your hand rose as you drew in a sharp breath and eased two fingers into your mouth letting out a trilling five note whistle echoing through the barracks stirring the rest of the Men in the distance that flinched and darted away from the glowing barrack that let out a pulse of light before a group of whistling objects soared straight for you. Halting inches from your raised palm and swayed in circled pulsing brightly easing the anger in the trees watching you looking over the Men. “Look familiar?”

Again Deanorte shook his head, “No Your Majesty.”

Beside you Gimli’s fist clenched spotting the blatant lie signaling your move to walk through their line as they parted as you said, “General, add their faces to the wall.” Behind you Gimli followed glaring at the Man guilty of lying to you as their General bowed his head to your order calling out, “Yes Your Majesty.”

Behind you the Men scoffed as their leader chortled out, “Stealing a wind chime gets out picture up on a wall? What other prizes do we get?”

Hastily as Gimli glanced back their wrists were grabbed and they were shackled and led away to the prison on the base nearby, “Your faces will be added to the Wall of Exiles. Your other prizes include 35 years banishment from Her Majesties’ lands and possibly the dishonorable discharge for the charges of perjury and thievery against the crown when the Numenorean Lords hear of this.”

Deanorte, “Thievery against the crown?!”

Their voices died as you glanced at Gimli motioning him to join your side for you to say softly, “These were gifted to the tree guarding our borders at the crossroads since the waking of my kin in these lands from my ancestors. Each King and Queen gifts more bells and decorations to add to them upon their coronation.”

Gimli nodded, “Ah, so they’re protected relics. Explains the fury for losing such a gift.”

Easily you approached the trees returning the chimes to their former places in the herd of trees that all made their ways back to their homes again. Turning your heat you glanced up at your Uncle who chuckled softly through Gimli answering his phone as the other Men stole more glances at you and their arrested friends then headed back to bed.

Celeborn, “We managed to calm them fairly quickly this time.”

You nodded, “Yes, last time took me to get them calm.” You sighed and smoothed your hair back only to have it sway forward again pooling around your face. “Lord Anorte and Anrios will not be pleased.”

Celeborn replied, “Our laws are clear. Do not harm or upset our trees.”

You nodded and accepted the helicopter ride back to your Uncle’s Palace where he led you straight through to his war room where the screen lit up revealing two Numenorean Lords both scowling at you for the banishment of their Sons until they realized the exhaustion and disheveled appearance in their full body shot of you.

Anrios, “Your Majesty, What is the meaning of this?! Why has my Son been arrested and banished over a simple skirmish damaging the camp?”

“Lord Anrios, Lord Anorte, let me answer your question with another question. Why at three in the morning did I get called all the way out from Erebor because your Sons and their platoon stole enchanted chimes gifted from my ancestors to the trees guarding my borders? I did what was necessary to keep the peace in my lands. We have laws for a reason concerning our trees and they are to be respected by any and all of your Men, or should I inform the trees I have rescinded my judgment and am passing it over to them. I doubt you of all people would understand.”

Their lips parted at once when their bodies shifted awkwardly before Lord Anorte bowed his head answering, “No Your Majesty. We will stand by your ruling. None of us wish a repeat of the siege of Izenguard. We will ensure the Men we send out in the near future are absolutely obedient of those laws.” You nodded and the call ended after final farewells leaving you to turn to the approaching Council locked in a debate over the new laws adding to theirs you spent the following 16 hours sorting out before you were able to fly back to Erebor again. Though in what you assumed would be an empty airstrip you spotted the King with flowers in hand ready to take you home for a dinner and another nap, hopefully with you in his arms.

#Thorin x Reader OC #Hobbit #lotr

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oakenwriter · 6 years

Text

Imagine - Showing the dwarves what Christmas is.

"You don't know what Christmas is?" You gawked in total disbelief at the Dwarves, unable to comprehend how they had never celebrated Christmas before. Being from a different world, and having somehow ended up in Middle Earth, you had been prepared to explain anything they didn't understand but Christmas? You'd simply assumed it was a universally celebrated day. The thought of Christmas day being just another normal day for them was unfathomable.

"Well, get on it with it!" Dwalin huffed, arms folded and eyes narrowed. "Tell us what it is."

"It's a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus ─ if you're religious. If you're not, it's just a day you gather your family together for a meal and the giving and receiving of gifts. There's Christmas songs and decorations, and you can't forget a Christmas tree! But more importantly, there's so much happiness and laughter and it's not a proper Christmas until someone ends up so drunk they fall over with the rest of the family laughing at them." You explained with a smile, past memories of your family doing exactly that flitting through your mind.

"That sounds like a great day!" Kili exclaimed with a wide grin on his face. While his excitement probably stemmed from the fact he now had an excuse to get drunk, his enthusiasm for the day soon proved to be contagious because it wasn't long before the dwarves were asking what was expected and how long it would take to decorate and when it would take place. Of course, they had no idea what decorations even consisted of so everything was left down to you, but you didn't mind. You were determined to show them what Christmas was all about.

There was only one problem with that; Christmas was three days away.

"I can't decorate the whole of Erebor in three days because it would take too long, but I could decorate the dining hall. Everyone can join us and I can sing Christmas songs for you all and it'll be amazing! I promise, you'll have the best Christmas ever!" You were becoming more and more excited by the prospect the more you thought of it; the looks on the dwarves faces as all their friends and family gathered together for a feast. "Oh god, I need to figure out what I'm going to get you all!"

"What do you mean?" Bofur asked, eyes lighting up at the possibility of getting a gift.

"It's tradition to buy your friends and family a present, something you'll know they'll like. It can be absolutely anything but you have to wrap it up!"

"None of us are religious though, and I don't know who this Jesus person is." Nori piped up, looking at you in bewilderment, like you'd just made up an entire celebration and he couldn't quite figure out why.

"Then we celebrate Christmas for the sake of celebrating!" You said. There was no way they were getting out this, though you didn't really think they wanted to. Even Thorin, the most closed off dwarf, seemed to brighten up at the thought of a celebration with his loved ones.

If Thorin thought Christmas was a good idea, then you definitely had to make it the most amazing Christmas you'd ever had.

***

You had never ran around so much in your entire life, not even in your P.E classes at school. At the end of the day, you were absolutely exhausted from the preparation for Christmas, and answering the endless questions from the many dwarves that were still unsure on what the day actually was. Despite all that, the smile could still not be wiped off your face and you were filled with so much Chrismas spirit that you spent each day singing carols as you strung decorations up.

The first day was the most difficult. Having to find a tree that was large enough was, surprisingly, not the most problematic thing in the world. No, it was actually finding what to hang from the tree that was the most difficult task, and having to explain that no, you cannot hang knives from a Christmas tree, no matter how much you like them! The whole thing was a task you were unsure had ever had you so exasperated before. Fili still hadn't understood why, and had grumbled for an entire hour about being unable to find anything you deemed suitable.

Eventually, it was Balin that had found suitable decorations. In fact, you were convinced someone must have celebrated a Christmas before ─ or at least something like it ─ because the decorations for the tree were perfect, baubles of red, silver and gold. They even had string tied to the top, allowing you to hang them on the tree without having them fall off.

"Those are perfect!" You gushed. "Fili, Kili, you two can help me!"

You knew those two were the most excited about the prospect of Christmas. Family meant the world to them, absolutely everything, and after the war that had almost cost them their lives, they were eagerly anticipating a day to relax. You couldn't blame them, not really.

"What do we do with them?" Kili asked you, holding a red bauble in his hand, his brows furrowed as his eyes flickered back and forth between the bauble and you.

You grinned, picking up a gold one and walking over to the tree. Standing on your tip toes, mentally cursing yourself for having sent Dwalin to get a tree, you hung the bauble on one of the branches. "It doesn't look like much now but I promise, once the others are on the tree, it'll look amazing!"

Fili and Kili soon got to work decorating the tree and you glanced around the dining hall, seeing the many places where you could hang over decorations, ones that Ori, Bilbo, Oin, Gloin and Bofur had gone to find from Dale. Thorin had been a little hesitant in letting you take free reign, giving orders to the dwarves but you had assured him you just wanted to make sure they had a Christmas to remember, even if they chose not to celebrate it again next year. He hadn't been too pleased, but he soon started barking orders himself, wanting the cooks to make sure they had enough food and drinks (with some suggestions that came from you).

He wouldn't let you know it, but Thorin was looking forward to a day of no worries just as much as the other dwarves. Having an entire day dedicated to leaving your duties behind had everyone wanting to do their bit to help, if only to make sure it came that much sooner.

The second day was the day you almost got yourself injured. You had been stringing up decorations you had spent all night making and in your haste to make everything perfect, you had skipped breakfast and lunch. It resulted in a wave of nausea that had your stomach rolling and your vision blurring and if it hadn't been for Fili catching you at the last minute, you would have fallen from the ladder straight to the ground.

You were forced to rest after that, much to your displeasure. Though you had been told to stay in bed and get some much needed rest after having a meal practically forced down your throat, you refused to be bedridden and instead sat down in the dining hall and told everybody else what to do.

By the last day, the night before Christmas, everything was done. It amazed you how quick the dwarves had gathered together to finish everything you had yet to do. When you'd wandered into the dining hall on Christmas Eve, all that was left to do was teach them Christmas songs. The decorations had been hung up and there were even lights woven into some of them, illuminating the room in a bright light that made the dining hall more cosy than it had been. All in all, it was perfect and you couldn't have done any better.

"It looks incredible!" You breathed, smiling as you took in the beauty of the place. It made your eyes water to see it, reminding you of the many Christmas' you'd spent with your own family.

"We wanted everything done in time for tomorrow," Fili explained, coming to stand beside you as you walked around. "The company were the ones who helped us. You've got everybody looking forward to Christmas."

You smiled at him through watery eyes. "I'm glad. After everything all of you have endured, a stress free day is what you all need."

"It makes you miss your family though." Fili stated, eyeing you in sympathy. You had yet to figure out how you had actually ended up here in Middle Earth and though you were unsure on whether you even wanted to go back, you did miss your family.

"Where I'm from, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December every year. Today is actually Christmas Eve. My family would all go to my gran and grandad's home and we'd have dinner there and it always made me happy because it's the one day of the year where none of us argue or seem to hate each other."

"You hate your family?!" Fili's eyes went wide and you weren't sure whether it was out of pity or surprise. You assumed it was a combination of both.

"I don't get on with most of them. They don't understand me and they pick on the things I like, so I often feel like the outsider. Christmas makes it different though because it's the one day petty squabbles are set aside and we come together to enjoy our time together and appreciate our family as a whole." A tear rolled down your cheek but you quickly wiped it away. As much as you missed them, you didn't want anything to ruin this Christmas, though you briefly wondered what was happening at home. Had they noticed you were missing? How much time had even passed there? Were they looking for you? How did it even work? You had no answers, and nobody else had any either.

"Christmas sounds like a wonderful holiday." Fili commented, not having noticed your tears. There was a warm smile on his face, one that had your heartbeat quickening when you saw it.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." You sang softly.

And it was, or it soon would be. You were particularly looking forward to seeing their reactions to the gifts you had bought for them. You doubted they'd purchased any gifts since they weren't entirely sure why it was done but it you truly didn't care. Just being in Middle Earth, surrounded by your favourite dwarves and hobbit was enough for you. It was the best gift you could have asked for.

It's why you weren't so sure you wanted to go back home if you ever found a way to do so.

~*~*~*~*~*~

AN: I hope you like this! Let me know what you think since I’m getting back into the swing of writing imagines again! :)

#other #the hobbit #the hobbit imagines

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joyfullynervouscreator · 7 years

Text

Leaving Home pt 6

@life-is-righteous

Ori’s send-off

Ori was probably the only Dwarf in the Company without mixed feelings about going on the Quest. Fíli and Kíli would never admit to fearing the outcome of the venture, but those who knew them well saw it lurking behind their eyes. Ori, however, was really only excited. Finally, he would get to see some of the world – like in Nori’s stories of his adventures in the far-flung corners of Arda! The Dragon awaiting them in his Mountain Lair was almost forgotten in Ori’s view of his near future.

Given that he had never been good at making friends – really, the only Dwarrow he knew that were close to his own age were probably the Princes and the daughter of the butcher who lived next door to their house on Granite Way – Ori did not have anyone he truly wished to say goodbye to. Master Balin – whom Ori adored to an almost embarrassing degree – was going to be on the Quest, Dori – even though she had protested vehemently – was going too, and Nori, who hadn’t set foot in their home in the past five years, was also going, so Ori did not feel worried at all about his prospects. His siblings would look out for him, as he would them, and with warriors like Master Dwalin and King Thorin along, and even the two Princes, truly there should be little to worry about before they reached the Lonely Mountain. Ori had sometimes snuck down to the practice rings to watch the sparring – because Dori didn’t want him to join the proper training – and even if he did not have any experience, he knew that his position was important enough that the more battle-ready Dwarrow would keep him from the worst of the fighting. Nori had given him the slingshot he would be bringing as his weapon, as a gift for his fiftieth Nameday, and Ori quietly considered himself the best shot in Ered Luin among the younger Dwarrow, behind Prince Kíli, whose skill with the bow was considered almost Elven.

Ori was also happy that he would earn his Mastery writing the tale of the reclamation. As an experienced Journeyman, he could have set up a Scrivener’s Shop without any problems, but Ori wanted more than writing up letters. Ori wanted to be a proper Archivist or even the Royal Librarian, and when Master Balin had offered him the position of official Scribe on the Quest, Ori had almost cried with joy. Even Dori’s – and Nori’s, surprisingly – protests could not dim his joy in being chosen and asked personally by Master Balin. The old Uzugbad could have performed the task of writing their story himself, and Ori took it as the accolade that it was that he had been chosen to fill the position of Zarabâl[1]. It meant that Balin trusted in both Ori’s skill and diligence, that he had faith Ori would leave nothing unnoticed, making their record as comprehensive as possible. Balin had explained that he was going along as the diplomat and contract-maker, he would be the one drawing all the official documents, and he expected it would keep him busy to be the designated negotiator with all they met, which meant he did not also have time to do all the observation and note-taking necessary to write a proper Saga.

Another thing Ori felt was a benefit to going on the Quest, was spending time with his brothers. Of course, he lived with Dori and saw her every day, but Nori was almost never around, even if he did send home presents. When Ori was little, the presents had been mostly candy that Nori found in peculiar places, or a small trinket from wherever Nori had gone. Dori always said it was best they did not ask where their brother went, and the one and only time Ori had asked more than Nori had been willing to tell, his brother had disappeared for three months without word. When he came back, Nori told him gravely that Ori should not ask questions about Nori’s whereabouts, and he ought to keep quiet that they were even related. As Nori said, he did not go by Nori anywhere but Ered Luin, but even here, in Thorinuldûm itself there were people he did not want to bring back to Dori and Ori. That was the first time Ori had realised that Nori’s work was not within the lines of the law. He did not feel so strongly about it as Dori, who would bite her lip and spit lightning from her otherwise calm eyes when Nori showed up with things she believed were stolen. She always patched up whatever scrapes Nori had, however, and both of Dori’s younger brothers knew that her grumbling was based on deep and abiding love for them and worry for their safety, so Nori was never truly offended by Dori’s tirades. Ori nurtured a quiet wish that his siblings might be able to reconcile a little during the long trek to Erebor; the last time Dori had kicked out Nori had been five years ago, and they had seen neither hide nor hair of him since, until the evening he had been in the kitchen when Ori came home with his news of going on the Quest. Ori had been slightly puzzled to see him, for his sharp eyes had not missed the reddening that surrounded Dori’s eyes; as if his sister had been crying. Nori had been inscrutable as usual, at least until he started yelling on par with Dori, both of them trying to stop Ori from going. Eventually, Ori had to remind them that he was a century old and an adult, capable of making his own choices. That had not helped the yelling, with Dori blaming Nori for being a bad influence, which Nori protested loudly, and Ori denied in equal volume. When Dori had yelled herself hoarse, she had looked at the both of them, and Ori had been scared to see the tears well up in Dori’s eyes.

“You can’t both leave me behind to wait for news, Nori,” Dori had said, dashing away the tears she would not shed. Two weeks later, when Ori was still adamant about going, Dori had sighed heavily. The next thing he knew, she had gone to the King and formally signed on for the Quest for Erebor.

When he returned from Master Balin’s office, having packed up several good quills as well as a bound stack of paper for notes and sketches, Ori found Dori alone in the kitchen of their little house on Granite Way. She had been a whirlwind of packing over the past few days, ensuring they all had adequate clothes, as well as as much food as they could reasonably carry. She had even used some of their coin to buy saddlebags, because Lady Dís had informed them they would be travelling on ponies in the beginning. Ori looked around for Nori’s easily recognisable silhouette, but his brother was nowhere to be seen, which made Ori slightly worried. Nori had promised that he would set off with them in the morning, and Ori knew that Dori would fret herself into lying awake all night if the star-haired Dwarf did not show. He wasn’t as worried, however, Nori always kept his promises; it was one of the things his brother had always felt strongly about. He might not be an honest Dwarf, Nori had said to a wide-eyed thirty year-old Ori, but he did have honour, and keeping his word was one of the ways he stayed the Dwarf Dori had helped raise. The two siblings ate a quiet dinner, with Dori constantly listening for the door, before she sent Ori off to check that all his materials had been properly stowed away and get a good night’s sleep.

Ori slept well, no dark dreams plaguing his mind, and in the morning, he giggled at Dori’s harsh awakening of the hung-over Nori and… he thought that Dwarf was named Bofur.

When they left, at long last, hours after they had meant to set off, all their neighbours had come out to wave off the Sons of Arnóra.

Ori smiled, waving at those he had known since he was a pebble.

They were on their way to adventure.

[1] Recorder/writer – professional title. (lit. He/she that is a recorder)

Full series on Ao3!

#ori #dori #nori #hobbit #Leaving Home #Dwelf-'verse

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alicemoonwonderland · 7 years

Text

The Thief’s Jewel - Part Three

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11] [Part 12]

Fandom: The Hobbit Pairing: Nori x Jaida (Orignal Fem!Character) Rating: NSFW for later chapters

Tagged: @atlerion @themissimmortal @insomniacapples(let me know if you want to be tagged)

Nori swaggered into Dis' chambers. "How is the true Queen of the Mountain and the fiercest warrior I know?" He spoke dramatically as he beamed at his friend.

Dis looked up at him, quirking an eyebrow immediately as he was way too cheerful. Setting down her glass of wine and dropping her feet from the table. "Well hello to you too, spymaster." She grinned cheeky.

He plopped down in a chair, throwing his legs over the arm of it. "Don't trust that grin." He teased her. "I'm surprised to see you're not torturing someone. It's past noon already."

"I don't trust that grin!" She pointed to him as she broke out in laughter. "I'm surprised to see you out of your bars." She drawled amused.

"I've been keeping my nose clean, thank you very much!" He smirked at her. "So when are you going to take over the Kingdom? I need a front row seat."

"Oh please. Queens have absolutely no free time. It'd be such a bore. My stiff brother is perfect for the role of a ruler." She watched him carefully. Something was different.

"I see your point. Well. Dis, I need your help and or advice about something." He spoke as he played with one of his braids.

She raised both her eyebrows. Highly confused. Therefore ready for an adventure. Nori did not ask for help. Or advice. Ever. Smirking playfully. "What can I do for you?"

"What sort of presents would you give a Dwarrowdam?" He asked her as casually as possible, looking innocently at his nails as he didn't trust that smirk of hers.

She would swear until her dying day that the world stopped turning. Hell froze over. If there was such a thing. And her smirk only grew. "Well that would depend on the Dwarrowdam. And her, relationship to you."

"Just give me some general ideas and tips. I'll figure it out from there." By the Valar no way he was going to tell her about Jaida and who she was to him. He wasn't that stupid.

"If you won't tell me then I will have to find out my way. Wait until I get a hold of that special lady of yours." She said innocently, running her fingers through her hair.

"Leave her alone, Dis." Nori drawled as he rolled his eyes. "Or I'll sack Dori on you."

"You said it yourself. I'm a queen." She flipped her hair dramatically. "Just admit it's a special lady and I'll not look for her."

"Fiiiiiiiiine. She's special. Happy now? Sheesh. No wonder Fee and Kee are such menaces." He grumbled.

She squealed so high pitched it could have broken glass. "Mahals balls Nori is in love!!!"

"By the Valar! Lower your voice woman! I don't wish to become deaf!" He put his fingers into his ears.

"Oh Mahal thank you. Who is she? Where did you meet her? Ohhh look at the blush on your face it's so cute I just want to pinch your cheeks."

"Just give me some tips and advice okay! I've things to do! People to spy on!"

Oh goodness me. The great and powerful Nori asking me for advice?" She gasped dramatically, leaning back in her chair and touching her chest. "I'll put this in the records."

"Diiiiiiiiiis!" Nori whined as he pouted, crossing his arms. "If you're not going to help me, say so and I'll find someone else! I’m pretty sure I’ll screw this up without some guidance!"

"Oh relax! Who else are you going to go to anyway? There's not another Dwarrowdam around you to go to." She huffed, puffing up a bit. Then she turned serious. Determined. "What does she like?"

Nori opened and closed his mouth. Frowning deeply. That was a good question. "Uhm. Tea....opals....reading?"

"Oh Mahal help you." She sighed so deeply. "Nori! You should know every detail of her from her fears to dreams, the way she walks to how it looks before she's going to cry. You need to know all her favorites and what she likes to do in her spare time." She grumbled a few things under her breath in Khuzdul.

He rubbed his chin, deep in though as he looked at a random spot on the wall. "Seems I've a new mission!" He chirped cheerfully. He'd use his little spies and spy on her. Yes that would work. Maybe steal her journal and watch her sleep. Nodding to himself as a plan started to form.

"Mahals balls Nori are you insane you cannot spy on her!" She practically screamed at him. Flailing her arms in the air a bit as she fought with herself. Deciding she needed more wine for this and poured another glass. "You take her on a date."

"Date?!?" The word was an even more foreign concept to him than tea. He looked so pale and terrified. He'd rather fight orcs. "A date? Where? How? Uhm? What? Really?"

She felt like lunging across the table and choking him. Her eyes bugging out of her head as her nostrils flared. "You come to me asking for help and advice and you don't even know how to go on a date?!" She shrieked.

"EASY WOMAN!!!!! Who do you take me for? You think I go on dates every weekend? Sheesh! I was trying to provide for my family and busy getting into trouble! This is the bloody first time I'm interested in a woman!" He cried out in his defense.

“A date, Nori! Dinner at a restaurant or a picnic. Romance her! Flirt! Bring her flowers! Get to know her and let her get to know you!" Then pray she still likes you because you're a great oaf. She shook her head.

He looked like he was in pain. Romance? Flirt? Flowers? Mahal help him. This was going to be a disaster. "I think I can do a picnic." He spoke slowly, tugging on his braids. "Flowers. But flowers die. Aren't gems better?"

"Not always no. It's a first date. Showering her with priceless gems. That's for Kings, royalty. Those that have no time and don't care to. You want to woo her. Win her over starting with the little things. Details matter Nori. Starting out with something like rubies or sapphires, does not make you look very confident. Makes you desperate. That's a courting gift."

"Maybe I could go to Bofur and pick up one of those pretty toys he makes. Or maybe some new teacups for her. She likes tea. A lot." Of course she does seeing she works for Dori. "Or maybe I can get my hands on some rare teas."

She nodded curtly, just once. Her approval clear on her face. "There you go now you're thinking. Something that shows her your pay attention. Care about what she likes."

"She likes opals. Maybe a small hair pin with opals." He mumbled as he played with his braid. "More I can figure out when I know her better. At least her tastes."

"And now you understand why you need to get to know her." She smirked again as she relaxed once more. Satisfied that he was catching on. "You wish to court her don't you?"

He turned redder than a ruby before he could stop himself. "Maybe." He drawled as he crossed his arms, getting up. "Maybe a little set of knives she can easily hide. Yes. Mmm. That would be nice."

Her mind went every which way as she had conflicting thoughts about what he said. "Ok, hold the courting thought. Knives? You can't gift a Dwarrowdam knives! That is not romantic even in the least bit!"

"Yes! Knives! For protection! I can't always be there to protect her. And hand to hand combat isn't always enough. And knives are pretty too. And it can symbolize something else." He wiggled his eyebrows with a cheeky grin.

"If you think like that you're doomed to fail. For if she's worth any amount of your time she won't abuse skinship privileges." She said softly, seriously. "Not the first time. If she truly like them then yes of course it'd be acceptable. But do something softer that you'll know she will enjoy."

Nori sighed deeply. "I hate when you talk sense. It's highly annoying." He teased his friend with a warm smile. "Something softer. Mmm. I wonder if she likes blankets. Or kittens. But I’ll start with a new tea set. I've heard a shipment of goods is coming in from the Shire and they always have lovely things."

She narrowed her eyes a bit as she stared at him. "Oh this is great. Mr. Sneaky has his emotions out on his sleeve for me to read like a book." She drawled with a smirk. "Something has already happened with skinship. But she's not the one who stopped it." Oh this was worth more than the golden floor in the Gallery of the Kings.

"Oh goodness look at the time. I've things to do, places to be! Thank you for the talk. Always lovely to see you!"

She dashed across the room so fast. Stepping on her table and knocking over chairs. Blocking his path. "Oh Mahal you really are in love. She's your One."

"Oh hush you woman. Now I know where your sons have their dramatic flair from!" Nori shouted as he crossed his arms. "Now out of the way. I've a job to do."

"Don't sass me or I'm going to shout it from the peak of Erebor. And don't call her a job for goodness sakes!”

"Of course she isn't a job! I'm not that much of a lost cause! I was actually talking about my real job as spy master, that one that may not be honorable but helps keep everyone safe!"

She cackled loudly, flipping her hair back and strutting off. "Oh you've got it baaaad." She snickered. "See you later lover boy. Let me know how it goes asking your lass on a date!"

"Don't call me lover boy!" He huffed and puffed to her.

"You're wasting precious time Mister Smitten." She did a twirl and fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"I'm going I’m going! Ugh don't twirl it doesn't suit you." He chuckled and gave her a playful shove. "Catch you later Dis." He called as he quickly ran away before she could shove him back. Giving her a flamboyant bow before he left her quarters.

***

Nori paced before the shop, tugging hard on his braid; seems he had a nervous habit. All kinds of worried thoughts rushing through his mind. What if she told him no? Oh by Mahal the thought alone made him all sick and anxious. He’d rather fight in the Battle again. Much easier than this. He really liked her. He did. Oh Mahal help him. How was he going to do this? How does one ask a lady like her for a date?!? Maybe he should hit the library first and find a manual.

“Oi! Nori!” An accent-heavy voice called.

Nori bit back a squeak, straightening and tried to look all suave and chill as he turned to greet his hatted friend. "Ah. Bofur. Good day. Fancy seeing you here mate!"

"Yeah. Fancy that indeed." Bofur drawled quietly. A cheeky grin and sparkling eyes. "I'm just going in for some tea meself. And, what're you doin'? Bit early for the lass to get off innit?"

"Tea." He blurted out and kicked his own arse mentally. "Yes. It is. But yes. Tea. I was going to have some."

Bofur nodded and raised his eyebrows. "You too? My, this is a chance meeting. We can sit together." He said so cheerfully. Stomping to the door and holding it open, gesturing flamboyantly. "After you."

Oh yes. Go in to drink tea. You don't drink that you bloody moronic love struck fool! Great job, fantastic, applause worthy. Ugh! And now he was stuck. "Yes a chance meeting indeed." Nori spoke through clenched jaws. "Thank you my lord!" He spoke in a high pitched voice and stomped into the shop.

Bofur snickered to himself as he followed Nori in and they took a seat in the booth at the back. Hearing Dori immediately call for Jaida. Knowing all too well the boys were here for her. Being that Bofur came in on a regular basis these days, only to watch his lifelong cocky best friend stumble about and make an absolute fool of himself, and may help him along on the fool part! But occasionally he had come on his own, talking Nori up for hours to the girl.

Bofur pulled out his pipe and started cleaning it out. "And what exactly did you plan on telling her huh?"

"None of your damn business." Nori grumbled as he pulled out his pipe as well. Panicking in his mind. Keep it cool. Keep calm. DONT PANIC. Cue more panicking.

Bofur chuckled even more. "So you don't know what you're gonna say."

Jaida lit up like a Christmas tree as she came to the front of the shop. Glad they weren't busy today as she practically bounced over to them. "Bofur? It's good to see you!"

"Well hello there Miss Jaida. You're looking right pretty today if I do say so meself." He grinned cheeky at her.

Jaida shook her head amused and turned to Nori. "What are you doing here so early?" She said softly. Smiling so adoringly at him.

Nori swiftly kicked Bofur's leg under the table. How dared he speak to Jaida like that, the bastard. Grumbling and glaring for a split moment at his friend. Turning to Jaida and gave her a nervous smile. He opened and closed his mouth. "You look radiant today." He squeaked and wanted to slam his forehead on the table.

Jaida tilted her head a bit, carefully looking Nori over.

"Don't mind him lassie. He has just came back from a sudden job you know. Turned out to be right nasty. He's feeling a bit under the weather but will be right as rain once he gets some of that relaxing tea in him." Bofur said with a wide smile.

Her eyes widened and she immediately reached forward and placed her hand on his forehead. "Are you alright? You're not hurt are you? Did you go see Oin?" She rambled, patting over his chest and arms.

Nori blinked rapidly as she was touching him. His whole body sighing happily as it felt wonderful. Sparks rushing through him as a silly small smile grew on his face. She was passing too much skinship so soon but he didn't care. He craved her touch. He needed his One. Oh his One. How could Mahal be so cruel to pair her with a criminal like him? "I'm not hurt, Jaida. I'll be alright. I don't need Oin."

Bofur smiled a bit triumphantly, keeping his gaze down as he stuffed his pipe. Giving them a bit of privacy at least.

"Are you sure? I'll get him or take you there if you need." She said softly. Pressed so close to him as she kept patting his chest a bit.

His cheeks became a bit flushed. Softly touching her arms as he looked gently at her. Opening and closing his mouth as he was at a loss what to say. "I'm sure. I'm alright." He whispered softly to her.

"Alright." She said softly. Her eyes so adoring as they were locked on his. "How about that tea now? Which would you like? You too Bofur." She giggled as she turned to look at him as well.

He looked so innocent at her. "Oh whatever he has is fine I'm sure. Or whatever you feel like makin'. I'd take anything' from you no question."

"Y-You decide. I don't know much about tea." He smiled sheepish at Jaida, looking up at her as if she was the answer to all of his prayers. Carefully touching her hand. They were so soft. His so rough.

"Fine. Waitresses choice." She brushed his cheek with her knuckles before moving away from them to the counter.

Bofur started to smirk as he watched Nori. This was too good. He could never have planned it better himself. "You better make your move."

Nori silently prayed for Mahal to put him out of his misery. His skin hot where she had touched him. "Hooooooow? Ugh. Bofur. I don't know what to do!" He looked pained and scared at his friend.

"I've had as many lasses as you. You're asking the wrong dwarrow." He shrugged. Singing on the inside as he had a plan. Dwarves were jealous possessive bastards. "But if you don't. Someone else will."

Nori's face turned hard. "No. She's mine." His hands turned into tight fists. Narrowing his eyes at Bofur.

"Whoa now I didn't mean me. Hmmm. But she is a pretty lass. Got a good head on her shoulders. Witty even against me. I'm only saying she's had to have caught someone else's eye."

Nori bristled, eyes flashing with fire. "Mine. I'll cut anyone who dares to get close to her." He growled so low.

"She ain't yours you can't even get the courage to ask her on a date. Even then she ain't yours." Bofur reminded him. Not until he presented her with courting beads. And she accepted.

"She's mine. She's my One." He grumbled as he crossed his arms, freezing a bit as he had admitted it aloud. "And I'm thinking about it."

Bofur looked up as Jaida headed for them again. Three cups of tea in her hands. "Dori says I can join you if I'd like. We don't have much to do. Is that ok?" She asked softly as she handed them their cups.

"Oh it's perfectly fine. Come sit on ol' Bofur's lap. I was just about to have storytime." He said cheerfully. A mischievous glint in his eyes.

Nori kicked Bofur's leg again, harder this time. Jaws clenched as he wanted to strangle his friend. Sit on his lap? No no. If she was going to sit on someone's lap, it would be his. "Yes please join us." Nori smiled gently as he slid to the side to make a place for her.

"Bofur you're terrible." She giggled, taking her seat next to Nori and scooting up against him.

“Nah. Just a wishful thinker. I'm a lonely dwarrow you know." He winked playfully at her. Kick him all you want Nori. It only meant his plan was working.

Nori carefully placed his arm behind Jaida. Glaring even more to his friend. Who would fall down a mine shaft one day. "Go off and find yourself a lady friend then." Nori drawled coolly. This one was his.

"Ah but she ain't spoken for. Come now no harm in flirtin' with her." Bofur huffed, turning to Jaida with a wide grin. "Alright you're ready for a story? It's a good one from Ered Luin. Back when Nori was still a thief."

She quirked an eyebrow. Resting her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands. "I'm listening."

"Bofur. C'mon. You don't have to tell her this. Please. I'm sure you've many better stories about me." He started to panic a bit. His chest twisting as he felt himself curl in a bit. He wasn't proud of his past. So not proud. Even though he had done what needed to for his brothers to survive.

"Ah no. I've the perfect one in mind. Learn to trust someone Nori." Bofur just waved him off. Turning his attention to the girl. "This fool, one time he lifted four loaves of bread from the market. Well I’m sure he dunnit before. But this time was memorable."

She blinked as she watched him. She knew Nori had been a thief. But she also knew the good intentions behind it. It had never mattered to her, and Nori still didn’t quite understand that. It gave him a bittersweet feeling, because someone forgives all that he did just like that, and maybe he can forgive himself too.

Nori groaned so loudly, slumping in his seat and sipped his tea. "I am not a fool." He weakly protested.

"Well you can guess who was after him then. Never seen so many guards after one person. He came roundin' the corner and past my stall- yeah had that in Ered Luin too- an' some daft fool got in his way and he fell right into a pile of goat droppings! I laughed for a good while about that. Still am. Right in the face too." He laughed hearty, placing his hand on his belly.

"I can still smell it." He mumbled as he watched Jaida, picking up even the smallest changes in her facial expression. She was hanging on to every word Bofur spoke, eyes wide with wonder like a dwarrowling.

She stared at Bofur for the longest time. Waiting for him to continue. But he just sipped his tea. And it made her impatient. "Well? Did he get away? Did he keep the food?"

"Oh aye. He got home fine. Didn't stop him for but a moment. Still handing off the bread to some of the little street urchins first."

She gasped softly, turning to look at Nori now. "But didn't you go hungry?"

"Uhm no. I was fine. Ate the day before you know. And the urchins needed it more than I did..." He coughed and tugged harder on his braid. "Of course I made sure my brothers received a loaf. I never let them go hungry. I'd do anything for them."

Bofur sighed internally and rolled his eyes. Mahal that dwarf was so dense. "Aye. He went hungry if need be. Never ate before his brothers."

Her smile dropped as she turned to Nori again. Her eyes going glossy as her chest tightened.

Nori panicked. Oh Mahal she was going to cry. "Please don't cry. It's in the past now. I don't steal. My brothers and I haven't been hungry since we reclaimed the mountain. All is well please don't cry." He was going to kill Bofur.

"Oh look at the time. Sorry but I've to finish running my errands." Bofur said suddenly, stretching as he stood from the booth. Setting down a few coins. "Thanks for the tea Jaida." He winked to Nori and left.

Jaida still looked almost distraught at Nori. Suddenly throwing her arms around his neck and holding him so tight. "You're amazing Nori. I don't care that you stole." She whispered.

He blinked rapidly as his eyes suddenly were burning for some odd reason. Sitting dumbfounded for a moment. Suddenly hugging her back fiercely as he felt like a huge weight had fallen off his shoulders. "I want to take you on a date."

Her heart skipped a beat, freezing momentarily as she wasn't sure she'd heard him right. Her breath catching in her throat. Squeezing him even tighter as more tears brimmed her eyes. "Okay."

He exhaled shaky. "Yes? You want to go on a date?" He blinked so fast. Had he heard her right? He pressed his nose against her hair. Relaxing in her arms.

She giggled bashfully, nuzzling against his shoulder. A faint blush on her cheeks. "Yes. Yes I do."

A ridiculously wide smile appeared on his face and he rubbed her back. "Good. Good. When do you want to go?"

"Whenever you want. Surely you know my schedule by now. I'll be there regardless. Where are we going? Or did you not plan anything yet?" She rambled, squeeing with joy.

"I was thinking on your day off which is in two days. And I thought maybe a picnic in the opal cavern I showed you a while back." He pulled back as he looked so tenderly at her.

Her smile started so small, but it grew wider with each passing second. Just lost in his eyes. Such an adoring look on her face. It could have been in the tea shop for all she cared. "And what time should I meet you? And where?"

"Meet me around noon at the...the big blue mural! Yes that's a good spot." He blushed faintly when he saw the look on her face. Maybe it wouldn't be a disaster.

"Well then master Nori. It's a date." She whispered breathlessly, running her fingers through his beard a little.

He shivered, eyes darkening as it felt so good. "A date it is, my sweet lady." He purred softly.

#the hobbit #the hobbt fanfiction #nori #nori x oc #ch: jaida #written by alicemoonwonderland

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darnloveablecharacters · 7 years

Text

Prove Me Wrong, Part Seven: A Gift

Series Summary: Caithwistë, born from the only known pairing of an elf and a dwarf has spent most of her life in hiding. When an old friend, (or a certain meddling wizard) finds her in the woods, everything changes. Now, she will have the chance to prove the world wrong about her value. A ‘The Hobbit’ fanfiction based off of the following imagines from @imaginexhobbit: This One is the basis of the story, and This One and This One will be added in later. If you recognize it, it belongs to Professor Tolkien or Peter Jackson. But, as usual, the story and all of the mistakes are my own!

Prove Me Wrong - Masterlist

Chapter Notes: Awww.... Thorin was worried. (tee hee) As far as the mention of Azog, I’m actually not sure how old he was. There doesn’t seem to be much information on the lifespan of orcs so the timing may not be right but... still fiction. YAY! As you have all probably already noticed, I’m taking the route of the movies... simply because it’s fresher in my mind than the book.

Warnings for this chapter: none

Translations: hurun ganat - rest well (khuzdul)

Tagged: @imaginesreblogged

“Orcs.”

At the sound of the word, Caithwistë’s eyes snapped open. She sat up with her knife in hand, fully alert. There was a scream in the distance, and she gripped the handle tightly.

“Orcs?” Bilbo said, creeping closer to where Fili and Kili were sitting, next to the fire.

“Throatcutters.” Fili said ominously. “There’ll be dozens of them out there. The lowlands are crawling with them.”

“They strike in the wee small hours, when everyone’s asleep. Quick and quiet. No screams. Just lots of blood.” Kili said quietly.

Caithwistë was listening intently for the sounds of intruders, when the brothers started chuckling quietly.

“You think that’s funny?” Thorin demanded angrily, startling her. “You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?”

“We didn’t mean anything by it.” Kili said, looking down in shame.

“No, you didn’t. You know nothing of the world.” Thorin growled. He walked to the edge of the cliff, and peered over the valley.

“Don’t mind him, laddie.” Balin said gently, leaning against the rock wall close to Fili and Kili. “Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs. 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.”

Caithwistë watched Thorin as Balin recounted the tale of the Battle of Azanulbizar. When he spoke of the pale orc, Azog, she shivered. She had been captured by him when she had wandered too close to Moria, not long after leaving Imladris. The wounds had faded into scars, but the memory of her captivity still haunted her. She stood, grabbing her bow, and snuck into the trees while the others were enthralled with the story.

She didn’t intend to stray very far, just wanted to escape the story as it had unearthed too many memories she had long avoided. She found a small stream, and splashed the cool water in her face. This was not the time, nor the place to travel down such a dark road. She pulled a cloth from her pocket to dry off, when she heard a twig snap behind her. Dropping the cloth, she spun with her bow. By the time she was aiming at the intruder, she had an arrow nocked ready to fly.

“Caithwistë?” A deep voice said from the shadows.

She huffed in frustration as she released the tension on the bow. “Thorin. You really need to stop sneaking up on me like that. Eventually, I’m going to shoot you.” She said, placing the arrow back in her quiver.

Thorin stepped into the moonlight, holding his hands up in surrender. “Thank you for the warning Tracker.” He said with a smirk.

Caithwistë rolled her eyes and bent to pick up the cloth she had dropped into the stream. “Why did you follow me?” She asked, wringing out the excess water.

Thorin clasped his hands behind his back as he observed her. “Your bed roll was empty, and I didn’t know where you had gone.” She could hear the concerned tone in his voice. “I came to see if you were well. The woods are dangerous at night.” He glanced around, as if expecting an orc to jump from behind a tree.

Caithwistë laughed. “I think the only one in danger here is you, if you continue to startle me.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “You are swift with the bow. I wonder, how are you with a blade?”

She smirked, quickly grasping her knife as she turned and threw it. It imbedded in the tree, less than an inch to the right of Thorin’s ear. To his credit, he didn’t flinch. She did, however, see him let out a breath of relief when the knife missed him.

“Impressive.” He said, as he ripped the knife out of the tree.

“Why do you say that?” She said crossing her arms and frowning. “I missed.”

Thorin raised an eyebrow in shock, and Caithwistë began to giggle. Thorin broke into a wide grin at the joke. “She jests.” He said chuckling. He glanced down at the small blade in his hands and furrowed his brows. “By Mahal.” He muttered holding it out to the light of the moon.

It had been a gift from her father before he died, and she treasured it. The blade itself was steel inlaid with mithril, with a hilt made from the tusks of on oliphaunt. It was well made, and held its edge over the years without a need to be sharpened.

“I recognize these marks.” Thorin mused, testing the balance. “This blade was made in the halls of Erebor. How came you by it?” He asked as he looked up at her, eyes full of wonder.

She bit her lip. “It was a gift.” She said warily, hoping he wouldn’t press her for more information.

He glanced back down at the knife curiously, then held it up to her. “A gift fit for a queen.” He said quietly.

Her fingers brushed against his as she gently took the blade, and she felt a shudder pass through her at the warm contact. She met his eyes as she placed the knife back in its sheath. He was gazing at her as if he were truly seeing her for the first time, and she felt a fluttering in her stomach.

“We should be heading back now.” She said, shaking off the strange feeling. “We don’t want to worry the others.”

Thorin hesitated, as if he wished to say something. After a moment of silence, he bowed his head and sighed. “Aye. After you, Tracker.” He said, gesturing toward the camp.

She winked at him, and led him back to where the others were sleeping soundly again, with Bofur now keeping watch. She turned to Thorin before settling on her bed roll. “Hurun ganat, Master Dwarf.”

She saw a flash of surprise cross his face, then Thorin physically shook himself. “Rest well, Tracker.” He turned away from her, appearing dazed.

He walked to his bed roll as she laid down, wondering at his reactions through their conversation. Had she slipped somehow? Did he accept her explanation of how she acquired the knife?

As she began to fall asleep, her thoughts drifted to when their fingers had touched, and the current that seemed to flow through her at the contact. She had never felt anything like it. It frightened her, as much has it made her feel warm.

She glanced in the direction that Thorin had walked. He was perched on a rock, watching her intently from across the dying fire. Their eyes met, and her breath hitched when she noticed his lips part. She held his gaze for a moment before she squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel the blush creep into her face at having been caught sneaking a look, and she rolled onto her stomach burying her face in her arms.

What is happening?

The question raced through her mind over and over again as she fought to urge to look back to where Thorin was sitting. Eventually, she fell into a restless sleep.

That was the first night she dreamt of the Dwarf King.

#the hobbit #the hobbit imagine #thorin imagine #thorin oakenshield #thorin x ofc

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scarletjedi · 7 years

Text

Song+Ship=Fic prompt fill

@fishonthetree asked for “The Fires I Started” by Unwoman and any tolkien pariring--so I went with Bagginshield.

it’s sad, because that ship can be made of pain, but hopeful, too I guess.

“I will end here listening

To the sound of my own breathing

To my many accomplishments

Though you never heard what I meant

I will leave your memory

To those who see you clearly

I will not carve you into song

I tell everyone's story wrong”

Bilbo had been back in the Shire for three years, six months, eleven days, and a score of hours when he woke to a rain that came down in buckets.

“Goodness me,” he muttered to himself, wrapping his patchwork dressing gown around his sleep shift as he peered out the window. Fall, it seemed, had arrived and the rain was not helping the chill of the morning. “It’s raining to wake the Rock Giants.”

And Bilbo paused. “Rock Giants,” he said, remembering the cold of the slick stone beneath his feet, the crash of thunder, and the way the lightning had lit the world bright as day for only a moment. He shivered, and went to put on tea.

Bustling about his kitchen, Bilbo set the kettle to boil and primed the pot with a darling blend that he had received as a parting gift from Lord Elrond, who had quite honored Bilbo by indulging him in a lengthy discussion about the merits of bergamot vs cinnamon in a black tea. It was the best tea Bilbo owned, and one he was reluctant to put out for visitors, save for his darling cousin Primula Brandybuck, who at nineteen, was already promising to be a very interesting relation. (Primula, you see, was often to be seen with Drogo Baggins. The dears were beginning to court, you see, and Bilbo was just enough of a romantic to help them along, so to speak. (It didn’t hurt that they had nothing to do with that dreadful auction, and treated him no differently for all the rumors of gold that were whispered around town. There was, in fact, a chest of gold, that had been buried in the troll hoard, but Bilbo had put that aside for a rainy day.

Bilbo had set out a pair of the scones he had made the night before, his pad of butter, the cream, and a little pot of honey (also a gift, from Beorn, this time. It was simply the best honey in the world), by the time the kettle whistled, and Bilbo set his tea to steeping.

He had only just sat down, ready to eat, when there was a knocking at the door.

Bilbo froze--had it been the wind? If it was company, they would knock again, but it was unlikely. No one would be out and about in this weather.

(Unless they had already traveled a long way without shelter, and this rain was not the worst they had faced, for even the hardest of Shire rains were nothing compared to rains on the mountain).

“Coming,” Bilbo called out, but something had stolen his voice and it came out in less than a whisper.

The knock came again, and Bilbo cried out, “Coming!” and ran to the door. He threw it open--

And there was nobody there, just a bit of branch that had snapped from his tree and was blowing in the winds. Bilbo knew that he should close the door, that his papers and books were getting all sort of blown about in the winds, that his front entryway was getting soaking wet from the driving rain--that he, himself, would soon be soaked--

But Bilbo couldn’t look away from where the grey stormclouds in the sky met the black shadows of the woods away on the horizon. That way lay Rivendell, and the mountains, and the dark Forest, and at last--Erebor. Bilbo’s heart ached, and he was filled with the sudden urge to step from his door, dressed only in his gown, and go running back, over hill and under tree, through lands where never light has shone, by silver streams that run down to the sea, to find, at last--

Bilbo stepped back. He closed the door. He leaned against it, and, pressing his hand to his mouth, he cried until his tears ran dry.

***

Seven years, eight months, and four days after Bilbo returned from the dead, Bilbo was walking in the market, looking at the wares. Hobbit made crafts were good, sturdy things, with pleasant, flowering designs, nothing at all like dwarven--

Bilbo put down the box he was holding, and went home.

***

Twenty-Seven years, two months, and five days since Bilbo returned home, he finally opened the Troll chest, as a wedding gift to Primula and Drogo.

Twenty-Seven years, three months, and twelve days since Bilbo fought Lobelia for his own teaspoons, Frodo Baggins was born.

Thirty-Nine years and eight months even after Bilbo returned, at last, heart-sick and weary, he brought home Frodo Baggins, pale and sad and a shadow of his former self.

Bilbo showed Frodo to his room, and put the kettle on.

***

Forty years to the day after Bilbo had stormed down Bagshot Row to declare himself officially not dead, Bilbo opened his study door. He had a cup of the tea blend Glorfindel preferred, acquired on his last visit to Rivendell, and three of the poppyseed cookies he had made earlier that day, to fortify him to answer the small pile of letters that had piled up.

But, when he went to fill his pen, he found the top had been left off his ink-pot, and the little that had been left at the bottom had turned into a sticky, gummy mess. Bilbo sighed--this ink never truly came back from that. He sighed. “Frodo,” he muttered, shaking his head. His nephew was finally starting to come out of his shell, and it was good to see, but Frodo was more of a

He did, however, have more ink powders somewhere, if he could only...Bilbo stood, hand on his hips as he looked around, trying to remember where he had put those powders. He started shifting books and stacks of papers, looking for that box that he just knew--

A leather book fell from where it had shifted, over the years, spilling scraps of scribbled writing, stained with grass and dirt and mud and what else, and Bilbo froze--a single piece of paper fluttered onto his feet; a drawing of himself as a younger hobbit, a gift from young Ori. With shaking hands, he lifted the drawing, and had to blink to see.

Ori had drawn the picture in Erebor, after everything. Bilbo wasn’t entirely sure why Ori had drawn him smiling, or how he could--Bilbo did not think he truly smiled for weeks after...

Taking a deep breath, Bilbo placed the picture on his desk, and bent to gather the loose pieces of paper. He would stop, from time to time, and read a sentence, a passage, and found himself thinking fondly of what had been the most painful and difficult year of his life.

He thought about Beorn, and being called a little bunny. He thought of his first meeting with Lord Elrond, and how Bilbo had been quite sure he had insulted Elrond until he had been told he would always be welcome. He remembered an unexpected party that had cleaned out his larders, and the singing that had made his heart swell and race.

He remembered Dori’s fussing over Ori and Nori, who had taken something from every place they paused. He remembered Gloin’s bluster and Oin’s bad hearing. He remembered Bofur’s laugh, and Bombur’s smile, and Bifur’s flowers. He remembered Balin’s twinkle, and Dwalin’s sweet tooth.

He remembered Fili and Kili and their love of song and dance.

He remembered Thorin, and for the first time in years, remembered more joy than pain.

He remembered Thorin’s poor sense of direction, the strength of his singing and the clarity of his harp. He remembered the way his words could move you, and the way he wielded his sword with deadly grace. He remembered the way he laughed, hidden, like a child sneaking a sweet they weren’t supposed to have.

Bilbo placed his notes on his desk, and stood, wish his hands on the leather cover, thinking perhaps it was time to begin thinking about writing his memoirs.

Yes...yes, he would call it There and Back Again: A Hobbit’s Holiday. It would make for a rather good children’s story, he should think, if he left out the harder, more emotionally messy bits. Nobody in Hobbiton ever liked to read the harder bits, anyway (Deep down, Bilbo thought of those bits as his, and perhaps Bilbo had spent too long around dragon gold as it was, because he was not inclined to share them. Not with Frodo, not with anyone).

Now, if only he could find that ink.

#lotr #hobbit #bagginshield #fic meme

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