Torn In Two | Thorin Oakenshield |

1. Unexpected Night

Months ago when I met Gandalf and Thorin in that tavern, I wouldn't have guessed that I'd currently be sitting in a Hobbit hole. If anything, I thought my freedom would've been granted by now yet here I am. Surrounded by a scene that's similar to that of the Prancing Pony.

"Want some Ale, lass?" Fili, I believe is him name, comes by and smiles down at me. "Why don't you come join us? You seem to be all alone over here in this dark corner. We can make some room for you if you'd like." He nods his head over towards the crowded table and I can feel the heat from here.

"No thank you." I manage to say in a calm tone when really I'm irritated inside. "I wouldn't want to crash the party."

Kili nods after staring me down for a few seconds and scampers away to hop onto the dining table. It causes an even greater ruckus and the irritable knot in my chest doesn't go away. I'm really tired of the yelling, singing and the constant questions from everyone.

Apparently, the term Beast Master, has them thinking I conjure up creatures out of my butt. I know I'm exaggerating but that's basically how they see me. Bofur even accused me of being cursed, so I had to take an hour of my time just to explain my abilities. Which is being able to summon specific creatures, tame even the most vicious of beasts and command them if I wanted to.

But I'm no wizard like Radagast the Brown, who is more involved in sheltering animals. I do hold respect for that man but I'm nothing compared to him. Besides, Gandalf is the one that came up with that title in the first place and now their expectations of me are high. If the choice was mine, I wouldn't have joined this company of half wits. Their manners are obviously lacking but I shouldn't be surprised. Dwarves are only respectable when it comes to things such as gold and a good fight. 

A sudden silence halts my previous actions of eating, and I glance up to see all the Dwarves in the middle a drinking contest. Or so I thought. The blissful moment of peace is instantly destroyed when burps start to erupt from the group. Each sound seems to be longer than the last and I put my hand over my mouth to keep the food down.

They're really testing my patience and ability to stay in the friendly character. After finishing the last of my meal, I stand and stretch with the intentions of getting some fresh air. "I'll be back Gandalf."

Instead of gaining the glance of one, the entire Company decides to turn their heads my way. Being the center of attention is startling at first, until I notice the odd stares I'm currently getting. It causes my own eyes to narrow and it's then that I realize that they think I'll run away. Which is definitely tempting.

As a sign of good faith, I unclasp the brooch from my cloak and neatly set both items down onto the chair. Sensing that it's not enough, I also remove my weapons belt and sword sheath even though I feel too exposed without them. But the message will be clear to us fighters since this displays I have great amount of trust in them.

Which is exactly what I need them to believe and return. The faster they learn to trust me, the easier things will be for my end. It's a good thing I decided to bring regular blades and armor this time. Still as affective as Orc armor but I prefer to be in the metals I made. Gives me a better sense of security believe it or not.

I close my eyes and breathe in deeply before forcing my feet to head to the door. For a few minutes all I hear is the stomping of my boots and the grumbling of Bilbo, but the noise soon starts back up again. Some weight lifts itself off my shoulders and I'm deciding to take the laughter from the dwarves as a good sign.

--

"Run! Get out of here!"

The echoing voice of my father is the last thing I hear before my mom drags me deeper into the darkness. Her heavy breathing and cries match my own and the pain from my bare feet causes more torment.