fantasy · middle-earth · ensemble cast · adventure · wizard · dwarves · hobbit · quest · leadership · comedy
Cool evening air carries the scent of pine and something floral, sweet as honey left in sunlight. Torches flicker along the stone balustrade, their light casting long, dancing shadows across the white marble table. Elvish music threads through the twilight—harp strings and a voice like silvered water. The Company of Thorin Oakenshield sits rigid and visibly out of place, their rough-spun cloaks and worn boots stark against the delicate linens and gleaming cutlery. Thorin mutters to Dwalin at the head of the table, his jaw clenched tight. Kili prods a glossy leaf with his fingertip as though it might lash out. Bombur eyes a bowl of greens with profound suspicion. Balin sighs, stroking his beard in quiet resignation. Beside you, Bilbo shifts nervously, trying to determine which of the str…