Someone to Watch Over Me

Chapter Five

Seren tucked herself into the corner of Bilbo Baggins' dining room as the others discussed the plan for retaking Erebor. She bit back a smile as Bofur (at least, she thought he was Bofur) described Smaug the dragon to the halfling, who looked decidedly ill and promptly fainted as a result.

The Company were a lively, animated group of men, and their bond was almost visible as they interrupted one another, or finished someone else's thoughts. More than once, she caught Fili staring at her, and she wondered if he'd figured out her secret without even trying. But, when she caught him the last time, he grinned, and turned back to the conversation about how many dragons Gandalf had killed before.

The wizard looked slightly uncomfortable as he coughed on his pipe smoke and promptly changed the subject as Bilbo came to once more. He sat up, looking somewhat dazed, and a few minutes later, Dori had brewed him a cup of tea, which Bilbo took into his sitting room, with Gandalf following him.

Thorin sat back in his chair. "Perhaps we need find another burglar."

Dwalin drummed his fingertips against the table. He was the roughest-looking of all the dwarfs, simmering with an energy that suggested he just itched for a fight with someone. "Aye, the wild is no place for gentle folk who can neither fight or defend themselves."

Balin, the white-haired dwarf, shook his head. "Gandalf will convince him. It shouldn't take much."

Thorin didn't answer, but pushed away from the table and stood to walk out of the dining room. The others followed, one by one, and as she rose, she heard the low hum of a deep, soothing voice and a song she'd never heard before.

It drew her toward the great room, where she paused in the doorway, the wizard coming to stand beside her. To her surprise, the soothingly deep voice belonged to Thorin. The others knew the words, for they each took a verse and by the time the last notes faded into memory, it was time for them to leave. Bilbo would not be joining them. They'd be on their own.

Thorin came up to her, her cloak with his over his arm and he said, "We need to go now."

Gandalf nodded. "It would seem we are going to be down one Hobbit."

She fastened the frogs about her throat and followed them outside. It was a clear, beautiful night with a sky sprinkled with endless stars. The air was cool, silvery clouds rising with each breath. "How long will it take to reach Erebor? I've never been this far west."

"That remains to be seen," Gandalf told her, then gestured to the pasture behind Bilbo's house. "But, we will not be walking, as you can see, so we'll be able to cut our travel time."

She stared at the group of ponies patiently waiting, then back up at him. "I've never ridden before. I wouldn't know what to do."

Gandalf's eyes narrowed. "My dear... lad, you need only hold on. It's really quite simple."

She didn't miss his hesitation, and she wasn't at all certain she believed him, either. But arguing would do no good, it seemed. "I only have to hold on?"

He nodded. "That's it."

"Very well."

Balin came up to her. "Are you ready, laddie?"

"I suppose." She followed the others to the pasture and walked up to what she hoped was the tamest pony of the lot. "Good evening," she said, coming around to face the animal, who blinked large brown eyes at her. "I'm Seren and I am terrified at the thought of riding you. So, be gentle, if you will?"

Her hand shook as she reached out to touch the pony's nose. It was so velvety soft, and she smiled as the pony's ears twitched. As the others climbed into the saddles, she bent to rummage in her sack, coming up with an apple she'd pilfered from Mr. Baggins. "Here. As a token of friendship," she whispered, holding it out.