Love Takes Flight (Kili Fanfiction - Book 1) - SLOWLY EDITING!!

Chapter 3 - Thorin Oakenshield

"Excuse me, that is a doily, not a dishcloth," I said, ripping it out of the hands of a Dwarf.

"But it's full of holes." I turned to see a Dwarf that I recognized from earlier.

"It's supposed to look like that. It's crochet," I explained, glaring at him.

"Oh and a wonderful game it is too. If you've got the balls for it," he joked, making another Dwarf laugh.

"My dear Almithara, what on earth is the matter?" Gandalf asked, walking up next to me.

"'What's the matter?' I'm surrounded by Dwarves. What are they doing here?" Gandalf watched as two Dwarves fought over some sausage links.

"Oh, they're quite a merry gathering once you get used to them."

"I don't want to get used to them! Look at the state of the kitchen. There's mud trod into the carpet. They've pillaged the pantry. I won't even tell you what they've done in the bathroom. They've all but destroyed the plumbing. I don't understand what they're doing in this house!" I said, finally getting to release some of my anger.

A young looking Dwarf walked up to me, holding a plate, "Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt, but what should I do with my plate?"

I was just about to grab it from him when Fili walked up, "Here you go, Ori. Give it to me." He threw it towards Gandalf, who moved out of the way. I thought it was going to crash into the wall, but luckily Kili was on the other side to catch it. He then threw it into the kitchen, making me panic some more. Fili kept tossing plates over to Kili, who threw them into the kitchen. I had no idea if someone was there to catch them or if one of the Dwarves would drop something.

"That's over a hundred years old!" I squeaked. The Dwarves that were sitting at the table began to bang on it and scrape the silverware together. "Can you not do that? You'll blunt them."

"Ooh. Do you hear that lads? She says we'll blunt the knives," Bofur said. I had finally learned his name after my many encounters with him. The Dwarves at the table started to laugh.

"Blunt the knives, bend the forks," Kili began to sing. I turned around to look at him, surprised by how well he sang.

"Smash the bottles and burn the corks," Fili continued.

"Chip the glasses and crack the plates. That's what Almithara hates," they all joined in, "cut the cloth, tread on the fat, leave the bones on the bedroom mat, pour the milk on the pantry floor, splash the wine on every door." I watched in amazement as they tossed plates, bowls, cups, and silverware around, not dropping anything. "Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl. Pound them up with a thumping pole. When you're finished, if they are whole, send them down the hall to roll. That's what Almithara hates!" They finished with their song and I ran into the kitchen to see all the dishes stacked and clean. I breathed a sigh of relief as they all laughed. There was a pounding on the door and they stopped laughing, turning their heads in the direction of the door.

"He is here," Gandalf said quietly.

I followed behind as all the Dwarves moved towards the door. Gandalf opened the door to reveal another Dwarf. He was taller than the rest and had long, dark brown hair. He looked very daunting.

"Gandalf," the Dwarf said when he saw the Wizard, "I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. I wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door."

"Mark? There's no mark on that door. I painted it a week ago," I said, confused.

"There is a mark. I put it there myself," Gandalf admitted. "Almithara, allow me to introduce the leader of our company: Thorin Oakenshield." I looked towards the new guest, who had taken his cloak off.

"So," Thorin said, handing his cloak back to Kili and looking down at me, studying me closely. "This is the Elfling. Tell me, Almithara, have you done much fighting? Ax or sword? What's your weapon of choice?" He began to circle me, making me fidget; something I always did when I was nervous or uncomfortable.

"Sword, though I have not used a weapon in over two hundred years. I have no need for weapons," I told him, sending a knowing look to Gandalf. I was trying to sound as confident as possible but was failing. He was a very intimidating Dwarf.

"Thought as much. She looks more like a maid than a burglar," Thorin remarked. The Dwarves around him chuckled and he continued into the sitting room.

Author's Note:

Special thanks to sarabearengen (ig) for the book cover!

I OWN NOTHING BUT MY CHARACTER!