A troubled time (book 1)

Chapter 6.

(Italics is her thoughts)
Akiva's pov.

My song seemed to settle many of the dwarves restless minds, for over half of them were asleep as I finished the tune.

What I didn't tell Anyone was that this was a song my brother used to sing to me when I was but a babe, and as I grew older I began to join in too. No this is a song they will not hear from anyone else.

I smiled at that thought. Suddenly a hand fell in my shoulder, making me jump, and Gandalf chuckles. "Are you sure you can keep this promise, Akiva? You should not give him false hope."
I shook my head at Gandalf. "You know of what I used to do, for years it was my job to protect. I won't let him die, but he may very well want to by the end of this journey."
He nodded and so did I. "Get some rest, tomorrow will be a big day. I suspect you will have to convince him again to join us."

Before I could get a word in he had stepped off to one of the many guest rooms, surprisingly non of the dwarves cared to sleep in them, they said there was no point in a comfy bed if they were to be gone right away.
I myself went back to my room and began packing my things, only a small bad full of cloaks and traveling clothes, along with a few books to enjoy in the night. Next I began to write a note.

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Dear Bilbo,
If by any chance, I should not return to this lovely home with you, then here is my letter of farewell. You are a brave hobbit. I am positive you will miss the world but perhaps you have already missed your books more. You say I am always restless, and I think if I have not already told you, then I shall now.

It is hard, to return to a peaceful and calm life after you have been on an adventure. It is hard to pick up an old life after you've made a new one
You're going to regret staying, but also going, so I offer you this word of advice. Find something new to carry the adrenaline of your travels, and never forget the stories that you have earned a right to tell.
I wish you all the luck in the world.
Love Akiva
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After the note was written I sealed it and put it in the pants pocket of the clothes I planned to wear. After checking everything was ready I slipped under the covers on my bed and let myself drift off to sleep.

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I woke to the sun streaming in through the window and blinding me. Turning over I couldn't help but grumble. My mind felt blank until I realized what time it was, and the quest at hand.

Jumping up I scrambled to get my clothes on and ran down the hall to wake Bilbo. He was thankful he was left for a while.
"There now they are gone and it is peaceful again." He relaxed in his chair.
"Bilbo, don't you want to meet the elves?" I asked, and like sword in skilled hands, he sped off to his cabinets to pull blankets and clothes, and even a bit of food along.

Once Bilbo was done I went out the door and whistled, a palomino mare rushing up. I tied my bags around her neck, so they sat on her shoulders securely. I could use them as a resting place for my arms. Jumping up onto her back, I felt a great joy rush through me.

Now anyone else would have taken the time to saddle her up, but she had been forgotten when the company had come and all her tack but her bridle was already on, the bridle was rapped with the rest of my stuff, not that she needed it, Isoda was a very well behaved mare who never required tack. Actually I was usually me who needed it, as her sides were wide and her feet heavy, and any good jump would throw me off.

While Bilbo was admiring his land one last time I managed to reach down and push the letter into his mail box. He had no need to know it was there.

I offered Bilbo a ride but he refused and ran off, straight through the shire, while I had to take the road around. With a swift gallop, I was off, Isoda was happy to have a reason to run again.

Once the company came into sight, and Bilbo was visible from my perch again, he began to shout, "Wait, Stop, I've signed it!" which idly got the little ponies the company rode pulled to a stop. Isoda, happy as she was, came to a puffing stop right next to them. She needs to run some!

Balin took the letter and looked it over. "Yep everything appears to be in order, congratulations Mr. Baggins, Lady Akiva, and welcome to the company of Thorin Oakenshield."
The company began congratulating us.
Thorin turned his pony around and looked at the hobbit, then to myself. "Give him a pony"

I found great amusement as Bilbo tried to refuse and helped the two brothers pull him onto one any way.

(word count 890)