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Dialogue
Westeros: "speech"/ 'thought'
Middle-earth: "speech"/ 'thought'
""Elvish""
"*Dwarvish*"
""Black Speech""
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones or the Hobbit Trilogy.
"60 years?!" Tyrion said in shock.
This sliver of information got many of the Westerosi to be even more interested in Middle-earth.
"The dwarves of Middle-earth must have longer lifespans than humans," Bran guessed, his words gaining him Tyrion's immediate attention.
"That does make sense, Bran Stark. Perhaps the peoples of Middle-earth do have longer lifespans than us here in Westeros," Tyrion replied to Bran.
"So that's why they are going after this 'Smaug the Terrible', to take back their home. The dragon must have taken it from them," Arya said aloud.
While Lady Maege and her daughters agreed with Arya, Catelyn merely shook her head at her daughter's comment.
"Arya, dragons are nothing more than savage creatures. I doubt a dragon is clever enough to do such a thing as taking over a kingdom," Catelyn said to her daughter.
Though Olenna Tyrell appeared to disagree.
"Do you have in-depth knowledge about dragons, Lady Catelyn?" Olenna asked Catelyn, baffling Lady Stark before shaking her head at the question.
"No, I do not. But it is common knowledge that dragons are such creatures," Catelyn said to Olenna. But the Queen of Thorns only shook her head in disbelief.
"Then you shouldn't be speaking of it then. Goodness, it's a miracle your children did not inherit more than just your coloring," Olenna fired back.
Arya was happy that Lady Olenna supported her, and sent her a smile. The Queen of Thorns had noticed earlier how Arya looked at her granddaughter when the dwarf Kíli brought up Margaery's skill with a sword and was all too happy to return the girl's smile with her own.
"Well deduced, Samwell Tarly. Your son has quite the head on his shoulders, Lord Tarly. Wouldn't you agree?" Tyrion said to Randyll, eager to see how the Lord of Horn Hill would react to how his son, who he mocked in front of everyone, was proving to be quite intelligent.
"Of course he is...he's a bloody Tarly," Randyll reluctantly spat back, clearly not wanting to be made a fool out of.
Tyrion grins at this, giving Dickon and Talia a wink.
The wizard appeared to be quite impressed at Sam's deduction, giving him a simple nod.
"You are correct, Samwell. The answer indeed lies within this map. But sadly, I do not have the skill to find it. However, there are others in Middle-Earth that can," Gandalf answered Sam's question.
Domeric and Loras couldn't help but notice how Gandalf gave Thorin a knowing look, who begrudgingly returned it. It appeared that there was some kind of history between the two, leading Domeric and Loras to think about what it meant. But their thoughts were interrupted when Gandalf spoke again.
"The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth, and no small amount of courage. But, if we are careful and clever, I believe that it can be done," Gandalf said.
This time, Robb, Jon, Mya, Loras, and Margaery noticed how Gandalf was looking toward Bilbo as he spoke, leaving them speculating that the hobbit was going to be central to the wizard's strategy.
But before any of them could say anything, Ori beat them to it.
"That's why we need a burglar!" Ori said.
"And a good one. An expert if I'd imagine," Bilbo said aloud. The hobbit had been quiet throughout most of the conversation and decided to rejoin it.
"And are you?" Glóin inquired, leaving Bilbo confused about the comment. Bilbo looked around the room and behind himself, only to realize the dwarf meant him.
"Am I, what?" Bilbo asked, still confused about why he is being referred to as a burglar.
However, the troubled-hearing dwarf, Óin, mistook the hobbit's words.
"He says he's an expert! Hey-hey!" Óin said, followed by a few chuckles from those around him.
Bilbo appeared shocked to be even considered a burglar and began shaking his head.
"Me? No. No. No. I am not a burglar. I have never stolen anything in my life," Bilbo declared to everyone in the room.
"I have to agree with Master Baggins. He's hardly burglary material," Balin says to the group. Bilbo motioned his hand in approval of what the white-bearded dwarf said, as some in the group began to agree.
"Aye, the wild is no place for gentlefolk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves," Dwalin said, agreeing with his brother. Bilbo once again motions his hand in approval.
Soon, most of the dwarves in the room began arguing over whether or not they should have Bilbo join in on the quest.
Arianne, Daenerys, Margaery, Gendry, and Sam put their heads down in shame of the dwarves' comments about Bilbo, though Theon was just laughing at the scene before him.
Robb, Mya, and Jon are both seen feeling pity for Bilbo, who was unknowingly being ridiculed by his 'guests'. But before either of them could step in and defend the hobbit, Gandalf beat them to it, standing up from his chair and the room around them began to darken.
"Enough! If I say Bilbo Baggins is a burglar, then a burglar he is!" Gandalf said in a thundering boom to his voice
"Why is Gandalf so set on Bilbo being a burglar? No offense to the hobbit, but he doesn't look like he gas ever left the Shire," Tyrion said aloud to the group around him.
Oddly enough, Stannis, who was quiet for such a long time, was the first to answer that question.
"The wizard perhaps chose him due to his race. A dragon would most likely know the scent of dwarves, men, and wizards, but not one of these hobbits," Stannis said to the dwarf.
Everyone was speechless of Stannis' words, even Tyrion had a gobsmacked expression on his face for not figuring it out sooner. Bran was just amazed at what the King's brother said.
"You think so, Lord Stannis?" Bran nervously asked the Lord of Dragonstone.
Stannis turns to Bran, giving him a simple nod.
"I believe so," Stannis says to Bran.
"Yes. You may be right with that assessment, Lord Stannis," said Tywin Lannister. Leaving everyone speechless again as Tywin had been silent until now.
Sansa was just happy to see that Jon and Robb were going to defend Bilbo before Gandalf decided to do it himself.
"At least Robb and Jon were going to defend Bilbo. He seems like a very nice hobbit," Sansa said sadly.
Arya and Lyanna had to agree with Sansa. Jon and Robb were, at the very least, going to defend Bilbo Baggins and this made many of the Northerners respect Lord Stark's sons even more.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden change of tone in the room, once Gandalf raised his voice and many cowered at the sense of gravity it evoked. Once the light began to return to normal, the wizard spoke once more.
"Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet. They can pass unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of a dwarf, the scent of a hobbit is all but unknown to him, which gives us a distinct advantage. You asked me to find the final member of this company, and I have chosen Mr. Baggins. There's a lot more to him than appearance suggests. And he's got a great deal more to offer than any of you know. Including himself," Gandalf explained his reasoning for recruiting Bilbo.
Thorin looked conflicted upon Gandalf's words, though the Westerosi in Bag End thought of what Gandalf just said and knew he had a point. Theon was about to say something, but Robb shook his head in discouragement.
"You must trust me on this," pleaded Gandalf.
Everyone in the Dragonpit was visibly amazed at how Stannis' prediction of why Gandalf had chosen Bilbo was proven correct.
"You truly knew what the wizard was planning, Stannis?" Renly asked Stannis, both shocked and amazed.
"It was not that hard to figure out. This Middle-earth is not unlike our own world. Gandalf is thinking long-term in strategy and he is right, this dragon, Smaug, will most likely be caught off guard at the scent of a hobbit," Stannis explained to his younger brother.
At that moment, Renly began to develop a bit more respect for his elder brother, ignoring the fact Stannis practically raised him after their parents' deaths. Stannis had nearly starved himself to death during the Siege of Storm's End, just so Renly could sleep with a half-full stomach. The younger Baratheon had never actually shown much gratitude for all that his brother had done for him. But perhaps in time, Renly would get the chance to properly thank Stannis.
Even Robert was stunned by how his brother was right about Gandalf's plan.
"Seven-bloody-hells Stannis! You were right!" Robert said to his little brother.
Though Stannis appeared as stoic as usual, if one could carefully observe his face, they would see the faintest flush on his cheeks. This was probably the closest thing Stannis ever got to a compliment by Robert. And that was saying something.
Thorin let out a sigh before he replied to the grey wizard.
"Very well. We'll do it your way," said Thorin before turning to Balin. All the while, Bilbo was trying to dissuade him.
"Give him the contract," Thorin told Balin, but not before noticing the others in the dining room.
"And get the contracts out for the three men of Gondor and the rider of Rohan as well. Margaery, Sam, Daenerys, Gendry and Arianne have already signed their contracts," Thorin said while making direct eye contact with Theon.
While Balin proceeded to hand Bilbo his contract, he handed four contracts to Arianne, Daenerys and Margaery to hand the aforementioned four men.
"Here is your contract Loras," said Margaery.
"And here is yours, swan-knight," said Arianne with a sultry tone, and finished with a wink. Leaving a flushed Domeric Bolton to clumsily accept his contract.
Daenerys does the same for Robb and Theon, the latter of whom was in shock at how long the contract that he, and by extension, they were given, was.
"What the bloody hell is all this?!" Theon exclaimed in disbelief, looking at a sideways extension of his contract.
Balin heard this and noticed Bilbo had a similar expression, so he answered for him.
"It's just the usual summary of out-of-pocket expenses. Time required. Remuneration. Funeral arrangements and so forth," said Balin, matter-of-factly.
"Funeral arrangements?" asked both Bilbo and Theon. Though Theon's voice had a slightly higher pitch.
While Bilbo, Domeric, Theon, Robb, and Loras went outside the dining room together to read their contracts, Thorin leaned in to whisper to Gandalf.
"I cannot guarantee any of their safety," Thorin told Gandalf.
"Understood," Gandalf replied.
"Nor will I be responsible for their fates," Thorin replied back.
Gandalf took a moment before responding.
"Agreed."
Cutting to Bilbo and the others, the five were listening as Bilbo voiced the summary of terms.
"Terms: Cash on delivery, up to, but not exceeding, 1/25th of total profits, if any…seems fair," Bilbo read out.
The four young men around him were visibly shocked to hear that they each will be getting a share of 1/25th of the gold of Erebor. But sobered rather quickly when Bilbo continued reading the contract.
"Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a consequence thereof including but not limited to lacerations... Evisceration? Incineration?" Bilbo said in disbelief, as all five turned their attention back to the dining room.
"Oh aye. He'll melt the flesh off your bones in a blink of an eye," Bofur elaborated to Bilbo, in a cheerful manner.
In the Dragonpit, the only sound that could be heard was the fire crackling.
"Well that's very helpful, Bofur," Tyrion said in sarcasm, breaking the silence. The Westerosi-halfling was feeling rather sympathetic for Bilbo Baggins.
Catelyn however did not want her son to sign that damn paper.
"Please my son, do not sign that contract," Catelyn prayed, hoping that it would influence Robb not to do it.
Asha was shocked about the list of possible deathly injuries that her brother could face if he signed the contract but saw her father look disgusted.
"He should just wait until they do the deed, then pay the iron price for it," Balon spat in disgust.
"Oh yes. And that worked very well the last time you tried that, Greyjoy," Stannis retorted back to the ironborn.
Balon glared murderously at Stannis but chose to do nothing, recalling Stannis is the same person who crushed his fleet in his failed rebellion.
"I'm shocked Margaery even agreed to all of this," Mace said with worry, after hearing the contract terms that Bilbo read out.
"She most likely did it to repay them for taking her in, father. Besides, if they are successful, it means she will become quite rich from it," said Garlan, hoping to calm him down.
When Olenna and Mace remembered that fact, both mother and son began to feel proud of it.
"Aye, you are right Garlan. And with Loras signing on as well, that means our House will get double the reward," Mace replied cheerfully.
The Martells were also worried for Arianne, but they understood why she was going on this quest, and couldn't help but feel proud of her. Oberyn and his daughters in particular were looking forward to seeing Arianne in action.
Tyrion turned to Lord Stark.
"Seems to me that your bastard has already signed his contract, Lord Stark. For he was not given one like your other son. If your heir does sign it, it means your house will be just as rich as the Tyrells," Tyrion said matter-of-factly.
Only for Lysa to sneer at Tyrion once he mentioned Jon Snow.
"Why would they allow the filthy bastard to sign one? All bastards are nothing but the amalgamation of evil sins!" Lysa said with venom in her voice.
Stannis overheard this and turned towards her, not liking how she insulted Lord Stark's bastard. But her remark about bastards did not just apply to Jon Snow, it also meant that she was insulting his bastard niece and nephew. And Stannis was not about to let this bloated fish get away with insulting his family.
"Does the same apply for my brother's bastards? The King's bastards?" Stannis asked Lysa in a voice as hard as stone.
Lysa looked fearful once again but before she could even turn to Jon Arryn for help, Stannis continued.
"Since you clearly do not possess the ability to learn from your mistakes, Lysa Arryn, then I must show you that there are consequences to your actions," said Stannis, standing up from his chair and proceeding to walk towards Jon Arryn.
Once Stannis was in front of Jon Arryn, he raised his hand towards the Hand of the King for a handshake. An action that worried Lysa, Edmure, and Catelyn.
"Lord Arryn. I will accept your request to foster your son in Dragonstone. Once this is over, I'll ship him, my wife and daughter, to Dragonstone," Stannis said to Jon Arryn, not sparing Lysa the satisfaction of a glance as he returned to his seat.
Melisandre could be seen smirking at Lysa, who was momentarily speechless at what she just heard. Once Lysa regained her train of thought, she began wailing like a madwoman. With Edmure and Brynden actively trying to restrain her.
Her wailing caused Arya and Sansa to look at one another in shock and revulsion.
"How can we be related to her?" Arya asked Sansa, who only shrugged her shoulders in response.
"Don't ask me. Ask mother," Sansa replied.
As soon as Bofur said this, Bilbo started to look dizzy which Balin noticed.
"Are you right, laddie?" Balin asked Bilbo.
"I'm fine. I'm fine," Bilbo weakly said as he bent his knees and began taking short heavy breaths.
"I feel a bit faint," Bilbo continued.
"Think furnace with wings," Bofur added, oblivious to the effects his words have on Bilbo.
"Air. I-i-i need air…" said Bilbo.
Before Gendry could stop Bofur, the oblivious dwarf continued.
"Flash of light. Searing pain. Then poof! You're nothing more than a pile of ash."
Bilbo then stood up straight, with Gandalf looking at him in anticipation.
"Nope," Bilbo finally said, before fainting on the spot.
"Oh, very helpful, Bofur," Gandalf scolded the dwarf.
Loras, realizing he signed it, began to look worried. But he then looked at Margaery and knew they would be in this together. So, Loras put on a strong face and handed his contract over to Balin, who began reading it before seeing the younger Tyrell's signature.
"Very well. Welcome, Loras of House Tyrell. Brother to Lady Margaery of House Tyrell. To the company of Thorin Oakenshield," Balin said aloud.
Loras then sat down next to his sister, who was delighted he was joining the company.
"Imagine the looks on father, mother, grandmother, Willas, and Garlan's faces when we return," said Margaery, sharing a smile with her younger brother.
Robb and Domeric could be seen looking conflicted over their contracts, but once they saw the dwarves and remembered how they lost their home to Smaug, it reminded the Northmen that they were longer in Westeros. That they too, were far away from home.
Taking a deep breath, Robb chose to sign the contract.
"I have signed it. I, Robb of House Stark, soldier of Gondor, have accepted your terms and the conditions of the contract," Robb said to Balin.
As he handed the contract over to Balin, the dwarf looked through it until he found the signature.
"It is settled. Welcome, Robb of House Stark, soldier of Gondor," Balin proudly welcomed him.
Just then, Domeric decided to hand Balin his own contract.
"I, Domeric of House Bolton, knight of Dol Amroth, have accepted your terms. I too shall join the company," stated Domeric.
Once again, Balin had a look through the contract until he found Domeric's signature.
"Aye. Welcome, Domeric of House Bolton, knight of Dol Amroth."
Many in the Dragonpit, especially Tyrion and Sansa, felt pity for Bilbo as they watched him faint. Sansa in particular was happy that Bilbo had decided not to go on such a suicidal quest.
For the Tyrells, seeing Loras hand his signed contract to Balin and joining Thorin and Company shocked them, but Garlan respected his little brother for accepting the quest due to joining for Margaery's sake.
"You are a good man, little brother," Garlan said to himself.
While Catelyn was horrified about Robb signing the contract, Arya, Sansa, and Bran were all excited that Robb was going on such a spectacular adventure.
"Mother, don't you see. When Robb returns with the gold, the North will be rich," Bran said to his mother, in an attempt to raise her spirits.
She looked at her son, not knowing what to say to Bran, without sounding harsh or cold to him. But she knew deep down her son was right.
"That is true Bran. I am just so worried for Robb. I have thought he was gone for years, and I do not want to lose him again," said Catelyn.
Arya however, glared at her mother.
"Before or after you kept blaming Jon and wishing for his death?" Arya asked her mother with anger in her voice. Catelyn at least had the decency to look guilty about her daughter's words.
Sensing a foul aura coming from Tywin, Tyrion turned to Jaime.
"It appears that our father has been insulted. Again," said Tyrion.
The Kingslayer took a quick look at their father, then looked back at Tyrion.
"Oh, aye. Father does look insulted. Since neither of us was sent there, no dwarven treasure for House Lannister," Jaime admitted to his brother.
"As if the last thing we need is even more gold," Tyrion replied.
Robb and Domeric then took their respective seats next to Loras and Arianne, leaving Theon as the last to sign on. Seeing how Robb signed his contract and not wanting to feel left out, he was about to sign his own. Only to notice how Jon and Mya didn't seem to have contracts of their own. An observation that made Theon grin rather arrogantly.
"It seems you and Stone are the odd ones out, Snow," Theon mocked, with an emphasis on Jon's last name.
Theon's mockery was noticed by many in the dining room and had earned the ironborn a number of glares. Especially from Gendry, who felt the insult in Theon's voice towards Jon and his sister.
However, instead of the angered or insulted expressions that Theon was hoping for, Jon and Mya simply looked at each other, then proceeded to look at the ironborn with rather smug smiles. This started to both confuse and worry Theon.
"I personally gave Jon Snow and Mya Stone their contracts days ago when I first met them," Thorin said, shocking Theon.
Before the ironborn could speak, Thorin continued with a mocking tone, similar to Theon's not long ago.
"And they signed theirs without throwing a fit like you, ironborn."
With that last word, many in the dining room began to laugh at Theon's blunder. Humiliated, but not wanting to be excluded, the young Greyjoy signed the contract and abruptly handed it over to Balin.
"Welcome, Theon of House Greyjoy," Balin politely said to him.
Not wanting to put up any further embarrassment, Theon headed to the pantry to get more ale. Finding no ale left to drink, he was about to head back to the dining room. Only to find Robb standing in front of the doorway, looking rather disappointed at Theon.
"After everything he did for us, you still insult my brother for his status?" questioned Robb indignantly.
The ironborn scoffed at Robb's question, trying not to look scared.
"He's only your half-brother, Robb. Didn't your mother always use to say that?" Theon said to Robb.
Greyjoy's words only seemed to annoy Robb even further. While Theon was his best friend, Jon was his brother. Bastard or not. And Robb would not tolerate any more insults toward his brother.
"If it was not for him, you would be dead. Remember that," Robb said to Theon in a cold as ice voice.
Theon tried to not be scared of Robb, but it was clear Robb was right and Theon said nothing as Robb left. But not before Robb gave him a warning.
"And had it not been for Domeric, or me. You would have lost that damn head of yours in Dol Amroth."
Robb then proceeded to leave the pantry, but not before he purposely hit Theon's shoulder with his own.
"Whatever Greyjoy did, he could have lost his damn head. The least he can do is be generous to the friend who covered for him. And he should at least appreciate the sacrifice Jon Snow made to save his ungrateful hide," Tyrion said in anger.
The newly self-titled halfling had grown fond of Jon Snow after hearing what he did for his brother and the Greyjoy heir, only for the latter to act like an ungrateful shit towards Jon, by mocking him for being a bastard. That and his sudden friendship with Bran Stark had caused Tyrion to have a greater liking for the Starks of Winterfell. Either way, Tyrion was going to keep his eyes on the ironborn.
"You are correct, Lord Tyrion. Greyjoy is truly an ungrateful shit," Lyra Mormont said to Tyrion.
Turning to see the middle daughter of Maege Mormont still standing after all this time, Tyrion smiled at the she-bear. Tyrion also noticed how Lyra's mother and the other Northerners were in approval of both their thoughts on Theon Greyjoy.
"Are all ironborn ungrateful to those who save their lives?" Tyrion asked aloud.
As Balon was glaring daggers at the imp, Robert heard the question and agreed with his brother-in-law.
"Oh aye! Damn Greyjoy there wanted me to kill him, but I wanted him to live. Gods seeing him kneel before me in front of his defeated men is still priceless in my eyes," King Robert boasted as he mocked Balon Greyjoy.
Tyrion grinned, knowing that the King also didn't like Theon's attitude towards Jon. As well as towards his bastard daughter, Mya.
"I'm surprised they even let him sign the damn contract," Arya pointed to Tyrion, making him laugh. She was clearly of like-mind to him when it came to Theon's attitude towards Jon.
"I completely agree, Arya Stark," replied Tyrion.
Just as Robb left Theon to sulk in the pantry, Bilbo, having regained consciousness, was sitting in his parlor talking with Gandalf.
"I'll be alright. Just, let me sit quietly for a moment," said Bilbo, clutching a cup of hot tea. His contract was lying right in front of him on a footstool.
"You've been sitting quietly for far too long!" said Gandalf heatedly.
Bilbo's mouth gaped open and was about to speak, before being cut off by Gandalf.
"Tell me? When did doilies, and your mother's dishes become so important to you?" questioned the wizard, looking rather disappointed.
"I remember a young hobbit who was always running off in search of elves in the would stay out late. Come home after dark, trailing mud and twigs… and fireflies. A young hobbit who would have liked nothing better than to know what was beyond the borders of the Shire," he continued, pointing his pipe towards the window. As Gandalf spoke, Bilbo began to look more and more annoyed.
"The world is not in your books and maps. It's out there," finished Gandalf, as Bilbo looked at his window, which seemed to be calling out to him.
"I wonder what happened to Bilbo, that made him become like this?" Bran pondered aloud. From what he heard from Gandalf, Bilbo was once an adventurous young hobbit who would've given anything to go on an adventure.
"His dreams were probably crushed as he got older," said Tyrion bitterly. He could relate to Bilbo in that regard. For almost all of his life, Tyrion had been dragged down and ridiculed by members of his own family. His hopes and dreams, were crushed right in front of him. All of these experiences caused him to become thick-skinned, learning to take his impediment in stride and wear it like armor, so it cannot be used to hurt him.
"That's not fair!" exclaimed Arya. She too didn't like how Bilbo had become the way he was now.
"Life is almost never fair, Arya Stark," Tyrion sadly replied.
Jaime was saddened by his brother's words, knowing full well that they were true.
"I can't just go wandering off into the blue. I am a Baggins… of Bag End," said Bilbo with a bit of hesitation.
"You are also a Took," Gandalf replied. Which only served to further annoy Bilbo.
"Did you know your great-great-great-great uncle Bandoboras "Bull-roarer" Took was so large, that he could ride a real horse?" questioned the wizard, while pointing to a portrait of the said relative.
"Yes-" Bilbo replied.
"Well, he could! At the Battle of Greenfields, he charged the goblin ranks. He swung his club so hard that it knocked the Goblin King's head clean off, and it sailed a hundred yards through the air, and down a rabbit hole. And thus the battle was won. And the game of Golf was invented at the same time," finished Gandalf.
Gandalf's tale of "Bull-roarer" Took left several in the Dragonpit amazed. Who knew that a hobbit could achieve such a noteworthy victory in battle.
"You know Robert. This "Bull-roarer" Took fellow sounds a lot like you," Renly commented. To which Stannis agreed.
"Aye. If I was a hobbit!" said Robert merrily. Having heard Gandalf's tale, Robert could draw parallels between the Took and himself.
"Haha! Imagine it, Ned! Me charging through the Targaryen ranks, knocking Rhaegar's head clean off, and having it sail right into a rabbit hole," said Robert, imitating what his swing would have been like.
"Oh aye. That doesn't sound too far-fetched for you, your Grace," Ned replied. Which only caused his old friend to laugh.
"I do believe you've made that up," quipped Bilbo.
"Well, all good tales deserve embellishment," said Gandalf as he took a seat across from Bilbo.
"You'll have a tale or two of your own to tell when you come back."
Bilbo let out a slight chuckle, before turning to face Gandalf.
"Can you promise that I will come back?" Bilbo asked hesitantly.
To which Gandalf answered earnestly, "No. And if you do… you will not be the same."
Bilbo looked thoughtfully for a moment before replying.
"That's what I thought. I'm sorry, Gandalf, I can't sign this," Bilbo said sadly, as he rose from his armchair.
"You've got the wrong hobbit," said Bilbo, bidding the old wizard farewell. Leaving a disappointed Gandalf alone with his thoughts.
"At least, Gandalf was honest with Bilbo," said Tyrion. Like the wizard, he too was disappointed that Bilbo had still refused to join in on the quest. But at least Tyrion could respect the hobbit's decision to stay safe from harm.
While Sansa was still against Bilbo joining the company, she could help but feel a little saddened for him turning down an adventure. Don't get her wrong, Sansa wanted nothing more than for the kind hobbit to remain out of harm's way. But at the same time, she didn't want Bilbo to give up on his childhood dream.
Nearby, Talla Tarly shared the same thoughts as Sansa, but due to her stern and hard-headed father being nearby, she kept her thoughts to herself.
As Bilbo made his way back to his bedroom, Balin and Thorin could be seen occupying a shaded corner of Bag End. Both dwarves were watching the hobbit refuse the offer to join.
"It appears we have lost our burglar," said Balin matter-of-factly.
"Probably for the best. The odds were always against us. After all, what are we? Merchants, miners, tinkerers, toy-makers. Hardly the stuff of legend."
"There are a few warriors amongst us," said Thorin with a small smile.
"Old warriors," Balin replied.
"I would take each and every one of these dwarves over an army from the Iron Hills. For when I called upon them, they answered. Loyalty, honor, a willing heart. I can ask no more than that," said Thorin. His voice was low yet full of raw emotion.
Balin then stood up, with a deeply worried look on his face.
"You don't have to do this. You have a choice. You have done honorably by our people," said Balin, before continuing on.
"You have built a new life for us in the Blue Mountains. A life of peace and plenty. A life that is worth more than all the gold in Erebor."
"From my grandfather to my father, this has come to me," said Thorin holding up the key.
"They dreamt of the day the dwarves of Erebor would reclaim their homeland. There is no choice, Balin. Not for me," Thorin finished with an air of finality.
Balin could only look on with concern, before conceding with a nod.
"Then we are with you, laddie. We will see it done," Balin said solemnly, as he tapped Thorin's arm.
While Balin and Thorin were having their discussion, many of the lords and ladies couldn't help but feel growing respect for Thorin Oakenshield. From what they could gather, after losing everything to the dragon, Thorin led his people to these 'Blue Mountains' to build a new life for themselves. One that was both peaceful and plentiful, and was worth more than a mountain full of gold. And yet Thorin was still willing to go on a quest that would most certainly lead to death.
For Tywin Lannister, Thorin's words regarding how his father and grandfather dreamt of how the dwarves of Erebor would one day reclaim their homeland had hit rather close to his own heart. His own father had nearly brought their house to ruin, and it was up to Tywin and his brothers to restore House Lannister's standing and prestige. For wanting to restore the honor and prestige of his house and his people, Thorin Oakenshield had earned the respect of Tywin Lannister.
For the Northerners, they saw Thorin as trying to honor his family's wishes and reclaim his home. They were already moved by how the dwarf valued loyalty and honor over strength in numbers. And the loyalty displayed by Balin showed them how honorable Thorin Oakenshield must be. There was no doubt in their minds that Thorin would feel right at home in the North.
The flames then move back to Theon Greyjoy.
As Theon finally left the pantry, he could see that everyone had begun to converse with each other in small groups. Jon and Robb could be seen talking to Loras and Margaery, whilst Sam was talking to Ori. Gendry, Mya, and Bofur were talking about something, and Daenerys and Arianne were talking to Fili and Kili.
Gandalf, having just finished talking to Bilbo, noticed Theon's inner turmoil and moved toward him.
"You must not hold ill thoughts towards Jon Snow, Theon Greyjoy. Young Robb is just delighted to know his brother has returned to him after all these years," Gandalf tried to assure Theon, like a grandfather talking to his grandson.
However, Theon looked conflicted, as tears began streaming from his eyes.
"I see Robb as more of a brother to me than my long-dead brothers...but Jon...he's just a reminder…" Theon struggled to say to Gandalf.
Gandalf placed his hand on Theon's shoulder, but the ironborn didn't seem to stop him; it was like Theon didn't want to be alone.
"And what is that reminder, young Theon?" Gandalf asked gently.
"A reminder of him being Robb's brother through blood...even if they only share a father...it's still blood," Theon tearfully answered.
Gandalf could tell Theon had never been this honest before, but he remained silent and let the young Greyjoy continue.
"My father was a fool, Gandalf. He rebelled against a King who crushed our house with ease. He foolishly thought he could win against the crown and secure our independence, but we were outnumbered ten to one, and we lost spectacularly. My two older brothers, who were always cruel to me, were killed because of it, and my father only knelt after he was left with no other choice. Then he gave me up as if I meant nothing to him, and I got sent to Winterfell, the home of the people who attacked my home, where I was a hostage. If my father tried to rebel again, Lord Stark would be forced to execute me," Theon sadly explained to Gandalf.
The wizard could see the pain in Theon's eyes, hear the shameful sorrow in his voice, and felt pity for the young man.
"Robb was the only one to have treated me with kindness...Jon tried...but I was too angry and jealous of his blood ties to Robb...and I took it out on him. I hated how he was better than me with a sword. How he was better in our studies under Maester Luwin. I always remember how Lord Stark would look at Jon, every time he was told how well Jon was doing. I think the only reason I hated Jon Snow is…is because he has the love and approval of Lord Stark, a man who only had me in his care for less than a year and was more of a father to me than my own," Theon sadly said to Gandalf.
Gandalf patted Theon's back as he cried, the wizard then let out a sigh as he let Theon continue.
"Even when we were found by the Gondor scouts, I never appreciated what he did for me and Robb. When we lived in Minas Tirith, a city that puts Winterfell and Pyke to shame in its beauty and glory, I still felt like an outsider. I saw how people looked at me when I tried to act like a 'proper' ironborn and how I was shunned for it. Lord Ecthelion would do his best to make an honest man out of me, though I was a poor student. It took Lord Ecthelion's good word to convince the Ithilien Rangers to reluctantly accept me, as they feared I would give away their secret locations, and I am nowhere close to being as good of a soldier as Robb. I'm good with a bow and that's about it to them," Theon openly admitted.
The wizard had a look of sadness on his face, feeling pity for the young man beside him.
"I do not know your pain, young Theon, nor do I ever wish for one to suffer as you have," Gandalf sincerely said to him, like a grandfather comforting his grandchild.
"You have been through a lot in your young life, that is true, but it gives you no right to be hard on the young man that is Jon Snow. Who did nothing entirely wrong to you," Gandalf said both kindly and a bit harshly.
Theon noticed this but knew Gandalf wasn't done talking.
"True, this Lord Stark is his father, and young Robb is his brother, but have you ever thought of why he strives so hard when compared to you and Robb?" Gandalf gently asked Theon.
While the ironborn was confused at Gandalf's words, he did shake his head slowly.
"Not really?" Theon admitted.
"It's because of this 'status' he has. It is clear how you say his surname as an insult to him and how you treat him as if he is beneath you. Jon Snow strives hard to prove to the world that he is more than what you call a 'bastard,' young Theon," Gandalf answered.
The ironborn knew Gandalf wasn't done talking and allowed him to continue.
"While you and his brother have a name, he does not. While you had Robb with you in Minas Tirith, he was all but alone and nearly died to save both yourself and his brother from the orcs. It is time to let go of petty feuds and rivalries, young Theon. Become something greater than your father and his fathers before him," Gandalf said to him.
"What is that supposed to be?" Theon nervously asked the wizard. Who only gives the young man a pat on the back and a warm smile.
"A good man," said Gandalf.
Theon looked at Gandalf with sadness in his eyes.
"How am I supposed to do that?" Theon nervously asked the wizard.
Gandalf gave him a friendly smile.
"Middle-earth is a chance for you, Theon, to become something greater than just a third-born son, who was cast aside by his cold-hearted father. A father who does not see greatness in you. This quest could lead you on your path of redemption, young Theon, for it is not too late to do as such. You can still make amends with Jon Snow. He will forgive you, for your friendship with Robb will allow him as such, but you must do the same for him," Gandalf assured Theon.
It was clear that Gandalf's words hit Theon hard and the young man let out his tears as he put his head on the wizard's shoulders.
"Thank you, Gandalf," Theon said to him.
"For what, young Theon?" The wizard asked Theon.
"For not giving up on me, when most do," Theon sadly admitted.
Gandalf is touched by the young man's words, the wizard only knew him for a little over a month and yet he could tell the young man needed this talk.
"You are welcome, young Theon. It is time to let go of the past and forgive yourself," Gandalf said one last time.
As the two sat there in the living room, with Gandalf staring into the flames as Theon slowly processed the words of wisdom Gandalf said to him and it is clear the young man is touched by the words of the wizard.
Theon looked from afar and saw how happy Robb was for Jon to be back, for the first time in years, Theon felt no ill towards Jon Snow.
"Thank you, Gandalf," He said one last time before he closed his eyes and went to turn in for the night.
Asha was in tears upon hearing her brother confessing his innermost feelings to Gandalf, an old man he barely knew. Was Theon that insecure about himself in Middle-earth? From what the only daughter of Balon Greyjoy could tell Middle-earth is like a blending of the North and the southern kingdoms. They respected honor and those who kept to their oaths and promises. As an ironborn, Theon represented what the people of Middle-earth despised.
Asha didn't need to be a wizard to see her brother was struggling to find his place in Middle-earth, never forgetting how heartbroken their mother was when he was taken away from them and shipped to the North under Lord Eddard Stark. And while she may not see eye to eye with the Northerners, Asha would let the North and the Starks be, out of consideration for how much Robb Stark meant to her brother. For it is sadly true of what Theon said, Lord Stark was more of a father to him than their own, and he is better off away from the Iron Islands. In a way, Asha was jealous of her brother.
All she could hope for was that her brother would truly understand what the wizard meant in his words and become a better man than herself, their father, and all their ancestors before them; she knew Theon will never be welcomed back into the Iron Islands after this. Though her brother had practically disowned their ways, in the end, Theon was still her brother and she would support him.
"Be a better man, little brother," Asha said softly to herself.
Balon however spat at the wizard's words.
"Bah! Always knew he would be a disappointment. The little shit has too much of your mother in him. She was always too soft on him. Look at him now, crying like a salt wife," Balon said with disdain.
As Balon finished his rant, Asha without thinking did something she never thought she would do.
She hit her father hard in his face. So hard that it knocked him right off his chair, prompting everyone to look at the scene with intrigue.
For Asha, seeing her father sprawled on the floor while looking at her in bewilderment nearly made her smile.
"The only disappointment I see is you, father," Asha growled.
Leaving Balon to stare at her from the floor, Asha turned to face Ned Stark, fighting to reign in the tears still streaming down her face.
"Thank you, Lord Stark, for being a better father to my brother than my own. You didn't have to, but you did so anyway. I owe you that much," Asha said earnestly.
"You are most welcome, though I did not do much for him in his short time in Winterfell," Ned told her, making her roll her eyes.
"It still left a bloody damn impact on my brother. And that's enough for me," Yara said.
The flames then show Jon talking to Loras.
"I met King Fengel once, a year ago in Edoras. Despite the rumors about him, he is a good man," Jon said.
"That he is. I owe my life. He took me in and raised me as his foster child. I have learned so much from the Rohirrim. The ways of honor, nobility, courage and independence. They have allowed me to see life far differently than had I not left Highgarden," Loras sadly said.
Jon knew Loras meant every word and smiled at his honesty.
"The Rohirrim are some of the finest horsemen in all Middle-earth. Their skill in numbers on horse-back is the stuff of legends."
Hearing this made Loras smile at Jon's compliment about the Rohirrim.
"When we finish this quest, I plan on showing Margaery Edoras, Helm's Deep, and all of Rohan. It is just so beautiful," Loras told Jon, who let out a simple nod in agreement.
"That it is," Jon admitted truthfully.
While they continued talking about Rohan, Robb could be seen talking to Daenerys, Margaery, Fili, and Kili.
Daenerys is telling them her story of how she came to Middle-Earth.
"After we were kicked out of our place in Tyrosh, Viserys and I wandered the city until we stopped at a fountain. We were both so thirsty, that we began to drink the water. All of a sudden, a bright light came from the water, and the next thing we knew, we were sitting on the bank of a river just east of the Blue Mountains." said Daenerys.
Robb and the two dwarf brothers were paying avid attention to her tale, while Margaery, having already heard the story, was leaning to the side of the wall.
"Shortly after our arrival, we were attacked by a pack of orcs. Viserys told me to run and not look back. He then led the orcs away from me, and I ran as fast as my little feet could take me. My brother, flawed as he was, died so I could live," Daenerys finished with much sadness.
Robb instantly felt sympathy for Daenerys, having almost lost his own brother. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he reopened them and faced her.
"I'm truly sorry that you lost your brother Daenerys," Robb said sincerely to Daenerys, who smiled in return.
"That is very kind of you to say, Robb. After merely two days on the run, Balin and Dwalin found me. After telling them my story, Balin took pity on me and took me in. Since then, he has become the closest thing I ever had to a father," she said in remembrance.
At that moment, hearing of her tragic arrival in Middle-earth, Ser Barristan felt deeply sorry for Daenerys Targaryen. She was the last member of her house, knowing what became of what once was the greatest dynasty in Westeros.
It broke Ser Barristan's heart, knowing that the princess was alone in that far away land. While he wished he could be there for Daenerys, he owed plenty to the dwarf Balin, the good and kind dwarf who took her in and raised her to be a strong young woman. Ser Barristan saw a bit of the long-dead Queen Rhaella in her, with no signs of her father's madness within her.
Turning to the side, he saw the sadness within Jaime's eyes. Jaime too had witnessed Rhaella's abusive treatment by Aerys, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard knew Jaime saw Rhaella in Daenerys as well.
Her stance, her eyes, and her smile.
Oh, she had her mother's smile.
The flames cut to Robb, who is finishing a story to the others, of his time in Winterfell.
"Next thing I know, Jon had bested me. Theon tried to charge at him, but Jon saw through his attack and made him yield. I learned that day, that if I don't keep it up, my little brother will give me a challenge in swordplay," Robb finished his story.
Daenerys, Fíli, and Kíli were laughing at the story, it was not until Kíli had a curious look at him.
"You say you are brothers and yet he goes by Snow and you go by Stark?" Kíli asked.
Margaery had a disapproving look towards Kíli, but Robb brushed it off.
"We are brothers, that is true, but we only share a father," Robb answered.
This only served to confuse the two dwarves, then each sported a look of indignation.
"Your father dishonored your mother?" Kíli asked.
Robb shook his head, though the dwarf was not entirely wrong.
"My mother was meant to wed my father's older brother Brandon, but he and my grandfather Rickard were slain by Aerys Targaryen or best remembered as the Mad King. My grandfather Hoster Tully would only aid the rebels unless the marriage agreements continued, which meant my father was forced to take his dead brother's place and Jon Arryn, a man older than Hoster Tully. Was forced to wed my aunt Lysa in his dead nephew's place to secure his army, it was something that my father always hated about my grandfather," Robb says truthfully, recalling the time he asked his father.
Fíli and Kíli were horrified at the words.
"Your grandfather sold his daughters for an army to your father and an old Lord? That is truly evil, no wonder your father hates him," Kíli said truthfully.
While Robb laughed at the dwarf's words, Margaery and Daenerys looked worried but they knew Robb had a somewhat right to resent his grandfather.
"All we know is that my father bedded a woman during the Rebellion and my brother Jon was born near the end of the War. My father told me and Jon, that I am four months older," Robb says to them.
Fíli and Kíli were shocked by the small age gap between them, but it didn't stop Fíli from speaking his mind.
"She must be a rare woman, to make your father forget his honor," Fíli said to Robb.
Though Robb did not laugh at Fíli's comment which led to Margaery kicking Fíli's leg because of it.
"That's the thing Fíli, no one knows who Jon's mother is. The only person who knows is my father, and he would never speak of her. My mother once asked him, but he warned her to never ask him again. My mother has always hated Jon, as he was a reminder of my father being unfaithful to her.
I remember she once told me, that Jon is my enemy, how he plans to kill me and steal my birthright as my father's heir.
After she said that to me, I was scared and went and told my father. Jon is my brother and she kept trying to convince me he was my enemy and is a product of sins and lies," Robb said to Fíli.
The young man took a deep breath before he continued.
"I remember hearing my father yell at her. I had never heard him raise his voice before, and it scared me at first. Then I heard him condemn my mother to be as evil as Aerys Targaryen. The same man who burned my grandfather alive while he made my uncle Brandon strangle himself to reach a sword, beyond his reach," Robb sadly told Fíli.
Daenerys, Margaery, Fíli, and Kíli felt terrible once Robb told them this, it was clear Robb was always stuck between his parents or at times, his mother and Jon, it had taken a toll on him mentally from how he spoke of it.
Thorin, having overheard Robb's story, walked over to the group to voice his thoughts on the matter.
"No child should be punished for the sins of their parents," Thorin said to Robb in a tone that meant he knew from experience.
Thorin's look meant he was listening to the entire conversation, giving a somewhat disappointed look towards Fíli and Kíli with their question.
"I have known your brother for a short while, Robb Stark, and he is a good man. Perhaps one of the most honorable men I have met and one of the most stubborn as well. Your father will be proud of the young men you both have become," Thorin said to Robb, before leaving to go to the fireplace.
As the conversation ended, Ned felt both happy and sad for both Robb and Jon. The former had such a strong brotherly love for the latter and both appeared to have grown up so fast. Jon moreso than Robb.
While Ned was a little too deep into his thoughts, Brynden Tully couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment towards his niece, Catelyn. He could not believe that she tried to manipulate Robb to hate Jon as children.
"How would your mother feel about what I have just heard Catelyn?" asked the Blackfish, demanding his niece to answer him.
True, Jon Snow was an insult to his niece, but at the same time, Brynden respected Ned for admitting his mistake and raising his bastard in Winterfell. Not many Lords would do that.
"She would be disappointed in me," Catelyn sadly answered.
"I thought so. Your mother and father raised you to be better than that Cat. As a knight and an uncle, it breaks my heart to hear my niece can be so cruel to a child and try to manipulate her own son to resent said child. A base-born half-brother who did not ask to be born. If there is anyone you should have been mad at, it should have been your husband. Instead, you took your anger out on a motherless child, whose only crime was being born a bastard," stated Brynden scornfully.
As all three of the Tully siblings felt the disappointment in their uncle's voice, Catelyn was in tears upon hearing his words.
"It is one of my greatest mistakes, uncle. And now my family suffers because of it. Everything that has happened… is all because I broke my promise to love a motherless child...because I was jealous of his mother," Catelyn tearfully admitted.
Upon hearing their mother's confession, Sansa and Arya displayed hurtful expressions on their faces. While Bran, who always knew the distance between their parents, having spent most of his life being the heir of Winterfell, closed his eyes and lowered his head.
A moment later, Catelyn stopped crying, finally turning to Ned, her eyes were red from tears and she looked at him sadly.
"Ned, who is his mother?" She asked her husband.
Ned Stark took a deep breath, guilt weighing down on his conscience. While he would like nothing more than to be truthful to Cat, he had made a promise to Lyanna and he is going to keep it.
"Cat, his mother is dead, that's all you need to know. I do not like thinking of her, for it's nothing more than a reminder of what he lost that day," Ned answers Catelyn in a stern tone.
Jaime grinned at this, seeing Lord Stark get angry over the mother of his bastard, though Tyrion saw this and shook his head.
"For once, Jaime, keep that mouth of yours shut," whispered Tyrion as he grabbed a hold of Jaime's cloak.
Jaime ignored his brother, he was a lion, and lions don't compare themselves to sheep, let alone wolves.
"She truly must have been a special whore, Lord Stark. Shame that I couldn't have had a taste of her," Jaime said mockingly.
Only to regret those words when Lord Stark turned to his attention. Jaime could recognize the look in Stark's eyes, for it was the same look he would give to Robert every time he dishonored his sister.
"His mother was no whore, Ser Jaime. And I will not have anyone slander her memory. So, I suggest you keep out of my personal life," Lord Stark firmly said, never breaking eye contact as he sat down.
"Afraid of turning your back Lord Stark?" Jaime scoffed.
"Considering your greatest feat is stabbing a man in the back, Ser Jaime, I will take my chances. Since stabbing those in the back is your specialty," Lord Stark told him in a harsh tone.
Jaime was completely caught off guard by the comment. While he could hear Renly laughing from afar at Lord Stark's comment, he didn't have enough time to say anything before Lord Stark spoke his mind yet again.
"You stabbed Aerys Targaryen, the king you swore an oath to defend, in the back. And as you sat on the iron throne in your arrogance you allowed Amory Lorch to stab Princess Rhaenys Targaryen half a hundred times, a mere girl no older than four years old," continued Lord Stark, his voice cold as ice.
Jaime had never seen Lord Stark this angry before, and honestly, it was beginning to scare him. And being reminded of one of the greatest failures of his life was not helping Jaime mentally or emotionally.
"Did your oaths truly mean nothing to you, when you allowed Gregor Clegane to bash Prince Aegon's head against the wall, before turning his eyes onto Princess Elia, whom he raped with the blood of her dead son still on his hands, before he split her two with his sword?"
By then, Jaime's eyes were shaking with the memories of seeing their dead bodies wrapped in his father's crimson banners. Knowing full well it was his father's sick way of getting the last laugh on Aerys Targaryen.
"Were they not yours to protect as well, Ser Jaime? Or did your oaths as a Kingsguard truly mean nothing to you? You, who are both a knight and a fool," the Northern lord finished.
Before he finally sat down, Jaime could not believe what Lord Stark had just said to him. Yes, it was insulting, but in the end, Jaime couldn't help but admit that Ned Stark was right.
He was a fool to think his father would spare Elia and her children. His arrogance cost them their lives, his arrogance led him to fail Rhaegar.
As he sat down in his seat, Jaime lowered his head to hide the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes.
With Bilbo calling it a night minutes ago, the remainder of the party gathered around the fireplace. As they began to congregate, the dwarves hummed a somber tune.
After all 13 dwarves had finished humming, Thorin began to sing and was soon joined by the rest of his kin. And as they sang, every human, wizard, and hobbit listened.
"Far over the misty mountains cold,
To dungeons deep and caverns old,
We must away, ere break of day,
To find our long-forgotten gold.
The pines were roaring on the height,
The winds were moaning in the night,
The fire was red, it flaming spread,
The trees like torches blazed with light…"
Finally! Sorry for the wait fellas. While I said that I would try to update this story once a month, I have a lot of things going on with my life. And this fanfic is considered a hobby, so I can't focus on it all the time.
Hopefully, the next chapter will be completed at least a month from now. And don't worry, there will be some significant changes to the storyline.
Thank you all!