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

9-Another Argument

We kept travelling at moderate pace for days, thankfully we had no mishaps or any problems along the way. Despite the fact the hobbit, not being used to this venture, I often caught him grumbling about almost everything. Then Anya had taken it upon herself to either to make him comfortable or accompany him. The halfling was starting to get on my nerves & not that I was jealous or anything, I preferred Anya should at least do her own business. She was clearly avoiding me, part of me felt affronted by her behavior. But after that night I suppose I deserved it. She would help Bombur with the cooking, Bofur & Bifur with gathering firewood each time we camped. She would compare notes about medicines with Oin, spend some time with Dori & Ori about art & books even the hobbit joins them. Balin already had gotten along with her, especially my nephews. With Dwalin, Nori & Gloin she would discuss about the weapons she had seen & a few warriors she had befriended during her solo adventures with Eva, of course. Gandalf told me she started living on her own since she had turned 18.
Thorin: "But what about her family, I mean she did mention to me about what happened to them. Was she the only survivor?"
We were sitting a little further from the group, smoking our pipes. Anya was with my nephews, Nori & the hobbit. They were trying to pick the apples by knocking them off a tree by throwing rocks, enjoying themselves.
Gandalf:(Sighing)"Not really, my friend, she has an older brother, his name is Andrein. Currently he lives in Rohan, he is married & his wife had recently given birth to twins. A boy & a girl. Anya & her sister-in-law, Meena, I believe is her name, are about the same age."
Thorin: "Hmm, I see, were you there when this occurred? When they were attacked by orcs?."
Gandalf: "Yes, I was but I could not prevent the inevitable. Andon Hadin, Anya's father, took it upon himself to face them. They were ambushed. Andon insisted that I should take Anya to safety & he sent Andrein along with us. Well I suppose she already told you!"
Andon Hadin, I frowned now why did that name sound so familiar to me. Why can't I remember, curse it! I could feel the wizard's eyes on me. He had an odd expression on his face, almost similar to Dwalin's.
Thorin:(Frowning at him)"What is it, Gandalf? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Gandalf:(Chuckling, lightly)"Oh, nothing, my friend. I suppose you wish to make amends with her, am I right?"
I nearly choked while exhaling, the wizard smiled knowingly at me, as if he read my mind. I let my pride take over the fact that he was right, but how? I know that I had no right to behave the way I did, even Balin felt the same way. I watched Anya, she was smiling as she kept gathering the fallen apples. My nephews & few others were enjoying her company, in the distance I saw Dwalin, he had a slight smile on his face as he was watching them. Then Anya picked up an apple & took a bite, she gave one to the hobbit, who used his coat to wipe the apple clean. I rolled my eyes at this, it was a mistake to bring him along.
Anya: "Hey, Gandalf! Would you like to try one of the apples? They are delicious this season, here I shall throw you a couple, OK? Enjoy."
She threw one apple to Gandalf, he caught it with his free hand. She was about to throw another one but Gandalf held up the other hand for he was holding his pipe. I gaped at him then looked at the girl, who reluctantly tossed the apple towards me & I caught it. Gandalf began to chuckle lightly as he took a bite of his apple, I glared at him.
Gandalf: "If you need my advice, Thorin, I believe it is best that you talk to the girl yourself. I know her well enough that shall hold no grudges. She has a soft heart, like her mother but a resilient courage like her father. God rest their souls."
I sighed deeply, pondering at what Gandalf just told me. Gandalf stood up & headed towards Balin, I looked at Anya as she tossed an apple towards the older dwarf, as he caught it he smiled at her. Then she tossed one to Dwalin who seemed startled yet caught it.
Anya: "There is an old saying as my Nana used to quote that An apple a day keeps the bad medicine man away! And I certainly was not referring to you, Master Oin."
Everyone laughed at this, I shook my head, laughing slightly. I stood up to walk towards my pony, I placed the apple in my satchel for later. It was almost noon & we had to move out.
Bilbo: "Excuse me, Miss Anya. I was wondering if we could have more apples, you know for the ponies!"
Nori: "Aye, I can see those fresh ones way up there."(Pointing at the top branch)"But I don't think either one of us could reach it though."
Anya, who seemed to be analyzing the distance, then she took a few steps back. Then she bent down to her boots & took out a knife, it seemed to be of an odd shape. Dwalin then came near the girl but he grabbed her hand just as she was about to take aim.
Dwalin: "Whoa there, lassie! What kind of a contraption is this?"
He took it from her to examine it further, I walked towards Dwalin to see for myself. Frowning, he handed it to me, I could hear the others mumbling as to what it is. I have never seen a dagger such as this, it was light in weight, shaped in half triangle & it's blade was very thin. Dwalin & I exchanged amused glance, not knowing how it can be used.
Anya: "Careful there, its blade is very sharp, thin but sharp! May I have it back please."
Slightly amused I handed it back to Dwalin & he gave it to Anya, she gestured us to step back a little. Dwalin simply shrugged yet he decided to watch, he had a slight smirk on his face. Anya took aim & she threw it, it began to spin, it went directly at the top branch. It fell on the ground along with the apples, then I heard Anya say duck, I heard a slight swishing sound behind me. Dwalin & I ducked our heads, she jumped slightly caught the dagger & threw it again. More apples fell to the ground, Anya caught it again. The apples were being gathered, I cannot deny the fact that I was impressed. My nephews & the others were feeling mutual about this but Dwalin simply huffed & walked away.
Kili:(Smiling)"Wow, Anya, that was amazing! And let me guess your cousin had made this as well, didn't she?"
Anya: "Yup, these are one of the few she forged herself, mind you. I prefer to call them, The Originals!"
Before anyone else could say anything Gandalf suggested that we should move on. Soon we were on our way, I noticed some dark clouds coming through, signs that it might rain. Surely enough it did, to everyone's disapproval it continued for few more days. We could hardly cook a decent meal each time we camped, it was even more dreary in caves & sleeping on the ground was about impossible. Dori complained to Gandalf if he could do anything about it. Then he mentions that there were 4 more wizards in Middle-Earth, whom we ought to consult with. The first in line Saruman the White, two Blue Ones whose names he couldn't recall & the fifth was Radagast the Brown. Interesting! Then eventually the deluge stopped & we made our way to some green plains, here I decided to make camp. I had set my nephews on pony duty, Oin & Gloin to set the campfire, myself & Dwalin on the first watch & Bofur with Bombur for cooking. I heard Anya wanting to help with picking woods for the campfire & cooking. I did not comment on that, I just let her be. So I followed Gandalf inside this fallen structure which looked like a house. I overheard him saying something about a farmer & his family living here! Really? Gandalf looked worried as he turned to me.
Gandalf: "I think it would be best that we move on. We could make for the hidden valley."
Thorin:(Shaking my head)"I told you already, I will not go near that place."
Gandalf:(Frowning)"Why not? The elves could help us, we could get food, rest & their advice."
Thorin: "I do not need their advice."
Gandalf: "We have the map that we cannot read. Lord Elrond could help us."
Thorin:(Scoffing)"Help? A dragon attacks Erebor. What help came from the elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrated our sacred Halls, the elves looked on & did nothing. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather!"(Glaring at Gandalf)"Betrayed my father?"
Gandalf: "You are neither of them. I did not give you the map & the key to hold on to the past."
Thorin:(I snapped)"I did not know they were yours to keep!"
With that being said Gandalf turned around with a scowl on his face & stomped off. Anya & the hobbit looked at him in confusion.
Anya: "Is everything alright? Gandalf, where are you going? What is the matter?"
Gandalf: "Anywhere but here I have had enough of the dwarfs for one day. Its high time I found someone with enough sense as it is."
Anya: "And who might that be, pray tell?"
Gandalf: "Myself, Miss Hadin!"
I huffed after hearing that, Anya did look upset as she turned to look at me in question. Probably wanting to know what happened.
Thorin: "Come on, Bombur, we are hungry!"
Even I've had enough of that annoying wizard for one day as it is!

1686 words!