To The Ends of The Earth

Chapter 6: Blunt the Knives

Dinner with dwarves was an experience. Despite the plates, cups, and cutlery they'd set the table with, most of them opted for pulling food directly from the table and shoveling it into their mouth, sans utensils. Rolls, potatoes, and cuts of meat flew from each end of the table as they took turns catching things in their mouths, roaring with laughter at each miss and cheering at each success. Between bites they washed the half chewed food down with ale. They drank sloppily and it spilled down their beards and onto their laps. It was a raucous, rowdy mess. I should have probably found it more off putting than I did. Instead, I found myself giggling at first, and later laughing loudly right along with them. Despite their lack of table manners, their joy was contagious. Their antics proved to be amusing, rather than annoying.

I'd been seated at the table beside Kili, and in addition to the distractions of the dwarves I'd also been plagued with questions from him about myself and where I was from. I had become a very guarded person over the years. With my past in particular, I often found it necessary to put up walls. It made things easier, not allowing myself to have connections or relationships. I was surprised at how quickly Kili was able to break the ice and make me feel at ease. I'd always been hesitant to bond with anyone, and the few friends I did make back home had clawed their way past my walls and into my innermost being. Within only a few hours, the young dwarf had charmed me with his wit and humor. I found myself entirely engrossed in our conversation.

"So by far away, you really mean-" He started.

"Far, far away." I confirmed, laughing. I'd just finished explaining the concept of my universe existing in an alternate timeline as theirs to the best of my ability. He seemed to understand, but he was also a bit intoxicated so I couldn't be sure. Regardless he nodded along as I explained, seeming fascinated by the tales of a far away land.

I wasn't entirely sure how much detail I was supposed to give. I didn't know if divulging the secrets of the universe to people who had no idea it existed so far beyond their own world would cause issues. But Gandalf had not told me otherwise, and Kili was hard to say no to.

"And Gandalf brought you all the way here? To help us?"

I nodded.

"It appears so."

He put a hand over his heart, feigning shock.

"I'm truly honored, Lady Lilith. A visitor from another realm, come to help us lowly dwarves." His stoney face broke instantly, his true grin cracking through his attempt at being serious. He giggled despite his best effort to mask it, and I found myself giggling along with him. I could tell he was getting tipsy, although not quite as sloppy drunk as some of the other dwarves at the table were.

He cleared his throat and switched back to a rigid face, his lips twitching at the corners with a grin that desperately wanted to break through.

"But," he continued, trying his best to keep the serious expression. "I'm afraid I have to ask for your qualifications, miss. What exactly makes you worthy to join the company of Thorin Oakenshield?"

"Ah, lets see." I started, twirling my empty mug around the end of my finger. "I've saved my own world at least six times that I can count. Stopped the Chitauri from absolutely wasting New York City. Fought a tyrannical robot and his army. Went back in time and stopped a madman from outer space from wiping out half of the universe. I can go on."

He sat in silence for a moment, expressionless. I couldn't tell if he didn't believe me, didn't understand, or just didn't know what to make of it all.

"I haven't the slightest clue what any of that means." He said finally, his giggles breaking through as he allowed a toothy grin to form once again.

I felt the corners of my own lips begin to turn up in response. It was nearly impossible for me to get drunk, thanks to the serum. I'd begun to feel the faintest buzz after my third glass. If the ale was strong enough to have an effect on me, I could understand why most of the dwarves were falling off of their chairs after a few drinks. I was grateful for the small amount of confidence it had given me in this unfamiliar world.