the Stowaway (Hobbit fan-fic)

Chapter 13

I stood in the cellar, watching the two drunk ellon's sleep on the table. I had changed out of my dress and into brown pants, a dark blue tunic, and my dark boots. My swords, quiver, and bow were all on my back. My hair was pulled back into a bun.

I sighed, rubbing my head a little. I hoped the dwarves would cooperate. My head shot up when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I smiled when I spotted Bilbo coming down the stairs, the dwarves following after him. I quickly looked at the ellons. One of their heads shot up, but he was still very drunk, so he saw and heard nothing as he laid his head back down. I nodded to Bilbo, who saw me.

"This way," the hobbit said. "Come on."

"I don't believe it," Kili said in a hushed voice. "We're in the cellars!"

"You were supposed to be leading us out," Bofur said, "not further in!"

"I know what I'm doing!" Bilbo told him.

Bofur shushed him as Bilbo motioned them down a few steps. On the hidden landing were a bunch of barrels. The dwarves examined the barrels, as if looking for something.

"Everyone, climb into the barrels, quickly!" Bilbo instructed.

"Are you mad?!" Dwalin asked. "They'll find us!"

"No, no, they won't, I promise you. Please, please, you MUST trust me!"

The dwarves still appeared unsure. They stood in front of the barrels, trying to decide whether or not to climb inside. Bilbo looked to Thorin for help.

"Do as he says," the leader said.

The dwarves quickly set to work. They helped one another into the barrels, making sure each dwarf fit. Bilbo walked down the row, counting each dwarf as he went. I kept my eye on the drunk ellons at the table.

"What do we do now?" Bofur asked.

The dwarves peaked out of their barrels to look at their burglar.

"Hold your breath," Bilbo said plainly before grabbing the lever.

"Hold my breath? What do you mean?"

Bilbo pushed on the lever, causing the hidden panel to suddenly tip. The dwarves cried out in surprise as they rolled down the ramp and into the river below. I jumped when ellons sat up suddenly, obviously annoyed by the sudden noise. I looked back at Bilbo, who seemed to be dancing at the so-far success of our plan, only to turn and realize there was nothing for him to follow the company in. I chuckled, making the hobbit look at me.

"That went well," I said.

"Yes, it did," he replied. "Except, now I am not with them."

"Fear not, Bilbo. We can fix that." I walked over to the lever and glanced at him. I grabbed the handle, but froze when I suddenly heard oncoming voices. I looked at the hobbit. "Are you ready?"

"Not really."

"At least you're honest."

I pulled hard on the lever, causing the panel to tip once again. Bilbo began sliding down it. Smirking, I ran to the door that led outside to the river. I glanced behind me to see Bilbo disappear and the board close. I also saw Tauriel and several guards on the stairs. I dashed out the door, not caring if they saw me.

I made it outside just before the dwarves did. I quickly ran to the riverside. I laughed as the dwarves rode down a small waterfall. I followed after the sputtering dwarves and hobbit, keeping sure they were safe as they floated along. Dwalin looked at something behind me, making me look over my shoulder. I froze when I saw Legolas come out of the door I had come from not long before.