Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 2: The Festival

The sun filtered through the royal blue curtains, shining radiant light all throughout the room. Still cuddled up, Ravonna and Thorin slept lightly next to each other, just as they were the night before. For the first night, Aria hadn't been difficult. She slept peacefully, the only sound gentle coos in the night.

A knock on the door sounded, slowly waking Ravonna and Thorin. They stirred, Thorin's sleepy voice replying "We're up."

Bilbo's face peaked into the room, his brown curls prominent. His feet were bare, as usual, and he was dressed in trousers and a tunic, matching and more formal than his usual wear.

"Good morning." The hobbit smiled.

"Bilbo!" She exclaimed, hobbling over and hugging him. "You know I would've run if I could. Thank you for bearing with us yesterday."

"Happy to." He smiled at her, a sparkle in his eyes. "Anything for you or your next of kin!"

Ravonna giggled happily, picking up Aria and jiggling her lightly in her arms. "Hello to you too."

The baby giggled and reached out, grabbing Ravonna's finger. Pulling it toward her, she spat, her lips covered in a sheer film.

The trio laughed heartily, Thorin running over to get a napkin and wiping the saliva off her face. Thorin shook his head, sighing.

"This will get tedious very soon." He ran his thumb over her cheek, a soft look overcoming his features.

Bilbo sighed. "It will- for the both of us."

Ravonna laughed, unsure of what he meant at first. "Bilbo, you aren't going to be our nanny!"

"That's not what I mean."

Thorin and Ravonna's heads snapped to attention. "Bilbo, have you-" Thorin began.

Bilbo shook his head characteristically. "No, no, no, nothing like that. It's my nephew- his parents have just passed away."

The couple reacted strongly, shocked to hear this news. "I'm so sorry, Bilbo." They said together.

"If I may pry, what happened?" Ravonna took his hand.

"Drogo and Primula, his parents, recently got into a boating accident. They never made it out of the water. Hobbits never had great buoyancy." He chuckled. The poor Hobbit was trying his best to make light of his situation, but he wasn't convincing them or himself.

"They left in their will that if anything were to happen to their son, Frodo-my nephew-I was to take care of him." Bilbo gave them a look. "I'm afraid I can't stay here as long as I thought."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." Thorin sympathized. Over the past few months, he and Bilbo had grown as close as brothers. Ravonna admired their friendship, and was happy Thorin was spending time with him. She could tell that after he had lost Nori and Fili, a friend is exactly what he needed, and nothing more. She knew she couldn't be emotionally available to him the same way Bilbo could.

"I'll have to return home after the ceremony today. I have to get back to Frodo as soon as possible and, of course, make arrangements for all of their belongings. Gandalf has agreed to take me." He nodded, offering a small smile. "My adventure has come to an end."

Ravonna shook her head. "No, Bilbo. There will be much more to come, even when it isn't expected. I assure you."

Thorin nodded in agreement. "The adventure is never over, my friend."

Bilbo gave him his signature smile, lowering his head to wipe a tear from his eye. "There's no possible way I can thank you both enough."

"Being a part of the Company was enough." Ravonna hugged him. "Now, today is no time for tears. Please, at least celebrate today. It's the least we can do for you."