The Choice [I Gilas] {A Hobbit Fanfiction} (DISCONTINUED)

3. Cenin Naur [I See Fire]

Of course I knew Thorin Oakenshield. Everyone knew him. At least, everyone born in Taur-nu-Fuin knew him. I was there that day. When i amlug daur Smaug attacked Erebor. I was there when Thranduil gave us the order not to engage. I was there when thousands of people — cedhaid, but innocent — were killed in front of me without me able to do anything about it. I had protested against Thranduil's order that day. Legolas had too, along with... Him...

But that must also mean... No... Had Mithrandir really dragged me into a fight against a dragon?

I focused my attention back on the cadhad king. 

"I thought you said this place would be easy to find," Thorin told Mithrandir while entering the hallway. "I lost my way twice. I wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door." I knew he was speaking about the rune and I didn't think Bilbo knew it was there. I was right.

"Mark?" He asked. "There's no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago."

"Actually, there is," I said. Thorin's head turned to me and he eyed me suspiciously. Thorin Oakenshield's mistrust towards edhil was infamous, not that I really blamed him after what Thranduil did.

"An Elf?" Thorin said, raising one eyebrow. I could feel the tension filling the room.

"What is she doing here?"

"The lady Ithilwen is here on my request," Mithrandir answered. "We will need her skills with a bow and a sword. Not to mention her other Elven abilities and —"

"We don't need an Elf," Thorin interrupted.

"That's what I have been trying to tell him all along," I muttered, my temper raising again.

"Ithilwen, no dínen iesten..." Mithrandir warned and I kept my mouth shut. "Bilbo Baggins and My Lady Ithilwen, allow me to introduce the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield." He quickly changed the subject. Thorin decided to let the matter go, for now, and shifted his attention to Bilbo. I felt a weight lifting off my chest and my muscles relax. I only now realised my hand had slipped to the handle of my sword.

"So..." He began, putting off his coat. "This must be the Hobbit. Tell me, Mr. Baggins, have you done much fighting?"

"Pardon me?" Bilbo asked.

"Axe or sword?" Thorin asked bluntly. "What's your weapon of choice?"

"Well, I do have some skill at conkers, if you must know..." He said it rather proudly. "But I fail to see why that's relevant."

"Thought as much," Thorin said, sounding unsurprised. "He looks more like a grocer than a burglar." The other cedhaid laughed as Bilbo frowned. Thorin walked into the parlour and the other cedhaid followed him.

"Did you fail to mention you intended on taking me to Erebor, to Smaug?" I hissed to Mithrandir, out of Bilbo's earshot.

"Just wait and see," Mithrandir answered patiently before following the cedhaid into the parlour.

The cedhaid sat down at the table and I decided to linger in the doorway.

"What news from the meeting in Ered Luin?" Balin asked. "Did they all come?" What had Thorin been doing in the Blue Mountains?

"Aye. Envoys from all seven kingdoms," Thorin answered, nodding his head once.

"And what did the Dwarves of the Iron Hills say?" Dwalin asked. "Is Dain with us?" Thorin sighed, so I guessed the answer must be 'no.'

"They will not come," Thorin said simply and the cedhaid started to murmur. "They say this quest is ours, and ours alone."

"You're going on a quest?" Bilbo asked, leaning against a wall. Mithrandir cleared his throat.