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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.

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Author’s Note – I want to thank everyone for their kind words and actions; things are still very tough, but I am happy in that my brother is making more of an effort to spend time with me since he is the only blood relative I have that I still speak with. I’m getting to know his new wife, who is a beautiful soul, so that’s good. Health wise, fibro is being worse than usual. We’ve had a lot of rain and thunderstorms, and that really throws my pain levels higher than usual. Also, check out my new one shot, "Dawns y Galon." It's a Bagginshield story, and I'm pleased with it.

Disclaimer – I do not own “the Hobbit” nor do I make money from this story.

Chapter Forty-four – Introductions and Plans

The time between the announcement regarding the approaching orc army and when the horde arrived was spent welcoming allies, making battle plans, and trying to secure the mountain against enemy attacks. It was, without a doubt, the busiest time most of the company could remember.

Thranduil, Gandalf, Galadriel, an elf named Haldir, Glorfindel, and Elrond met with Thorin, Bard, and the company, and the group reviewed several maps that Hawthorn and Ori had found in the library. Debates had gone on about the best areas for various groups, and it was decided that divisions of archers would take cover in various battlements and the other divisions would be stationed in certain key areas outside the mountain so they would have the best spots for thinning out the orc army from as many directions as possible. Kili was given command of the archers in Erebor while Legolas was in charge of those outside the mountain. The two pulled away from the planning to continue discussing possible positions and different strategies so as to aid the ground troops.

Hawthorn had taken advantage of a lull in the planning to pull Glorfindel, Legolas, and the twins aside to a private area. They could see the worry on her face and hoped they could ease her fears.

“What is it, little sister,” Elladan asked.

“I am very much aware of who is leading the army against us,” she told them, sounding worried and determined. “I have a favor to ask of all of you, and I know that I will displease my family by asking this. I have no choice because I want them as safe as possible.”

“You want us to keep Bolg away from king and his nephews,” Glorfindel observed, seeing the fear on her face grow when she heard his words.

“That foul creature holds the same lust to spill the blood of Durin as Azog did,” the hobbit said to them. “I cannot allow my family to fall to him; there’s been enough deaths at the hands of the orcs, and I will not see any more members of the Line of Durin fall if I can prevent it.”

“It means the entire company will have to be protected,” Elrohir observed, remembering that a good portion of the dwarrow who had accompanied Hawthorn were members of that particular bloodline. “I know three of them are not of the same clan, but they mean a great deal to you as well. It can be done; we will have to speak to the armies under our command or our family’s command, but your dwarrow family will be protected.”

“I will do the same with our army as well,” Legolas promised.

Hawthorn sighed, body slumping in relief. She was quickly embraced by Glorfindel and the twins, and she relaxed even further when she heard the murmured reassurances in Sindarin. The hobbit was grateful her elvish family was here and hoped and prayed that she would not lose any loved ones in this fight. She had faith in her heart-kin and would trust that they and the Valar would keep her beloved family safe in the upcoming battle.

“Hawthorn?”

She turned when she heard her name called, spying Fili standing by the door. Hawthorn smiled, and the blond dwarf began speaking.

“Dain’s army has been spotted; he’s about half an hour away,” he said. “Uncle wants to speak with you before our cousin gets here. Is everything all right?”

The hobbit excused herself from her elvish family and Legolas, heading towards her friend. She could see the worry on his face and hurried to alleviate some of it, knowing the upcoming battle was weighing on him as well as concern for his family.

“Everything is just fine,” she answered. “I just needed to talk with them for a few moments. Are you all right?”

“I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m frightened about this battle,” he admitted as they walked together to where Thorin was waiting. “I’ve fought before so I shouldn’t be feeling this way.”

“Yes, you should,” Hawthorn told him. “You and your brother have fought in skirmishes; those are nothing like what we’re facing. You have every right to feel afraid, Fili, and I’d be willing to bet that your uncle and other older members of the company are feeling the same way.”

“Even uncle?”

“Especially your uncle,” she said softly. “He has the most to lose – you, your brother, the rest of his family. I’ve a feeling he’s probably already had to talk himself out of locking the three of us in a room until the battle is over.”

Her comment made Fili laugh and shake his head; they both knew Thorin well enough to know that her words were more than likely right.

“You’re probably right,” he admitted. “I think one of the reasons he gave Kili command over the archers on Erebor’s battlements is to keep him off the battlefield as much as possible.”

“That might be one reason,” she shared. “However, given Kili’s talent with a bow, keeping him on the battlements will help save many lives. It’s the best place for him, and I feel better knowing he’s there keeping my loved ones safe.”

“Truthfully, so do I. He’s safe there and will keep others safe,” the dwarf shared. “I don’t think he’s realized this means that he’s stuck on the battlements and not able to get onto the field yet.”

“For our sake, let’s hope it doesn’t dawn on him until later,” she said. “I hope Thorin has thought ahead about that.”

“Knowing uncle, he probably has and will have someone to keep him on the battlements throughout the entire battle,” Fili answered, knocking on the door.

The pair entered the room after hearing the king’s voice, and Thorin smiled when they approached the table where all of the maps were.

“Thank you for coming,” he said to his betrothed, who smiled.

“I’m trying to be as useful as I can,” she answered. “I’m not sure what all I can do right now; I’m not a trained fighter or even know much about tactics to be of use.”

Fili sat down a short ways away from the pair so he could play chaperone without being too much of an interference since he had a fairly good idea why his uncle wanted to see the hobbit.

“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to speak with you,” Thorin said. “I know you’re brave and coming along rather well with learning to use your blade in tandem with your staff, but I would like for you to remain in Erebor and not on the battlefield when the orc army arrives.”

Hawthorn watched him for a moment, feeling relieved at his request and a bit hurt as well. Granted, she knew she had no place fighting against the orc army but the idea of her being useless didn’t sit well with her.

“You’re not a burden, ukradel,” he continued. “In truth, I am also keeping Ori off of the battlefield as well. He has the strength of his brothers but not the training; I will not make the same mistake my grandfather did in putting people on the field who are not yet ready for it.”

Well, the brothers would be pleased but she doubted Ori would be. She chewed her lower lip for a moment, then broke her silence.

“You want to keep us safe,” she began. “I understand that, but Ori and I will want to help since we cannot fight alongside you.”

“I’ve given thought to that; I will need someone to handle managing Erebor while we’re on the field,” he told her. “This is usually the job for the consort or assigned seneschal as the king is expected to be on the battlefield.”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Hawthorn replied.

“I need for you to ensure supplies are at hand for the healers, that teams are sent out to find the injured and bring them back, and also that our guests are kept calm. There may be messages that need to be sent out regarding troop movement, and we’ll need ravens sent out to warn others. You’ll also work with Kili to ensure the safety of our home,” he said. “Any decision you make will be in my name in order to keep the injured and those who are unable to fight safe. Will you do this for me?”

“I’m honored you trust me with this,” she told him, realizing this position he was offering to her was rather important.

“There is nothing I would not trust you with, ukradel,” Thorin told her. “Come, I will introduce you to the ravens. One will be with you at all times to relay messages within the mountain as well as outside. I will have some of them flying over the battlefield in case a message needs to be given to another division.”

Hawthorn turned, looking to Fili.

“Do you mind having a message sent to Ori and ask him if he’d be willing to work with me on this,” she asked. “I could use his knowledge to our advantage during all of this.”

“I’ll have it sent out; where do you want to meet him,” the blond asked.

“The meeting room in the King’s Halls,” she answered. “We’ll see about getting organized and familiarize ourselves with everything so there’s nothing to keep us from reacting swiftly.”

He headed out, and Thorin escorted her up to the area where the ravens roosted. As they walked, he shared the history his family held with the ravens of Erebor and she was utterly intrigued and enchanted with the tradition. The hobbit was rather excited to meet the ravens and hoped they would like her.

The pair entered the roost, and the noise of the ravens quickly died down as an elderly raven flew to a lower perch.

“I am Rarc, chief of the ravens,” the bird began. “You are the King Under the Mountain, Thorin, son of Thrain?”

“I am,” Thorin replied. “I thank you for allowing your grandson to aid us when we first entered the mountain.”

“He is brave and does his flock proud,” Rarc told him. “For his deeds, he shall be your personal raven until he reaches an age where he must train his replacement.”

“I am honored,” the king said, bowing his head. “I came to introduce my betrothed to you. This is Hawthorn Baggins, daughter of Oin.”

“You found your mate,” the raven said, eyeing the hobbit closely for a moment.

“I have,” he responded. “She has saved my life as well as the lives of my company during the journey here, and she faced the dragon. Mahal and His lady has blessed me greatly.”

“My grandson spoke highly of her for her concern of the welfare of others, and I have heard she tends to those in your nest with kindness.”

“As I have said, I have been greatly blessed,” Thorin agreed. “She will be the greatest queen in the history of my line, and I am honored to have her by my side.”

Hawthorn was blushing, feeling very touched but embarrassed by the conversation, but she said nothing as her betrothed continued speaking to the chief of the ravens.

“I was hoping one of your flock would work with her during the upcoming battle,” he said. “She will be handling Erebor as well as ensuring the injured are taken off the battlefield. Messages regarding movement and other issues will be relayed through her to send to the right people if the ravens don’t know who to go to.”

“I will have several ravens with her so she is not left alone in case messages come in,” the chief said, then made a noise to the flock behind him.

A large raven flew down to the perch beside the chief.

“This is Runa; she will be your personal raven,” Rarc told Hawthorn.

“I am so very honored,” the hobbit said with a gentle smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Runa.”

“As it is to meet you, my queen,” the raven answered. “I shall serve faithfully.”

“I hope we will be good friends,” Hawthorn told her, then turned when footsteps were heard coming up the stairs to the roost.

“Thorin, Hawthorn,” Ori called as he entered. “Dain is here.”

“At last,” Thorin breathed out, tension slightly bleeding from his frame. He took Hawthorn’s hand and guided her down, wanting to introduce her to his cousin.

The trio went to the meeting room, and Thorin rushed to greet the red haired dwarf waiting there for him. The pair clasped arms, slamming their heads together in a way that made the hobbit wince.

“It is good to see you,” the king said to his cousin, who grinned at him.

“As it is to see you, cousin; I have been worrying about your journey here. I wish I had been able to help more, but my hands were tied by my council.”

“I’m surprised they allowed you to come,” Thorin said dryly.

“Oh, I fixed the problem when I got home,” Dain said with a smirk. “I told my family what happened and after sitting through a meeting where the so-called nobles were discussing what should be done with Erebor if you did succeed, we decided to change our government. Titles were removed and council disbanded, and our lives are so much easier now.”

“Quite possibly the smartest idea you’ve had,” the dark haired dwarf said. “It was Tyra’s idea, wasn’t it?”

“Guilty,” the red head laughed. “She wanted to come with me, but someone needs to watch over my mountain since my lad isn’t old enough to do so on his own yet. She did send Helka with me to keep both of us out of trouble.”

Hawthorn saw Thorin’s face soften as he turned to a dam standing not far from Dain. She was gorgeous and very petite for a dwarf with long blond hair done up in several braids, which had been twisted into a functional bun. Her sideburns had been braided back into the main braids, and each braid was decorated by beads.

“That is Helka, sister-daughter to Dain’s wife,” Balin murmured in the hobbit’s ear. “She was Frerin’s One; he was courting her when Thror summoned everyone who could wield a weapon to fight at Azanulbizar. Because our dead was too great to count, they were burned but Thorin brought her his brother’s sword and beads. Helka couldn’t stay in Ered Luin; her grief was too great so she returned to her aunt’s home to heal. Despite her pain, she has written our family faithfully and is counted as sister by Dis and Thorin both.”

“He mentioned her once,” she answered back in a quiet voice, watching as Thorin gently greeted the dwarrowdam. “She and I have something in common, and he spoke of her while trying to comfort me and give me hope for the future. I had hoped to meet her and am glad she accompanied Dain.”

“Hawthorn,” Thorin called, extending a hand to her with a loving smile.

The hobbit moved towards him, laying her free hand in his, and he guided her to face Dain and Helka. Both were watching her with a smile, and she had a feeling they knew who she was.

“Ukradel, this is my cousin, Dain Ironfoot of the Iron Hills,” he said, introducing her to the pair. “This is Helka Swiftblade, sister and dear friend of the family. I want to introduce to you my betrothed, Hawthorn Baggins, daughter of Bungo and Oin.”

“So this is the hobbit,” Dain said, smile getting bigger. “Dis is going to be furious that I got to meet her first. She’s been going on and on in her letters about your One.”

“I should’ve known she wouldn’t be able to keep the news quiet,” Thorin said with a soft chuckle.

“It’s an honor to meet both of you,” Hawthorn said, giving a small curtsy. “Thorin has spoken of you two, and I have been eager to meet you.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Baggins,” Helka replied, voice soft and held a sweet note to it that made it an enjoyable voice to listen to.

“I’m glad to meet you too, Miss Baggins,” Dain said with a bow. “My cousin, Dis, has been happier than I have heard her in some time because of Thorin meeting you. I have to say, I can see the changes in my cousin too, and I share Dis’s joy in this. Welcome to the family, lass.”

“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “I know Thorin needs to apprise you of the decisions made for the battle so I’ll leave you both to it. Helka, would you like to accompany me? I’m working on ensuring Erebor is ready for this.”

“I’d be honored,” she said, walking alongside Hawthorn as she and Ori left the leaders to finish up with the plans for the battle.

Once alone, Dain looked at Thorin and nodded.

“She’s beautiful, cousin, and seems to know where her priorities should be. From what little I’ve seen, I think she’ll make an excellent wife and queen for you. If she proves to be everything you want and need to be happy, Dis will be ecstatic.”

“I hope so,” the king replied. “I want them to get along; I take it that’s why Helka left with her?”

“Aye, she wanted to make sure and I couldn’t deny her that. She loves you and Dis, and I know she is anxious to find out what kind of person your hobbit is.”

“Hawthorn is amazing, Dain. She’s gone through so much in her life, and it’s left scars on her because of it. Despite all that, she’s a giving person with a heart full of compassion and love. She’s incredibly intelligent, insightful, and well educated. I could not ask for a better person to share my life with,” Thorin answered honestly.

“You’ll run into opposition regarding any children she carries being an heir,” Dain said mildly, blinking in surprise when his cousin shook his head.

“There won’t be any children, cousin. She was injured in her childhood and suffers the same as Helka does. It’s one reason I hope the two get along because Helka had support when the news was given to her. Hawthorn only had her parents and after they passed, her family and fellow hobbits treated her as an outsider.”

“Mahal, surely not!”

“They did,” he told the other dwarf. “They overcharged her for food, underpaid her for her work. She lost her family home because of the results of her injury, and she still has problems accepting she’s no less important than a dam who can have children.”

“I’ll speak to Helka about it,” Dain said, frowning. “No one should view themselves as lesser because of not being able to forge a bairn. I know my wife’s sister-daughter will do all she can to help once she hears of your betrothed’s problems. I’m certain Oin and Gloin have been working on that?”

“They have, and most of the company has been helping though they don’t know the reasons behind her self esteem problems,” he replied. “They care enough about her to try to push her into accepting she’s important. When we first met her, she didn’t really smile and hadn’t sung in years. Now she’s smiling more and sings when asked. I’m hopeful that she will sing more often once things settle down.”

“It’s a good start,” he told him. “Now, show me what you and the others have planned so we can kill ourselves some orc.”

Thorin nodded and began explaining the battle plans, hoping against hope that Mahal would keep all of his loved ones safe while they fought to protect their home. They had gotten this far and, Valar willing, they were not going to lose any loved ones in this battle or lose their home ever again!

Author’s End Note – Someone had asked about Frerin’s One when she was mentioned earlier in the story, and I thought to bring her in so Hawthorn has someone who faces the same difficulties as she does in her life. I hope this chapter wasn’t too dry; please let me know what you thought of it. See everyone next time! ~ Laran
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Mending the Broken Pieces