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

7-Our Journey Begins

Soon we were heading out of Shire & through Hobbiton. I admit that I had found Shire a charming place but not knowing about the people is another matter. The birds & the animals were doing their own business, reminds me of the Blue Mountains. Momentarily, I decided to enjoy this atmosphere before thinking about the map & the key. I knew very well whose help Gandalf wished to seek to decipher the map. I snorted, thinking as if I would need their help! Those Elves! A laughter interrupted my thought, turning my head I found its source, it was Anya. My nephews were riding near her so was Bofur, I noticed that Fili had a shy smile on his face. Anya then leaned towards Bofur who whispered something in her ear, whatever was being said made her throw back her head a little, laughing again. Her laughter was like music, it made her skin & eyes glow. I could not help but be mesmerized, wishing that it ought to be me making her laugh. Then she stopped, looking about as if sensing that she was being watched. Our eyes locked for a moment, even in a little distance I could see the color of her eyes. A frown appeared on her face then she averted her gaze, as if either she was nervous or...! Unable to finish my thought, I frowned feeling uneasy, oddly I could feel my heart pounding, all because of that girl. Impossible! I just met her last night so then why does it feel like that I have known her for years. I felt a light nudge on my arm, turning it was Dwalin, I let out my breath slowly.
Dwalin: "Is something the matter, old friend? You seem distracted, anything wrong?"
Thorin:(Shaking my head)"Not really, everything is fine, just thinking about the map."
Dwalin: "Ah! Right, so like the wizard mentioned that some part was hidden or something, right? And since he does not know how find it himself so which means...!?"
I stared knowingly at my friend, at first he frowned then slowly widened his eyes & shook his head in disgust.
Dwalin: "No way, he wouldn't dare make us go to them for help?"
I simply shrugged my shoulders & he huffed through his nose. Then we began to discuss about which road to take to reach Erebor, hopefully avoid any obstacles & Elves! I could hear the girl's voice a little, chatting with my nephews, they really are getting along. Then looking ahead of me I could feel Dwalin's eyes on me. I turned to look at him & there was a slight smirk on his bearded face.
Thorin:(Glaring at him)"What?!? What is with the smile?"
Dwalin: "I saw that, you can't fool me!"
Thorin:(Lowering my voice)"Saw what, pray tell, old friend?"
To my annoyance he began to chuckle & just waved his hand. Curse him. Admittedly we have been good friends for many years, after the loss of Erebor we had endured hardships together side by side. Both him & his brother, Balin, who has been like a second father to me. My younger sister Dis was just turning 13 at that time, thinking about her always brings such sadness in my heart. She became a widow at a young age, when Fili was only 4 & she was 7 months pregnant with Kili. They hardly knew their father, so I stepped in helping my sister raise them. Those two were a handful but somehow they always in a way bring such joy & pride in me. Of course, both Balin & Dwalin pitched in as well for grooming them. Behind me the company began talking about the hobbit, all but besides the grey wizard & Anya. Then a few moments later we heard a familiar voice behind us, making us halt. Turning around I saw Bilbo Baggins, with the contract in his hand & a big smile on his face.
Bilbo: "I signed it, I signed the contract!"
He handed it to Balin for inspection, I noticed the hobbit exchanging glances with Gandalf. In the corner of my eye I saw the girl & she was beaming, her smile reaching her eyes, seeing the hobbit here. Part of me felt almost irritated at this & yet seeing her smile like that also made me a little jealous, so to speak. Again not realizing that I was staring at her, she looked at me briefly. Then she lowered her head, blushing which made me smile slightly. But I held it back just as Balin gave his approval about the contract.
Balin:(Smiling)"Well, everything seems to be in order. Bilbo Baggins welcome to the company of Thorin Oakenshield!"
Thorin:(Turning my pony, around)"Give him a pony!"
At that the hobbit began to ramble about not needing one, neither of us were listening to his chatter. My nephews had placed him on a smaller pony with our extra supplies.
Oin: "Alright, Nori, pay up lad!"
I rolled my eyes remembering the wager, a few bags of coins were being tossed about, one at Anya & the wizard. Oddly though I could not help but admire this positive intake those two have in the halfling. I heard a someone sneeze behind me then to my annoyance, the hobbit made us stop again. Now what!?!
Gandalf:(Exasperated tone)"What is it now?"
Bilbo:(Searching his pockets)"Horsehair! Having a reaction, forgot to bring my handkerchief!"
I groaned inwardly at this, Dwalin shared the feeling shaking his head. Then I saw Bofur tear a piece of cloth from his shirt & tossed it at the hobbit. Who looked at it in dismay so I ordered everyone to move on, keeping in line.
Gandalf: "You will have to manage without pocket handkerchiefs & a good number of things, Bilbo Baggins, before we reach our journey's end. You were born to the rolling hills & little rivers of the Shire. But home is now behind you, the world ahead."
We continued to travel through Bree then out of its borders. In the meantime Anya had taught the hobbit how to ride his pony properly. Balin informed me that this was not only the first time the hobbit left his home but also first time in riding a pony. I snorted at this, somehow this did not surprise me. Once or twice I would glance back at the company to make sure everyone was accounted for. Once again I glanced at Anya who was chatting animatedly with the hobbit. Impulsively, I clenched my hands holding the reins, turning around I took deep breaths to calm myself. What is the matter with me? Why do I have these possessive feelings towards this girl? She has her own life maybe a suitor or many. That thought somehow did not make me feel any better, I'm sure that Anya only sees me as a dwarf leading this quest. Since she knows who I am, probably Gandalf must have told her about me, which is why she agreed to join us. In the past I have had many female companions, before & after Erebor. But none of them made me feel this way, truth be told. One look in Anya's beautiful eyes made my heart flutter with longing & love. Love!?! Impossible, curse it. My inner voice spoke up, What are you thinking, Oakenshield! What has love got to do with this quest! Forget about the girl, she may one of us but not for long. Once this is over & your obligations fulfilled, she shall return to her own world. Besides she is a human, a beautiful female like her must have someone waiting for her, right? I slowly exhaled through my nose, it could be true, why would she be attracted to me? But what about that jolt I felt when I had held her soft hand in mine for the first time. The way she looks at me every time our eyes meet. She even blushed a couple of times & her stubborn attitude somehow appealed me as well as annoying. Again I felt Dwalin's eyes on me, I returned his stare by raising my eyebrows at him but he simply shrugged his shoulders, smirking. I had a feeling that nothing shall come good out of this if this keeps up. I had to somehow press these strange possessive feelings for this girl & concentrate on our quest.

1391 words!