A Dwarvish Company (Currently Editing)

Chapter Four

Dessa pov

Bofur opened the door and the rest of us gathered around to see the guest. He was heavily amoured and he had dark hair. I slipped behind Fili's back and he smiled at me. "Gandalf. I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. Wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door." His voice was deep and cold.

"Mark?" Bilbo squeaked. "There's no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago!" I stepped out and ran to Bilbo's side. The two that I didn't know seemed to be the leaders and I didn't need to coward from them. 

"And who might this be?" The tall robed man asked.

"Iredessa Gamgee," I said looking up. "I live down the road. I just came to visit Bilbo wen I stumbled on his peculiar company."

"Ah well I am Gandalf the Grey. Anyway there is a mark on the door. I put it there myself." He walked over to shut the door. "Little halflings,  allow me to introduce the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield."

Thorin walked over to us taking off his coat. "So, this is the Hobbit. Tell me, Mr. Baggins Ms. Gamgee, have you done much fighting?"

My head snapped up smiling, but Bilbo looked confused. "Pardon me?"

"Axe or sword? What's your weapon of choice?" He asked walking to the group of dwarves.

Bilbo straightened up,  "Well, I have some skill at Conkers, if you must know, but I fail to see why that's relevant."

I tried to hide my snicker, but I couldn't. Bilbo and I tease each other a lot. Thorin turned to me. "What about you?" I looked up confused. "Do you know how to fight?"

"Um... well I am good with a bow and am quite skilled with swords."

"Very well. An extra burglar could do us well. Give her the contract," Thorin motion towards me and walked into the dining area.

A white bearded dwarf handed me the contract. "Thank you, um?"

"Balin," the elder dwarf smiled.

"Thank you Balin." I reviewed the parchment. It covered payment, injuries, overview, and transportation. Well if they're home was taken I'd be glad to take it back. I walked to Bilbo's stationary, picked up a quill, and signed it.

When I walked back over, the room got silent. I felt more out of place than ever. I handed it back to Balin quietly. "You signed it?" Bilbo asked surprised. I just nodded at him.

"Ah well it seems in order. Here you are Mr. Baggins. It's just the usual summary of out-of-pocket expenses, time required, remuneration, funeral arrangements, so forth." Balin gave Bilbo the contract.

"Funeral arrangements?" Bilbo asked. I gave him an awkward nod and leaned against the wall. "Terms: Cash on delivery, up to but not exceeding one fourteenth of total profit, if any. Seems fair. Eh, Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a consequence thereof including but not limited to lacerations ... evisceration ... incineration?"

Bofur spoke up, "Oh, aye, he'll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye."

"Huh." Bilbo started to hyperventilate.

Balin asked, "You all right, laddie?"

"Uh, yeah...Feel a bit faint."

Bofur continued. "Think furnace with wings."

"Air, I--I--I need air."

"Flash of light, searing pain, then Poof! you're nothing more than a pile of ash."

"Hmmm. Nope." Bilbo passed out on the floor. I had to bite my lip to not burst out laughing.

"Ah, very helpful, Bofur." Gandalf said.

This is a very strange group...