More Than Gold - Thorin Oakenshield

A Trail and Wizards

After Bilbo threw a fit over the contract, the dwarves sat by the fire, Thorin beginning to sing. Gandalf sat at the kitchen table, his back to the dwarves. Bilbo was in his room, thinking about what he was to do, while Tala was sitting in the doorway, gazing at the moon. Tala just knew that this was going to be a troublesome journey. However, she was going to stick with it, promising herself that she would prove her worth.

In the morning, Tala was woken up by Gandalf. She got up, and made her way to the kitchen to grab something to eat. She found a few pieces of bread and a few bits of meat. She quickly ate the items before going over to where she set her pack for the night. She wasn't sure what was to happen to Bilbo, as he didn't sign the contract last night.

Balin left it on the table, as a sort of wishful thinking. When the dwarves mounted their ponies, it was then that Tala realized she was the only one on foot. Rolling her eyes, Tala walked along the sides as the group began to move. She would have to wait until they were closer to the forest to have a pony.

The company didn't get far before they heard shouting. "Wait! Wait!" everyone turned and saw Bilbo running towards them, the contract in hand. Once he made it to the group, he stopped, slightly out of breath. "I signed it." he said proudly. He handed it to Balin and the old dwarf read it before smiling.

"Everything seems to be in order, welcome to the company of Thorin Oakenshield." While some of the dwarves looked both happy and miffed, Thorin was unimpressed. 

"Give him a pony." he stated before turning back around. Bilbo blanched at the thought, but he was quickly thrust up onto a pony. As the company got closer to the forest, Bilbo made a scene about not having his handkerchief. While they stopped, Tala ran ahead of the company and closer to the forest. 

Thorin rolled his eyes at Bilbo, but as he turned back, he sent Tala a curious look as he watched her smile softly. She then began to whistle an intricate tune before waiting patiently. From the side came a beautiful black pony, it's mane having a few streaks of white at the bottom. It was truly beautiful, especially for a pony. Gandalf looked on in soft amusement, as he heard of the magic of fairies with animals.

Tala grinned and walked over to the pony, gently brushing her hand on it's snout. "Fanolass, lady of the ponies." Tala whispered. She got onto the pony and looked up at the company. "Lead on, dwarf." she said, directing her words to Thorin. Thorin only averted his eyes and urged his pony forward. The company continued on, and Tala noticed that Bilbo looked bummed about something.

She moved Fanolass to the side, letting the dwarves behind her move forward. She then urged Fanolass to walk beside Bilbo's pony.

"Mr. Baggins, I am curious to know what had caused that particular look on your face." Tala said to him. Bilbo looked up, surprised that someone was actually talking to him. Tala had a kind smile on her face as she waited for the Hobbit's response.

"It's nothing really, I'm just being silly." Bilbo said, giving the fairy a tight smile. However, Tala's eyes sparkled. 

"You do not have to worry about judgment from me, Mr. Baggins, I have faced plenty of it myself." she assured. Bilbo sighed, a small smile coming onto his face.

"I just really wish I brought my handkerchief." he admitted. Tala grinned, and seemingly out of no where, pulled up a white handkerchief, handing it to Bilbo. The Hobbit's eyes widened in awe as he took it. "How did you...?" he asked in wonder.

"I have plenty of secrets, Mr. Baggins." Tala smiled.

"Bilbo, just Bilbo." He smiled. The fairy found herself growing fond of the Hobbit as time went on. Bilbo also found himself liking Tala's company to the dwarves, as she actually took time to get to know the Hobbit.