A Hobbit's Tale-Thorin's P.O.V.

4-The Burglar 2

The hobbit looked confused at first then it began to dawn on him what we were asking of him. Anya looked at him with concern which kind of disturbed me for some odd reason.
Bilbo: "Me! No, no, no! I...I'm not a burglar. I've never stolen a thing in my life!"
Balin:(Nodding his head)"I'm afraid I have to agree with Master Baggins. He is hardly burglar material."
Dwalin: "Aye, the wild is no place for gentle folk who can neither fight or fend for themselves not even for a woman!"
I frowned at Dwalin's last statement, was it meant for Anya? I turned to look at her but instead of being offended, she simply stared at Dwalin hardly flinching. Then Gandalf insisted that Bilbo Baggins is a burglar, for hobbits are indeed known to be fast on their feet. Since the dragon is already accustomed to the scent of both dwarfs & humans, a hobbit's scent is unknown to him. Giving us a distinct advantage.
Gandalf:(Looking at me eagerly)"You must trust me on this, I have chosen Master Baggins as our 15th member."
Thorin: "Very well, we'll do it your way. Give him the contract."
Behind me I could hear the hobbit trying to protest but I ignored him. I took the contract Balin gave me & handed it to the hobbit. He began to read its contents in the other room, standing up I moved closer to Gandalf keeping my eye on the girl who was looking at the hobbit.
Thorin:(Whispering)"I cannot guarantee his safety."
Gandalf:(Nodding slightly)"Understood."
Thorin: "Nor will I be responsible for his fate."
He did not answer. As for Bilbo Baggins he seems content about some of the terms in the contract. Then his facial expressions changed once he read about the confrontation with the dragon. I saw Anya sharing an alarmed expression with Gandalf, the hobbit's face was turning ashen.
Bilbo: "Evisceration? Incineration?"
Bofur: "Aye, he'll melt the flesh off your bones in a blink of an eye."
Balin: "Are you alright there, laddie?"
Bilbo:(Gasping)"Air! I...I...I need air!"
I just stood there frowning at the situation, obviously I knew he was not up to it.
Bofur: "Think furnace with wings, flash of light, searing pain & then poof! You are nothing more than a pile of ash!"
Anya:(Standing up)"Oi, now, that is enough from you! Master Baggins, are you alright?"
It surprised me to see the concern Anya felt for the hobbit who took a moment to think before turning to her.
Bilbo: "Nopes!"
Then he fainted & fell on the floor.
Anya:(Glaring at Bofur over my shoulder)"Very helpful, Master Bofur."
Bofur had the decency to smile apologetically at her. She walked towards Bilbo lifted his head, with Gandalf's help she managed to carry to him in the parlor. My nephews & Balin followed them while Dwalin & I stood in the doorway.
Kili: "Is he going to be alright?"
Anya: "I'm sure he'll be fine but seriously did he have to open his bigmouth?"
Fili: "Bofur is harmless, Miss Anya. He didn't mean anything by it."
Gandalf: "I don't suppose you still have your smelling salts on you, dear? He needs to wake-up."
Anya: "Sure right here, Gandalf."
I saw her place her hand in a satchel around her waist. She pulled something out & placed it near the hobbit's nose, in mere seconds he woke up, with at once.
Bilbo: "Uh...What happened, where am I? Gandalf?"
Anya:(Smiling)"You are at your own house, Master Baggins. How are you feeling?"
Bilbo:(Clearing his throat)"Yes, I'm alright, thank you for asking, Miss. Just give me some minutes to recover."
Anya:(Smiling)"How about a cup of tea? It will make you feel better."
Bilbo: "Camomile tea would be nice. Here let me...!"
Anya: "No, you just relax I know my way around."
She headed towards the kitchen, turning back to the hobbit he stood up & sat in his armchair while Fili placed more wood in the fireplace.
Dwalin: "So what do you think, Thorin? Should we trust the wizard about these two?"
Thorin:(Shrugging my shoulders)"I am unsure about him but as for the girl, well Gandalf believes she is reliable."
Dwalin:(Scoffing)"Reliable? Thorin, she is a woman, she could hold us back & besides how can we trust her?"
Balin: "What makes you think we can't trust her? Now, brother, I can understand your reason behind it but I would not judge her too soon. Gandalf knows her well enough to recommend her. Besides there is something about the lass which feels familiar to me, what do you think, Thorin?"
Thorin:(Frowning)"I'm not sure what you mean, Balin. This is the first time we've met her. According to Gandalf she signed her part of the contract."
Dwalin:(Huffing, folding his arms)"That is just swell, now not only we have to drag a halfling but also...!"
Balin: "Really now, Dwalin, whats done is done. She is now a part of our company."
Thorin:(Placing my hand on his shoulder)"If you want we could talk to her, my friend."
Dwalin:(Grumbling)"Do whatever you two believe ought to be done. I won't mind the halfling's company but if the girl is coming, well I would prefer if she keeps out of my way."
I raised my eyebrows in surprise at his outburst while Balin just shook his head. The girl came out of the kitchen & handed a cup of tea to the hobbit. My nephews had already left the parlor, I turned to look at Balin & he gestured for me to follow him.
Balin: "So what do you think, lad? Should we really consider this young woman to tag along with us? Even if Gandalf says that she can be reliable?"
I turned my head towards the parlor as if by magic since we were just thinking about her. Anya stepped out the room but she leaned against the doorway. Obviously waiting for the hobbit's decision like us.
Thorin: "I'm not so sure myself, Balin. But Gandalf did mention the fact that she has survived in the wild by herself. She knows about tracking, can also fight, cook & a healer."
Balin:(Nodding his head)"Yes, Gandalf did mention all that though. But not much about whether she is alone or has anyone waiting for her. I don't know, lad, part of me wants to accept her company but the other part wants to consider her safety. She is quite young, a ranger & she does have a good heart."
Thorin:(Amused)"Why, Balin, you barely knew her for few hours."
Balin:(Chuckling)"What can I say somehow she accepted our company. Your nephews seem to like her as well."
Unbelievable, no wonder those two act comfortable in her presence. Even I cannot deny the fact that she does have this appealing nature. Also I cannot deny this attraction I feel towards her & this sudden urge to protect her. I just hope that no ill-will should come over this quest, it took me years to finally move on to reclaim my homeland.

1193 words!