Disclaimer: The Hobbit, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of J. R. R. Tolkien's estate, and Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and WingNut Films.

Dedicated: For Chamelaucium. Thank you for the inspiration!

The Trouble with Spiders

One: Breakfast Interruption

Nori heard the low-pitched squeak and series of odd thuds right before he stuck his head into what he assumed was properly known as the dining room. The star-haired dwarf's eyebrows rose high at the sight of his host, little fussy Master Baggins, balancing unsteadily on a wooden chair, gripping the back while fighting not to slip off the cushioned seat. Scattered about on the floor was a breadbasket, what appeared to be an extra-large napkin, and at least ten muffins.

"Master Baggins," he commented after simply watching for a moment.

The hobbit let out a startled yelp, and twisted around to meet the dwarf's eyes. The poor thing appeared close to frightened, with his eyes wide open and breath coming in short gasps.

"M-master dwarf, good-d-d morning," he stammered from his perch. His eyes darted nervously to the table.

"Something the matter?" Nori asked after a pause, tilting his head curiously.

"Oh." Bilbo blushed deeply, looking mortified. "Tis nothing, really," he laughed weakly, his face turning redder. "Just…," trailing off, he waved a hand towards the table.

The dwarf stepped up to the table, eyes moving over its surface, stopping on a black spider near the center of the table. Nori glanced silently between it and the hobbit twice.

"I don't do well with spiders," Bilbo confessed in a whisper. "And, well, it startled me."

Obviously, Nori thought, sneaking a glance at the muffins on the carpet. Perhaps it is better he did not sign the contract. The hobbit did not look like a burglar or a fighter and had admitted to not being either. Dealing with spiders on the trail, no it would not make the others think highly of him. They would laugh at his obvious fear of the creatures. In fact, the current situation was a bit amusing to Nori. However, the dwarf did not laugh at Bilbo's predicament.

Instead he simply said, "Ah!" and successfully, swiftly scooped up the offending creature into his hands. Walking to the entrance of the hobbit hole, Nori managed with few difficulties to open the round front door, and released the spider by the gate. Returning inside he ignored Balin, Fili, and Bombur who observed his return with puzzlement, blinking sleepily.

"It is gone, Master Baggins," he stated, sticking his head back in the dining room. Bilbo let out a huge sigh of relief and slowly abandoned the chair to gather up the basket and split muffins; softly he bemoaned the crumbs scattered over the carpet. When the hobbit's back was turned as he retrieved a muffin, Nori quickly plucked two muffins near his feet, pocketing one, and then stepping forward to place the other in the basket. He received a thankful nod and smile from the smaller creature.

"Much obliged, Master…," he looked at Nori was a mixture of inquiry and apology.

"Nori."

"Thank you very much, Master Nori."