A Ruby's Glow (Thorin Oakenshield x OC)

6. Firebeard

"Bombur! Come down from the kitchen, eh? You bring us any sweets you have been cooking?" Bofur said happily as I placed down the paints I was going to use, and a flat board we use for paint mixing. I looked over and saw Bombur standing in the doorway, which they purposefully made wider for the large dwarf. But, Bombur had lost weight, which was surprising. When I asked he just blushed and said no reason. I suspect it's something to do with that locket he keeps close to his heart. Maybe a wife and some kids, I hope one day to get to meet them.

I grinned, seeing a covered tray on Bombur's hand as he grinned and set it down.

"Though I would bring a treat before the rest of the Great hall eats it. It's our favorite." Bombur said with a grin as I looked among the brothers to see Bofur's eyes widen eagerly, and Bifur stand.

"You got sweet cake with that honey frosting you made once?" Bofur asked eagerly as Bombur uncovered the tray to show... four slices of a fluffy looking cake, topped off with a honey yellow frosting. I was surprised Bombur also got me a slice, how did he even know I was here? I stood as well, curious as I studied the treat. Sweets were a rarity for me. Heck the last sweet I had was... I think the markets of Rohan, 20 years ago, where a stall for sweets alone was set up for the richer people of Rohan, and they were selling a crispy bread stuffed with a sweet filling. I loved it, but that was the last time I had sweets.

"Here, Mena, try it, it's good!" Bombur said excitedly, picking up one of the little plates and holding it out to me. I felt odd, getting such a treat. Where did Bombur find the ingredients for a treat like this? Shouldn't this be given out to others? I reached out and took it, studying the treat before I spoke.

"I hope, Bombur, you won't take offense if I cannot finish the treat. I have not had anything sweet in 20 years. I have no idea how well my stomach will handle something sweet." I whispered honestly, looking up at Bombur to see his eyes, as well as the eyes of his brothers, widen.

"No wonder you are so skinny, lass! I remember you telling us about your lack of good cooking too, you really haven't had treats in 20 years?" Bofur asked in shock as I fought down a blush, grimacing.

"Not really many options for sweets on the road, I lived off of jerky, over cooking meats, root tubers, and the rare and occasional fruit, mixed in with vegetables and, if I was really lucky, bread." I said honestly as Bombur studied me.

"When we get more foods into the mountain, lass, I will make sure you get to enjoy a treat at least once a week, It's what my brothers and I did in Ered Luin." Bombur said as I looked away, unsure of what to say to that as I took my seat, picking up the fork for eating this treat as I cut away part of it with the fork, surprised at how soft it was, an took a cautious bite, freezing.

It was sweet, but no overly so. No, this treat was amazing! It held the rich taste of honey, but not overly so, and the soft sweetness of the bread made it even better.

"Ma! Ma! Can I have one more! Pleaseeeeee!!!!" I pleaded beside my brother as Fairaline huffed, putting her hands on her hips as she gave a light stern glare to my brother and I pleading in front of her. I was eager for another of those honey filled treats she gave us, I loved them!

"No, Philomena, you and your brother have had plenty for today. So run along and play some games together, you need to burn off all that energy that sweets gave you, my little firefly." Fairaline said, cupping my cheek as she pulled free a handkerchief, wiping honey off my face as I fought against it, wining at having my face cleaned like a child.

I fought off the painful emotions such a memory gave me, glancing up and the three brothers, eagerly waiting for me to say what I thought of the sweet bread and honey mix. I swallowed as I smiled, fighting to keep the grief from my expression, I didn't want Bombur to think I don't like it, because I do, just everything recently is bringing forth little memories of my past.