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Mending the Broken Pieces	By : LadyLaran Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Het - Male/Female Views: 13613 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own "the Hobbit" nor do I make money from this story. Tolkien and Jackson are the ones who own the characters and world.

Chapter List
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Author’s Note – Wow, just wow! The response to the last chapter was just incredible. I can’t thank all of you enough for your kind words of support, enthusiasm, and enjoyment. All of you are amazing people, and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Once again, the concept of “duty of care” was thought of by the amazing author, Bead, who has graciously allowed me to borrow it. If you’re on AO3 and haven’t read her works, please go do so because her writing is fabulous. I’m addicted to her Hobbit stories.

Disclaimer – I do not own “the Hobbit” nor do I make any money from this story. I’m just having fun playing with the universe Tolkien created.

Chapter Sixteen – Lessons on Dwarrow Culture

The next morning, after breakfast and sword lessons, Balin sent the others on their way and gently guided the hobbit to a quiet area in the garden so they could talk. Thorin had stopped him last night after Hawthorn had retired for the night and had asked if the adviser could explain things about what the lass would expect from this point forward. The king-in-exile had assumed that she would have a lot of questions, and the older dwarf was ready to answer what he could.

Once they were seated on a bench in the shade of a very large tree, Balin turned to face her and gave the lass a gentle smile.

“You had quite a bit happen yesterday,” he began. “Thorin realized that you might have questions for me, and there’s things I should tell you about what to expect from here on out.”

“I do have questions,” she replied quietly. “Firstly, what did Fili and Kili mean by duty of care?”

“It’s a tradition handed down over the centuries,” Balin explained. “Because women are so rare in our race, we have devoted ourselves to the comfort and care of those females Mahal has chosen to grace our families with. By no means does it mean that our women cannot take care of themselves, but it allows us the opportunity to show just how grateful we are that they are a part of our family.

“When we approach duty of care, we do this in many ways from big to little. Simple things such as ensuring her favorite foods or drink is close at hand, taking care of her if she is ill or injured, surprising her with trinkets or treats, and simply listening when she has need of it. Anything to show that we value and love her. For example, I know Kili has surprised his mother more than once by cooking their evening meal while Fili drew her a bath to help her relax when they knew she had a very difficult day between work and helping Thorin with governing Ered Luin.”

“And all the men in the family do this, even if it’s just courting?”

“They do,” he replied. “There will be times when Thorin may be called away, and the rest of us will ensure your health and happiness in the meantime. Since he is now your father, do not be surprised by Oin doing things of this nature from this point out. Gloin, as your uncle, will do the same, and I know Gimli will enjoy spoiling you too from time to time. He’s been begging his parents for a little sister and to have a first cousin who is a girl will make him incredibly happy.”

“I don’t need spoiling,” she objected softly, blinking when Balin refuted that comment.

“Lass, you deserve it more than anyone I know. You took in thirteen dwarrow, fed them and made them feel welcome and at home for the first time that any of us can remember. Despite hurting, you never complained and pitched in anytime you thought you could help. You always have a kind word for all of us, even when I know the lads get on your nerves at times, and I have seen you stand up for Ori when Fili and Kili go a bit too far in their pranking. Trust me, Miss Hawthorn, you are deserving of every kindness we can bestow on you.”

Hawthorn nodded at that comment, chewing her lower lip to try to keep the tears away. She now remembered her papa doing sweet things like this for her mama and her, often saying he had to keep his flower queen and princess happy. It had been a memory she had tucked away in order to keep the pain away, and the actions of the company as well as Balin’s words had brought that memory back.

“Thorin’s people have accepted Fili and Kili as his heirs? There’s been no cry for him to have sons of his own,” she asked, wanting to pull away from the happy but painful memories that were playing in her thoughts.

“The children of a brother or sister can be chosen as heirs; it’s an accepted tradition amongst our people since not all of us are fortunate enough to have children,” he told her, unsure as to why she asked that but not questioning.

She continued chewing her lip for several long moments, then brought up something that had been bothering her since she had retired to her chambers the night before.

“Will they accept a hobbit wife for their king?”

“When you two wed, you will find a mixed response from the people of Erebor and the other six clans in Middle Earth,” he answered truthfully. “Finding your One is something that is deeply respected and never outright challenged. I expect a great many of the dwarrow will be pleased for Thorin and will pray for his continued happiness. Others will not be pleased and may try to cause difficulties, but that will be a minority and something we can handle.”

Seeing the look of concern on her face, Balin reached out and rested a hand over hers.

“Trust us, Miss Hawthorn, everything will be all right. No one will question your right to be at Thorin’s side.”

“I will try not to worry,” Hawthorn told him. “I just know that some people can be difficult over marriages where the couple is not of the same race, and I have no wish for Thorin to have more to worry over as I know Erebor will require a great deal of his attention.”

She let out a deep sigh, looking over at the dwarf. Though she was determined to follow through with the courtship, a part of her wondered what Yavanna had been thinking when She had created her and Thorin to be cariads.

“What else will I need to know?”

Balin carefully explained everything he could think of regarding courting, speaking of courtship gifts as well as what would be expected of her. The idea of her place being at Thorin’s left side made sense in two ways. One, it was easier for him to defend her if necessary without putting her at risk when he drew a weapon. Second, the left side was where the heart was and it showed everyone that she was the one who had been crafted to hold his heart from this moment forward.

She listened to everything the adviser had to say, knowing she would be expected to follow the roles as best as she could. Balin promised to explain betrothal and wedding traditions at a later date, wanting her to be able to enjoy being courted without worrying about what would come next. It was a decision she appreciated a great deal.

“So courtship gifts are created by our own hands,” she asked quietly, fingers twisting together as she contemplated what needed to be done.

“Crafting gifts can be viewed as an act of devotion and is seen to be the best for courting,” Balin assured her.

“Can it be any craft?”

“What are you thinking, lass,” he asked, hoping to alleviate the anxiety that was showing on her face.

“One of the things I can do fairly well is cook,” Hawthorn admitted. “I’m not sure if it should be a treat or a full dinner, but hobbits use food as a chance for celebration and bonding.”

“Cooking him something would certainly count as a gift since it is a craft,” he told her, making her brighten somewhat. “You have an idea?”

“I do,” she said. “If you and Fili don’t mind, I would like to take tomorrow morning off so I can spend it in the kitchen. Part of hobbit courtships are chaperoned picnics, and I think I’d like to share in that with Thorin tomorrow afternoon.”

“I think that’s a grand idea,” Balin told her, smiling at her. “In fact, I’ll make sure Dwalin runs interference so none of the company gets the idea of interfering while you are on this picnic. I’ll speak to Gloin later today so he’ll know what you have planned.”

“Do you happen to know what Thorin’s favorite foods are?”

“Anything with strawberries,” the adviser said with a laugh. “Most dwarrow enjoy fruit, but I happen to know strawberries are his favorite. He enjoys most meat dishes except for liver. He has spoken very highly of the bread you offered him during the ritual welcome to your smial. Thorin said, several times, that he has not had anything like that before. So if you have time for that, I have a feeling it would be savored tomorrow.”

Hawthorn blushed, looking happy at his words. She’d not heard any kind of comment about that bread, but she had noticed it had disappeared quickly during the meal at her smial. It had been a recipe she had created as a fauntling, and it pleased her to know that Thorin had enjoyed it so much.

“Thank you for telling me, Balin,” the hobbit said, still pink cheeked. “Also, thank you for explaining everything to me. It helps knowing what’s expected of me during the courtship.”

“You are most welcome, and feel free to find me if you have more questions. Gloin would also be someone to talk to if you can’t find me since he went through similar when courting his wife.”

“I will,” she answered, glad to have someone to speak to about all of this. “Balin, I appreciate all of this. I do have one more question for you if you have time?”

“I do,” he said, glad that she trusted him enough to ask her questions.

“Now that I am a master in the Scrivener’s Guild, what will be expected of me?”

Balin chuckled, then explained that she would be asked to help keep track of meetings, write up formal letters if asked by the king or certain nobles, as well as aiding in the restoration of the library. All in all, it was almost everything Thorin had spoken about when he’d offered for her to stay in Erebor since he knew her skills would be in high demand. For the moment, it would be just her, Balin, and Ori carrying the bulk of the duties.

“Of course, once you are married, your duties will shift somewhat to accommodate the duties expected of Thorin’s queen,” he continued. “You will have time to work in the library, if you should wish to, but you will most likely be freed from note-taking and potentially letter writing.”

“If we are still short of scribes by that time, I will continue to do those duties until we have enough scribes in the mountain,” Hawthorn insisted. “It’s my hope that the people of Ered Luin will be safe in Erebor before that happens.”

“Knowing Thorin’s sister, I imagine she will be clearing the colony out as soon as she receives word of our success,” he said with a chuckle. “Before we left, Thorin, Dis, and I came up with strategies on bringing our people home. The only difficulties lie in protecting our elderly and children.”

“Contact the Dúnedain,” the hobbit told him. “The rangers are good people and would do all they can to keep the ones who can’t defend themselves safe. They’re not elves so it shouldn’t be a problem with your people, and I think they would be willing to aid your dwarrow once you contact the chieftain.”

“We hadn’t given thought to asking them,” Balin commented. “I’m not sure how to contact them if Thorin agrees to your idea.”

“Lord Elrond would know how to do so,” she answered. “His twin sons often lend their aid when the Dúnedain have need of assistance, and I trust the rangers. There was an agreement between them and the King of Arnor, I believe, and they protect the Shire from any outside attack. The Thain sends supplies so they won’t have to live off of the land but otherwise, there’s no payment for doing this that I know of.”

“Which speaks of a kind hearted people to aid those in need,” the adviser murmured. “I think I will go look for Thorin now and tell him of your suggestion. If he agrees, we will need to make arrangements while we are still in Rivendell. Thank you for that suggestion, Miss Hawthorn.”

“You’re most welcome,” Hawthorn told him. “And please, call me Hawthorn. We are friends now, and I would prefer less formality between us. You can pass that along the company too if you would please?”

“I certainly will, Hawthorn,” Balin said, rising to his feet and giving her a small bow. “Please excuse me and enjoy your afternoon.”

With that, the dwarf went in search of his king. Balin was grateful for the lass for many reasons. She had certainly helped the company and their people with her ideas, and he couldn’t wait to see how she would contribute to governing Erebor as Thorin’s queen.

Hawthorn watched him go, emotions rather mixed in regards to everything they had spoken about. She sighed, heading inside to find her Calon-Tad working with a mortar and pestle as he made more ointments for the journey ahead. He looked up at just the right moment, spotting the expression on her face, and patted the spot beside him on the bench.

“What’s troubling you, my lass?”

“I’m confused,” she answered, realizing she was on the side where he could hear better. “Balin assures me that there shouldn’t be too much trouble with Thorin and I being each other’s cariad, but I keep wondering if this is the right thing.”

“The scent came to you,” he pointed out. “Which means you know Thorin is your One.”

“Yes but I’m not the best choice for that, am I? I can’t have children, and I have issues with walking without pain most days. Thorin deserves someone who isn’t broken,” she told him, looking so miserable.

“Hawthorn, do not ever call yourself broken again,” Oin said firmly, setting his tools down and turning on the bench so he could see his daughter’s face clearly. “Not every dwarrowdam can forge a bairn, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of in that. You’re measuring yourself by the standards of the people you grew up with, and those standards are wrong.

“You are in possession of your wits and intelligence; you work hard and are kind to those who cross your path. You’re a talented scribe and musician with a voice of mithril. Who cares if your leg acts up? It’s a wound from battle, and those are held as honorable amongst dwarrow. You won’t be the first in the line of Durin with injuries that can hinder you.”

“What do you mean, Calon-Tad,” Hawthorn asked, chewing her lower lip.

“We have a cousin, Dain of the Iron Hills. Lad lost his leg in battle and uses a prosthetic so he can move around. He limps but is a bastard to fight in the training ring. It’s how he got the name Ironfoot, and he is proud of it.

“I’m deaf in one ear, but I haven’t let that slow me down either. I don’t just heal people, my lass; I also fight alongside my kin. I just rely on my kin to ensure that no one can sneak up on me. You just have to learn to rely on your kin too; trust us, little topaz, and we won’t let you fall.”

“I do trust you,” she admitted. “It’s just difficult because of what I’ve heard for so long. I keep doubting myself and with the knowledge Thorin is my cariad, those doubts are a lot louder than usual.”

“Being a member of the royal family is a lot of responsibility,” Oin commented, patting her hand for a moment. “Your old injuries are marks of courage and considering how long you’ve been listening to the shite hurled at you in the Shire, it’s no wonder you don’t see it as we do. All I ask is keep a clear mind and tell one of us if those doubts get too loud, all right? We’ll help you see the truth of it, but we can’t if you hide this from us.”

“I’ll try,” the hobbit promised, wiping away the tears that tried to form.

“Good,” the healer told her. “I understand things better than most because I’m so hard of hearing so don’t hesitate to come to me if you need it. Like I said, disabilities can be worked around and we’ll make sure you’re able to stand strong alongside your kin.”

“Thank you, Calon-Tad,” Hawthorn said, voice just loud enough for him to hear.

“No thanks necessary, little topaz,” he replied, squeezing her hand gently for a moment. “Feel any better?”

“I do; I guess I needed to talk about it,” she answered. “Though I have to ask, little topaz?”

“Topazes are stones that come in a variety of colors,” Oin chuckled. “They’re one of my favorite stones because of how beautifully the light shines through it, just like you. Add to that, your eyes are the shade of a set of topaz jewelry my mother used to wear. I think it suits you.”

She smiled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. The nickname was one that warmed her heart, and Hawthorn was proud to have it. If he believed she represented his favorite gemstone, then she would not argue. In truth, it had been a long time since she’d been given a pet name and little topaz was a nice one to answer to.

Hawthorn stayed close to her adopted father’s side for the rest of the day, learning about his craft and sharing what she knew about herbs. It was part of her legacy from him, and she would do all she could to honor him. Oin understood her, and that was a priceless gift she was determined to cherish for the rest of her days.

Author’s End Note - I hope you all got a bit more understanding of the characters and a bit of dwarrow culture. Thanks for reading; please let me know what you thought of it! ~ Laran
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Mending the Broken Pieces