A Price To Pay- The Hobbit & LoTR

Chapter 5

"You will have to forgo pocket handkerchiefs and a good many other things until we reach our journey's end." Gandalf addressed Bilbo, "You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire. But home is behind you. The world is ahead."

Raewynn smiled, the wizard may annoy her a majority of the time, but she had to hand it to him- the wizard's persuasion skills were nearly as good as his fireworks. Her lips tilted up, she was just glad it wasn't her that the wizard was giving a talking-to. 

The princes easily picked up the scent of humor and were quick to investigate. They rode up on each side of Norethun. Raewynn's eyebrow shot up, intuition telling her they were looking for trouble. "And how may I be of service to the Princes of Durin?" She asked politely, watching them out of the corner of her eyes.

Kili was the first to reply, swishing his hair back out of his face dramatically before proudly declaring, "Who says we are in need of your service?" His brother, Fili, was quick to continue, "We are, however, in need of some answers."

Raewynn huffed a chuckle, "That would be a service."

They both looked at each other in question before shrugging simultaneously. "Very well." They agreed. 

"Our mentor and cousin, Master Balin, speaks very highly of you. Why might that be?" Fili asked.

She could have laughed at how horrible their first question was. Ohhh, she was going to make them work for it. "I must say, that was a horrible first question. Too broad of a topic. Do better and I might be inclined to answer." She said briefly, her lips tilted upwards when she saw the affronted looks of their faces. Mmm, yes, Princes. She'd met more than her fair share through her years, plenty with a snobbish-attitude that expected everyone else to cater to them. Not that Fili and Kili were nearly as spoiled, but it was always humorous to turn the tables, perse. They perhaps expected her knowledge and her history to be laid out for them, as if they were privy to it. 'They're in for a treat' she thought smugly.

"Alright well, where do you hail from?" / "Someplace off the maps now."

"How are you able to give uncanny animal impressions?" / "You'll find out soon enough."

"Are you an elf? Or a hybrid?" / "Do I have pointed ears or fair skin? Do better."

"How old are you?"

Raewynn gasped loudly, her eyebrows raising high as her hand flew to her chest in bewilderment, "How rude are the Sons of Durin! Asking a Lady her age! My, my." She shook her head disappointedly, "Whatever would your mother say?"

The two were fuming, their cheeks turning red from contained pressure. Raewynn had to turn away from them to hide her cheeky grin, 'oh this will be a fun adventure indeed.'

Bofur rode up beside them with a twinkle in his eye. "Do my ears deceive me or do I hear sarcasm and teasing up here? I must say, my Lady, I'm quite distraught for not being invited to join the party." Raewynn laughed, she quite liked this particular dwarf.

"I must apologize Bofur, I meant no offense. I was having so much fun I didn't think to share." He let out a belly laugh, the sound oddly comforting. "Now, what is your occupation, oh great mischievous warrior?"

"'m a tinker! I have a shop in the blue mountains with my brother Bifur and we make children's toys." 

Raewynn's face lit up with a wide smile. Yes, she could certainly see children of all species running toward the jokester dwarf with the warm smile and funny hat for new treats and toys. The thought made her heart warm. "Impressive!"