Blue swords|| Legolas

08

"Do hobbits usually take this long?" Fili asked. They were milling around a small alcove hidden between several boulders. It was positioned under a wooded hill and safely out of the way of the main roads and paths. It was mostly out of sight and provided the group excellent cover while they waited. Bilbo has been sent out to scout the area as he was more light footed than them.

Luin hummed in reply as Fili dropped down next to him. The blonde dwarf watched as Luin rubbed down the strings of his guqin with a clean handkerchief. The dark haired man was sat crosse legged on a large stone, instrument lying across his legs. Kili seated himself on Luin's right and joined his brother in watching the soothing activity.

"Do you know any songs on that not meant for, you know, killing orcs?" Kili asked curiously. Luin laughed and lovingly stroked the strings with his fingertips.

"Of course", he said. "A instrument was never created to be a weapon. Just because I can use it as such does not mean that I cannot neglect it's original purpose".

"Will you play us something then?" Kili asked eagerly. Luin hesitated for a moment, slightly nervous. He rarely played for an audience. Mostly just playing by himself and for himself.. it was his father's instrument and playing it for others always felt like too much sometimes. Gandalf smiled at him from across the clearing as Luin glanced at him ainxiously. The grey wizard was reclined on a comfy looking mossy stump.

"Go on lad", Balin voiced from where he was sat with Dori and Gloin. "Give us some music".

"Nothing too loud", Thorin muttered. He was still mr mcgrumpypants regardless of the touching moment they'd had a few days ago. Although, his grumpy demeanour was becoming the usual now. No one took it personally anymore.

Luin nodded and tucked his handkerchief deep into his robes. He steadied his hands on the strings in a position reassuringly familiar. The melody he played was deep and soothing. One hand plucked the strings while his left traveled up and down the strings, changing the tone of the vibration. The calluses on his hands well used to the task.

The melody poured over his fingers, not too fast, but not too slow. It carried a deeply calming and clear quality that was muffled by the surrounding trees. Only them, in their little bubble could hear it. One by one, the dwarves all closed their eyes to fully absorb the music. Luin watched as song drifted around, winding and disappearing into the air.

When the final note ebbed away, everyone blinked as if waking up from and dream. "Beautiful", Kili muttered. "Like a orchestra of elves on instruments of gold". Luin coughed at the praise and turned away as his face burned.

"Truly lovely Luin", Gandalf commented with a smile as he packed his guqin back in his case.

"Thank you", Luin answered. "My father taught me that song". He tucked the instrument gently into the case, sealing the lid with a click of the hinges. Just as Luin was swinging it onto his back, Bilbo came jogging between the rocks.

"How close is the pack?" Thorin asked. The white orc and his pack had been pursing them since the cliff escape.

"Too close", Bilbo panted as he came to a stop next to Thorin. Everyone crowded around hurriedly. Luin pushed himself to his feet and walked over. "A couple of leagues if not more. But that's not all"-

"Did they pick up our scent?" One of the dwarves asked. Luin did not see which.

"No, I don't think so. But we have another problem".

"Did they see you?"

"No but"-

"What did I tell you about being as quiet as a mouse", Gandalf chuckled proudly. The dwarves broke into excited boasting over how good their Hobbit was. Luin could see Bilbo growing increasingly frustrated as he tried to speak over the noise. Luin stayed silent, waiting for the chatter to die down.