The Silversmith's Daughter

Chapter 6: Don't Be Shy

"I am Miridian Firechisler, and this is my father Dragolith," said the elf woman. "We hail from Erebor, but reside here in Mirkwood in secret until Thorin Oakenshield reclaims our land. We admire you ever so." Bilbo relaxed when he realized he was in no danger. He smiled at the elf and the dwarf.

"What are you doing here in Mirkwood?" asked Dragolith. "It is dangerous for hobbits."

"I was trying to think of a way to save my friends," Bilbo answered honestly. He had the ring of power and had used it to get inside the palace several times, but any time he got close to the keys to the dungeons; they were snatched away by someone else, and he could not wear the ring for extended periods of time should he go mad with power and greed. He had to find a new plan of escape for his friends. If only Gandalf were here; he always knew what to do.

"How were you able to remain free? Did the guards not arrest you?" asked Miridian. Bilbo thought to himself. Should he tell them the truth? He barely knew them; he hadn't even told his friends. He should tell no one. The ring urged him to tell no one. But...what if they could help him?

He would see, and tell them later if it was required.

"I hid away," Bilbo replied. Dragolith roughly pat his back.

"You ought to have some bread," he said, motioning for his daughter to fetch the hobbit some bread. She did, and Bilbo ate it politely. Miridian looked as if she was pondering something; making some sort of decision for a moment, and then she spoke to Bilbo.

"Would you like for me to help you?" she asked shyly. "I...know the King, and so I am in the palace frequently. I could help you and the dwarves escape." Bilbo was very happy and was going to accept her offer, but he sensed in her demeanor a conflict within herself. She knew the King, and by helping Bilbo's friends escape, she would be betraying him.

"I could greatly use your help," he replied. "However, I will not demand it of you if you do not want to forsake the Elf King." Miridian smiled at his understanding.

"I would be glad to help you," she said. "It is what is right." Dragolith smiled as well.

"Erebor will be ours once again!" he exclaimed.

...

The eve of the Feast of Starlight had arrived. Throughout the week, Miridian had been busy making a dress for herself from fabric she bought in the village. Now the dress was finished. It was a lovely dark green, like the grass in Mirkwood's spring. Its edges were lined with a shiny gold; it complemented Miridian's golden hair. She stood back and looked at the dress, pleased with herself. She hoped Thranduil would like it.

"It's beautiful Miridian," said Dragolith from behind her.

"I agree. Such talent," said the hobbit. Miridian enjoyed his staying with them. She didn't feel as bad leaving Dragolith alone at home, and Bilbo was nice company to have.

"Thank you both," she said. "Do you think he will like it?" The corners of Bilbo's lips turned up.

"Are you...fond of the Elf King?" he asked. Miridian looked at the ground and blushed, nodding her head.

"Well if I were he, I would love it," he said. Miridian smiled at him.

She put on the dress, and when she reentered the main room, her father and the hobbit applauded. Miridian felt her face get hot. Dragolith approached her and pulled her in for a hug.

"I wish you luck my daughter," he said.

"As do I," chimed Bilbo. Miridian smiled.

"Thank you both," she said. "I will be back before the morning light."