#bilbo: us tooks are weird huh!

[mathelaw]

You know that part where hobbits theorize the Tooks had fae blood? Or than somewhere down the line one of them fucked an Elf? I choose to believe this is true

[jack-is-lost]

Inspired by this post by @steveshairychest​   Word Count: 1,317 Steddie Ficlet — Fluff/Soft Imagine/SFW Post S4 (AU - Eddie is alive and was never blamed for the murders)

A Decembers Snow Storm

It was snowing. The kind of dense snow that impacted roads, prevented people from going anywhere in their cars, and sent a chill right through your body despite layers-upon layers of clothing. Such a cold December day would have anyone sane curled up in a blanket, and hidden away inside with a hot beverage but not Eddie. Sure, he would have loved the prospect of not hiking around above ankle-high snow in boots that barely kept his socks dry, but this was important. 

Bilbo and Frodo were missing. 

The weather had turned ugly while he was asleep and Eddie gawked the moment he saw the outcome through his window. It took only a minute later for the burnet to throw on the warmest set of clothes he could find and run out the door. Abrade of negative words spewing past his lips in a rush, “I should have taken them in once December hit, I’m so stupid. Stupid - stupid - stupid, me — Fuckin’ shit, it’s cold outside.”

The next thirty minutes passed with Eddie crouching down to peer underneath trailers, built on porches, small sheds, and anywhere that had a sense of shelter to it. Ignoring how his knees became soaked or how his bare fingers ached after a while. More than once the thought of somebody else taking the two cats in crossed his mind. It would’ve been the favorable outcome, after all. Compared to imagining the two of them curled up somewhere, using each other's body heat for warmth, and shivering.

It took an additional hour wandering the nearby forestry area and roads before Eddie retraced his steps back to the trailer park — shivering and blowing hot air into his palms. That is when he heard something and stopped, silencing the crunching sound of snow being impacted from his boots. There it was again. The softest little cries before an orange head popped up around a fallen log, just on the cusp of entering back into the park. 

“Frodo?” The cat’s tail lifted, curling into a friendly hook-like fashion before jumping onto the log, escaping the snow that almost swallowed them whole. Eddie instantly scooped the orange tabby, just a few months older than a kitten, up into his chest. “Where is Bilbo? Is he not with you?”

The feline purred as Eddie scratched under his chin, all the while looking around the immediate area. It only took a few minutes before a darker-haired tabby hopped into view, bounding through the snow the best he could. “Bilbo! There you are, old man.” Eddie breathed a sigh of relief the moment he nestled both cats into his chest and zipped up the jacket halfway, leaving their heads in view, before cupping the bottom to make sure they wouldn’t fall out. “You two are coming with me. Screw this snowy tundra, huh? It’s pretty but it can also go fuck itself.” 

Eddie’s uncle's questioning face smoothed out when he saw the two furballs peering out from the jacket, the forms shifting and mewing. “Was wonderin’ where you ran off to in such crappy weather — especially with your van still here, but Ed’s... we can’t keep’em.” 

“I figured but the weather is shit,” Eddie gently unzipped and let them both out onto the living room floor, continuing as he watched the two cautiously prowl around. “And I can’t let them freeze to death out there.” 

Wayne scratched the back of his neck before deflating. “Fine, but only until the weather clears then they go back outside, you hear me?”  

“Aye - aye,” Eddie pretended to cross his heart. “You have my word, Cap’n.”

“I swear the weird shit that comes fumbling out of your mouth,” His uncle lightly laughed while shaking his head, before stepping into the kitchen to make coffee. “Want a cup?”

“Sure.”

This arrangement lasted a whole two days. It was good, at first. The cats settled in, offered all the cuddles, and ate little thin slices of leftover chicken. Then there was the fact they had no litter box. No actual cat food. No scratching posts — to which the cats decided the couch would make do.  Eddie’s uncle’s patience grew very thin after being woken up by the two felines' rough housing before dawn, a mug dangerously becoming a shattered victim on the floor. 

It came with no surprise, if Eddie was being honest, when Wayne brought up the local animal shelter as a conversation starter by day three. It was in vain, however, Eddie was not going to allow that. The whole idea was a gamble. The chance of them not getting adopted just as high as if they would. And, if they didn’t... Eddie refused to imagine the outcome. Instead, he came up with a different resolution. 

This is why he stood in front of Harrington’s big house, both felines nestled into his jacket once more. The van had barely made the trip. In such a small town it always took certain roads longer to be salted, especially trailer parks, but he had made it. Nipping at his bottom lip, nervous to see how well this will go over, Eddie approached the door and rang the bell. A couple of minutes passed. Eddie shuffled his feet and knocked. Again, no answer. 

“Maybe he isn’t home?” Eddie craned his head around and saw Steve’s car there, parked outside of the garage and barricaded by snow — showing no signs of moving since the storm came through. He turned back to the door and was just about to knock again when it opened, leaving his hand hanging there.

Steve, still in sleep attire and running fingers through messy strains, looked at the other as if Eddie ruined the most peaceful sleep he had ever had. “Do explain why you are banging on my door, Munson.”

“Well, good morning to you too, Sunshine.”

Eddie’s jacket shifted, drawing Steve’s gaze to the oddly shaped mass. They slowly crawled back up toward Eddie’s own eyes just as the misfit was about to talk. “The answer is no.”

Eddie closed his mouth and tapped his foot, running thoughts through his mind, before slowly easing out Frodo. The orange tabby came into full view. All big eyes and a soft ‘mew’. “How can you say no to such a cute lil’ fellow, huh?”

“Munson, I swear -”

“- C’mon, Stevie,” Eddie eased in a little closer, purposefully pushing the cat into the other’s arms. Who, by default of not wanting to drop the cat, instantly held on. “Think of it as uh... early Christmas present!” 

The deadpanned stare that met Eddie’s gaze made the wild burnet chuckle anxiously. It quickly melted, however, as Frodo pressed up to butt his furry little head underneath Steve’s chin, purring like a loud engine. “... Damnit. Fine! Come in but they are not staying indefinitely. I babysit enough as it is. Adding cat sitting to the list is not a plan of mine, Eddie.” 

Despite this, it took only three hours for Steve to warm up to both stray cats. It took only a week for both of them to be collared, and cozy in their newfound home. Steve would say it is due to his big soft heart, but a part of him would be lying if he denied Eddie not being a leading factor in it. Especially as he watched the other play with the furballs he admittedly named Frodo and Bilbo. Names that open the flood gates for an explanation of the whole story behind Lord Of The Rings. 

And, sure, Eddie told himself that the only reason he frequented the Harrington’s house was because of the cats. He wanted to make sure they were being fed and taken care of, but that slowly faded to the back of his mind the more he visited - the more he saw Steve caring for his little furry friends. Even if the other tried to secretly rename that felines behind his back!

[bitter-sweet-farmgirl]

Ikhrêkh Gabalî

Part 2 of ‘A Deep Misunderstanding’.  Who know how many more parts are going to follow...  Link to Series Masterlist.

Thorin falls for a Dwarrowdame raised by Elves, and tries to make know his feelings, but accidentally offends her, which leads to another and another misunderstanding between the two.

Based off of @immawriteyouthings​ ‘Falling Stars’

MASTERLIST

OC(s) Used: Estel

Word Count:  1,442

Warning(s):  Swear words, someone thinking they are getting called rude names.

Translation(s): Ikhrêkh Gabalî:  Painful Words

~~~~

Things were going south far too fast for me.  Already, we were being pursued by Orcs mounted upon Wargs.  

Of course, I wasn't idiotic enough to not expect trouble on a quest such as this, but I had figured we'd run into Wargs a bit closer to Erebor perhaps.  Not within the first two weeks of our journey.  

"Run faster!"  Thorin bellowed at me as we sprinted along, and I would have yelled some choice words back at him, but I was too out of breath to do so.  Honestly, he was just doing this to be snippy.  

I was in the lead as we sprinted through the grass; he was at the back.  Who was the better runner?  Obviously me.  I hadn't been raised by Elves for nothing....  

Finally, we reached a boulder and hid behind it for a moment, trying to catch our breaths.  Where had that blasted wizard run off to now?  Wasn't he supposed to be helping us get out of this mess in the first place?

Thorin must have shared my unspoken thoughts as he grumbled something about stupid wizards underneath his breath.  Glancing over at him, I noticed the way his tangled dark brown hair tumbled messily down onto his shoulders.  His mouth was opened as he panted lightly, steely blue eyes darting around as he scanned the horizon for more Orcs.  I would be lying if I said that the sight didn't send a convoy of butterflies through my stomach.

Why wouldn't my heart just forget about him?  He obviously didn't want me around the first place; he'd certainly made that clear.

"Over here!"  Our heads snapped up to look around at the source of the voice.  Gandalf stood by a rock, waving at us with his staff.  "This way!"

I bolted towards him, deciding to put my trust in Gandalf.  Eru knew Thorin didn't know where the Mordor he was going.

I stepped lightly through the dry grass of the meadow, feeling it slash at my trouser legs as I darted through.  I just knew it would be torn by the end of this.  Believe it or not, grass was sharp.

But then I tripped over something and found myself flat on my stomach; all the breath knocked clear out of my lungs.  I gasped like a fish out of water, unable to move until I could force oxygen into my body.

Bodies flashed by me on either sides as dwarves passed me, running towards Gandalf.  

Glad to know they cared about me.  

I resigned myself to my fate of being eaten by the Warg I just knew was probably pursuing them when burly arms snagged me and lifted me into the air, tossing me over a furry shoulder.

An arm grasped tightly around my lower waist, and I prayed they wouldn't adjust their grip any lower.  That would be awkward.

But then my mind registered just who was carrying me, and things suddenly became much more awkward anyways.  

Why was the Dwarf who complained about me the most the one saving me?  

Next thing I knew, my jostling ride stopped as Thorin entered a dark cavern, and slowed to a walk.  I expected to be put down, but he instead kept me slung over his shoulder as Gandalf began to lead us through a series of cracks within the ground.

"Thorin, put me down right now."  I said, fisting his fur coat in my hands in an attempt to not fall face-first off his shoulder as the path angled sharply upwards.  

"No.  You're just going to slow us down again."  He grumbled, and I rolled my eyes.  How would I slow them down?  We were walking.  

"I can assure you, I can keep up with you all just fine."  I said, wriggling in his grasp in an attempt to get him to release me, but he just tightened his grip around my waist.

Curses.

"Somehow, I doubt that after your performance, Miss Estel."  He said, and I could have almost sworn that there was just the slightest hint of mischief in his gruff voice.  

"Uncle just wants to have an excuse to--"  Kili's cheeky voice pipped up suddenly from somewhere ahead of Thorin, but his uncle quickly cut him off.

"Kili, be quiet."  He ordered severely, and Kili obeyed quickly.  I didn't blame the lad.  If I had an uncle like Thorin, I would have done the same.  

But still, Kili's words wouldn't leave me.  What did Thorin want an excuse for?  Did it have something to do with me, and why was Thorin so touchy about whatever it was?

At last, we reached what I recognized to be Rivendell, and Thorin finally set me down as he realized just where in Middle Earth we were.  The company and him formed a protective circle around me and Bilbo as a sudden commotion emerged.

Peering over the hairy heads of the Dwarrows, I caught sight of Lord Elrond and a few soldiers as they returned in full armor that gleamed in the bright rays of the sun.

Gandalf persuaded Thorin to let us stay here in Rivendell for a few days to regain our strength, which gladdened me more than I would admit to Thorin.  I had sorely missed the company of intellectuals.

Also, it would be a nice change to converse with others in Elvish once more.  I didn't dare speak a word in it in front of any of the Dwarves for fear they would figure out my past and Thorin would throw me out of the Company.

But first I had to get away from a suddenly clingy Thorin.  It was strange, he didn't outright stand beside me.  He just, hovered around me.

As we began to settle in to our new quarters, he suddenly approached me, and I took in a deep breath, wondering what in Eru's name he needed.  Vaguely, I could see everyone else pause in their activities to watch us.

Weird.

Thorin's brow was furrowed as he walked up to me, his gaze scanning me up and down, taking in my torn trousers and skinned up palms.  Then his gaze landed on the small scratches and cuts I had gained on my face from landing face down in the grass, a frown appearing on his face.  

Great, now was he going to say that I was ugly now too?

"Are you alright, Amrâlimê?"  He asked suddenly, and I puzzled over the unfamiliar word he used when referring to me.

I could hear the titters coming from the group around us, and Thorin's cheeks suddenly gained a faint dusting of pink.  

"That'll show her, Uncle!"  Kili's voice carried over the unintelligible mutterings of everyone else, and I began to gain an inkling of just what the unfamiliar word meant.  

And that realization hurt.

"Didn't think he'd ever work up the courage to say that..."  Bofur's voice met my ears next, and I quickly made up my mind.  Obviously, the word was an insult of some type and I was not going to stand to be treated like this.

I shot a hurt look at Thorin, grabbing the bedroll I had started to unpack and beginning to repack it.  I would sleep somewhere else tonight.  Somewhere far away from this Dwarf that disliked my company so much.  

"I'm fine, thank you."  I muttered through clenched teeth, looking at Thorin with a fake smile on my face.  "I suppose you think it's funny to insult other people in a language they can't understand, huh?  But I'm not going to take that from you.  It just shows how much of a stupid, insensitive arse you are."  I said, blinking away the tears that rose in my eyes.  No matter how much I could try to pretend otherwise, it hurt to be called names.

The mutters suddenly died as I spoke, and Thorin's eyes widened.  "Miss Estel--" he started, but I cut him off with a shake of my head.

"I don't want to hear another word out of your filthy mouth.  I'm going to sleep somewhere else tonight so you don't have to deal with my obviously intolerable presence."  I said and hurried off before I could burst into tears, leaving a stunned silence behind me.

Maybe this would teach them not to speak badly about other people in their presence.  I mean, if you couldn't say the word straight out in Common to the person's face, then perhaps you shouldn't say it at all.  That's what my foster mother had taught me.

But these were crude, cowardly Dwarves.  What did they know about other people's feelings?

Nothing, it appeared.

[elles-writing]

When the worlds collide - Kili x reader

gif not mine

Pairing: Kili x reader

Requested: No

warnings: scared reader

A/N: Sooo, a new series!! Inspired by this series (Out of Goodwill) by @bluebellhairpin​. I hope ya’ll going to like it! I am writting a lot for Kili, I think he deserves more attention.

message me if you want to be added to taglist!!

feedback highly appreciated!!

masterlist   part two  part three 

tags: @moony-artnstuff​

 You should’ve known better. Better than to just watch Coraline in TV during a heavy rain.

You were in your house alone, sick with cold for past few days, and now really, really scared. It was a bad idea to watch that movie. You hated anything horror-related, and you didn’t even counted that time when you thought that some boyfriend or even any of your friends would come handy right now.

A sharp lightning crossed the sky and heavy thunder shaked you a bit. You screamed and jumped up.

Maybe I should turn the TV off. I’ve had enough, you thought.

But you knew you wouldn’t be able to fall asleep.

You got up when an add break was there, turned on a few other lights, so you would find your way to kitchen, and took your mug with you to make another tea.

When your water was boiling, you were about to fill that mug with teabag, but a weird noise upstairs cought your attention. You shook it off when it stopped.

It was maybe some wind.

You looked outside and noticed that it almost stopped raining. You sighed by relief and opened your back doors and stepped out in your backyard.

It wasn’t too long before it started raining a lot again, so you quickly made your way inside.

A weird noises from your backyard and upstairs cought your attention. It was as if someone was walking here, and you were sure you noticed a few shadows outside. You decided to take a look at it, even if you were scared. So you took your phone to call the police if emergency, putted it safely to your pocket, and a baseball bat.

You’ve decided to look upstairs, since you locked your back doors, so you were feeling a bit more safe.

You were quietly tip toing upstairs, and furrowed your brows when you’ve noticed voices, and then recognized what they were saying.

“...not sure how we ended up here...”

“...stop doing that...”

You covered your mouth with one hand. You couldn’t belive that. No. You ears and mind had to be playing a tricks on you.

They sounded exactely like Balin and Thranduil.

You followed their voices. They were in one of your guest rooms. You peeked inside and almost gasped. For the lack of light you couldn’t really see how many of them was there, but they were at least three. One of them turned around and let out a gasp. Others turned to you and you firmly clunched the bat in your hands.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my house?” You said and one of them came a bit closer.

“We-we mean no harm to you, we’re sorry miss we scared you, but we have no idea how we got in here.” You gasped when Bilbo’s voice told you all of that. 

“That’s impossible!” You cried out. Your bat fell down to the ground and you quickly switched on the light. There was a groaning when the light hit their eyes, and you quickly recognized Balin, Bilbo, Thranduil, Legolas, Dwalin, Bard and Gandalf.

You got out and runned away. You tried to calm down.

It’s nothing, Y/N. You’ve watched that movie ealier today. It’s just a fever, nothing else- Your thoughts have been interrupted when Bilbo’s voice came to your ears.

“Miss, we’re sorry if we scared you, are-are you okay?” He looked at you, worried. You carefully touched his hair and face.

“You-you’re...real.” You whispered. He flinched a bit.

“Well, yes, of course I am, well, I can imagine you are in shock, uhm...would you like to sit down?” He offered as if it would be you who was the visitor.

„I-I think better yes, thank you.“ You carefully sat down, closing your eyes and placing your index fingers on your temples. A loud knock made you jump up and open up your eyes. It came from your back door.

You carefully went there and overheard a voices you’d recognized immediatelly.

„...maybe we should just barge in, you know, it’s locked anyway.“ Kili.

„Perhaps you’re right,“ suggested another voice. Fili. You unlocked the door and opened them up only for you to see three dwarves a bit shorter than you, soaking wet. You opened the doors. You voice was chatched in your throat. You couldn’t believe what was happening.

„Come in.“ They looked at each other suspiciously, and you turned around to go to sit somewhere, so you wouldn’t hurt yourself if you’d fell uncoucious. Your legs were giving up pretty quickly.

„Miss-?“ Bard noticed your pale face and helped you to get onto the couch. Bilbo handed you your mug with a hot tea and you gratefully smiled at him. You sipped a bit and noticed how your hands were shaking and you were beginning to sweat. You needed to calm down.

„You have it nice here, I really like it-miss, are you alright?“ Kili said when he noticed that you were trying to stand, but almost fell down back. You creaked out a weak smile.

„It-it’s okay, Kili. It’s just-I am a bit dizzy-Bilbo, I can stand on my own,“ You mourmured when the hobbit took your arm to help you stand. You looked up and noticed all of them were quiet and Kili’s mouth and eyes were wide open, Bilbo’s face held also a huge surprise. You muttered under your breath,

„Oh shit.“ You straightened you back and tried your best not to get scared by Dwalin and Thorin, both glaring at you. Instead, you looked over to Gandalf and Balin.

„I-I think we will go to kitchen and-talk about this.“ You looked to still stunned Kili, whom Fili nudged to ribs so he would close his mouth, and Thorin.

„I’ll bring you some dry clothes. Just...don’t move.“ You murmed and sneaked to your dad’s closet to get some clothes that would fit them. He would always forget some of them here when he needed to wash them in the washing mashine.

You found only two shirts, with trousers there was a better situation – you owned a men’s jeans in size that would fit you plus some larger ones for tucking swaters in them and men trousers, because you liked their silhouette and wore them sometimes. You looked through your closet and found a few oversized t-shirts, mostly black and dark blue. You quickly gathered them and made your way down the stairs.

You came back and noticed they were walking around and looking at everything. Bilbo and Gandalf were trying to stop them (Bilbo felt very sorry for you, because he knew how it felt like), the Mirkwood elves sitting on the couch and flipping through your books. You tried to find the Durins, and it was not that hard. You had to follow the wet paths they left. You sighed in relief and you found them in the kitchen, unsurprisingly.

„Hey, you three!“ They all turned to you. You sighed and handed the clothes to the Durins.

„Go and change. Don’t protest, it’s comfortable and dry. Then come back here.“ You noticed the untrust in Thorin’s eyes and sighed.

„You have to believe me. Just-please-go and change. I’ll show you where.“ Thorin looked like he wanted to argue, but something in your voice made him to only nod and follow you with his nephews.

While they were changing in the bathroom, you took a few chairs to your table, which was quite big. You sat into the head of the table with your tea, slowly sipping the almost cold liquid, and watching them. You gave them some food, but knowing how much dwarves could eat, you weren’t quite sure if it was a good idea.

When the Durins came back, Kili was curious and wanted to know where you knew his name from. He sat by your left and you had to admit, all of them three looked good in jeans and a shirt and t-shirts. His brother sat down next to him and Thorin, eyeing Thranduil, sat down next to his older nephew and Dwalin. You looked to your left, where was sitting Bilbo, then there was Balin, Legolas, Bard and Thranduil. Opposite to Thranduil has seated down Gandalf, so if some argument would come up, he’d be there to calm them down. You smiled at him and stood up.

„Well, I don’t exactely know how to start this...unexpected meeting.“ You started and all eyes were on you. You blushed when you noticed Kili’s intense gaze.

„I am aware you don’t know how did you got in here, so I-I want to help you to find your way home.“ You started playing with your hands nervously and looked over all of them. They looked exactely like in the movies, only their clothes looked more worn and wrinkled than in the movies. You were thinking if you should tell them or not that they were characters from the book and in the movies. It would be easier to explain, maybe even for them of how did they came to your world, you thought.

„Do you know us? I mean, you obviously know me and Master Baggins,“ Kili said and looked at you. You slightely blushed under his curious gaze.

„I don’t know how to explain it,“ you sighed.

„It’s quite complicated, but yes, I know all of you and more from your world.“ You said and someone gasped in surprise. Only Gandalf looked not that surprised.

„How do we know it’s true?“ Dwalin said and you shivered. He was always scaring you.

„For example, I know that you are Dwalin, then there’s Thorin, Fili, Kili, Thranduil, Legolas, Balin, Bard, Bilbo and Gandalf. In your world, there, for example, I know about Lord Elrond, Bofur, Gloin, Gimli, Lindir-“ You stopped. You realized you didn’t knew in which part of book, or even series they were. Dwalin looked over to Kili and snorted.

„What about your elf maid, huh?“ You started laughing with the dwarves and even Gandalf looked he was having a good time, when you noticed Kili’s face and ears reddening and his gaze quickly averted to table. You stopped laughing, but there was still a smile on your face, when you carefully touched his shoulder. He sleepishly and shyly looked up to you and you offered him a smile.

„I’m sorry, Kee. But it’s funny.“ A thought came to you. You didn’t knew if it was a good idea, but you decided it would be good to perhaps give it a try.

„Well, I think that this...will perhaps explain why do I know all of you.“

[divagonzo]

Savor - Romione (and kids)

Blame @headcanonsandmore for this one, explicitly. This post from months ago sparked a fire (and thanks to @hinny-reviews for the review that set the fire this week!) for writing while doing 10 other things too.  I know I kick everyone with angst but some fluff wouldn’t be remiss, either.

Rated K+ ‘cause giving kids caffeine before age 13 is frowned upon in many societies but there are reasons behind it.

I need my demarcation line darn it!

“Hugo dear, what are you doing?”

“It’s something for my art teacher, Mum.”

“Can I see what it is?”

Hugo leaned over the work, hiding it from Hermione. “No, it’s not done yet. I’ll show it when I’m finished with it.”

“Oh, ok.” Hermione stepped back from over his shoulder, giving her son some breathing room. He was highly sensitive to people inside his comfort zone, including his parents.

“Is it for a grade, love?”

“Yes, no, maybe. The teacher asked us to do some comics for a class assignment for extra credit. I had an idea for it and started the night we got the assignment.”

“When is it due, dear?”

“Tomorrow. I need to finish it tonight.”

“Well, then, I will leave you be. Dinner is in an hour. Your father made pork chops.”

“Did he – “

“Yes, dear. There will be no gravy on your plate, you’ll have hash browns instead of mashed potatoes, and toasted crumpets with dinner.”

“Thanks, Mum.” He leaned back over his work and continued onward, immediately ignoring Hermione once again.

She closed the door softly behind her, even though she knew he wouldn’t notice, not when he was hyper-focused on something he was working on, much like she was when she was working from home.

“Mum, I need some help!” Rose bellowed through their residence. She left Hugo and sought out her daughter, who was working on a project too, mostly for her own benefit. Left out of her thoughts was Hugo’s project. She didn’t worry because he was like her, finishing things before they were due.

A few days later...

“Mum! I won!” Hugo hopped into the back of the small auto that Hermione owned. While having one wasn’t really necessary, she did on occasion need to do things the Muggle way, including picking her son up from primary school. Fridays were his day to stay after school, having time with other kids doing science stuff. She’d had loved to have an after-school class learning how things worked, much like Arthur’s fascination in all things Muggle. 90 minutes of club time gave her a chance to be a normal Mum, picking her son up after school, even if it was just driving the car from the house to the school and back.

“You did?”

“I did.”

“What was the contest? Did I miss a notice from your teacher?”

“No. It was what I was working on this weekend.”

“Oh, the project you wouldn’t let me see because it wasn’t finished?”

“Yes, that one,” He fiddled with the toys in the middle of the back seat, giving his hands something to do on the fifteen-minute car ride back to their residence. “I finished it late that night.”

“How late?” She asked, worried that her son was already taking his academics entirely too serious at such a young age.  Ron was good about keeping her grounded and not falling into her work too hard now, since he retired from active duty with the Aurors and was working behind the scenes, along with George at the shop, still.

“Um,” he hemmed and hawed, trying to avoid answering the question.

“Hugo James Granger-Weasley, you tell me – “

“Midnight, Mum,” he stared at her in the rear-view mirror, looking abashed. “I wasn’t happy with one panel of it and had to rework it.”

His chagrin was enough for her to drop her argument – but the fact that he was making eye contact with her. He only did that with people he trusted the most – when it was most important to him. She threaded through the congestion of evening traffic while stealing glances at her son in the back seat. He was looking out the window, enthralled at everything passing him by.

So she shifted. “So tell me about it, dear. You never said what it was about.” She could set her watch the number of seconds it took for Hugo to process what she said, turn his attention back towards her and answer her.

Ten seconds later, Hugo was squirming in his seat. “Well, um, the teacher wanted us to a one-page comic and she wanted it to be about a hero of ours.”

“Oh really?” Hermione turned the corner away from the primary school and headed up the road to their home on New road with one stop on the way. “So who did you pick, dear? The character from the television show you’re enjoying?”

“No, Mum.” Hugo sat quietly while Hermione threaded her way through traffic to cross the river to the other side and near home. “Well, I wanted to but I chose someone else.”

“Oh really?” She turned into the chain coffee shop to pick up their order for the afternoon: a pumpkin spice latte with two extra shots of espresso, and for her son, a half caffeine caramel iced coffee drink with extra whole milk. They sat in line for only a moment before turning up at the window. The lovely young man at the counter, Cecil, recognized them for frequent customers and handed over their drinks before taking the quid Hermione handed over.   She handed the caramel drink to her son and he tucked in immediately, slurping to be heard in Aberystwyth. She waited for change before pulling off and turning back onto the roadway.

“How’s your drink, dear?”

“Good, Mum.” He slurped away while she navigated traffic.

“So tell me about this comic?”

“It’s in my bag and I will show you and Daddy when we get home.”

“He won’t be home for another hour, Hugo. He was off helping Uncle Harry at the Ministry.”

“Oh,” disappointment echoed in his voice.

“But maybe he’ll have finished early and come home straightaway.”

Hermione turned onto their street and went a few houses down to a cookie cutter home with a garage. By the time the garage door was finally down, Hugo was out of the car with his drink, leaving his bag behind for Hermione to collect. They went in, greeted with smells of spag bol, garlic bread, and wilted spinach for the adults while Rose got a small salad and Hugo, on his special plate that separated all of the foods, 10 baby carrots. Hermione lucked up a few years back finding them in a charity shop one afternoon.

“You’re home!” Hugo yelled and raced for his Dad, crashing into Ron’s waist before he was picked up and given a raspberry kiss on the cheek.

“’ello love,” Ron leaned down to give a kiss to his wife and another gargantuan hug to Hugo. “Go wash up before dinner. It’s almost ready. I know you’re peckish.”

Hugo scampered off before Hermione dropped his satchel near the dining room table. “Hugo won something at school today and he won’t tell me what it is until we got home.”

“Oh, really?” Ron was ladling sauce over the noodles for Rose’s plate before plating theirs. Hugo’s was already at the table. While he had specific choices, including food temperature, he had the Weasley appetite, never completely full. He’d taken after his Dad that way and secretly, Hermione was delighted by it.

“I’ll get him to show us at dinner. He’s so proud he won something, makes him feel more in touch with the other kids, probably.”

“I’ll ask once he’s had enough to eat.”

Hugo raced back into the dining room, settling in his chair and tucking in immediately to his meal. Hermione held back any thought of scolding him on his eating habits, considering what Ron mentioned how hungry he was at that age and that he could never eat fast enough to not have something nicked off of his plate by Fred and or George, too.

“When you get a moment,” Ron smiled at Hugo inhaling his pasta, “tell us about your award-winning entry.”

Hugo nodded and continued to scarf his food. Rose shared a look with her Dad, one that Hermione shared sometimes too, and she at with gusto, without as much flare as Hugo did.

A few minutes later, after talking about their days at work, Hugo burped, earning a snicker from his sister, he left the table to get his entry from his satchel. He returned, handing it to Hermione first. She scanned it, smiling broadly, before putting her hand to her mouth and letting her eyes shine bright. “Sweetie, this is amazing.”

Hugo beamed.

“This will go up on the fridge after your Dad sees this.” Hermione handed over the one sheet comic for Ron to appreciate.

He put down his fork and picked up the sheet.

“Mum, what is it?”

“Hugo was working last weekend on this and he won. How many entries were there?”

“Most of the level turned one in. The other levels, they had other things they did.”

“Oh, that many? Excellent.”

“Mum,” Rose whined.

“Here,” Ron handed over the comic to his daughter, looking quite embarrassed yet somehow proud at the same time. “He made me an Anime hero, with a cape and everything. I dunno Hugo; I think I look pretty fetching in that red suit and the white cape.”

Rose looked over the comic. “Hugo, you did all of this?”

“Yes, no one helped me, not even Miss Collins. I did all of it by myself, including the story.”

Rose handed it back to Ron. “Read it for us, Dad.”

“Yes, please,” Hermione said in her slightly choked up voice. Ron saw the pride in her eyes and appreciation that all of their hard work raising their children reflected back on Ron primarily.

Ron grunted a few times, clearing his throat, before starting.

“In another multiverse,” Ron looked at Hermione, “What’s a multiverse?”

“It means that it’s an alternate reality, like those weird stories Rose loves to read, like two characters from the television show she watches, but they open a coffee shop rather than saving the world.”

“Oh, I get it now.” Ron looked back at the comic. “In another Multiverse, there was a bookshop owner named Bilbo. He was tall, with bright ginger hair, mysterious curling scars down his arms, a hearty laugh, and willing to help anyone who came into the shop.” Ron looked at his son and smirked. “Bookstore, huh? Bet you got that idea from all the times I was helping carry Mum’s books, I reckon.”

“I did. You always help Mum when she buys up a month’s worth of books for us or when we go to the library and you help her bring them all into the house.”

Ron looked back at the comic, picking up where he left off. “And one day a small boy walked in, looking at the tall man standing behind the counter. A huge smile erupted on the tall man’s face. “How can I help you, my good sir?” Ron looked at Hermione. “He’s been reading your literature books again, hasn’t he?”

“He said the ones his age were dull and boring so I let him read the Jane Austen books.”

“That would explain it,” Ron muttered before turning back to the comic. He stopped and returned to look at Hermione. “Jane Austen? I fell asleep reading her story and couldn’t get past the first three pages.

“Well I find Martin the Mad Muggle dull but it’s still something you enjoy.” The smirk on her face betrayed how she felt underneath it all – that she loved that he enjoys reading for pleasure, now.

“That’s a fair point.” Ron turned back to the comic. “‘The little boy stood on his tiptoes to look over the counter. I bet you’re a superhero in disguise. You look like a superhero.’“

The next panel says, “Well, I am, and somehow you guessed it.” Bilbo leaned far over the counter, getting almost nose to nose with the protagonist. “But you can’t tell a single soul, no sir. This has to be our secret.” He stood back up, standing there with a twinkle in his eye in the next panel.

“But why do you run a used bookstore?”

“It’s the perfect cover if I need to be off to save a fair princess from the mad king. There are many mad kings in the world that people need to be rescued.”

“Can I go?”

“Maybe we should ask your parents first,” He said gently to the young man. “I bet if you went off with me they would miss you terribly.”

“‘I’m an orphan,’ the little boy said.” Ron stopped and sniffed. “You put Uncle Harry into the story. That’s sweet.”

“He told us about how his parents died and he was an orphan who grew up with Muggles. I figured it would explain why the little boy was by himself.”

“Good idea,” Ron surreptitiously wiped his eyes. His voice changed back into the storyteller's voice. “So what shall I call you, my apprentice?”

“Jamie,” He smiled. “I’m 9.”

“Nine is a good age for an apprentice.”

The next panel showed the two of them off on an adventure, rescuing a widow and her daughter from a rampaging hippogriff that looked remarkably like Hermione and Rosie.  The final panel showed a wedding, with lots of flowers and a minister who looked a lot like Uncle Bill.

“So what is this comic called, Hugo?” Ron kept looking at the work and was impressed with his son’s imagination at such an age.

“Heroes. The topic was a comic about our hero. I wrote about you, Dad.”

Ron smiled, just like the one he would give Hermione privately, full of love, adoration, affection, and just a bit boggled at how he was so privileged to have such an amazing family of his own. He opened his arms and Hugo ran to jump in them, relishing a hug. Ron watched over his son’s head as Hermione used her wand to affix the comic to the refrigerator with a sticking charm, next to all of the children’s other works of childhood art. She looked back at her husband and son, savoring this moment that would fuel her Patronus for months to come.

[oraclesoftime]

Futures Known But Unspoken

CHAPTER 26 Rough Tumbles As morning arrived, Belle began to stir, she furrowed her brow as she felt super warm and heavy. She tried to stretch but felt trapped like the other night when Lane had wrapped her up like a burrito.  She frowned, she really hoped Lane didn’t do it again, she had to pee. Belle blinked her eyes as few times before completely opening her eyes. About two things became apparent.  Belle was not a burrito and Kíli had his arms wrapped around her. Her eyes grew wide as she realized she was cuddling Thorin’s youngest nephew. Raising her head, unsure of how to break out of the somewhat sleeping death grip of Kíli, Belle found Lane sitting by the fire smoking someone’s pipe. “Good morning sleeping beauty,” Lane grinned. “How? When did this happen?” Belle demanded trying wiggle her way out without waking the young prince. “Sometime this morning when I got up,” Lane answered, “After I broke free, I let Kíli hug you instead, you didn’t seem to mind~.” “I was asleep! You should be protecting me!” Belle hissed as Kíli made noise. Belle searched for Fíli, finding the dwarf returning to camp, “Fíli, help me!?” Fíli grinned as he shared a look with Lane, Lane shook her head, “Let the lovebirds be.” “Oh… Lane this isn’t funny…” “I think it is.” “Lane!”  Belle grumbled Kíli stirred more, and Belle finally got annoyed flicking the dwarf in the forehead. He made a face before he opened his eyes. Once Kíli realized what he’d done - his surprise turned into a teasing grin, he pulled away, not before commenting that he wasn’t cold at all last night. Belle’s cheeks began to burn bright red as the young dwarf joined his brother and Lane by the fire. Belle stomped off into the bushes to both get away from the laughter, but also to relieve herself. It wasn’t long after her return Thorin ordered everyone to start packing. Belle sighed annoyed, which she noted wasn’t good if her moods were all over the place, as she rolled her bed roll up and continued to be annoyed as their walk began. Bilbo walked beside the woman, “What is wrong Lady Isabella?” “I think...I’m annoyed with Lane,” Belle stated, “But I’m trying to let it go.” “About this morning?” “I think so.” “Well I’m sure Lane is very...um...sorry,” Bilbo said as Lane snickered behind them. Belle looked back at the taller woman and grumbled, “What?” “You just looked so darn cute,” Lane teased, “I mean with that black eye Ori gave you…” “Come on!” Belle flung her hands up in the air, “Stop talking about my eye, poor Ori still won’t really talk to me…” “He’s not the only one who won’t talk to you,” Lane commented. “Huh?” Belle stopped confused as Lane walked passed her, Bilbo hovering between the two. “With your eye like that, Leggles might think you’re a scrapper,” Lane added giving her a shit eating grin, “Thranduil might mistake you for an Orc…” “LANE!” Belle gasped, “It’s not that bad...Is it?” Belle turned to look at Bilbo. “It is a terrible bruise,” Bilbo replied, “But it should heal in time...Who is this Leggles?” “He’s a prince that Belle as has the hots for,” Lane replied. Bilbo’s face began to turn red as Belle gapped at Lane, “How could you? You said you wouldn’t tease me about him.” “A woman’s allowed to change her mind isn’t she?” “Yes, but...You know that I know how bad I am at wooing men!” Belle groaned angrily. During this time the dwarves and Gandalf had stopped walking.  Belle could feel somebody watching and when she looked ahead she saw that the whole company was watching them. Belle’s face went a deep cherry red, her embarrassment spread like a wildfire. Thorin looked angry, “Are you about done?” “I…” “We do not have time for your childish fighting,” Thorin grumbled, “We need to get moving.” A silence fell over the group as Thorin glared Belle down, the woman was feeling so attacked on all sides. Belle stood there for a moment, her mind racing and her heart beating quickly. Thorin was just glaring at them, judging and it was only fueling the fire she felt in her gut already. “Well?” Thorin asked, getting more annoyed. It was only a moment, but a long enough moment that Belle sent a piercing glare at Lane, shuffled her pack and stormed right past Thorin, not saying a word. Seconds later Thorin ordered everyone to follow, Belle continue to walk in her rather angry mood. Lane caught up in no time, “Jezz...What crawled up your ass Izz…? You’re never this annoyed.” “Are you on your…” Lane began. “No...I am not. It’s not supposed to be for another week,” Belle grumbled, “If my count is right. I’m just annoyed in general and do not want to talk about it right now.” “Woof.” “Bite me.”Belle walked faster, ignoring Lane for some time, the taller woman giving up with a frustrated sigh. Over time Belle realized as she power walked away from everyone, that she was being rather childish, but she was always being teased. And with Thorin being all about about the mountain, although he was beginning to show a liking towards Bilbo, he still seemed standoffish towards Belle and Lane. Belle sighed heavily, slowing down, allowing Bilbo and Lane to catch up. Lane was silent, Bilbo looked between the two women and Belle sighed, “I’m sorry.” Lane looked over at Belle, “I’m just touchy… But, I’m mean if this adventure has taught me anything...well, I don’t like travelling on foot. I miss Spirit…” Lane burst out laughing, “Really Izz...after all this time?” “Always,” Belle grinned a little, “I liked the pony…” “I miss Myrtle,” Bilbo added, “Such a good girl.” Belle gave Bilbo a gentle smile, “She was. Did you know Bilbo, Spirit led the way while Lane was fast asleep after her drinking game with the guys?” “Oh really,” Bilbo said in surprise, “I thought you were leading the pony Lady Isabella…” Belle nodded, “I had no idea what I was doing, but Spirit did all the work…” “Such a good horse,” Lane hummed in agreement. The trio began to talk about the Shire, Bilbo making it very clear he missed his Hobbit Hole. Belle giggled, “Trust me, you’ll probably feel different when you finally return home.” “What does that mean?” Bilbo asked looking fearful.“Well, I know us travelling to the Shire made me feel different,” Belle said as she felt Lane’s gaze on her, “I’m not the same person I was months ago...and well, I know I won’t be the same after this adventure,” Belle looked over at Lane and gave her a small smile. As the day continued, Thorin called for a short break, clearly he was softening a little if he was letting everyone have a break. Belle sat on a rock staring up at the sky as Lane appeared next to her. The taller woman sat next to Belle, offering her the waterskin she had, the smaller woman took a sip. “When do you think we’ll see Beorn?” Lane whispered glancing at Belle. “No idea,” Belle replied, “The movies were completely different compared to the books, and I had only started rereading the books when we ended up here…” Lane nodded, “You’re right, what seemed like days in the movies, could be months…” Bilbo joined them and offered each woman an apple. Belle bit into her apple and sighed, “This tastes weird…” “You’re weird,” Lane rolled her eyes, “It’s an apple Izz.” Belle had been feeling off for a day or so, but brushed it off as simply not enough sleep and not enough rest in general. But, Belle had her doubts, when something tasted funny, it was sometimes a sign that her aunt flow was due. But she was positive it wasn’t due for another week. “Perhaps you’re right,” Belle sighed, “Maybe my taste buds have become dull and something as sweet as an apple is just weird for me…” Lane rolled her eyes at Belle, just as Thorin gave the order that they were moving out once more. They began to walk, Belle already feeling the burn her thighs, it didn’t hurt as much as she expected, but she knew by tonight she would feel like jell-o. “My...Lady?” Belle looked up seeing Ori a few feet away. She gave the dwarf a smile and said, “Yes, Ori?” “I...wanted…” Ori looked nervous, “I wanted to once again apologize…” Belle gave Lane a warning look, getting closer and grabbed Ori’s hands before he could run.  She gave him her best smile, “Ori, please. You don’t have to apologize.” “But your face, My Lady.” Belle held back the eye twitch she felt threaten to happen, she took a deep breath, “Is a badge of honour that will impress many men…” Lane snickered, “Impress? More like scare.” “Hey,” Belle said glancing back at her, “No one wants your opinion...Considering you know how to woo everyone…” “Because I’m sexy,” Lane countered. “Are you saying I have no appeal?” Belle stammered letting go of poor Ori and allowing him to retreat. “I’m saying,” Lane explained, “That a guy can talk to you for an hour, and not get a date.” “Hey that was one time!” “What about the time we were all standing in a line up and that dude geeked out with you about Tommy Oliver?” Lane raised an eyebrow, “Or that time that you went out with me and a guy bought your drink, only for you to think he was trying to get in my pants…” Belle frowned, “Come on...it’s not that bad…” Lane laughed, “I think it’s pretty bad, remember the most recent guy?” “Don’t…” Belle begged, “Please don’t…” Bilbo was glancing back and forth between both women and he asked innocently, “What recent guy?” Lane gave Belle her shit eating grin as she answered Bilbo, “There was this guy back home, who was just Belle’s type and she totally missed the chance to ask him out.” “Ask him out?” Bilbo stammered in surprise, “Should not this gentleman have been the one to ask Lady Isabella out?” Belle groaned, “I told you, something seemed off.” “You’re off,” Lane countered. “That’s not nice, jeez...No need to rub it in my-” At some point the company had hit a rocky trail, Belle had been keeping her footing for the most part, but as the group had begun to descend the hill things weren’t going as well. With Belle and Lane bantering back and forth about Belle’s lack of romance, Belle lost her footing, tripping over a small pebble and began to crash down the hill. Her rolling form flew past Thorin and Gandalf who had taken the lead sometime during their walk. Belle couldn’t stop herself, she attempted quite a few times to reach out for anything, even just a sturdy rock to come to a halt. The poor woman screamed as her body rolled, bounced and fell further down the hill. At some point, Belle felt a sharp stab in her right shoulder and it caused her to take a sharp breath. Before Belle could recover and once more attempt to save herself, her whole body slammed into a giant boulder. Lane hollered, “Izz!” As she finally caught up to the smaller woman. Everyone had chased after Belle’s rolling form, following Lane as the taller woman dashed to her friend’s side. Belle felt heavily dazed, her head was spinning and she felt very sick to her stomach. Lane began asking her questions, Belle’s first clear response was, “Lane move…” The taller woman moved, just in time for Belle to hurl her cookies. Lane made a grossed out face and said, “Cute…” “I haven’t felt like this since the last time I was on a ride with a full stomach,” Belle groaned, “Agh...I feel gross.” “Izz...are you okay?” Lane asked concerned laced in her voice, “Izz…” Belle screamed as a sharp pain shot through her right shoulder. She tried to move her right arm once more, only for the pain to continue, Belle’s eyes tearing up and falling down her cheeks. She felt something wet slide down her back and arm. Lane took a look, pulling Belle into her arms as the smaller woman screamed once more. “Izz...I can’t get a look with you screaming in my ear,” Lane said as she held the smaller woman close to her chest. Lane spotted the problem, a stick had been lodged into Belle’s right shoulder. Lane made a face as she tried to look Belle in the face, the smaller woman grimaced as she asked, “How bad...what’s there?” Lane took in a deep breath, “You are now part tree…” “Fuck…You’re kidding...” Belle groaned with a twitch of aggravation at the corner of her mouth, as the dwarves leaned in to get a look. Oin moved in to take a look himself, “We will have to remove this Lassie...It is going to hurt.” Belle looked up at Lane, “I need something to bite on…” “Pardon,” Lane asked confused before she caught on, “Oh…” Lane looked around and Dwalin handed her a cloth folded up. Belle lifted her left hand taking the cloth from Lane, she looked at Oin and with teary eyes said, “Okay...do what you gotta do…” Belle placed the cloth in her mouth and leaned into Lane’s body. Oin cleared his throat, “You ready Lass?” Belle nodded into Lane’s shoulder, she felt someone take her hand and saw Bilbo had taken her left hand. Belle clenched her eyes shut tight as Oin first ripped the back of her shirt out of the way and then went to pull the branch out. Belle winced, whimpered and Oin stopped pulling. He cleared his throat, “You have to stay still Lassie.” Lane and Bilbo continued to hold Belle, she clenched her jaw tighter on the cloth and tried to stay still as Oin went for it again. Oin pulled it out, Belle screamed loudly, the cloth falling out of her mouth as she cried out from the pain. The cool wind hit Belle’s back and Oin continued to tend to Belle’s wound. He first cleaned it out, making sure there was nothing left in the wound. Belle having to place the cloth she’d dropped back in her mouth. Once it was clean, Oin cleared his throat, “I will have to stitch this…” Belle just nodded, not wanting to open her mouth, knowing all too well that she was going to scream loud without something to muffle her. Oin went to work, each stitch painful, and shooting through her whole back. He then placed a salve on it before wrapping her up with bandages the best he could. Belle’s back was still exposed sadly, her shirt needed to be fixed, but sadly she didn’t have an extra one. Balin took off his cloak, placing it over Belle’s limp body that was still curled against Lane’s. Belle blinked gently up at the dwarf and gave him a small smile, “Thank you Balin.” With Belle being wounded, Thorin called grumpily for everyone to camp for the night. Lane set up her friend’s bedroll and proceeded to have Belle cover up while she mended the smaller woman’s shirt. Belle laid down on her stomach, since lying on her back was not an option for the next while. Belle groaned, Lane looked down at her friend, “Do you need Oin?” “No,” Belle whimpered, “I’m just in a lot of pain…” “How about a cup of tea?” Bilbo offered bringing over a cup.Belle gave him a gentle smile, “I would love some…” Bilbo helped Belle sit up and take a sip, Belle grinned, “Peppermint…” Lane made a face, “Yuck…” Belle giggled only to grimace as pain shot through her shoulders.  Lane frowned, “You sure you don’t want me to grab Oin?” “No...He’ll have to take a look at my wound in the morning,” Belle replied, “I should be okay until then…”

[garden-ghoul]

fellowship of the bloggening, part.......

“five maybe?”

THE RING GOES SOUTH

When Frodo, Sam, and Bilbo come back from the council Merry and Pippin are indignant that Sam and Frodo get to go and they don’t. Everyone argues cutely for a bit, it’s very heartwarming. Frodo tries to be anxious, but he can’t for long; Rivendell has an air of carefree-ness, because elves are experts at ignoring stuff they don’t like. But it’s looking like our heroes will have to set out during the winter, which everyone is disgruntled about.

Elrond has decided that nine walkers will go to counter the nine riders. Very poetic, I guess. He wants representatives from every “nice” race, it’s very, I dunno, Star Trek or something. Also this:

'Strider!' said Frodo.

'Yes,' he said with a smile. `I ask leave once again to be your companion, Frodo.'

'I would have begged you to come,' said Frodo, 'only I thought you were going to Minas Tirith with Boromir.'

I made the mistake of going into the ao3 tag of frodo/aragorn last night and let me tell you, I am never going to ship anything ever again until I die. The entire concept of romance was a mistake, and I don’t trust anyone on the internet with it. Still, they are cute friends and they love each other. Merry and Pippin argue with Elrond until he sighs and lets them go (they’ll sneak out anyway!) So with that the company is decided; Aragorn’s sword is reforged (Anduril < Narsil). One wonders why he didn’t have that done a long time ago; I can only supposed Elrond kept saying it wasn’t the right time, in his prophetic way. I am digging how elvish leaders seem to end up with the gift of precognition kind of only after they have ruled for a while. I like to think it’s something that happens, you find yourself becoming more and clairvoyant the longer you rule. Speaking of swords, Bilbo gives Frodo his sword Sting and a coat of mithril mail as a parting present. Boromir has a longsword “of less lineage” than Anduril, hahaha. Boromir blows his horn as a setting-out tradition, and everyone in the entire valley jumps. Elrond tsks at him. And Gandalf has Glamdring, “the mate of Orcrist” which Thorin used to use. It seems weird that a dwarf and a human-shaped wizard would wield swords that were the same...

'That animal can nearly talk,' said Sam, ‘and would talk, if he stayed here much longer. He gave me a look as plain as Mr. Pippin could speak it: if you don't let me go with you, Sam, I'll follow on my own.’ So Bill was going as the beast of burden, yet he was the only member of the Company that did not seem depressed.

But as they’re about to set out:

'Bill, my lad,' he said, `you oughtn't to have took up with us. You could have stayed here and et the best hay till the new grass comes.' Bill swished his tail and said nothing.

Sam!!! And Bilbo tells Frodo “don’t be too long.” Yeah, Frodo, don’t take like 2 months destroying the most powerful magical artifact in the world while being hunted. That’d just be rude.

Anyway, after setting out, everyone is absolutely miserable. Even with Elrond’s nice furs they are always cold, and can’t risk fires, and it sounds like they have to walk by night. They pause by the ancient border of Eregion to listen to Gimli listing all the mountains he recognizes (cute!). Also Legolas says that the elves who lived here were “of a race strange to us silvan folk.” Dude... you’re not a Silvan elf. Isn’t Legolas Sindarin? Anyway, Gandalf declares a rest day because once a land has elves in it, it is slightly safer forever. What. 

HOWEVER Sam and Aragorn spot a bunch of sneaky spy crows, so the party has to go off in the night. They make for the Redhorn Pass on Caradhras, but he (Gimli personifies the mountain as Caradhras the Cruel, I love it) flings snow and boulders at them until they eventually give in and decide to go back down the way they came. Boromir and Aragorn go to clear a path, and Legolas runs around on top of the snow cheerleading them (he is such a jokester, extremely annoying how he’s not depressed; if he were in my party I’d want to punch him by now). They find out that the snow was honestly JUST falling on their party; Caradhras really did have it out for them.

Hardly had Frodo touched the ground when with a deep rumble there rolled down a fall of stones and slithering snow. When the air cleared again they saw that the path was blocked behind them.

'Enough, enough!' cried Gimli. 'We are departing as quickly as we may!' And indeed with that last stroke the malice of the mountain seemed to be expended, as if Caradhras was satisfied that the invaders had been beaten off and would not dare to return. The threat of snow lifted; the clouds began to break and the light grew broader.

So they go back down the mountain--those nasty birds are back--and prepare for

A JOURNEY IN THE DARK

We’re goin through Moria, kids. Gandalf has been there, and come out alive; Gimli is raring to go look for his lost cousins; Aragorn has been there too, and has a great deal of anxiety about it. He also warns Gandalf, specifically, that if he passes the doors of Moria he must beware. Where does he get his info?? Is he a prophet now like Faramir? Pippin, who has been trying to look tough, is scared and dispirited, wishing he had stayed in Rivendell. Unexpectedly it’s Sam who brings the optimism; he trusts in their company to keep them safe. Dear boy.

During the night we are assaulted by wolves, but Gandalf scares off most of them with a super fire spell, very cool. Not sure what the point of this bit is. We then go looking for the entrance to Moria, and find that the river that used to show where the gate was has dried to a trickle; it was dammed to create a lake. Listen, Mr Rolkien, I don’t believe you know how dams work. Unless it was dammed very recently and is still filling up, you get the same outflow as inflow. You fool. You horrible fool. Well, anyway, they make it to the door (which does indeed have NARVI <3 CELEBRIMBOR carved into it). Gandalf spends a good fifteen minutes muttering at it, trying to guess the password, while everyone else gets edgier and more impatient. Boromir, who is apparently twelve, sullenly throws a rock into the lake. This, naturally, awakes a tentacle monster and a bunch of snakes, and our heroes flee into the mines; the tentacle monster shuts the doors behind them and barricades them with trees and rocks. Goodness! Gandalf leads the way forward, although sometimes he has to stop to consult Gimli on the way to go. Everyone is a little doubtful; Aragorn reassures them by saying that “He is surer of finding the way home in a blind night than the cats of Queen Berúthiel.” EXCUSE ME? TOLKIEN YOU’VE BEEN HOLDING OUT ON ME. TELL ME ABOUT QUEEN BERUTHIEL AND HER CATS. Please, please, if anyone reading this knows more you’ve got to tell me.

Ooh, Frodo also has superpowers now from getting stabbed by an evil knife; he can see “unseen things,” and he can see in the dark. In the end, Gandalf mostly navigates by smell and wizard-sense. They make it to a huge hall with black glassy walls, which Gandalf thinks might actually be right next to the outside; Gimli loudly sings a song about Durin, which seems a little foolish to me since I know they’re about to get attacked by orcs. Also, we learn that the mithril coat Bilbo gave to Frodo is worth the entire Shire. Which is just... wow. Mithril has really appreciated in value since Sauron took all of it, huh? Ah, and we find Balin’s tomb. Rest in pieces, son of Fundin.

[apassionthatisdead]

my brain was doing the most™ when it came to dreams last night istg in one of them i was directing another hobbit movie until i realised that i was actually just a hobbit with a camera and i very nearly died to this ice forest queen lady (an oc apparently lmfao) and the dwarves had come save me (now that i think about it actually bilbo wasn't there so i guess i took his place in the company) then i dreamt i was back in school and they were throwing a goodbye party for us and this guy kept proposing to me and he literally wouldn't leave me alone* and it very much done me a frighten THEN i dreamt i was in this hotel place having breakfast with my brother, his girlfriend and her kids and they started to point out details of the room and dream me deadass just goes "no need to show me this stuff. i've already been here before in another dream" and then i started showing them stuff instead and talking about my past dream while in the dream and they were like "huh? weird you dreamt about this before" !!? then i woke up lol