Ya'aburnee

Arrival

The next morning they were all up early, packing their provisions, preparing to set out early. Olivia had been given a sword begrudgingly by the armorer in Laketown, after Balin had argued with him for nearly twenty minutes and Dwalin had decided to step in, insisting that the man give Olivia a sword and a bow. She had been waiting for months to be able to wield a bow, because she thought it was easier for her to use than a sword, as she used to practice with a bow as a child.

The sun had just begun to peek over the tops of the hills as the majority of the company gathered, putting their supplies in the boat that had been provided to them to take to the north of the lake. "You do know we're one short?" Bilbo asked Thorin as the group neared where the boat was moored. "Where's Bofur?"

"If he's not here, we leave him behind," Thorin turned over his shoulder.

"We'll have to," Balin agreed, "If we're to find the door before nightfall. We can risk no more delays."

As the company loaded into the boat, Thorin stopped Kili. "Not you. We must travel at speed, you will slow us down." Olivia glanced up. As much as she wanted to be angry, seeing the hurt look on Kili's face, she agreed with Thorin fully on this one. It wouldn't be good for Kili or the company for him to try to make it to the mountain by nightfall.

"What are you talking about?" Kili let out a nervous laugh. "I'm coming with you."

"Not now," Thorin said, helping to pass weapons and supplies into the boat as he spoke to his nephew. Olivia turned to keep packing the boat, not wanting to get involved in this one.

Kili's expression faded to desperation. "I'm going to be there when that door is opened. When we first look upon the halls of our fathers, Thorin."

"Kili..." Thorin focused fully on his nephew. "Stay here. Rest." He put a hand to the side of his nephews head. "Join us when you're healed."

"Olivia," Kili tried to get Olivia on his side, the woman looking up. More and more lately, she'd found the company turning to her to try to sway Thorin's decision.

"I'm sorry..." She muttered, ducking her head and turning away. Kili turned as well, all hope to join them now lost.

Kili did not understand, looking hurt and angry as Thorin turned away. "I'll stay with the lad." Oin got back up out of the boat. "My duty lies with the wounded."

"Uncle," Fili stepped forwards, trying to sway Thorin, since Olivia would not. "We grew up on tales of the mountain. Tales that you told us. You cannot take that away from him!"

"Fili..." Thorin tried to speak, but Fili cut him off.

"I will carry him if I must!"

"One day, you will be king and you will understand. I cannot risk the fate of this quest for the sake of one dwarf." Thorin shook his head. "Not even my own kin." Fili stood up out of the boat as well, Thorin catching his shoulder as he tried to pass, to get to his brother. "Fili, don't be a fool. You belong with the company."

"I belong with my brother." He shook out of Thorin's grasp, walking over to stand with Kili. 

Olivia sunk down guiltily to sit beside Bilbo. "This quest is starting to make me hate myself," She muttered quietly to the hobbit, who glanced up at her with mild concern. She didn't even try to fake a smile, wrapping her arms around herself to keep warm.

An off-key fanfare began to play as the Master of Laketown rose up on a platform to wave to the crowd, starting a speech. Olivia tuned him out. The only people in this town trying to help them were sneaky politicians and power hungry assistants. All the decent people, like Bard, had tried to stop them. What did that make them?