Chapter 6: Ink and Earmuffs

By the time they made camp for the night beneath three large ash trees, Sara's thighs and butt were aching. She had ridden a horse before but never for more than an hour or two. She slid off Starbright and hit the ground, her legs almost collapsing beneath her. It took a few minutes for her to be steady again. The dwarves were already setting about making this place camp for the night, paying her no mind.

"I see ya managed to keep yer pony moving," said Dwalin approaching her, leading four other ponies.

"With a few suggestions from Fili and Kili's," she admitted. "My legs are killing me."

"Grab yer pony and follow me."

Dwalin showed her how to brush and care for Starbright before settling him in for the evening. He was a dwarf of few words but she didn't care. It was just nice to have someone take notice of her and she readily soaked up his advice, committing it to memory. She didn't want to annoy him by being a slow learner, but soon enough he had moved off to see to the other ponies, leaving her to her own devices.

She watched the company prepare for the night wanting to help but unfamiliar with their nightly routine. Some were finding places for their bedrolls or clearing debris away. Bilbo was with Balin near the two pack ponies that carried the extra supplies. Everyone seemed to be doing something to get camp in order. At last, she found something she felt confident she could help with. Bofur was arranging a ring of stones for a fire pit while his brother Bombur pulled out pots and spoons to begin dinner preparation.

A few minutes later, she reappeared in camp with an armful of snapped branches and dragging a sizable fallen branch behind her. Bofur was absent when she returned to the fire pit so she began to stack the twigs and sticks together in a log cabin formation. Turning to the larger branch she stood on it and pulled, trying to break it apart.

"Here lass, let me do that." Dwalin came over and with a few swings of the ax strapped to his belt he had chopped it into manageable lengths.

"Thanks."

He nodded to her and moved off to talk to Thorin who was standing with Gandalf. Sara had just finished stacking the extra logs to the side when Bofur returned with his arms full of wood.

"Here now, what's all this?" He set down his armful next to her pile and inspected her work. "Not half bad."

"I went to summer camp for years." The hatted dwarf cocked his head to the side, confused. "During the summer lots of kids go to a camp to learn basic survival skills and have fun," she explained.

"Not a bad idea I reckon," he said, rubbing the patch of hair on his chin and smoothing out his rather long mustache.

"I always enjoyed it."

He pulled a flint and steel from his pocket and bent to start the fire.

"Here," said Sara, holding out the lighter she had pulled from her pack. Bofur raised an eyebrow. She rolled her thumb over the trigger and a flame sprang into life.

"Quite the contraption ya have there."

"It's pretty handy," she said, holding the flame to the kindling, and soon there was a blaze. "Makes quick work of starting a fire at any rate." Bofur eyed the lighter curiously.

"Say lass, I wonder if I might…"

"Here," said Sara. "You can have this one. I have another." Eagerly he took the lighter and sat to experiment with it.

Sara returned to her pack and unwrapped her small tent from the bottom. Thank heaven she had been backpacking when all this happened and was at least mostly prepared. Bilbo on the other hand had run out the door without even a pocket-handkerchief, something that the company had found out when he made a fuss about wanting to turn around and go back and get one from his house. Bofur had tossed him a piece of cloth ripped from a sack and the procession had moved on without a second glance back.

Finding a small patch of relatively level ground, Sara pitched her tent and laid out her sleeping bag inside. Upending her pack she grabbed the composition notebook and the pen and began listing all that she had with her. Backpacking tent, sleeping bag, small first aid kit, a headlamp with extra batteries, reusable water bottle, rain slicker, an opened pack of Bic pens, extra lighter, three MREs, her cargo pants and jeans, three shirts, three pairs of socks and underwear, her college hoodie, one pair of sweats, her hiking boots, a small brush and hair ties, deodorant and a travel-size 3 in 1 soap, toothbrush and paste, her prenatal vitamins (for hair growth), a bag of Hershey's kisses, an opened pack of big red gum, a partially eaten box of granola bars, her car keys and laser pointer, wallet, phone, solar battery, and headphones.

All in all, she felt she was fairly well prepared, though she hoped they would go through a town as she wanted to get a coat. She had a feeling her hoodie was not going to cut it in the long run.

"Mistress Miller?" said Kili, standing outside her tent door. The tent rattled as someone shook one of the poles.

"What is this?" asked Fili, coming to stand by his brother, arms folded across his chest.

"It's a dome tent," she said, shoving the last of her belongings back into her bag. "I mean, surely, you know what a tent is."

"Well, yes of course we do, it's just that we've never seen one that looks quite like this," said Fili gesturing to her red tent. "It's so round and brightly colored. Besides we don't travel with tents."

"Oh, should I take it down?"

"No it's fine, just odd," reassured Kili. "We are far enough off the road it should not be seen by any travelers. Bombur says food is ready."

The company was gathered around the fire, bowls of food in hand, some sitting on the ground and others on logs they had found and brought near the fire. Thorin sat on a large rock back from the others, keeping watch while he ate. Occasionally his blue eyes would dart to her and he would scowl. Fili and Kili went to their packs and returned with bowls.

"What is it?" asked Fili, seeing Sara's face fall.

"That's one thing I don't have, dishes." She watched as Kili got his bowl filled and went to sit on a log. Sara's stomach gurgled loudly.

"Here." Fili held out his bowl. "Use mine."

"Are you sure?" she asked. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Thorin stiffen.

"Go on, I will eat after you." She took the bowl.

"Thanks."

A few minutes later found her sitting on the log next to Kili who was wolfing down his food. Fili smirked at her from Kili's other side, munching on a hunk of bread. Bombur's stew was good, perhaps even rivaling Bilbo's from the night before. She watched the dwarves around the camp talking to each other as she ate slowly savoring the flavor. She felt a weight sit next to her on the log and turned to see Bilbo looking morose.

"Forget your bowl too?" she asked, as he looked wistfully at the food in her lap.

"I forgot almost everything," he said, rubbing one foot on top of the other. "I was in such a hurry to catch up to you that it was all I could do to grab my walking bag, which was woefully under-packed, and a purse of coins. I only have my pipe because Gandalf brought it for me. Don't know how he knew I would be coming along when I didn't know myself till just before I walked out my door."

"He must have known that you could not resist the chance for an adventure," said Sara.

"What made you decide to come anyway?" asked Fili, watching the hobbit closely. Bilbo thought for a moment before speaking.

"Must be the Took blood in me. Even as a child I was a bit wild. Stayed out late, ran through the woods looking for ents, and dreamed of the day I could travel to see the elves. Unnatural and not at all proper for any hobbit other than a Took. I thought I had purged the Took from me and become a respectable Baggins of Bag End. But this morning as I looked at the contract I felt that should I not go with you after being given the chance, I would forever regret and wonder. At least that was my mind when I walked out my door. Now, however, I'm beginning to wonder if I had taken leave of my senses."

"Well it's not too late to go back," said Fili, a bit hopefully. Sara reached over and jabbed him in the shoulder, giving him a look. Bilbo smiled weakly at him. "It's true," defended Fili. "Better to turn back now than halfway to Erebor."

"Don't listen to him Mr. Buggins," said Kili, clapping a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "He's just sore he lost the bet. Here you can use my bowl." He held his bowl out to the hobbit who looked a bit confused but took it gratefully. Sara watched as they both rose and went to where Bombur was guarding his pot against those who would filch more than they ought, as it seemed Nori was trying to do. Fili scooted down the log closer to Sara and tapped her boot with his.

"You finished with that?"

"Yes, thank you," she said, handing him the empty bowl. They sat for a moment in silence.

"Fili?"

"Hm?"

"Do you really want Bilbo to go?" Fili sucked in a breath and let it out slowly.

"I have nothing against him personally, I just think he will get us or himself into trouble. He's too excitable and not suited for the road." Her heart sank a little but he grinned at her. "Well that, and my purse is a bit lighter for it."

The next day was much like the first, good weather, nice roads, and beautiful scenery. Fili and Kili rode next to her for several stretches until Thorin inevitably called for them to ride ahead. During the time they managed to sneak with her they peppered her with questions about her world which she happily answered. Bilbo stayed close to Gandalf but seemed to have attracted the attention of Bofur. The hatted dwarf rode with him attempting to draw him out bit by bit. It was good to see Bilbo had at least one budding friend.

She was riding by herself at the back again, listening to an audiobook, when two ponies drew up on either side of her. She clicked her headphones off and settled them around her neck, looking up to see Bofur and Bilbo.

"Are yer ears often cold lass?" asked Bofur, a look of concern on his face. The question caught Sara so off guard that she almost dropped her phone as she tucked it into her pocket.

"What?"

"Those earmuffs ya wear all the time; are yer ears cold? If yer not feeling well ya should have Oin take a look at ya. He's the company physician." Bofur pointed at the old dwarf with an ear trumpet. Sara could not help it. She began to laugh. Several heads turned to see her including Thorin who's expression was just as sour as always.

"I'm sorry," she said to a slightly offended Bofur. "No, I'm not cold. These are for sound, not warmth."

"Sound?" asked Bilbo. She nodded and handed him the headphones. Bilbo took them but looked at her skeptically.

"It's okay. Put them on."

Carefully he settled them over his ears. Pulling up her music app she found a song and making sure the volume was low, pushed play. Bilbo jumped as the music began to play and almost fell off his pony. He yanked the headphones off and almost threw them back to her.

"What was that?" he asked, eyes popping.

"That was Maroon Five, Moves like Jagger.” She handed them to Bofur who had to take his hat off to fit them on his head. When he nodded, she started the song again. His eyes grew wide and he looked at her grinning.

"What's going on? What happened to Bilbo?" asked Kili, as he and Fili fell in on either side of the trio.

"He nearly fell off his pony," said Fili.

"Ms. Sara's earmuffs accosted my ears," said Bilbo indignantly.

"You mean the ones that Bofur is wearing?" asked Kili, nodding to Bofur who began to nod his head to a beat only he could hear.

"They did not accost you," said Sara. "And they are called headphones, not earmuffs. You listen to music with them." She watched as Bofur's eyes grew wide and his mouth formed a little "O". A huge grin spread across his face and he began to chortle. Sara guessed he had reached the chorus.

"Oh, lass! I like yer noisy earmuffs," he said gleefully, his head now definitely keeping beat as he wiggled slightly in the saddle.

"Us next!" called Fili and Kili together.

They spent the rest of the afternoon listening to music. Kili tended to gravitate toward 90's punk rock while Fili seemed to like country. Bofur enjoyed it all; though Sara noticed he particularly liked anything suggestive, finding it highly amusing. Even Bilbo tried it again and while he enjoyed the Nutcracker Suite Sara chose for him well enough, he still insisted that it was unnatural.

The days passed on and gradually and after the fourth day, Thorin seemed to give up trying to keep Fili and Kili away from Sara. She and Bilbo began to settle into the routine of the camp more and more, adjusting to life on the go. Bilbo had been a bit nervous to leave the green rolling hills of the Shire, but with a bit of coaxing from Gandalf, the hobbit was brought along.

Save for her conversations with Fili and Kili, Sara mainly kept to herself, although she sometimes talked with Bilbo and Bofur. Fili, Kili, and even Bofur had shared their dishes with her and Bilbo. Fili had informed them that they would pass through Bree in a few days and they could purchase any supplies they needed then. On the rare occasion, she even had a few words from Dwalin or Gandalf. But Gandalf was not continuously with them, seeming to vanish and reappear on a whim. No one seemed to take notice so Sara assumed it was just a wizard thing. The rest of the company largely ignored her and she wondered if it was Thorin's doing or simply the way dwarves were. For his part, Thorin still shot her dirty looks now and then but for the most part, he seemed to be pretending she didn't exist. That suited her just fine.

The fifth night, Sara sat next to the fire writing in her notebook. There was a relative air of contentment in camp that night. Kili had shot several wild turkeys that had wandered across the road, and dinner had been subsequently larger and more filling than normal. Bilbo sat next to her puffing away at his pipe. Fili and Kili were sprawled in the dirt nearby having a rock flicking contest, trying to see who could hit their chosen targets. Bofur, who was sometimes one of these targets, sat slumped against the tree, his hat tipped over his face. Everyone seemed content; chatting, whittling, or simply dozing off. Even Thorin sat with his back to a large oak strumming quietly on a small golden harp. Balin and Dwalin sat on the other side of the fire talking quietly and Gandalf had vanished after dinner.

Sara was just closing her notebook when the sweater-clad dwarf Ori came and sat by her. He saw the book and pen in her hands and a light came into his eyes.

"Are you a scribe as well Ms. Miller?" he asked, picking at the hem of his sweater.

"I wouldn't say that," she said, turning to face him. "I just write down things so I don't forget them. I want to be able to remember my time here if I ever get to go home. Nothing elaborate, just notes mostly. Are you a scribe?"

"Yes," he said brightening. "I keep a record of our quest for Erebor. Dori and Nori didn't want me to come because I'm still young, but I was the best scribe we had. At least the best one still young enough to make the trip," he amended.

"Do you like being a scribe?"

"Most of the time," said Ori. "What is that?" He pointed to the pen between the pages of her notebook. Sara pulled it out and handed it to him.

"It's a ballpoint pen."

"Where is your ink pot?" he asked, examining the pen.

"You don't need one."

"You don't?"

"Nope, the ink is inside. You can write for a very long time before it ever runs dry, but I almost always lose my pen before they're ever in danger of running out of ink."

"How could you possibly misplace something so valuable?" He frowned as he handed it back to her.

"They're not very expensive in my world. You can get a pack of twelve for about the same price as a loaf of bread."

"The scribes of your world must be truly blessed to have such ease at their fingertips," he said looking wistfully at the fire, poking it with a stick. His fingers were covered in ink stains. If only he knew about keyboards.

"Would you like some of my pens?"

"Oh no, you couldn't give up your treasures."

"It's okay, I have more than I will ever go through, even if I were to fill this book front to back." He looked like he was about to refuse but before he could she went to her tent and returned with three new pens. She held them out to him.

"Here, take them." He took them reverently with both hands.

"Oh, Ms. Miller, are you sure?"

"Positive. You need them more than I do."

"Thank you." He clasped her hand in his. "Thank you so much! I will treasure them." Seemingly unable to contain himself he went to show his brothers. Dori looked over Ori's shoulder and nodded. She nodded in return.

"That was very kind of you lass," said Balin, watching her with a slightly puzzled look.

"Aye, ya would think that ya had gifted him the ax of Durin himself," said Dwalin, watching Ori exclaim over his gifts.

"Ms. Miller is a kind lass," said Bofur, coming to sit in the spot Ori had occupied moments before. He picked up a pebble and flicked it at Kili, hitting him soundly in the back of the head.

"Ow! What was that for?" groused Kili, rubbing the spot. Bofur snorted.

"As if ya haven't been using me for target practice yourself. Go get yer fiddle and let's acquaint Ms. Miller and Mr. Baggins with our music."

Bilbo looked up at that. "Oh, yes please!"

A few minutes later Kili was playing a jaunty tune on a beautiful fiddle while Bofur and Fili sang and soon some of the other dwarves were singing as well. Bifur joyfully played the clarinet while Bomber drummed a large pot. As the evening wore on their songs became quieter and dower and Sara's eyes began to drift closed. When her head fell from her hand for the third time she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Dwalin crouching in front of her.

"Ya best head to bed lass, less ya would like to sleep on a log like Mr. Bilbo there." She looked over to see that indeed, Bilbo had somehow fallen asleep on top of the log.

"Thanks," she said, stiflingly a yawn.

He nodded and returned to his seat as she reached over and gently shook Bilbo awake. He rose and found his way blearily to bed. As Sara settled herself into her sleeping bag, she lay on her stomach, head resting on her arms. She watched and listened as the dwarves continued to sing, smoke rising gently from their few lit pipes. Thorin tucked his harp away and rose from his place under the tree. Glowing pipe in hand he joined the others near the fire as the singing subtly shifted to humming. Thorin began to sing.

"Far over the Misty Mountains cold, To dungeons deep and caverns old, We must away ere break of day, To find our long-forgotten gold."

Grudgingly Sara had to admit that Thorin's voice was more than pleasant, at least when he sang. His tone was deep and rich and set against the voices of the others she found her eyes falling shut once again, made heavy as if by a spell. The last thing she remembered thinking before sleep claimed her, was that if all the days of the quest ended in such a way, then perhaps it wouldn't be so terrible after all.

Two days later the company found itself in Bree. Many of the dwarves had hoped to spend the night in an inn when reaching the town, but as they had arrived mid-morning, Thorin had informed them they would press on after lunch. This caused a few grumbles among the company but Thorin sent them on their way regardless. A few of the supplies needed to be replenished as this was one of the last places to purchase goods for a very long time. The company dispersed in twos and threes, off to enjoy some food, replenish supplies, or shop the stalls that lined the streets.

Sara had it in her mind to buy some dishes and a warm coat. The evenings were warm enough now, but Bofur had said that they would be climbing in elevation soon and eventually going over the Misty Mountains.

"Sara, may I speak with you?" Gandalf stood off to the side.

"Whats up Gandalf?" she asked, coming to his side. He raised his eyebrow at her before speaking.

"While we are here in Bree, I would like you to obtain some gloves."

"Why?"

Gandalf leaned closer so he could whisper.

"It would be wise to keep the mark on your hand covered. While most will not recognize its significance, there are still those who will, and one never knows to whom they are reporting."

"Do you think I will be in danger if they see it?" she asked, not sure she wanted to know the answer.

"That remains to be seen. But I would not like to risk it. Also, try to blend in. We don't want people asking too many questions."

With this unsettling answer, he moved off to help Bilbo who had almost an entire pack to purchase. Taking Starbright's reins in hand she made her way up the street, and barring Gandalf's words in mind made her way to the tailors.

Twenty minutes later Sara had a soft brown leather coat lined with white rabbit fur; it went down to her knees and had a large hood also lined with the soft fur. The large buttons on the front were made from pieces of deer antlers that closed it tight. There was a leather band that tied around her waist and even fur-lined pockets. She had tried the coat on and fallen instantly in love with it. She had even found a pair of soft leather gloves. They were palmless and looped around her pinky and thumb, effectively covering the back of her hand while leaving her fingers free to move and breathe. She was very pleased with her purchases as she slipped on the gloves and retrieved Starbright. The only problem was that her coat and gloves had cost almost all the coins she had won in the bet. She had two gold coins left and she only hoped it was enough to purchase the needed dishes.

Tugging Starbright behind her she wound her way down through the stalls examining the wares as she passed. About halfway up the street, she found a stall she required. There was an assortment of dishes and small knives, some made fine and delicate and others sturdy and durable.

Sara had seen Bifur and Bofur whittling around the fire several times and had wished she had her pocket knife. She had done some rudimentary whittling at summer camps many years ago, but she had an itch to try again if only to have something to do with her hands. She had decided on a slim knife with a long narrow blade and was reaching to ask the storekeeper the price when she heard someone speak in Dwarvish next to her. She turned to see Bifur at her side.

Bofur had explained to Sara that his cousin Bifur could not speak the common tongue ever since he had been injured in battle and had an orc ax embedded in his skull. Now he only spoke the dwarvish language, occasionally resorting to the hand gestures the others sometimes used. She wondered if it was like a secret dwarf sign language. Luckily Bifur could still understand what was said to him even if he could not respond in kind.

"Hello, Mr. Bifur. Doing some shopping?" He shrugged and patted the spear strapped over his shoulder before pointing at her.

"You're following me to keep me out of trouble?" she guessed. He shrugged and nodded.

"Did one of the others tell you to?" He shook his head and patted his chest.

"Oh, thanks. Should I be worried about anything in particular here in Bree?" He shook his head and pointed to the knife in her hand.

"I was looking for a knife to whittle with," she explained, holding out the knife in her hand for his inspection. He pointed to the knife and shook his head.

"There something wrong with this one?"

He nodded and took it from her. Holding one end in each hand bent the blade back and forth, shaking his head. He set it down and pointed to a much shorter and thicker knife. It was made entirely of metal with leather wrapped around the handle. He picked it up and tried to bend the blade but it was sturdy and the blade did not give. He nodded and handed it to her.

"This one will be better for whittling?"

He nodded and then pointed out a bowl, plate, cup, and silverware that looked simple but sturdy. She thanked him and then turned to ask the owner of the stall how much they would all cost. Five gold pieces. She looked at the two coins in her hand and replaced the dishes, turning to look elsewhere. Bifur caught her elbow and she watched as he pantomimed trading something.

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that."

In the end, she traded two pens and the half-full lighter to the shopkeeper who looked very pleased with the trade. She felt a bit dishonest for she knew that she had gotten all her dishes and the knife for less than what would have amounted to a dollar fifty. She knew Fili would remind her that her items were more valuable because they were one of a kind, but she still felt she had cheated the man.

She and Bifur perused the stalls as they wended their way toward the tavern where some of the company were congregating. To fill the silence between them she told Bifur about her time spent in summer camp. He nodded here and there as she spoke but never seemed to tire of her talking. He was surprisingly easy to talk to. They entered the tavern and went to sit at the table with the two princes. The company was gathered eating lunch before they left for the road once again. Bofur was at the bar, determined to drink as much as possible if the empty tankards near his elbow were anything to go by. Everyone seemed to be enjoying a drink while they ate. Everyone except Sara and Bifur.

"Do you not drink Mr. Bifur?" she asked. He grimaced and tapped the ax in his head.

"It makes him nauseous, and gives him a fierce headache," clarified Kili.

"What about you Ms. Sara?" asked Fili. "Why are you not drinking? Can't hold your liquor?"

"Um actually, no, I can't. I'm a total lightweight. I've only had alcohol once and let's just say it didn't end well. I don't remember it all, but my friends say it was quite the spectacle and it resulted in a very awkward situation. Sooo... I don't drink anymore."

Fili and Kili exchange a look and Kili pushed his drink across the table to Sara with a wicked grin. Bifur just shook his head.

"Here Mistress Miller, have some of mine."

"I don't think so," she said firmly, quickly finishing the last of her food before standing and pushing in her chair. "I'll see you outside."

She heard Fili and Kili snickering as she left, but she didn't care. She left the tavern and was scratching behind Starbright's ears when she spotted the name of the inn she had just left. The Prancing Pony. She marveled. This was where Frodo would meet Aragorn many years in the future, that is if she didn't mess up the timeline.

Thirty minutes later they were all back on the road. Bofur had trouble getting in the saddle as his foot kept missing the stirrup but with Bifur and Fili's help, he was finally pushed into the saddle. He wobbled a bit as they left the town behind them and continued west on the road toward the Misty Mountains.

Thorin had known some of the company would complain when he didn't allow them to stay the night in Bree. But he had his reasons. Three, in fact, the first being that the company drew too much attention to itself in the town and he wanted to pass through quickly so they would be forgotten equally as fast. The fact that they traveled with a wizard, hobbit, and that strange girl did not lend itself to a low profile. Second, he hoped that the deprivation of a chance at a soft bed would sway the woman. So far no such luck. And finally, because complain as they had, many of the company were pleasantly surprised when he stopped them for the night. The smell of minerals was carried to them through the humid air.

"Hot springs!" cried Kili, almost falling off his pony in his rush to dismount.

Murmurs of assent and pleasure rippled through the rest of the company as they surveyed the area. Thorin had passed down this road before and had been planning this stop for a few days now. The promise of warm water beckoned to them all and camp was set up faster than normal, everyone eager to indulge in a soak. Dinner was a quick affair, light and on the hoof. Soon the entire company including Gandalf and the hobbit were disappearing toward the steam rising in the near distance.

Thorin gathered his things and was about to make his way to the smaller hidden pool he remembered when he spied the girl still in camp. She sat in front of the fire pit that had yet to be lit, poking in the dirt with a stick. She looked up at him and he was suddenly, painfully aware that they were alone in the camp.

"Don’t you bathe?" he asked. She shifted uncomfortably and looked away scowling.

"Of course. I was just… waiting my turn."

She clutched her clean clothes and soap in her lap and they fell into an awkward and heavy silence. Thorin regarded the strange blue-haired girl from another world. He had to admit she had done better than he had expected. The girl was made of hardier stuff than anticipated. She had not complained once throughout all the time they had been on the road, even when others of the company had. In the first few days, he had noted her saddle soreness but she had said nothing, instead of looking for ways to be helpful around camp.

He had also learned from Balin of her kindness in gifting Ori the writing instruments that required no ink. He had even stopped Bofur and asked to examine the unusual device he had been using to light the fires. The girl was generous, even with those who she had no reason to be.

Despite his best efforts Fili and Kili always seemed to seek out her company, and at last, he had given up knowing that the forbidden fruit was always the sweetest. Unfortunately, they were not the only ones who had warmed to her. It had not escaped Thorin the way Dwalin had kept a watchful eye over the girl and even gave her gentle guidance now and then. It was odd to see his best warrior so compassionate with a stranger, a human female at that. Earlier today he had even spotted Bifur walking quietly with the girl among the stalls in Bree, listening patiently as she chatted amiably with him, despite the language barrier. It was unusual. Many seemed to avoid Bifur, uncomfortable with his injury, but not the girl. Bofur liked her as well, though Thorin suspected Bofur could befriend a rock. The toymaker had even gone out of his way to befriend the halfling. As he watched the girl before him fidget under his gaze he had to admit that it was a bit unnerving how quickly she had become comfortable among some of his company.

He had been embarrassed and angry to learn that she had overheard his conversation with Balin that night in Bag End. She had made her displeasure with them clear the next day, flinging their own words back at them. She was tenacious. Still, despite all the things he had observed over the past several days he had not changed his mind in the least. This quest was no place for a girl. It was not safe for her or the company if she remained. He would have to find a way, an excuse to send her away. Time was on his side.

He studied her for a moment more, taking in the dirt-smeared over her face and the grime under her fingernails. She looked tired, her shoulders bowed as she hunched over her belongings. He groaned inwardly but squashed down his selfishness, knowing his sister would berate him if she were here. Despite his displeasure with her continued presence, she was still a female. His sense of honor would prick him all night long if he indulged in the luxury of a bath while she remained in camp. Besides, could she even be trusted alone in camp?

"There is a small pool among a stand of trees a few minutes walk in that direction." She looked up at him and he pointed to a trail in the brush. Before she could reply, he turned and was gone down the other trail after the rest of the company leaving her to her own devices.