I See Fire (The Hobbit/Reader)

Chapter 5 - What The Heck Do I Do With That?

This chapter is a bit longer than any of the others - I have kept it close to the events in The Hobbit, but a few extra things are added to accommodate Y/N, as well as changing some dialogue. Kinda happy about this because I get to give myself an excuse to rewatch some of it, although I can quote most of it from memory by now.

Unrelated: I made lembas bread and it's probably my favorite food now, it's so good

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"Are we not going to wait for Gandalf...?" You say in alarm as the company strap on their weapons and get ready to head off the next day.

"I'm afraid not - we are running out of time, we need to reach the mountain before Durin's Day. We must travel a good few miles before nightfall. He will catch up."

Walking wasn't exactly your favorite thing, but it seemed much more favorable than having to run across mountain paths if you were behind schedule. Kili throws you a sword and you just about manage to catch it.

"I picked up some extras from a troll hoard - that one isn't too heavy." The handle is impressively detailed considering the wielder's hand would be covering it most of the time. "Don't worry about actually using it, I doubt you'll need to. Just a precaution. Stay behind us if we get into trouble."

"Uh... thank you..." You pull the blade out of its sheath and stare. What the heck do I do with that? There was no way you could use this, even if you had to. It feels awkward and clumsy in your grip as you swing it around a little, nearly hitting your friend behind you. "Oh my- I'm so sorry-"

"Careful with that thing, you know what you're like with kitchen knives." F/N grins, before handing you the sheath for the sword. You put it back safely and she helps you strap it around the waist of your trousers, as well as tying your hair. "There, you look like a true warrior."

"I doubt it, I probably look like I'm cosplaying."

"Okay yeah, a little." She lets out a noise of surprise as you suddenly pull her into a hug. You speak sadly.

"What are you going to do here...?" Still hugging, you can feel her smile against your cheek.

"I'm going to learn to shoot! And many other things elves do, like, uh... make Lembas! And be all graceful and silent when I walk."

"You, graceful?" You laugh and she lets you go.

"Oh shut up, just wait and see."

"Y/N, come now or we leave you behind!" Thorin shouts from the bridge. You roll your eyes.

"He looks tonnes of fun." She pulls a face at him.

"I know right?" You sling your bag of provisions over your shoulder and look at F/N. "Enjoy yourself, F/N. I'll miss you so much."

"The same goes for you. Good luck." Both of you do a final wave before you head towards the bridge. "Oh wait, Y/N!" She calls. You keep walking but look behind you.

"Yeah...?"

"Don't get too attached to the handsome one." You feel your cheeks heat up a little, realizing she probably noticed him staring at you 90% of the time (and you staring back), but then your heart drops. She's read the book, she wouldn't be joking about that. What's going to happen to him...? You want to ask her everything but you know knowledge of the future can do more harm than good, as Gandalf first said.

3 miles the company had travelled so far, and you wished for the wizard to join you as soon as possible with every step. However, you were seeing your first glimpses of the landscapes of Middle Earth around each twist and turn of the pathway in the hillside you were following, and it was truly beautiful. It distracted you from Thorin's glares too. Even though you hadn't walked for very long, it was starting to get on your nerves. Why can't he just accept I'm here and doing my best? All we've done is walk, I can't possibly mess up yet. You sigh.