That's Another Story For Later

Coward?

"The lass still is hurt." Balin said finally. "She couldn't even face us for a meal."

"She's going to be hungry." Bilbo chimed in. I shook my head, and continued my way to my willow tree. I swung up into it, my leg scarring nicely. It didn't hurt. I watched the boughs sway in the breeze. Immediately, my mind calmed, and I regretted how I acted. That was so cowardly. I couldn't have gotten lunch and left. But was to overwhelmed with dread and sadness, I ran. I cursed myself at my cowardice.

My stomach growled, and I cursed myself again. I started to sing a small song to take my mind from it. "Run, run, run away. Buy yourself another day. A cold wind's whispering secrets in your ear, so low only you can hear. Run, run, run and hide; somewhere no one else can find. Tall trees bend and lean pointing where to go, where you will still be all alone. Don't you fret, my dear, it'll all be over soon. I'll be waiting here for you.

"Run fast as you can. No one has to understand. Fly high across the sky from here to kingdom come. Fall back down to where you're from. Don't you fret, my dear, it'll all be over soon I'll be waiting here for you for you, for you. Don't you fret, my dear. It'll all be over soon. I'll be waiting here. Don't you fret, my dear. It'll be over soon. I'll be waiting here for you for you, For you. run, run, run away. run, run, run away." My nerves calmed after finishing the song.

"Miss Iridian?" A voice called in surprise. I looked down and saw the little Hobbit, holding two plates of food. One was full, the other partially eaten.

"Bilbo? Whatever are you doing here?" I reached down for the food, placing them in a secure spot before helping Bilbo up into the tree. He sat down across from me, and I handed him the plate with half eaten food on it.

"I figured you were hungry. Fili told me in private where you might be. I heard you singing and followed you here. You have a lovely voice, and quite a beautiful hiding spot." He said kindly. I started to eat the food, gratefulness shining in my eyes.

"Thank you very much, Bilbo. I must thank Fili as well." We continued to eat in silence. Despite the fact we were not speaking, it felt nice knowing there was someone eating with me today.

"Why have you been avoiding us?" Bilbo said suddenly. I paused from my meal. I looked into his eyes.

"It's not all of you. I'm only avoiding Kili. But because he's around all of you, I inadvertently avoid all of you. I apologize for that."

"Isn't it lonely? Being without the dwarves?" I paused once again before answering.

"It is lonely, but I have Fili keeping me company. He's been walking with me while we've been here. I mean I do miss being around all of them, but I cannot really face Kili."

"I understand." Bilbo said. "Don't you eat breakfast alone?" I nodded, not telling him I usually didn't. I set down my empty plate. "Would you like some company during lunch? I can only assume Fili eats with you during dinner being as he's absent. I'd be willing to eat with you here. The silence would be nice once a day." I smiled at Bilbo.

"That would be lovely. Thank you for the offer." He nodded at me, a polite smile on his lips.

"I must be going now. Shall I send Fili?" I took the plate, helping Bilbo down, clambering down after with the plates. I shook my head.

"No. I want to go and garden with the elves. Tell him I'll be waiting for him at dinner." I said, handing him the plates. He nods, and begins to walk away. "Bilbo?" I called. He turned around. "Thank you again, for lunch." He smiled, called an answer, and walked away.

I turned the other way and started to the gardens, and was greeted by elves. They all knew me fairly well over these days, and smiled as I worked alongside them. For hours a pulled weeds and cared for the plants, a serene feeling washing over me. "Don't water yourself in gird seed. Don't cover yourself in thistle and weed. Rain down, rain down on me." I hummed as I gardened. They started walking away, it being dinner time. I said goodbye, and thank you, before heading to the willow tree.