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

17-Unexpected Events

By now Dwalin had told the company about the plan. The hobbit really looked disappointed about leaving Rivendell. Feeling a bit uneasy I began to walk back & forth. My mind kept wandering back to Anya & about our conversation earlier. And about that kiss which almost happened, I shook my head to clear my head. I could not deny this attraction I feel towards her. While waiting for the girl Balin came near me with a knowing smile & an odd glitter in his eyes.
Thorin:(Annoyed)"What is it, Balin? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Balin:(Chuckling lightly)"You cannot fool me, laddie. I have known you for a long time now. I know you feel something for the girl, Thorin."
I was taken aback at his assumptions, I tried to hide my blushing face but Balin was not a fool. He gripped my arm firmly & led us further from others, out of earshot. He held my gaze as he was beaming at me.
Balin: "So it is true, isn't it then? You do have feelings for her, lad!"
Thorin:(Interrupting him)"That is ridiculous, Balin, you know it. I barely even know her. She probably has her own life, I'm sure once this quest is over she will resume onwards. Besides I'm sure that there is someone waiting for her."
Once I spoke those words I felt this ache in my heart. Although neither Gandalf nor the girl mentioned it but surely a beautiful girl like Anya Hadin must have a suitor. I'm surprised none had swooped her off her feet, despite the fact she is a ranger.
Balin: "Thorin, let us assume that she may have someone. But I can see with my eyes the way she looks at you & as you do to her. Don't deny it I have seen it back at Master Baggins house, Thorin!"
I bowed my head slightly, the older dwarf knows me well enough. He knows how have I spent my entire life after & before Erebor. There are a few numbers of dwarrowdams among us. I have had a few female companions, some human female as well. But none attracted me like she did. Her beautiful eyes, her spirited will & her smile. She is honest, stubborn & caring. My nephews adore her like a sister, the same with Ori. Dori & Nori had accepted her company, Bofur, I had noticed flirts with her once in awhile much to my annoyance. The hobbit simply dotes her. Dwalin seems to be softening a bit, Oin & Gloin admire her too. With Bifur I discovered that she does not understand khuzdul but like most humans she does not belittle him. She helps Bombur with the cooking. In some ways she does act dwarfish, I could not help admire her about that. Now I know she can speak & understand Elvish as well, she is proving to be resourceful.
Balin: "You know, Thorin, I believe that in some way I feel as if I have known Anya for a long time. Something about her reminds me of someone, close to you & us. Almost as if Erebor was not the only one we lost in that dragon's attack but also a connection with someone."(Shaking his head)"But my memory eludes me for now."
I have that same feeling in my heart for quite a while now even Dwalin hinted the same thing. Before I could say anything a pleasant smell of cooked meat hits my nostrils. Balin looked at me with a questioning look so we both turned our heads. Surely enough we saw Anya carrying a tray, the same elven maiden followed her carrying a tray as well, could it be? I could see the others caught the whiff of the smell as well. Balin & I came closer just as Anya sets the tray down smiling. She did tell me that she made some treats for us.
Anya: "Alright, gentlemen, listen up I have made us some food for the road. Each of you shall have two of them, trust me they shall last. Remember these, Thorin, we shared this a while back."
She remembered & I haven't forgotten about that. She made more for all of us, by Durin. Unable to resist I picked one up as did the hobbit. It was wrapped in a thin paper of some sort, to keep fresh I suppose. The hobbit began to ask Anya about the ingredients. I saw the others crowding the elf maid. All of a sudden a loud piercing sound was heard, which almost I mean almost, shattered my eardrums. Ouch! Everyone had covered their ears, glancing at Anya to my immense surprise that sound was made by her. She can whistle!?! Unbelievable! Everyone stared at her in shock but the elven girl looked relieved. I noticed that Oin had dropped his hearing instrument, he was gaping at the girl even Dwalin looked stunned. Balin seemed a little amused.
Bilbo: "Ow, jeez! Miss Anya Hadin, for someone who seems fragile could whistle this loud?"
For once I agree with Master Baggins, that was loud.
Anya:(Hands on her hips)"Just be grateful that my mother isn't here, Master Baggins. Hers is the loudest & she taught me, since she had lived among 5 brothers along with male cousins, it helps. As for you lot back up, you are frightening the poor girl. Oi, drop that Master Bombur."
She smacked at Bombur's hand, they stepped back at once. My nephews began to snicker, Anya grabbed each of their ears. I stood back, amazed at her behaviour though. She almost behaves like a dwarf woman. Next she placed two of each rolls in our bags including mine & the hobbit's. As for the remaining food she would carry them herself, how!?! Dwalin came towards me & Balin shaking his head while looking at the girl.
Dwalin: "Thorin, the others have agreed that we shall leave for the journey before dawn."
Anya:(Disappointed, frowning)"What we are going to leave so soon?"
Dwalin:(Folding his burly arms, smirking)"Aye, lass, what with the Durin's Day drawing near its best we ought to cover tracks faster. We must get to the mountain before then!"
I saw her roll her eyes obviously irritated at what he said. This time I nudged Dwalin at his side, glaring at him, unfazed he shrugged his shoulders.
Thorin:(Clearing his throat)"Right, we shall be leaving this place before dawn. Anya, pack your things & then meet us by the bridge, understood!"
Anya:(Raising her eyebrows)"Pack? Who said anything about packing since I hadn't even unpacked my stuff. I shall join you gentlemen before you could say the word Erebor."
At that my jaw dropped slightly as she gracefully curtsied before us & turned to leave. I just stood there staring at her back. God, that woman, clearly puzzles me. Next to me Dwalin began snickering, patting my shoulder while Balin seems amused too.
Dwalin: "She is quite spunky, ain't she? I'm beginning to like her even more! She is not that bad!"
I gaped at him, then I saw the hobbit heading for the stairs after Anya. Not liking this I followed him. Climbing the stairs I saw them but this time they were looking at something else or rather at someone. I could hear voices, two of them arguing about something. Those voices belonged to Gandalf & Lord Elrond.
Gandalf: "And really, I…I think you can trust that I know what I'm doing ."
Lord Elrond: "Do you? That dragon has slept for 60 years. What will happen if your plan fails? If you wake the beast?"
Gandalf: "I am well aware of the risks but once Erebor is reclaimed our defences in the East shall strengthened."
Lord Elrond: "It is a dangerous move, Gandalf."
Gandalf: "It is dangerous to do nothing. Besides claiming the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright & you know it is. What is it you fear?"
Lord Elrond: "Have you forgotten? A strain of sickness lies deep within that family. Which drove his grandfather mad & his father went through the same ordeal. How do you know that Thorin shall not fall as well?"
I felt offended at the elf's words of doubts about my ancestry. I'm not like my grandfather, I'm not. I was kind of disappointed by Gandalf's silence. Anya turned her head but she seemed slightly alarmed to see me as if not expecting me to be here. Listening to all this. The hobbit was also looking at me but my eyes held Anya's. I flinched slightly at the mention of her name by Gandalf. The girl listened as well even the hobbit.
Gandalf:(Sighing)"Well now as you know that Anya is also involved in this. I suppose you would detain her here."
Lord Elrond: "Now why would I do that to her, Gandalf? I'm sure that she is old enough to make her own decisions in life. She is like her father, also has her mother's spirit. But these decisions are not ours to make alone, Gandalf."
Soon their voices began to fade away as they moved onwards. Both turned their heads to look at me. Waiting. I straightened my shoulders & looked at them.
Thorin: "I suggest you two ought to get some rest. We shall leave before the first light of dawn."
Anya nodded her head, smiling before heading upstairs. The hobbit had left as well, my heart thumped oddly after seeing her smile. Momentarily made me forget the conversation between Gandalf & the Lord Elrond. I turned heading back to my room to get some shut eye. I was relieved to know that Anya was still with us to continue this quest. Hopefully till the end in Erebor.

1618 words!