The Fate That Binds Us

A Merry Gathering

I lift my fist and rap my knuckles against the green door. A muffled grumbling came from inside. The door swung open to reveal a very irritated hobbit.

"Arawan, at your service," I introduced, bowing my head.

"Bilbo Baggins at yours," huffed Bilbo, stepping aside so I could enter. There was one word you could use to describe Master Baggins' hobbit hole: home. The warmth of the fire filled my body, bringing a smile to my face. The scent of a freshly cooked dinner made its way to my nose and my stomach grumbled in response.

"You have a beautiful home, Bilbo. If I ever had a home like this, I do not think I would ever leave it." This brought a sheepish smile from the hobbit. A crash from the hallway brought out the irritated hobbit again and I placed my hand upon his shoulder. "I do hope they haven't given you too much trouble."

"Trouble? Trouble?! They've already destroyed and raided my pantry and there's only four of them. I don't even know who they are or how they know me, and they've ruined my peaceful evening. They have caused more than enough trouble!" Bilbo's irritation seemed to be increasing at an alarming rate and I did not wish to be on the receiving end of it. Does he truly not know the reason why we're here?

I gently put my weapons down and placed my cloak beside it. I started to open my mouth to ask a question when the doorbell rang. Not wanting to see the chaos of what was behind the door, I slowly made my way to the dining room.

"Arawan! You made it." Kili beamed. The young dwarf embraced me in a warm hug and led me to the others. I was quite fond of the young dwarf and his brother, they were quite a pair.

Down the corridor and into the pantry stood two dwarf brothers: Balin and Dwalin. "Master Balin. Master Dwalin. It's good to see you both." I greeted them, a small chuckle leaving my lips as I see them with dishes piled high in their arms.

"Lass," Balin smiled warmly. "It's good to see you again. I see the journey wasn't a weary one."

"Come give us a hand with dinner. The others are yet to come, and you know our appetite, especially when we're celebrating." Dwalin gruffed, placing a bowl of vegetables in my arms.

Following the two older dwarves out of the pantry, I spot the rest of the company, a happy wizard and a very angry hobbit in the hallway. I greet them all with a smile and made my way to the dining room. I place the bowl down on the table and move aside, making room for the rest of the dwarves to pile in with the food they had taken from Bilbo's pantry.

"Fili," I called warmly, helping him carry the tall glasses of ale to the table. "Haven't gotten into any trouble with your brother lately, have you?" I playfully tease, knowing full well of the brother's mischief.

"Now, now, Arawan. Just because my brother is reckless and causes trouble doesn't mean that I do the same." I raised an eyebrow in response, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Oh yes, that's quite true isn't it. That is why your mother asked me specifically to watch out for you both so you don't get into any trouble; and you don't go looking for it either."

"You might be right about that, but I don't understand why mother thinks you're responsible. You're just as bad as us." Fili chuckled as he watches my mouth drop open in disbelief. Even after the many years of knowing the young dwarf lord, his quick retorts never failed to render me speechless.

I leant against the wall, watching the dwarves gather the rest of the food from the pantry and make space at the table for everyone, while Bilbo loudly complained and Gandalf watched on in amusement. It was a merry gathering. A ghost of a smile masked my face as I reminisce the very first meeting with the company.