The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings one shots and Imagines Book II

A dwarf in hobbit's clothing - Part 6 - Balin x Reader

"Balin.....what........?" (Y/n) asked, as she slowly removed the tip of her sword from the wide-eyed elder dwarf's neck. Balin speechless for a moment, as she backed away from him.

"I.......I have never seen a dw......a hobbit move so quickly........."

"Well, as you have only really met two, and my brother is the other; I might say that you actually have no idea how quickly a hobbit really can move. Now, why did you shout..........?" (Y/n) retorted, as she made her back to the river and took a seat back next to her boots. Her fingers reaching for the old dagger that she had quickly dropped.

If Balin had had questions before about the dwarrowdam, he had even more now. As he was about to say, he had never seen a dwarf move with such speed, before; for within an instant of hearing his voice, she had been in front of him. A feat that he had only previously seen in........well, elves; and given what Thorin had noted about her weapons, he couldn't help but wonder. Though the female could not have elvish blood........could she? As he had already noted, (Y/n)'s features were far more delicate than other dwarrowdams; and even though she certainly had the robustness of a dwarf, still there was an elegance about her. A statuesque quality that did show that perhaps she wasn't as much the dwarf as she had originally appeared. His brows furrowing for a moment, sure that he could not broach the subject with her, nor could he speak to Thorin about his thoughts. Balin as aware as the rest of the Company that Thorin and (Y/n) continued to not be on the best of footings. That, and the slightest notion that the dwarrowdam might be a half-breed, that she might have the blood of elves running through her veins, would surely make the son of Thráin, send her away. And if Gandalf was right, that she was an integral part of the success of the quest, then he knew that he couldn't say anything. Though he would certainly have words with the wizard the next time they got a moment together.

"I.......I saw the blade, and I thought.........." Balin finally replied, as he made his way to join (Y/n). Taking a seat next to her on the riverbank.

"You thought what........?" (Y/n) interrupted, as she looked between the dwarf and the dagger in her hand. The dwarrowdam suddenly laughing as she realised what he thought.

"Please. You and the others aren't that bad that I would harm myself, because I have to spend time with you. That, and the longer I breathe, the more I get to annoy Oakenshield. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of ending our acquaintance so soon. No, I was..........I was just going to remove the stubble from my face." (Y/n) explained, as she placed her hands and the dagger into her lap. For some reason feeling a little embarrassed at her confession.

She never normally discussed such things with others. When Bungo and Belladonna had been alive, and she was little, they would just help her as best they could to remove the whiskers; acting as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Her mother braiding the sideburns up into her hair and then decorating the whole thing with the prettiest of flowers. Bella always telling her that she was the most beautiful little creature in the whole of the Shire. Then, when it was just her and Bilbo, her big brother would never mention it; just letting her do what she needed to. So, having to say this to someone that she had really only just met, and a dwarf at that, was a little awkward, to say the least; especially as she had once read about how much importance dwarves placed on their beards. And that cutting or shaving it, was something that really was not done.

"Why.......? Its not like any of tha lads would care if ya had a little more hair on ya chin........." Balin said sincerely. His remark making here shake her head.

"Because, Master Balin, hobbits, especially female ones, do not have beards. And I do not care whether the others would mind or not; I care. I have spent my whole life trying to fit in; to prove to those around me, that I was just like them, and I have no intention of changing just because I am now in the company of dwarves. Now, I would ask you to give me a little privacy; and........to not speak of this." (Y/n) explained. The elder dwarf simply nodding, before getting to his feet.

"But don't be long, lass. Ya never know what might be lurkin in the dark. Wouldn't want ta lose ya." (Y/n) taking her turn to just nod. Balin giving her one more look, before reluctantly making his way back to the camp. Neither he nor (Y/n) knowing that a certain wizard had been watching the pair from the shadows.