the Stowaway (Hobbit fan-fic)

Chapter 19

Dwalin had gone to check on Thorin the next day and had come back looking sad.

"What happened, Dwalin?" I asked.

"Thorin wants us in the Great Hall," he said. "He wants us to look for the Arkenstone."

I sighed and nodded. The company rose to their feet and began to follow Dwalin out of the room, mumbling to each other. Bilbo stopped at the door and looked at me.

"Aren't you joining us, Aeareth?" he asked me.

I shook my head.

"No. I told Thorin I would not help him until he has come to his senses and gotten over the gold and the Arkenstone." I rose to my feet and walked over to him. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I gave him a small smile. "I'm going to be in the training hall. I saw it the other day while I was walking around. Feel free to join me later if you want. I can show you how to properly use your sword."

Bilbo's face lit up.

"That would be most appreciated, Aeareth," he said.

"Tell the others the offer is open to them as well."

"I will."

"Good luck, Bilbo."

He nodded and hurried to follow after the dwarves. I sighed and grabbed my weapons from the wall. I walked slowly down the halls, taking sure I knew where I was going so I wouldn't get lost. I soon found the training hall and opened the door. Inside, I found weapons hanging on racks against the walls. Dummies and targets were set up around the room, and the floor appeared to be matted slightly. I pulled out my bow and adjusted my quiver so it sat on my hip. Taking out an arrow, I placed it on the bow string and pulled it back.

I took a deep breath and aimed at one of the targets. I released the string, letting the arrow fly. Before I could see where it landed, I pulled out another arrow, turned to face another target, and fired. I continued to do this until my quiver was empty. When I had run out of arrows, I walked around the room, pulling my arrows out of the targets, each one had landed in the dead center.

I sighed, remembering the lessons I shared with my brother in archery. We were quick learners, always looking to outdo each other. We would constantly have competitions, seeing who could hit the most targets in the least amount of time. We were always close, but the winner varied each time. I smiled at the memory as I walked back to the center of the room. Before I started again, I pulled off my overcoat so I was wearing a short sleeved top and pulled my hair into a ponytail.

I repeated my process over and over for hours. Each time, the arrows hit the same mark. I glanced out the window and sighed. It would soon be evening. I guessed the company was still in the Great Hall, looking for the Arkenstone. As I pulled back the bowstring again, I heard the door open to my right.

"So this is where you've been all day," I heard Kili say.

Smirking, I quickly turned around and fired my arrow. I laughed when it landed in the wooden door, shocking most of the dwarves.

"Nice of you all to stop by," I said as they walked into the room. I noticed how exhausted they all looked. Bilbo, Balin, Dwalin, and Thorin were the only ones missing. "Did Thorin have you looking for that stone all day?"

"Aye," Bofur said, sitting down. "We barely got a break."

"Well, I promise I won't make you look for a stone in here."

"How kind of you, Aeareth," Nori said, rolling his eyes.

A few of them chuckled.

"I will say, though, that any of you are free to join me, if you want. I'm sure you're all exhausted, but I'd be more than willing to practice with you." I paused. "That is, if you think you can beat me."