Chapter Four: The Death of Me

I was awakened in the middle of the night. I remembered everything that had happen: Middle- Earth, Hobbits, Dwarves, a Wizard, a quest and coincidentally myself, going into that particular quest.

Sadly enough, Bilbo didn't want to come. It upset me a lot but I was still going. It was my choice yet it was saddening to think he didn't want to go. He is a peace-loving fellow but something tells me, we have our similarities. I feel that he wants to go although, there is something pulling him back. I sighed and fell back on the bed. I was too nervous, too excited to sleep back. So, like a good friend of Bilbo, to prevent destructions, I cleaned up a little. All the dwarves slept on whatever floor they fancied so I had to be careful not to step on them.

After cleaning up, I began to make breakfast at the break of dawn. I'm sure they'd want to go to their quest immediately. One of the things I learned from dwarves is that they are mostly eager.

One by one they began to wake from their slumber as they would follow the smell of food and end up at the kitchen. They would flash me a peevish smile and sit down on one of the chairs. The first dwarves who have awoken were Kili and Bofur.

"Have you had breakfast, Cali?" asked Kili, his mouth full. I stifled a laughed as I continued flipping eggs. "Yes Kili, pay no heed to me, I'm fine. I'm just glad an egg or two were left from last night's havoc." I hear him laugh as he went back eating.

More and more dwarves came in as they would sit down and eat. To my surprise, Thorin approached me.

Let me tell you that I was afraid of that would-be king. He's a very strong and stubborn person but I hoped I could impress him soon. "What can I do for you, your Majesty?" I asked politely, my tone far from sarcasm. "It occurred to me that we don't have much ponies to have you as a rider, milady." I put a spoon and a plate down inside the sink as I stared disbelievingly at Thorin.

"W-well, can't I use Bilbo's?" I asked, my voice cracking.

"Gandalf insists to leave Bilbo's pony unoccupied, he believes that the hobbit will show up so, I'm afraid that's a no."

I felt my heart crushed into million pieces. What if the lack of ponies would be my downfall? I won't go anymore to the quest? It seemed like Thorin didn't want for me to be a burden to some of the riders. Good gracious, I was praying for a miracle and thankfully, the miracle came.

"Thorin!" called out Ori who peeked from the front door. He was tending the horses, you see. "You've got to see this!" he exclaimed as he went outside. Every dwarf left to see what was going on as I had to too.

I was thinking, What was so important for Thorin to see? A dead rabbit, perhaps?

But, no. It was not a dead rabbit at all. It was a new pony! It even carried a white bow and white arrows that were safely kept inside a cylindrical container. I couldn't believe my eyes but I was truly delighted!

Everyone was dumbstruck, even Gandalf! He told me that indeed, the Valar has brought me for a purpose. I am not very familiar with that saying but I was flattered hearing it.

The dwarves began packing their last stuff as I gazed longingly at Bilbo's door. They didn't bother to wake him up, either. The dwarves even began to bet whether he would come or not. Most of them bet he wouldn't. I only left him a letter and I left it, folded beside the contract.

Now, mounting on a horse, wearing a dress is strictly stupid. I tried multiple times but it would always lead to a failed attempt. Some dwarves began to snicker behind me, must've been quite entertaining as they watch me fall.

"Here Cali, let me help you." Offered Kili as I raised a brow in confusion.

He grabbed the hem of my dress as he began ripping it with a sharp dagger. My feet-length dress became a knee-length, which I think was quite excellent. Anyway, I didn't feel exposed or anything, I did have leggings and knee-high boots on.

"Better?" he asked.

"Bloody brilliant of you to do so, Kili." I commented as I finally mounted on my pony. I looked at Bag-End the final time as I smiled one last time.

I was riding beside Kili and Fili with a very sullen face. I kept on sighing and it seemed to disturb them. Fili asked if I was feeling all right. "I'm fine, just a bit upset."

All of a sudden a familiar voice called out, "Wait, wait!" Everybody stopped and turned their heads. It was Bilbo!

Bilbo was wearing a backpack, a wooden staff at hand and the contract swaying around with the wind.

My lips curled into a great smile.

"I signed it!" He glanced around and caught my eye. He smiled and gave me a wink.

"Everything appears to be in order!" Balin announced as he folded the contract neatly. "Welcome Master Baggins to the company of Thorin Oakenshield."

When Balin welcomed Bilbo, I felt so relieved. Kili must've noticed this because he put his hand on my head and gave my hair a good ruffle. "I'm sure you're not upset anymore." He smiled as I nodded.

Now, please do not mistake my feelings for Bilbo. Bilbo became my very first friend in Middle-Earth and he accepted me wholly, so you could see how I am attached to him. Besides, both of us knew very little of Middle-Earth which makes us closer.

After the heart-warming moment, "Give him a pony." Ordered Thorin as we began to set out once again. Bilbo looked extremely shocked by this. "N-no, no that, that wouldn't be necessary I can keep up on foot, I've got my fair share of walking holidays-" but he was cut off as he was hauled up by two dwarves at each of his sides.

I turned my head to Kili, "I'll be back." I said. I kicked Marly as she trotted beside Bilbo's horse, which I think is called, "Myrtle".

We smiled at each other yet we stayed silent for a good moment. "What made you come back?" I asked.

"Well," he started "there is a lass who made me realize that this is a chance I will never have again." He shrugged. "Besides, I don't want you to become like one of them. I hear that they can be quite influential." He whispered as I giggled.

I went back to Fili and Kili, as the dwarves began to pay their dues of wager. It's a shame I wasn't able to bet, because I really wanted to. I didn't have Middle-Earth money or anything that is worth betting.

"Come on, Nori pay up!" asked Gloin as Nori threw a pouch of coins bitterly. Gloin didn't care as he cheered. I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Men." I said under my breath. "No, no. Not men, Cali but dwarves." Corrected Fili as he smirked cheekily at me.

"Indeed." I replied.

While we were leisurely trotting and chatting with each other Bilbo suddenly shouted, "Stop. Stop!" he said as we did so. "We have to turn around!"

I looked at Kili with a confused face but he just shrugged.

"What on earth is the matter?" asked Gandalf, his tone a bit annoyed.

"I forgot my handkerchief." Said Bilbo, fumbling about with his pockets.

"Here!" said Bofur as he ripped a part of his clothes. "Use this!" he threw it to Bilbo as Bilbo caught it with a frown on his face. Just by looking at it, I don't think I could use that damp thing to wipe my nose. Bilbo looked disgusted too. "Move on!" Thorin ordered as if nothing had happen.

The company began to move once again as I saw the magnificent landscapes of Middle-Earth. Certainly an eye-opener if you ask me. You don't see distant mountains, vast green grasses, and tall and creaky woods here and there everyday. I was definitely in a book! I told you that it was my dream to be in an adventure. My five-year-old self was completely squealing for joy! I smiled nonstop because it seemed really fascinating. I wasn't that worried anymore. Dead or not, I was having the time of my life. True to be told, it would've been nice for dad to join in the quest but I don't want to risk his safety.

While we were traveling, Kili and Fili had told me about Smaug and his coming to Erebor.

It was, how do you say this, immensely sad for the dwarves. After hearing it you would quite understand Thorin. He was hardened by life, by that certain event.

You could see how he despises the elves, and most likely King Thranduil. The bitterness lingers in his eyes. I think what Thranduil did was practical; I am not siding to anyone though. You see he obviously didn't want to risk any of his kin's lives. He knew that if he would help the dwarves they would still fall. Thorin saw this differently and ever since then, he doubts the people around him. Well, except for the dwarves. I'm sure he doubts Bilbo and I. He hasn't seen my ability and he certainly hasn't seen Bilbo's too. I think in his heart he doubts Bilbo would play a big role to our quest. Bilbo was quiet, well mannered and very far from being a ruthless fighter. But I have hope in the hobbit. Oh gosh, isn't that thrilling? Saying the title in such a dramatic way. This book must really revolve around the hobbit I came to know.

We settled in the evening beside a low cliff, as Thorin instructed a couple of dwarves on an errand. Gloin and Oin to make the fire, Kili and Fili to tend the ponies as most of us sat on the ground as we waited for supper which was made by Bombur.

I sat across Kili, who watched me every time I bring my spoon to my mouth. The soup Bombur made had quite an interesting taste. It didn't taste bad nor did it taste good. I honestly can't find words to describe it but you know what I mean. Must be Middle-Earth cooking of some sorts.

"What meat did Bombur used for this?" I asked Kili who smiled softly.

"Rabbit meat. I killed three a while ago for tonight's supper."

I sighed. "Poor rabbits." I said but still slurped deliciously as Kili laughed. "You should've called me. I would've shown Thorin my quality."

He shrugged. "Well, save that for later, Thorin is not easily impressed. If you'd kill a warg and a thousand orcs, he might welcome you wholly." He joked which I personally think is not comforting at all. I have heard wargs and orcs. My memory of "The Hobbit" was slowly coming back to me.

"Well isn't that lovely?" I said as I set my bowl down to my side as I watched the fire dance before me.

Some of the dwarves began to say good night, as they would fall asleep under the starry sky. I was already laid on the ground, and I can't possibly sleep. I was too excited. Besides, the sky was exceptionally beautiful it was hard for me to not admire its beauty.

I would sometimes glance at Kili. He was whispering about with Fili, I do think I heard them saying dwarvish words. While I was fidgeting around, I could hear fumbles from Bilbo's side.

My head lifted a little as I saw him stood up and went to his pony. I shrugged as I laid my head back on my bag. I could feel my eyelids starting to droop with exhaustion. I slept for merely five seconds but it shot open once I heard disturbing screeches from afar. I sat up in a jolt; I frantically looked around and still saw Kili and Fili by the fire. I sighed in relief. "What was that?" asked Bilbo, stammering a bit.

Kili looked quite unfazed when he heard the screeches fell, but after seeing Bilbo's face, his eyes began to widen. "Orcs." He said in the best dramatic tone he could make.

"Orcs?" asked Bilbo as he scurried towards them. I looked over and saw Thorin was also awakened. I think, the term "Orcs" really left a mark on him. But, I do wonder why.

"Throat cutters. There will be dozens of them out there, the lowlands are crawling with them." Said Fili with his pipe close to his lips.

"They strike in the wee small hours when everyone is asleep. Quick and quiet, no screams, just lots of blood." Kili finally said as Bilbo looked more worried and he had this particular regretful look on his face.

I may have been friendly with them and I know that they are good folks but I know an exaggerated story when I hear one and that was not very funny.

Orcs don't just come and go as they please, they are ordered by the Dark Lord or something. Not quite sure but the lowlands are crawling with them part is highly unlikely.

Kili sneakily glanced at Fili as they chuckled but was stopped abruptly when a low and familiar voice erupted. "You think that's funny?" Thorin paused. He got up from his feet as he looked strictly at his two heirs, his two nephews. "You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?"

"W-we didn't mean anything by it." Apologized Kili.

And if you saw Kili's face you could've died right there and then. It was mixed with regret and shame. It was obvious he wanted to impress his uncle. Show him that he is capable. I know it was a bad joke but still, seeing him so down broke my heart.

"No you didn't. You know nothing of the world."

Kili's face; his irresistible face was painted with hurt. I wanted to hug him and say it will be all right but that would be awkward and you known how I feel about awkwardness.

"Kili." I called him as I looked over at Thorin who walked dramatically near the cliff. "It's all right." I said softly. He smiled sadly as Balin approached us. "Don't mind him laddie. Thorin has more cause, to hate orcs." And so what happened next, Balin told us the battle in Moria. It was a battle filled with anger, sadness and a shred of hope. Anger initiated Thorin to slay the pale orc of whom they call, Azog the Defiler. The pale orc swore to clean off the line of Durin but Thorin showed that he was more than capable. Azog beheaded Thror, the Dwarf king, his Grandfather. It brought utter rage to Thorin. He fought the mighty orc with an oaken branch as his shield. When they have won the battle, there were no cries of happiness or glowers of fury but utter sadness enveloped the lot of them. Balin mentioned the loss of Thorin's grandfather drove Thorin's father, Thrain mad. No one knows where he resides or if he is still alive. The shred of hope was Thorin. He knows how to rule, how to lead people and how to help them to stand up again. "King." Balin said, yes indeed, Thorin is a king, and I see no better king than him. He was, as I would say the perfect one for the job. You could see the determination in his eyes, the determination to reclaim Erebor. That was what why I admire Thorin and I bet you a dollar that is why Kili wants to impress him so much. Kili is full of life and is yet to prove himself worthy and I have to do the same as well.

After the little story telling, we slept under the brilliant sky with no sign of orcs anywhere. It gladdened me to no end, thankful, none of what Kili had said happened. When I woke up, it was the break of dawn. The first thing I saw was Kili, sleeping peacefully beside me. His eyes closed, his breathing soft, we were quite close; I could almost count his eyelashes. His stubbles were magnificent and I wonder why was he the only one who didn't have a beard. Was it because he was young? I think Fili's just a year older than him. But, why?

But of course I didn't bother him with my useless questions. I only stared admirably at his beautiful face and felt myself smile. I quickly (and quietly) grabbed the brown moleskine notebook from my bag, and I began to draw him. Yes, draw a beautiful sleeping man's face. You may think that I am a psychotic sixteen year old but honestly I've never been that close with a boy. I told you, no one liked me except for my dad. No one really accepted me, it was either the people on earth torment me with unintelligible insults or they ignore me. And you must know how I feel, Kili is such a beautiful human, or I might say, dwarf, and you can't really hate him. He's cheeky, charming, witty and skillful. Any woman would fall for him. But, I will restrain myself from liking the dark haired dwarf. It might be my ultimate downfall.

But, I continued to draw him, looking over his face again as I made final touches to my drawing. I grinned successfully and hid my notebook back to my bag. I swear Young Kili will be the death of me.

Well I must say I didn't so much proof read this so you must've seen a lot of errors.

Besides that, I want to apologize for the extremely late update. I hope you forgive me.

Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed the beginning of the journey and Kili and Cali's innocent friendship.

Catchy, isn't it? Kili and Cali?

I'm thinking of writing a Draco Malfoy/OC, do you have any suggestions?

If so, I want to hear them. Also, in this story of mine. Comments, constructive criticism and lovely reviews are much appreciated.

I'd like to hear from you.

Love always.