Chapter 10: Only a memory

Authors note: Ok, change of plan. This chapter won't include any Trolls, and I doubt the next chapter will also. After the approval of you nice reviewers I decided to elaborate more on the things discussed in the last chapter. Thank you all so much! It made my day reading those reviews. There will also be a nice scene between Bilbo and Thobera in this chapter. I love their little growing friendship, and that will also have a key role in the later events. In the meantime though, enjoy!

She couldn't sleep. It wasn't the cold, or the cramped space between her and the other compacted bodies on the hard damp forest floor. Nor was it the fact she was leaning against a sturdy tree. No… she couldn't sleep because she was thinking. And when she was in deep thought, there was little chance that Thobera would ever get any sleep.

Her thoughts wondered off into their own world. She barely had any control over them. She sat up staring into the darkness of the woodland, ignoring the constant snores and whimpers of the other Dwarves as they lay in a peaceful slumber. Her right hand caressed her Dwarvish axe in her belt continuously as her dazed expression continued to stare into the nothingness before her. All her thoughts were no longer on her actual surroundings. No, they were focused on her memories. And that was when the flashbacks started.

…

She was young to begin with. Back in the days when she lived with her father in the city of Dale when she was a young Dwarf girl. Once a week the two would venture into the forests next to the Lonely Mountain to pick some herbs for their small shop in which they also lived. Dulin, a humble middle-aged Dwarf, was an extremely kind fellow. He only wanted what was best for his daughter and liked nothing but to help others around him less fortunate than himself. He was no noble Dwarf, nor was he one who worked in the mines for the king. Instead, he dwelled among the Men and other Dwarves in Dale raising his young daughter after the tragic death of his wife.

It was a Wednesday. In other words, the annual herb picking day. Today was the day when Dulin closed his shop so he and his daughter could go venturing out into the woods in search of the herbs they would sell or administer to others at a reasonable price. They never ventured too far into the forest, for they did not wish to lose their way, nor face any of the monstrous creatures out there in the wild. Dulin often took his daughter along, not just to keep an eye on her, but because she kept him company. Also her curiosity was developing and he wished to let her explore the world around her as she was growing up.

"Don't go wonderin' off too far Thobera!" He had called out as his daughter sprinted off through the trees letting out squeals of delight as she went.

"I won't Papa," she had called back grinning toward her cheerful father before continuing her hyperactive running close by.

Dulin knelt on the ground and got out his herb collecting bag as he scraped up different types of plant and placed them in the large sack. He continued this while his daughter ran around him playing and exploring as she went. This was the normal routine for them both. He would collect the herbs he required for his business while she either observed or played. And so far, they had not encountered anything bad or had anything misfortunate happen to them. Until now anyway.

It all happened so fast. One moment she was running around a tree pretending to fight Orcs, and the next she was in a ditch crying. Dulin had witnessed as his tiny daughter's foot tripped on a stray tree root sticking out of the ground, causing her to catapult into the small tree burrow and fall in an uncomfortable yet awkward heap inside it. His eyes and mouth widened in horror as he dropped his bag and frantically rushed to her aid.

"THOBERA!" He had yelled at the top of his voice as she fell.

"Papa!" Thobera cried as he approached the burrow. She was now crying in both fear and pain, covered in dirt and moss. Dulin's heart sank further when he saw she had acquired a small bleeding wound on her forehead. Dulin tried to reach in the burrow to get his daughter out, but it was no use. It was too small for an adult Dwarf to venture inside. It was actually a surprise to see her fall into it in the first place.

"Calm yourself, Thobera my dear," Dulin cooed trying to calm her down "Papa will get you out."

"I'm scared Papa," she ushered barely a whisper. Her tiny hand reached up to his and he caressed it lightly. He continued to hush and whisper gently to her in an attempt to calm her down enough before squirming her out of the tiny gap in the tree. This was the original plan anyway. But it wasn't until a stranger's voice broke into the atmosphere that Dulin's head sprang up.

"Need any help there sir?"

Dulin's head sprang up faster than a rabbit. He was extremely weary at this particular moment and a mixture of fear, anxiety and a small amount of sadness filled his face. He looked upon a stranger who sat on his pony approaching him slowly.

The Dwarf looked around his age, if not a bit older, give or take a decade or two. He sat curiously on his light brown pony as he approached the kneeling herbalist nearby a tree. As he got off his pony a sword and a variety of other small weapons, such as an axe, flashed from his belt, Dulin then realized who the Dwarf was. He was a mighty Dwarf warrior, and he also looked like a Dwarf lord judging by the way he was dressed. His dark black-grey beard was around the same length and shape as Dulin's bushy brown-grey beard. But the Dwarf's hair was braided in such a way, it made him look all the more noble.

"My daughter," Dulin explained frantically as Thobera continued to give a few muffled cries from within the burrow "she fell in the tree burrow and hit her head. The burrow is too small for me to climb inside and get her out, and she is not strong enough to climb out by herself."

"I see. I think I may have something that will help get her out. You will have to stand back though." the Dwarf warrior announced grabbing a small axe from his belt then crouching down to speak to the young Dwarf girl. Dulin stepped back as instructed as the Dwarf spoke in a somewhat soft tone to his frightened daughter. "Hello there little lass," he spoke gently "do not be afraid, I have come to help you."

Dulin watched as the Dwarf grabbed his weapon with both hands and swung it down on the wood blocking the entrance to the burrow. He was careful not to swing it too close to the Dwarf girl, he did not wish for her to be more afraid or hurt than she already was. With a few swings of an axe the stray roots that constricted the burrow in the tree were broken off. This now made the burrow large enough for Dulin to reach in and grab his daughter with his large arms and pull her to safety.

"Thank you so much!" He exclaimed gratefully to the Dwarf warrior as he picked up his injured yet relieved daughter and hugged her tightly.

"You're most welcome," he bowed his head grinning at Dulin and Thobera warmly.

"Thank you Mister," Thobera smiled shyly rubbing her eyes where she had been crying.

"You're most welcome lass," he bowed his head winking rather mischievously, causing the young girl to giggle. "You were very brave back there."

"She was wasn't she?" Dulin grinned down proudly at his daughter. His face then dropped suddenly as his hand pressed against her forehead and examined her head wound closely. "Oh dear, we'll have to get that wrapped up when we get back to Dale."

"Papa, I'm fine now," Thobera insisted then pointing a small arm at the unknown Dwarf who had come to her rescue "he was the one who saved me back there."

"Thank you again, Master?" Dulin queried to the other Dwarf.

"Balin," he began smiling. "Lord Balin, son of Fundin. And who might you be, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh," Dulin snapped suddenly bowing before the Dwarf lord before answering his question "I am Dulin, son of Duri, a humble herbalist of Dale. And this is my daughter Thobera. We were out collecting herbs before Thobera's little accident there."

"Well, no harm was done here," Balin scouted around surveying the damage he had caused to the trees roots to get young Thobera out of the burrow. He then turned his head back to the pair and pointed a figure at little Thobera "next time lass, be careful of the burrows."

"Yes Mister Balin," she said shyly causing her father and Balin himself to chuckle in amusement.

…

Thobera couldn't help but smile at that particular memory. It was the first time she had ever met Balin. Years later after that incident her father and Balin had formed quite a close friendship. She had recalled him often popping into their shop to buy herbs or on the occasion, just to have a chat. Thobera had grown to respect the older Dwarf. But there was a time when her respect turned to that of pity for him. One time she did not wish to recall.

…

It was a normal day at the shop. Many years after their unexpected meeting in the woods. Lord Balin and Dulin had become close acquaintances over the years. Balin frequently came to their shop to buy herbs, not for himself, but for his father, or on the rarest occasion, his younger brother Dwalin. Balin was a slow aging Dwarf. His beard was growing grey, yet it still had a lot of colour remaining. It was obvious he would live to a very old age. That was unless war or anything else unnatural would take him first.

Thobera was aging and maturing quite quickly. But she was only a young Dwarf girl and still depended on her father greatly. And of course she did not know or understand many of the things happening around her. Especially with one particular incident which was about to occur between her father and lord Balin.

She was sat at the table eating her lunch with her father when an unexpected customer arrived. They had in fact closed the shop for lunch and hadn't expected anyone to enter. And of course Dulin was prepared to go and tell the customer to get out and come back when the shop was open again. But as he arose from his seat he was greeted with an all too familiar face in the doorway.

"Mister Balin!" Thobera blurted climbing out of her seat to rush over and hug the older Dwarf lord. He placed a hand on her as she buried herself into his cloak affectionately. It wasn't until she pulled away that she noticed it.

There stood a rather uneasy looking Dwarf. Balin's eyes looked drawn and distressing, his mouth utterly forcing itself to form a sad smile at the young Dwarf girl. Dulin had noticed his expression; it was as if he looked almost… heart-broken.

"Oh, I am sorry to interrupt your lunch," Balin apologised his voice rather shaky and his hands quivering violently. "Please forgive me barging in like this but, I need to speak with you privately."

"Of course," Dulin said his eyes shifting curious yet concerned at his friend's strange behaviour. He then turned his attentions to his daughter and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder "you continue to eat your lunch Thobera. Papa will be back soon."

And so she did as she was told and Balin and Dulin exited the room to discuss a rather tragic and upsetting matter. Thobera of course would not know of this until she was old enough to understand. Dulin re-entered the room with an edgy stare plastered on his face. He walked over to the small table where he kept his array of herbs and placed them in his sack. His daughter watched him curiously and also looked around for Balin who had not re-entered the room for his own reasons. Once he had fully packed his required belongings he walked back over to Thobera and placed a hand on her head and ruffled her long chestnut hair gently.

"Papa's got an errand to do in Erebor sweetheart," he explained "don't let anyone in or think of re-opening the shop today. For this errand is a delicate one and I do not feel I will be able to work once I get back."

"Ok then Papa," Thobera smiled as her father took the hand he had ruffled her hair with and placed it on her face.

"How did I deserve such a trustworthy daughter like you?" He asked caressing her face soothingly with that hand. He then let go and walked out of the shop to follow Balin to wherever they needed to complete this 'errand'.

…

Thobera gazed at the ground solemnly at this memory. She was too young to understand the real reason why Balin had came to them that day. And it took many years for Thobera to find out the true reason of her father's so called 'errand'. It still saddened her now just to think about it. That day Balin and Dwalin, the two brothers and sons of lord Fundin, had came to a heart-breaking and devastating decision to end their father's suffering and help him die. For many years, before that painful day, lord Fundin had been bed-ridden with a very nasty disease which had prevented him from ever leaving his room. He was in a lot of excruciating pain and knew that he would only suffer with the disease until he died from it. He asked his sons to help ease his passing by getting Dulin to prescribe a fatal yet gentle combination of drugs which would cause him to fall asleep permanently. Thobera had always wondered why the always jolly Balin was so depressed that day. And now she knew why. She could still recall him being on the verge of tears. But it was a long time ago. Just as when he father had also died under different circumstances.

…

It was the worst day of her life the day her father had been summoned by king Thror for battle. He was no fighter, nor was he a warrior like lord Balin. He was just a healer. A simple, kind and considerate healer. It angered her and broke her heart when his name was called out in Dale that day. She had tried constantly to persuade him not to go, but how could he refuse under the circumstances?

Thobera was now a lot older, a very mature and ambitious young Dwarf woman. And unlike the other Dwarf women in Dale or Erebor, she was not afraid to speak her mind. She often got herself into trouble by doing this but she had very strong opinions of things. Her father had said she had her mother's fiery spirit in her, and even though Thobera had never really known her mother, it brought great comfort to her to know of this.

She had of course spoken out against her father going to war. But had it got her anywhere? No. This had made her the angriest and most upset she had ever been in her entire life. Because, deep down she knew. She knew he stood a little chance of surviving such a bloody and cold battle that served no such purpose or meaning. She couldn't bare to face the fact that if her father went out to war, he may never return home to her.

"You don't have to do this!" She had told him trying desperately to not go out to battle. He had of course tried to ignore he comments, for he knew there was no escaping it. He, like all of the other common Dwarves of both Erebor and Dale, owed his life to his king. He had been called upon to fight a war, and that was what he would do. No matter how dire the consequences may be.

"Thobera," he had replied "we both know I have no choice in the matter. I have been summoned to join the noble army of Erebor, and with that I shall do my part in protecting our people. It is my duty to them, and to you."

"But," she said with tears forming in her eyes "you don't owe them anymore than what you have already given them. There is no need to prove yourself to them, let alone to me."

"Oh Thobera," Dulin cupped his daughter's face in his hands and kissed her forehead gently. "You're such a kind, fair and protective daughter. It has been an honour and a privilege to raise you. I hope your life will turn out better than mine has, and I wish you all of the best in whatever you choose to do with it. For you deserve much more than the life of a healer's daughter."

"Why are you saying this?" Thobera asked eyes widening and her voice barely a whisper as she tried to shake her tears off unsuccessfully.

"Let us face the hard, cold truth my dear," he began "this will be the last day I look upon you with my own eyes. We both know deep down I will not survive this battle. But my death will be an honourable one that I hope you will be proud of."

"Don't say this Papa!" Thobera turned her head away now letting out frequent sobs in front of her father "I don't want you to die!"

Dulin grabbed his daughter into a tight hug as she wept in his arms. He too began to silently cry as his grip on his daughter tightened, but he tried to hide it for her sake. He wanted her to be strong. He too didn't want himself to die, but he knew that his lack of experience in war would be his doom. He was a peaceful Dwarf who had never picked up an axe or sword in his life. And any peaceful and inexperienced Dwarves in battle were those who were surely to die first. For lack of experience was often a Dwarf warrior's downfall, as it would be his.

Thobera's heart shattered entirely when Balin had turned up to their house, armoured up and ready for battle, to collect her father for the meeting of the soldiers before they marched off to war. His heart went out to the young Dwarf woman, for he had come to know both of them over the years and their father-daughter bond was a very close one. He also did not feel it right that Dulin should join them for battle. For he also feared the worst would happen to his friend. And he dreaded to think of the psychological affects that would have on poor Thobera.

After the battle had taken place, the Dwarven soldiers returned from their battle victorious. King Thror and his heirs stood proudly at the entrance of Erebor awaiting the survivors to come forth and bask in victory. But this was not the case for the majority. The battle had taken many lives and the remaining survivors were all mixed up in grief and sorrow to even consider celebrating their victories. But king Thror did not see it this way. He only wished to see the pride on his people's faces at how mighty his armies were. His self-pride angered many at times. Even his own grandson, young prince Thorin.

Thobera stood among the other citizens nearby the gates of Erebor hoping and praying her father would be among the survivors. As the approached the crowds of Dwarves, it was obvious that there had been many casualties in the battle. Thobera's head shook in disbelief and horror as she scanned the crowd of Dwarf warriors either injured or carrying the injured inside. She watched as the Dwarves all went back into Erebor to get medical supplies for the weak and injured. Towards the back of the long trail of limping warriors stood a particular Dwarf who had decided to remain behind to do a particular task. He knew it would not be an easy one, but it had to be done no matter how hard it would be to do so.

Thobera's eyes widened in horror as they finally fell upon Balin himself. He approached her cautiously with nothing but guilt and remorse plastered over his solemn features. He held a small item in his hands, one that Thobera knew too well. And with that, she already got her answer to that dreaded question. Was her father alive or dead?

"I am so sorry Thobera," Balin looked down trying to keep his own tears from falling. Thobera stood taken aback obviously not taking in the entire situation before her. Her worst fears had come to life. And surprisingly, now it had happened, she found it extremely difficult to accept it.

It took her many moments to get her grip and try and attempt a reply to him. Nothing came out. Balin took this opportunity to hand her the item he held in his dirty hands. Thobera examined the item closely, tears now welling up in her eyes. This item was her father's lucky charm, a pendant made by the craftsmen in Dale. Thobera knew of this item very well as she had brought it him for his birthday many years ago. He carried it everywhere with him, because he said it reminded him of her. And now, he had carried it to his death. So much for luck.

"Oh, Balin!" Thobera let out finally flinging her arms around the Dwarf lord and let out muffled cries on his shoulder. Balin immediately returned what she had done and wrapped his arms around her back and wept alongside her. It was a rare thing for Balin, to cry like this. But even the noblest warriors shed their emotions over those who have passed on. He was often like this after a battle. The death and destruction to so many lives was a lot to take in and witness. And now a close friend of his had just died leaving his only child alone in the world. And he was having to break the heart-wrenching news to her. It was not something he found easy to do.

"Ssh there lass," Balin tried to calm her down "he will always live on in our hearts."

"But he is gone," Thobera sobbed "I had a feeling this would happen. I tried to get him not to go. This is all my fault!"

"No, no," Balin cooed holding her tighter trying to act brave for her "he did a duty to his king. He also went on his own free will. This is NOT your fault Thobera, and don't you go sayin' that."

The two stood crying silently. Everyone around them had gone back about their daily lives or ventured into the mountain where the wounded soldiers were being treated. The only two that remained at the entrance was Balin and Thobera. No one dared interfere with their mourning, for they had felt the same for the others who had died in the same battle. Grief was all around them. Death was in the air, and only more death would come as the night progressed. The seriously injured warriors, who had no chance of surviving the night, were also destined to join the dead.

"I miss him," Thobera finally whispered now calming down, only slightly.

"I know lass," Balin replied "it will be hard for the first few years, but we will get through this."

"Thank you Balin," Thobera finally let go of the Dwarf giving him a small sad smile through her tears "he deserved a good friend like you."

"As he deserved such a loving and loyal daughter like you," Balin said lifting her chin up proudly with his hand.

…

She still carried that pendant with her. It was the only thing she could hold onto that reminded her of the few good times in her life. Before her exile, her solitude, to live with grief and other emotions alone in the wild for the rest of her days. Her recalling the bad and good times in her life made her lose track of time. She was no longer awake in reality. Just drifting about in her own thoughts as her mind relayed her thoughts as if they had just happened yesterday. Her talk with Balin earlier had started this off. She had almost forgotten the times the two had spent together until now. Now they were as clear as crystal as she recalled upon them once again. They had both been through bad and the good times. And not only did Thobera owe her life to Thorin Oakenshield. But also to lord Balin. For he was the one who she had encountered after her escape from the dungeons all of those years ago.

…

"Go Thobera," Thorin ordered softly "I wish you luck in your new life."

"Thank you prince Thorin," she replied with a sincere yet gentle tone as her face formed a small but gentle smile for the first time ever "I pray we meet again someday."

And with that Thobera made her way out of Erebor and ran as far as she could away from the place. The sounds of Dwarven guards giving orders to arrest her were all that could be heard through the darkness. Thobera continued to sprint away until her lungs could no longer take it. She ran into the forests next to the mountain and leant against a tree in order to get her breath back. The moon shone brightly above her, this proved to be an advantage as she could see where she was going in the dark woods. But only lightly.

She had perched herself nearby an all too familiar tree. The haze of the moon shone down on a particular part of the old tree which made Thobera get up and gaze at it in surprise. It was that same tree she fell down as a child. The burrow was still there, as small as ever. There was no way she could fall down it now. She was a lot taller than she was as a child and the gap was too small for someone her size to get trapped in. Panting heavily, Thobera placed her hands on her legs and bent down breathing in and out at a rapid rate.

Her break from running had been cut short as the echo of distant voices broke into the air. It was the sound of Dwarves, and they were in the forest! The odd flicker of lantern lights could be seen for a short while and at this point, Thobera ducked behind the tree trying to remain silent as the Dwarvish guards scouted the area for her.

"There is no trace of her lord Balin," one called out.

"Try searching over that way," came the reply "I'll go this way. Make sure you stay over there and search it properly before you return. We don't want this prisoner slipping past our nets if she has somehow managed to escape the guards in Erebor."

"Yes my lord!" Two voices broke out then becoming rather distant as they walked off in the other direction.

Thobera tried to keep as still and silent as possible. She was unsure on who this Dwarf guard was and did not wish to do anything sudden. It was bad enough that she had escaped as it was, considering she hadn't planned on it in the first place. She blamed and thanked Thorin for this. He had after all, risked everything to save her skin. She pinned herself tightly to the tree as the sound of approaching footsteps sent alarm bells throughout her ears. But she hadn't noticed him sneak up behind her.

"I take it you remember this spot?" The voice broke out causing Thobera to jump in a fright. Her eyes widened and she clutched her chest as she regained herself and finally looked upon the Dwarf guard not knowing whether to knock him out and run or give up there and then. But her eyes widened even more when she realized who stood before her. "Same spot as I recall meeting and saving you all of those years ago."

"Balin?" Her voice broke out full of surprise.

"Hello lass."

Thobera gazed around releasing her grip on the tree "I take it you have come to arrest me then."

"Well," he began pacing around her wearily "my task is to either kill you on sight or arrest you again. I will not deny what you did was wrong and uncalled for. But I, like Thorin, did not see it fit to have you executed in such a cruel way. I also owe it to your father for all of the things he did for me when he was alive. I was well aware you were here and sent my guards off in the other direction in order for me to speak to you. And, to answer your question, I have not come to arrest you. More to help you get out of here alive by distracting my guards until you make it clear from this place."

"Why are you doing this?" Thobera asked "you and prince Thorin are treating me with such kindness despite my actions. Yet I do not deserve it."

"No," Balin began "but you stood up for what you believed in. Your father's death has had that effect on you, and despite your rash actions, you are, deep down, a loyal Dwarf woman. I feel you will serve a great purpose one day and put things to a right. And the reason why I am helping you, is not just for Thorin's sake, but because it will give me comfort that you can finally be free from this life and start afresh somewhere else."

"Thank you Balin," she smiled placing a sturdy hand on his shoulder "I will never forget what you and Thorin have done for me."

"Neither will we forget you," Balin the paused a moment looking down at his boots rather solemnly "it is a shame you have done this to yourself, but I see where you came from by committing that theft. You were only trying to protect that family, as your father tried to protect you. And despite your rash actions, you did stand up for your own beliefs. You certainly have changed from that shy little Dwarf lass I saved all of those years ago."

"Times change Balin, as will everything else in this world," Thobera explained. Balin opened his mouth to respond to her but was cut short by the sudden distant sound of voices reappear back into the night. He and Thobera turned their attentions to the direction of where the voices were coming from and the odd flicker of lantern lights bobbed in and out of trees as they came closer and closer. Thobera took her arm off of the elder Dwarf's shoulder and gave him such a look that expected his approval.

"Go Thobera," Balin ushered her quietly "make haste through the forest and may luck and good fortune follow you to wherever you are headed. I will hold the guards off as long as I can."

"I will never forget you Balin," she said bowing her head slightly. He returned the gesture as she began to sprint away off into the dark tree infested forest. Balin watched her leave and then acted oblivious to her being there as an act to fool his guards. They had of course bought it, and she had made her way safely out of the firing line of the Dwarves of Erebor. But she would now be alone in the wild with only a few previsions. He had never anticipated she would make it. But he was of course proven wrong, much to his and Thorin's relief, years later when she would return.

…

Thobera snapped wide awake. She hadn't realized until now that she had in fact fallen asleep, still dreaming of the thoughts she reminisced about. She had no idea how or when she had fallen into that short slumber, but as she gazed around it was still night. There was no light in the sky signifying it would be dawn soon, and the stars still shone brightly above the trees. A sharp bitterly wind blew across her already frozen face as she swiftly stood from her sitting position next to the tree. She tried to avoid each sleeping Dwarf as she manoeuvred her feet in such a weird manner to get out of the huddle of bodies all wrapped in blankets, in a somewhat desperation to keep warm. As soon as she got away from the company, she lit a discarded lantern with her talents. She then stood on top of a ledge overlooking the rest of the forest about a hundred metres from camp, and held her lantern with her right hand while keeping her eyes fixed on the moon, which was slowly making its journey across the night sky.

She had focused her mind on nothing in particular. She had thought about enough today, and already had come to the honest conclusion that her entire life was a mess. Too much had happened to her in her lifetime, and a lot of it was not of pleasant tidings. A normal Dwarf woman's life was never this chaotic. Yet again, when was she ever considered to be a 'normal' Dwarf woman?

Her thoughts then fell upon that of the quest and how that could change her life for the better. It would give her opportunities. Good ones. To help and honour the same kingly Dwarf who had spared her life all of those years ago, to regain the trust of the other Dwarves, to make new friends and to also repay old ones for all of the things they had done for her in the past. She was dreading regaining the sceptical Dwarves trust more than facing any of the foes (not matter how foul) along the journey. For it had been many years since she made contact with her own people and she still had not grown accustomed to how stubborn and self-centred Dwarf men could be. Thorin was one of those in particular. But she had already gained his trust. Too quickly, in her, and many of the others opinion. She now had to focus on getting Dwarves like Dwalin, Oin and Gloin to respect her. And she was dreading it. But as Balin had told her, eventually Dwalin would have no choice but to accept her presence and help. She had assumed the others would also do the same. For this was no time or place to hold a past grudge over, what she considered to be, such a silly matter.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she felt a presence in the air. She was not alone. Thobera kept her body forward but her ears sharp as she heard a faint sound of movement away from where she stood. She was soon aware of who it was and couldn't help but smile at the thought of the persons attempt at sneaking around her. Finally she decided to speak up, alerting the person to her knowledge of him being there. Much to his own surprise and alarm.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?"

"Oh! Erm… it was c-cold and I-I couldn't sleep. I also c-couldn't help but notice you awake," the voice managed to blurt. Thobera turned around slowly to the stuttering person looking upon the face of Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit that seemed to be gargling marbles through chattering teeth.

"I see," Thobera then gazed around "I must admit it is rather nippy tonight. The winds from the East do not help either."

Bilbo wondered up to her wearily with both his arms crossed as he shivered to himself. He soon found himself standing beside Thobera gazing out into the pitch black forest. She kept her gaze fixed into the darkness causing him to look upon her with a confused expression forming on his features.

"Are you alright?" He asked with a hint of concern in his voice. Thobera's stare snapped out of itself and she gazed down upon the Hobbit nodding softly.

"Yes," she replied simply "I couldn't sleep either."

"Yes I can see that," Bilbo pointed out much to her surprise "why may I ask?"

"Just reminiscing as all," Thobera explained hoping she would not have to go into anymore details "call it reflecting upon my petty life if you will."

"Petty?" Bilbo scoffed putting his hands in his pockets in an attempt to warm his hands up. "I beg to differ. From what I have heard of you, your life has been nothing but petty. I mean, you have fought wars, lived out here in the wilderness; you have helped many and been extremely brave. You are beyond anything petty. You are a noble Dwarf warrior in my opinion."

"I'm glad you have such a high opinion of me Master Hobbit," Thobera chuckled amusingly. But her chuckles soon died away and her smile was replaced by that of a frown. "It'll be dawn soon."

"That it will," Bilbo said fidgeting to himself trying desperately to warm himself up "then hopefully I can get warm again."

"You will have to get used to the cold on this journey Bilbo if you wish to make it to Erebor," Thobera's eyes the fell upon the Hobbit rather mysteriously.

"Yes," Bilbo frowned to himself "that's if I survive it first."

"Why did you really come out here Bilbo?" Thobera enquired "there must be more to your story than an old Wizard knocking on your door telling you to join a company of Dwarves."

"You're right," Bilbo began "It's just… ever since I was a young lad, I was always out exploring. All I wanted to know what was outside the Shire. I would often stay up late and read old maps or go out exploring nearby forests in the hopes I would meet an Elf or another creature other than a Hobbit. But as I grew up, I had less and less time to think about going on an adventure. I knew I wanted to deep down. But that is not the life of a respectable Hobbit like a Baggins. And when Gandalf and the others turned up on my doorstep, I was not so keen to begin with. But then I realized, it was the only chance I would get in exploring the rest of the world. So I took my chance, and well, here I am."

Thobera let out a chuckle again and took in a deep breath of cold air before speaking, more to herself than Bilbo. "I used to dream of adventures as a Dwarf girl. But I have found it is not quite what you'd expect. The world is a cruel place and it takes a lot to survive the dilemmas it throws at you. But with time, it is worth it."

"I guess it will be," Bilbo then turned his head back upon the sleeping Dwarves "I just wish the others would trust me."

"They will in time Bilbo," Thobera placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder "they will have to grow used to the fact that they are stuck with both of us. And if they do not like it, then they will just have to deal with it."

"I guess they will," Bilbo smiled then letting out a yawn and a sudden stretch. "Well I guess I had better attempt to get some sleep in order for this journey tomorrow. Goodnight Thobera."

Thobera watched as he began to walk away. She had also wished him goodnight before turning back to look out at the darkness again. She had stood there for quite some time before deciding to also get some sleep. For tomorrow was going to be a busy day. And the next few days ahead were going to take a rather unexpected twist.

Authors note: This has to be the longest chapter so far! But a lot was revealed in this chapter so I guess it was worth being extra long. Now I know Thorin was not in this chapter as much, if not at all, BUT I promise he will be in the next few chapters a lot more. Also when we get to the point of Rivendell, there will finally be some scenes you are all dying to read. But I have to reveal more about Thobera first before I can start developing her relationship with Thorin further. But I promise I shall, soon! In the meantime please review and tell me what you think of this chapter! Do you like the twists with Balin? I sincerely hope so. It was rather sad writing her past scenes with her father and Balin. I guess Thobera has a depressing back story as well as Thorin. Thank you all for the continued support and I promise to update soon.