Chapter Text
In a drab mining town west of the Misty Mountains, in a small rented room that was the most recent home of the Ri brothers, a regular and frequent argument was taking place. The elder brother having once again gone down to the cells to bale his younger brother out, using coin that they could ill afford to waste.
"You can't keep doing this, Nori!"
Who just snorted and looked away from his glaring brother who sat on the other side of the small cheap table, the youngest brother also sitting at the table, nervously chewing on his dirt covered fingers as he watched. The two elder brothers wore their beards in the same three blunt styled braids with the rest of their long hair in the family's traditional braids, with a long main braid down the back, though Dori wore his laying lose and back, while Nori wore his proudly teased up into their distinct three peaks, which always reminded young Ori a bit of a roster.
The tension continued to rise as they argue into the night, grumbling and snapping at each other before breaking like a clap of thunder.
"Its gold, who cares where it came from!?"
"Its not honest is why!"
"All you ever do is sit there and judge! Turning up your nose at what I bring!"
"Damn you! You know were grateful for whatever you bring home!" Dori snarled in utter frustration, slamming a fist on the cheap table that made Ori startle before rounding it like a storm front. Nori bearing his teeth as he shot to his own feet, chair screeching against the wooden floor, visibly bristling as he stood his ground, the two soon standing but inches apart.
"And what when your luck runs out!?" Dori demanded, pale eyes blazing with anger and a a real fear. "Have you seen what happens to the thieves that try their luck one to many times? What happens to them in the cities of Men? Have you?!"
"Thats why I don't get caught! Well not by Men anyways... Those fools are easy to slip and even if they could, their worst prisons are pathetically constructed. They can't hold me."
"Listent to yourself! Pride comes before the axe falls."
"Not this again."
"Need I remind you of what happened to Ednor? Everyone said he was the best, could lift anything and vanish. Ednor Spirit Fingers-"
"Mahal! Do not bring up that sloppy fool again!" Nori groaned with an exasperated roll of his eyes as he turned away, heading for the door- only to have his arm grabbed and yanked back around.
"I swear Nori! Do not-! Do not make me and Ori one day have to come collect your broken and cut up body from the mud like Ednor made his sisters!" his elder brother hissed behind clenched teeth, giving him a shake.
Nori yanked his arm away, lips curled into a angry sneer, but the look on his brother's flushed face made him swallow his sharp reply.
"Why can't you just get some honest work and just be a decent person!?" his brother huffed before pinching the bridge of his nose, other hand on his hip.
"Oh yes? And how well has honest and decent work been working for us?" Nori demanded. Doing a slow spin, hands up to indicate the interior of their meager home, which was for all intense and purposes a shack with a sarcastic look of false wonder, making his shorter brother grumble, unable to say anything to deny it.
Early the next morning Dori was not surprised to find the spot where Nori had slept now empty.
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Dori was not a miner or laborer by any stretch of the imagination, none of his family was, but his knitting and sewing skills, which while kept little Ori practically drowning in warm clothes, did not bring in enough money at market. And while his flirting, good looks and matronly hips might help bale out his troublesome brother from the clutches of the authorities occasionally and plenty of free drinks at the taverns, it didn't pay good coin. So he had been forced to fall back on his inherited strength and do much more menial and back-breaking work, like shoveling rocks and pushing heavy coal bins up the mine shafts.
That days' shift was over so their was a flood of Dwarves and Men making their way back up the dark tunnels to the bright main entrance which opened up on the east side of the small town, mountains to be seen in the distance. This being one of many smaller towns and villages scattered near and around Ered Luin, the various mine owners of the area greatly benefiting from the influx of Dwarven labor since the Exiled King had settled in the Blue Mountains.
The dark haired Dwarf called Bofur walked with him, having been on the same shift, his trusty mattock over his shoulder as he bounced his money purse in one grubby palm, he and the other mine workers having just gotten their overdue pay. "Still can't be believing' how much that old codger cut our pay again!" he sighed, even the normally cheerful miner unable to see the bright side of their meager wages.
Dori nodding his complete agreement as he wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of an arm, it was another cut he could ill afford a he returned the shovel he had been using that day, tossing it onto the massive pile of borrowed tools like many of the other workers. Only the real miners like Bofur owned their tools, which was about half of the Dwarves working here, when the mine eventually dried up they would simply pick up and move to the next.
Dori meanwhile had paused to clean the dust and soot from his face and hands as best he could with an old rag, like everyone else his clothes and hair just as dirty, which only made him fuss more, slapping disgustedly at his clothes, causing little clouds of dust. He hated being dirty even though he found himself hardly ever clean of late, taking perhaps more pride then he should in his appearance, Bofur meanwhile didn't seem to mind, no doubt long used to it since most of his family where miners by trade.
"Hey, Dori! Don't be lookin' now, but tha' big fellow over there has been makin' eyes at you all day," Bofur teased with a smirk, motioning with his naked chin to someone across the way. Dori turned his head to follow his gaze to where a large dark haired Dwarf was standing across the way apparently picking his nose, pausing his excavation to give him a flirty smirk when he noticed him watching, making Dori roll his eyes, clearly unimpressed with what he saw.
"He can look all he likes, but thats it." Looking pointedly away with a dainty sniff, while Bofur chuckle as he shook some dirt off his floppy hat before shoving it back on his head.
"Can't blame a Dwarf for lookin!"
Getting their things they left, both heading home, the air around them filled with shouted comments, insults and farewells as the various workers trickled back into the town.
"Oh! Here, before I forget," Bofur suddenly said, pausing to root around in his carry bag before pulling out and handing Dori brown wrapped parcel. "Here, Bombur made too many almond scones for Master Londron's wedding party. But he put acorns in 'em and the new wife is not partial to 'em- so she let Bomber keep em all! We've been eatin' em for days now, I think even Bombur's gettin' tired of em."
"Oh, how wonderful!" Gladly excepting them with a bright smile, truly touched.
"Hope the little sprog likes 'em, and there's plenty enough for even a spot of trouble... if he decides to show." Bofur added cheerfully, giving Dori a knowing wink.
"Thank you ever so much!" Dori cried with delight before giving the other a proper bow, tucking the scones into the knitted carry bag slung over his shoulder.
"Wasn't nothin'," Bofur smiled before cocking his head, a cheeky look appearing on his face. "Though.... maybe I could trouble you for one of those nice massages of yours. I've had this kink in me back something awful 'o late!" Wincing as he stretched, an audible pop from his spine to be heard.
"But of course!" Dori assured with a eager nod. "I am at your service. And please be a dear and give Bombur our deep appreciation!"
The two continued home, walking together for a few blocks before splitting, giving departing waves as they went their own ways, Bofur heading home to his rotund brother, his brother's new wife as well as his still recovering and out of sorts cousin Bifur. Dori meanwhile headed for the home of a kindly woman who was of the race of Men to collect Ori, the soft spoken woman watching over many of the towns' children, be they of any race, Dori repaying her with knitted shawls and socks.
At home it was just the three of them, though most of the time it was just actually the two, even though they always seemed to live around the open space of their middle brother, so when he did return he slotted right in. Though Nori was gone more then he was home, the last two visits he had no even stayed a full day, appearing in their rented room when night had fallen, only to be gone like a shadow at dawn, a new bag of coins left in Dori's boot. Before little Ori learned to talk, he used to cry upon waking to find his second brother gone, but in the years since had become used to his sudden appearances and long disappearances, though he always gave the empty spot where Nori had been sleeping a sad look, unaware that Dori often did the same. The fact was that though he did not agree with his lifestyle and just who Nori hung out with, he couldn't help but admire his brother for all the places he must see in his wanderings, wondering when Nori would decide to simply forget them and not come back. Perhaps it was that underlying fear that made Dori fuss and argue so.
They walked hand-in-hand down the street, Dori listing with amused interest as Ori told him about his day with the other children, skipping along, so opposed to the many dour and grim faces of the Men and Dwarves around them. Times were tough for everyone, it had been a wet year with a long winter the previous, which meant a bad crop yield for the local farmers, the combined with with a sudden outbreak of plague a few towns away and the ore veins getting harder and harder to find in the mine, things only looked to be getting worse.
Seeing that his little brother still had an excess of energy to burn and with the day being sunny and mild, they stopped by home long enough to drop off a few things and to let Dori clean up, replaiting his silver hair into the long thick braid down his back. After locking up the two walked hand-in-hand to a small section of town that had an open area of grass and overgrown gardens, the town's people using it as a place to rest and let their children play.
Dori contentedly sat on the grass nearby finishing some knitting with the last of their yarn while keeping a watchful eye on his happily humming brother, who held and was waving about two dandelion stalks in the air, watching the seeds float and dance in the breeze with rapt fascination. Steering clear of some of the other children playing and roughhousing nearby, a few other adults sitting and watching nearby like Dori. Ori was small for a child his age and quite shy, preferring to stay near his older brothers and keep the company with the few books they owned, already able to read on his own, always asking questions about this and that.
After an hour or so Dori put away his knitting and got up, dusting the grass from his clothes while calling Ori over before taking a rag from his pocket and began to cluck, trying to clean of the worst of the dirt and grass from his squirming and giggling brother. Bent over and with his back turned, lightly scolding Ori for rolling around in the dirt like some uncouth barbarian, he did not see the shadow of someone stroll over to them.
Dori's eyes flew wide with a rather high-pitched yelp, jerking upright as a large hand suddenly groped his rear. With a sputter of outrage he turned to give the large leering Dwarf now standing in his space an a affronted glare. Ori's previous giggling going silent at the sight of the stranger, who Dori now recognized as the nose-picker Bofur had pointed out to him earlier that day, the big Dwarf was uglier close up.
"Mahal be praised! With an ass like that you are utterly wasted in the mines," the other tutted with a shake of his head, the heavy braids of his immense brown beard shaking. His dark eyes roving pointedly up and down, teeth appearing and making Dori blush even as he scowled all the more.
"Ain't you a lovely one... Why don't ya come an have a pint with me?"
"No thank you."
"Come on....I'd pay good coin for a little taste..." The other rumbled with a slimy grin, leaning rudely in as Dori in turn leaned away. Ori getting frightened as he hid behind his brother with a little whimper.
"I beg your pardon!?" Dori demanded when he realized what the other was getting at. Fists going to his hips as he drew himself up, the very image of prim outrage which only made more teeth appear on the other Dwarf's face.
"Oh, don't be like that, Pretty!" The big Dwarf grinned reaching out tweak one of the braids of Dori's beard, only to have his hand slapped away.
"Don't you dare!" Dori hissed, holding up an accusing finger with pale eyes flashing. Ori silently peeking out from around his hip, clutched at the end of Dori's faded and threadbare robe, darting back out of sight when the other Dwarf let out a deep laugh.
"Come along, Ori!" Dori huffed off, picking Ori up and settling him on his hip while pointedly ignoring the smug gaze and loud catcall behind him.
Dori walking over the grass and to a small shop that sold simple pies and pastries nearby, Dwarfling still on his hip. There wasn't any food at home save some dry beans and porridge for breakfast, so while Ori drooled over the display of wonderful smelling food, Dori quickly checked the meager contents of his purse. There wasn't much, but enough to get his brother one of the meat rolls. Trading a few teasing pleasantries with the jovial shop owner as he handed over a few coins, smiling prettily when the owner gave him a wink and handed Ori the biggest bun. With Ori waving, already having taken a big bite of the bun, Dori gave his thanks and walked back to the grassy area, noting with relief that the rude Dwarf from earlier had apparently left. Internally grumbling to himself that it was never the nice honorable Dwarves that came up to him, though he admitted he might settle if they were at least rich and washed regularly!
"You didn't get one!" Ori cried in confusion after they had settled on the grass again. "Here have half of mine!" He chirped, all but shoving it into Dori's face in his childish enthusiasm.
"Thats alright, dear. I fear my stomach is a bit off today. I'm not even hungry today!" Gently fending the pastry off, even as his stomach loudly growled in protest.
"Are you sure?" Looking up at him with unsure look, biting his bottom lip. "You hardly ever eat supper or breakfast with me anymore."
"I'm sure, now eat up!" Dori assured with a fond smile lighting up his face as he watched the Dwarfling take another big bite. He was not too proper however to not lick his fingers from said pastry as Ori happily hummed and rocked his feet, the two watching the busy town around them as the sun made its descent.
"Smaller bites! Its not going anywhere. Don't pick out the green bits, their good for you!" he fussed until Ori was done, green bits and all.
After dinner and an impromptu game of chase through through the gardens, Ori squealing with laughter as his big brother ran after him. Somehow in all the mad dashing and dodging about roles had reversed and soon Dori was being chased around by his little brother, he gave Ori a few near catches before letting himself be caught.
"I got you!" the Dwarfling crowed a big smile on his small face, his reddish brown hair wild as he clung to Dori's belt panting.
"Oh no! It is I who have you, my little Poppet!" Dori cackled, catch him up and holding him over his head while Ori shrieked in glee. Then nuzzled his plump cheek, Ori's innocent cheer proving infectious, happily hugging and nuzzling him back, it was times like these that made up for all the bad times, that made it all worth while.
After a little while more the two called it a night and headed home, Dori smiling as he held Ori's small hand in his bigger one, who toddled along beside him swinging their hands and singing the Counting song as they made their way through the maze-like area of town that they lived.
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The sun had gone down with the twinkling stars already overhead in the fading pinks and purples of the sky, making way for the deep indigo of night. The two where within sight of home when they noticed the front door was ajar, their singing faltered as their walk slowed as they came closer. Dori knew for a fact that he had locked the door before they had left. At the sound of something smashing within along and the brief flash of a shadow the dark window, Dori knew what was happening with a hard clenching in his gut. Eyes narrowed before looking around quickly, he then grabbed the startled Dwarfling who gave a small squeak, but thankfully kept quiet as his older brother dashed across the street with him and over to one of the other nearby shacks where there was a rain barrel and a few stacked crates before getting to one knee he put Ori down, who reluctantly let go of him, hands on his small shoulders so he could seriously look his scared brother in the face.
"Remember what Nori and me used to tell you? That there are times when you must listen, stay still and be utterly quiet?" Ori slowly bobbed his head, biting his now quivering lip. So very scared when just a little while before he was laughing and playing, and it pained Dori's heart like a knife to see even as a dangerous fire swelled in his belly.
"Now is one of those times, Ori. I need you stay hidden and don't come out till I come get you. Understand?" Watching him nod his head again with a unhappy whimper. "Good, be brave!" Leaning down to give him a quick kiss on the head before pushing him safely behind the crates, watching the small Dwarfling squat down, arms wrapped around his bony knees, looking so very tiny. Dori then got up and rushed back across the street and over to the side of their home, for a moment he had thought the burglars had gone, but it was with a frown that he heard talking from within before glancing back where he had stashed his brother, seeing a big set of eyes watching him.
"*Hide!*" Making a sharp motion with his hand in iglishmÃk, watching the Dwarfling duck back down out of sight before turning his attention back to the intruders in their home.
As quietly as he could he crept along the wall to the open door, he might not have any real weapons on him, save for a small knife, but he had his fists. With a deep breath he burst through the door, almost knocking it off it's hinges as he plunged into the dark room, reaching out and grabbing the small table and throwing it at the nearest moving shadow, hearing a satisfying grunt and crash as he dived for the hiding spot he kept their mother's old metal flail. Internally thanking Mahal that it was still there as his hand closed around the familiar handle then turned to the two intruders, the low light from the street outside as the only illumination, hearing the sound of boots and furniture being shifted on the hard wooden floor, then the unmistakable sound and brief spark of some flint being struck.
He was surprised, left squinting when the room was suddenly flooded in light, holding his weapon at the ready he realized that one of the intruders had lit and was now holding up a glowing lamp, casting jerking shadows around the destroyed room, the table Dori had thrown lay in a wreck against one wall, his boot heel crushing a piece of his broken teapot on the floor as he shifted his stance. While the two intruders let out odd matching cackles at the sight of him now standing there ready for battle, as if this was all just so terribly amusing from where they stood on different sides of the room. The light in turn gave Dori a good look at the two rangy looking thieves, which were mirror images of one another, with the same nasty grins, same yellow hair tightly braided away from their craggy faces, even their dark clothing was the same, twins.
"Look! Its the other scum spawn of Ri!" they chorused as one, cocking their heads to side like curious birds at him.
"How dare you!? How dare you sully our home!" Dori roared, teeth bared as he surged forward to attack the closest one. A small irritated part of him realizing that neither thief was even holding a weapon, though he had spotted several blades hidden on their persons, as well as a long knife in their boot in the short few moments of seeing them, having a thief in the family lead to learning a few things about concealed weapons.
"Give Nori our love!" they both chorused again before the one holding the lamp suddenly threw it at Dori, who dodged, the lamp shattering into the wall behind him in a splash of flames, the flaming oil catching the dry wood and old rug on fire, illumination the dark interior in hash bloom of orange light as the theif turned and jumped agile as a cat out the small window, heavy sack in hand. Which left Dori with the remaining thief to turn his anger to, swinging his weapon with deadly force, internally cursing his brother and wondering just what in Mordor had he been up to.
"And tell that Elf-licker were even now!" Cackled the other as he flipped back and somehow dodged the the flail, wood splinters flying as the weapon took out a broad chunk of the wall. The thief oozing through the tight space of the room, again ducking the flail that took out a chair before darted past and out the front door with his bag of loot quick as a Elf, a cursing Dori charging out after him, still in disbelief at how frightening fast the two were. Only to come to a skidding halt as he looked wildly around, the two having disappeared into thin air, the street empty, not even the sound of running feet to be heard. But he didn't have time to hunt after them before he turned and raced back into the now burning room, the growing fire letting him see what damage the two thieves had managed, which only dropped a heavy stone into his stomach.
"No! No! No!" He cried in angry despair, reaching up to grab his hair in utter frustration. They had taken almost everything and what they hadn't they had destroyed, things overturned, their mothers old carved chest smashed in, dishes broken, cloths and blankets strewn about. It was the hissing and the heat of the fire that shook him into action again. Tucking the flail into his belt he tried to put out, beating at them with a with a slashed through blanket, but it was soon clear that the fire was a lost cause forcing him to turn and grab what little was left. Running out to dump their smoking things on the street before running back into the heat for more, managing two trips before the heat and smoke became to much. Though he was sure to pause and snatch the complex knot from where it hung in the window before running out the flames licking at his back, coughing from the smoke.
Heart pounding in his chest he then ran back over to where he had order Ori to hide, the fire now illuminating the street behind him. "Ori!"
"Dori! Dori!" Came the high-pitched answering cry. The Dwarfling appearing from around the crates, arms outstretched towards him, flushed cheeks wet with tears, making needy sobs as Dori snatched him up into a fierce hug.
"Oh thank the Valar!" Dori gasped at the feel of those small arms and legs clamping around him, closing his eyes in utter relief at finding him still safe as his brother buried his small tear and snot covered face into his neck.
"Shh, shh, its alright. Where alright, Poppit," he soothed as best he could, rubbing Ori's small trembling back as the Dwarfling continued to sob. As the previous anger and the adrenalin dissipated, leaving him feeling hollow he walked back to the pile of things he had managed to grab. Which was only some clothes, a few blankets, and most importantly his traveling pack and weapons, everything else lost to the thieves or the greedy flames.
As Dori silently stood there with Ori still in his arms, pale gaze solemn as they could do nothing but watch the place they had made their home burn, the dancing flames now reaching into the night sky, but remained isolated, not spreading to any of the other nearby structures. As the fire continued to rage a few of the towns residents came out to watch it burn, none attempting to put it out, just standing around in small groups, most silent, some talking in hushed whispers. Dori catching more then one set of eyes cutting their way, the firelight casting their faces in harsh contrast, not a single one coming over to ask what had happened or if they were alright.
Dori wisely put Ori down to quickly gather and packed up what was left as a few Men finally arrived and began throwing buckets of water at the shack that was all but embers now, what didn't fit on his back, he tied with some twine he had in a pocket and bundled under one strong arm, a grim look on his soot covered face as he hurried away. In his other arm he held Ori wrapped in a blanket to ward against the nights chill, the Dwarfling's small arms around his neck, still awake, his big eyes glassy from his previous crying, silently content to look over Dori's shoulder as he chewed on the end of his brother's long silver braid.
They were forced to stay on the street that night, Dori clad in his dirty traveling cloak, sitting in a doorway next to their things, his hood drawn up and keeping a guarding eye out, weapons near with his back against the hard wooden door, little Ori fast asleep, tightly wrapped in their blankets and curled up on Dori's lap, safely hidden under his cloak, making him look as if he had a big lumpy belly. He decided not to go to Bofur and Bombur's tiny place, even though he knew they would gladly take them in for a time, but decided against it. They were renters with their own miserly and ill-tempered landlord, who they were already on eggshells with, anymore trouble and they would be tossed out on the street as well. Dori had initially planned to find a new place in town the next day since this was where there was work and the sons of Ri had at least a few friends still. That was quickly squelched when he found out that their landlord was looking for him and had even gotten the local authorities involved, wanting not only their last rent, but recompense for the damages done to one of his properties. Needless to say the eldest and youngest son of Ri fled, headed to the next town.
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Their first two days on the road they made breakfast and dinner out of the almond scones that Dori still had in his knitted carry bag, the silver haired Dwarf quietly blessing Bombur and cheerful Bofur for their thoughtful kindness. Especially knowing that the two were not that much better off, especially with poor Bifur needing constant watching and care. And though he was not like Nori with his unquenchable wanderlust, preferring more 'civilized' surroundings, Dori was no stranger to living on the road, having traveled the wastes for years with Nori and their mother. So he tried to take advantage of their sudden and unplanned traveling to try and teach Ori as much as he could. How to scrounge for food, to dig up wild tubers, which berries were safe to eat and how to hunt small game. And most of all; when it was important to get off the road.
Once or twice they managed to save time by hitching a ride on a kindly person's cart, the two watching the country side move by as they rattled around with a few goats or sat among heavy bags of grain, their booted feet dangling over the edge. Passing fellow travelers heading either way on foot, cart or horse, Ori himself rode up on Dori's broad shoulders much of the way when he got tired and his little feet sore, pointing at various birds and things when he was not tugging on his brother's braids.
Ori thinking it all a grand adventure, convinced that their were goblins or Elves around every bush or tree, easily distracted, which proved a blessing and a curse on the road. Dori was less enchanted, though amused at his little brother's enthusiasm, who listened with rapt attention to a few of the more 'child friendly' stories of Nori and Dori's adventures before Ori came to join them. How after their mother had past, Nori's father long gone by then, and before Nori started to leave all the time. The two brothers had been quite the team, Nori was the speed and agility, Dori reluctantly admitting that his taller sibling was also the more deadly fighter, while he had been the brawn and beauty. The two growing a reputation among their fellow Dwarves and the Men that crossed their path, few wanting to mess with them when when they discovered that they were the sons of Ri.
While Ori dozed on his head from his perch on his shoulders, Dori found himself wondering where Nori was, if his brother was alright, was he rotting in a cell somewhere, was he dead? Even as he knew Nori could just as easily be on some grand adventure to some exotic local or carousing with his fellow disreputable friends or out stealing some ancient Elf's virginity, anything was possible when Trouble was set lose on the world. With that rueful thought he paused to look back, seeing the winding dirt road cutting through the grass and trees of the far reaching landscape, the old town long out of sight.
Reaching into one of his pockets, he pulled out the thick braided knot that Nori had made and given him long ago, on the very day be began to leave, Dori making sure it always hung in their various homes windows or doorways. He felt a stab of guilt that he had left no word or sign, not daring with the authorities looking for them, having to sneak out of town, wondering when Nori would come looking for them before putting the knot away with a sigh then turned to continue their journey.
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The heavens burst open with heavy rain as if to announce their arrival into town, this one being bigger then the one they had fled, but still just as grim, none giving the two new comers any notice. Their bad luck continued as they were forced to sleep in wet alleys and doorways for the next four days. and they were not alone, competing for prime 'dry' spots with many of the towns' other less savory and destitute Dwarves and Men, some with their own children. The damp, cold and rough living made Dori fearfully that Ori would catch a chill and get sick, fretting over him constantly, keeping the by then cranky and uncomfortable child all but swaddled like a babe under his cloak at night.
The Dwarfling's cheer from the road evaporating in the gloom of their new surroundings, Ori becoming withdrawn, always wanting to be carried, clinging to Dori, be it his hand, robe or belt as if he was scared he would be swept away by some sudden wind as he looked around them with wide watching eyes. Dori unable to do much, but try and comfort him as best he could while trying to find them a place to stay and work. To be honest, he had almost toyed with the idea of trying his hand at a little stealing, just enough for a hot meal, Nori did it all the time... maybe it wouldn't be so bad just this once. But seeing a young Dwarven pick-pocked that was noticeably missing an arm shuffling past quickly put the fool idea out of his head, not to mention he felt like an utter hypocrite for even letting the idea get in his head to begin with.
It was on one of these days, not long after nightfall after another unsuccessful day, Dori having found them a relatively dry spot in the doorway of a small fabric shop that had closed for the night. His back to the door, while watching the street, little Ori sat curled on his lap softly humming to himself, protected from the nights chill and hidden from view, a misshapen lump under Dori's cloak. A few of the other 'unfortunates' loitering about, though the darker more malicious minded of them had learned early on to leave the new comer with the small Dwarfing well alone, one mugger already having had half his face collapsed in. Yet Dori knew they had to get off the street and fast, he refused for them to live like this, he would have openly wept if he did not have to remain strong for Ori, never having felt so low. So terribly tired, visibly exhausted and having lost a lot of weight, his normally prided silver hair hanging in messy braids and lost strands, having hardly s lept, to on edge and weary of their things being stolen or worse, his hand constantly on the handle of his short sword.
He vaguely took note of three large Dwarves stalking past, it was clear by their weapons and barring that they were guardsmen, guardsmen from Ered Luin were common around here, moving through the various towns and villages, these three could possibly even be some of the exiled King's guard by their baring. The one in the lead was a massive warrior with a bald head and dark beard, covered in scars and tattoos, and a nasty looking set of knuckle-dusters, sharp eyes sweeping the area as if he expected a goblin or roving pack of barbarians to pop out and attack at any moment. Dori's gaze had already turned away when those same eyes suddenly paused, apparently taking notice of the cloaked Dwarf sitting nearby, his eyes narrowing before barking something to his companions.
Dori meanwhile was unaware of this, his head turned, his mild attention to a well dress Dwarrowdam who strode past in a lovely blue and green dress, internally clucking to himself at the substandard sowing job done to the hem of skirts, as well as the truly atrocious ruching.
"You! You are one of the Ri brothers." A booming voice stated, accompanying by the heavy tread of boots and the creak of thick leather. Making Dori internally start, dread creeping up his spine as he slowly turned his head and was forced to look up to see the three officers from the street now come to tower over him, their leader front and center while some of the other vagrants loitering nearby wisely slunk off, wanting nothing to do with the three.
"What of it?" Dori challenged back, to tired to be polite, pale eyes steady as they looked up at the hulking warrior, refusing to be intimidated even as his heartbeat sped up. The guard silently glaring down at him, studying and taking in his dirty and haggard appearance as he crossed his thickly corded and muscular arms over his huge chest, looking as if he had clearly been expecting something different if the narrowing of his eyes said anything, the two other guards quietly watching and listening as they scanned the area.
At the sound of voices the lump in Dori's lap shifted and moved, a moment later the top of a small face appeared under Dori's chin, two bright and curious eyes peering out of the opening of his cloak. Catching one look at the big scary giant looming over them however, Ori let out a mouse-like squeak and ducked back down out of sight again, Dori putting a calming hand on his back through the cloak, his other resting near the pommel of his sword, eyes never leaving the guard.
"You have a growth." The officer noted, a spark of humor passing ever so briefly in his gaze while his scarred features remained hard, the other two guards looked rather amused. Dori saying nothing, face still schooled in a cool mask, there was an uncomfortable and tense pause after that, only the sounds of the busy street around them to be heard.
"You should know, someone is looking for you," The guard finally rumbled, looking a bit more irritated now, while Dori visibly frowned. Considering the recent events that had forced them to leave the previous town that could be several people, some of which might want to throw him in a cell or put a knife in his back. He found himself desperately wishing his brother was around to help watch their backs even though he was still so very angry at him.
"When was the last time you saw that thief brother of yours?" Came the following demand, as if he had read Dori's mind. Only to get a long shuttered silence again before finally speaking, the other two guards turning to look at the sound of his voice.
"About a month ago," he sniffed with a big uncaring shrug, Ori shifting under his cloak. "I think he said he was going east, try his hand in the ruby trade over in Tallfalls. I think he's courting someone up there."
The massive guard looked unimpressed, eyes narrowed, they both knew it was a complete lie. Though only Dori knew for a fact that Nori would never go there, not after the ugly incident he had with his thief/assassin father, who Nori truly hated. And Dori was not normally one for subterfuge, for while he might not usually have a problem with the various members of the law, unlike some members of his family, he was hardly a fan of them either.
With a rumbling growl and a disgusted curl of his lip the massive guard had clearly decided that this was a utter waste of time, sharing a short look with his two fellows, the shorter giving a shrug before turning and giving Dori one more long glowering look then stomped away. Leaving Dori to watch them go with an unhappy look on his face, wondering just what that had all been about, not to mention that he officially now needed to be even more weary, though a small part of him hoped those goblin-spawn twin thieves would show up, so he could rip their arms off with his bare hands!
"Who was tha'?" came Ori's muffled chirp, shaking him from his thoughts.
"I don't know, dear. Looked like some of the local authority... And we don't want to be bothering with them now, do we?"
"Nu uh," came to quiet response, Dori giving him a pat as he continued to watch the three guardsmen disappear down the road, the various Men and Dwarves wisely getting out of their way. Dori left to wonder at just how many run-ins Nori had had with that particular officer, internally wincing as he remembered those knuckle-dusters.
It would prove to be a long and restless night for them after that, though the weather had finally cleared, the two moving off in the early morning hours before the shop keeper could shoo them away.
Cleaning Ori and himself up using a rain barrel and one of his salvaged combs, fixing their appearance the best he could before they continued their search. Their luck had changed apparently for Dori managed through some serious flirting and a whispered promise of 'other' favors to find a place, little Ori all the while clinging to his leg, it was smaller then their last home, but thankfully cheaper to.
When they had finally unpacked, a small fire going in the simple brick hearth, the knot hanging in the small cracked window and sat on the dirt floor of their tiny single room, they finally relaxed, just thankful to be off the street and indoors again. Dori literally sleeping almost two days, getting up only to be sure Ori ate and was taken care of, though the child had slept almost as much as he did, the two huddled under their thin blankets as the world rushed and moved on outside.
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It was a few weeks after when the door to their room let out a long pained groan as it began to slowly open, the two brothers startled, looking up from where Dori had been showing Ori how spell in Khuzdul in the dirt. As the door slowly opened Dori scrambling over to snatch up his sword, silently signaling for Ori to stay back until a very familiar face peered cautiously around the door. Dori visibly sagging in utter shoulder slumping relief, Nori had found them. While Dori put his sword away the thief hurried the rest of the way in, closing the door then leaning heavily against it for a moment with his eyes closed and let out a deep lung rattling breath as if he had been holding it for a long time. If it was possible the middle son of Ri looked even more relieved to see them then they were to see him.
Ori letting out a happy yell as he bounced over to clutch at Nori's leg, who opened his eyes and snatched him up into his arms, giving his forehead a fierce kiss before he turned to Dori, his sharp features open to all the turbulent emotions he was no doubt feelings, visibly breathing heavy, but smiling. Without a word the two older brothers came and locked together in a tight almost painful embrace, foreheads pressed together, Ori squirming from where he was now held between them. For a long moment they stayed like that, breathing each others air, grounding each other in the others continued existence before finally breaking apart and for the next half hour they did not talk, simply sitting in a tight cluster before the hearth, even little Ori staying quiet, their tired faces painted in soft orange and yellow glow.
Eventually Nori's sharp eyes began to roam around the small room, their old place positively a palace compared to this, things that he had grown up with, things they had from their mother, gone, seeing just how truly little there was, his lips sealing in a tight line at just how thin the blankets Ori was now wrapped in, the child laying on his belly as he drew stars in the dirt floor with a finger while slowly kicking his bare feet in the air. Or watching Dori get up and put something away, seeing just how thin his brother had gotten, hated to see his pretty brother look so tired and worn. It was with a dry lump in his throat and a clenching of his gut that he was reminded of the look their mother would get when they lived on the road, when she began to get sick, that same hollow and resigned look on her pretty face.
Things had always been tough, especially on the road, but this was bad... This was real bad. He waved off the meager offer of some dry bread and fruit, not able to eat even if he even wanted to, though he gratefully took the offer of some warm water, realizing that Dori couldn't even make his precious tea. Silently shooting his brother a disbelieving glare when Dori took but a few small bites of bread before adding it to Ori's meager dinner before stepping out to go get a bucket of water from the well pump down the street.
Ori, apparently seeing the look on his face, let out a little sigh as he chewed some dry fruit and gave Nori a serious look as he leaned over. "Dori's had a bad tummy for a long time now," He explained before whispering, "I think he has worms!" Nori just internally shook his head as he watched the Dwarfling go back to eating, if only it was so simple. When Dori got back, they began to finally talk, both trying to get as much information out of the other as possible, though Nori, as always won, somehow able to keep what he had truly been up to during the last year out of the conversation, with only vague words, speaking instead of his search for them.
"When I came back into town to find the place burned down. None could tell me what had happened and when I couldn't find you..." he trailed off, giving his head a shake. "I tore that damned town apart looking!" he hissed, the anger and frustration clear in his voice before softening. "Even Bofur and Bombur feared the worst, saying that they had seen no sign of you both."
Dori guiltily shifted at the news, he really needed to sent the two a letter, feeling bad that they had completely slipped his mind after their time on the road as he continued to listen.
"I was passing through, when someone said they had seen my knot," He finished, all three of them looking over to the window where Nori's knot hung.
The brothers falling into another tense quiet after that, and while Dori was pleased, even touched that Nori had come back, had truly cared enough to look for them. It still did nothing to cool his simmering anger as he turned his glare to the merry flames, using a stick to shift some of the wood. His ever twisting worry for his second brother was relived and pleased to see him hail, though still to thin and with a few new nicks and scars he did not have before. But he could not help but notice with flash of resentment and no little shame that Nori was clearly doing much better then them, his cloths faded and worn, but nothing like his and Ori's threadbare clothes, looking solid and sharp-eyed where Dori felt like old cobwebs. Apparently crime and only having yourself to worry about did pay in the end, proving boring stuffy Dori stupidly wrong again.
"Well before I forget. Your identical rat-faced friends give their love." He sneered, arms now resting on his upraised knees.
"The Hildom brothers are not my friends!!" Nori snapped back, bad blood already spilled with those two.
Dori telling him about the break-in, going into detail about the malicious thieves, demanding to know who they were and why they had it out for him. Nori visibly wincing, clearly knowing exactly who they were and why they had come to get retribution, rage and embarrassment warring behind his eyes. He also warned Nori that the local guardsmen where out looking for him, particularly a massive tattooed fellow with a mean looking pair of knuckle-dusters, the news of which oddly made the other close his eyes with a soft groan, rubbed at his forehead as if he felt a headache coming on before explaining.
"When I couldn't find you both I went to the neighboring towns... But I got collared in Ered Luin and spent a night in the cells, but even there I asked around if any had seen you. I even asked that giant tattooed Lug that threw me in!" he said with a half amused shrug.
Dori was also a bit surprised, realizing now what the hulking guardsman meant when he said someone was looking for him, it must have been sometime after Nori had escaped.
That explained he demanded again to know just why these damn Hildom twins had attacked them. When Nori finally and reluctantly told him, he didn't like the answer one bit. Honor amongst thieves was a tricky thing apparently, especially when thieves might also be assassins and there was a big payoff to be had.
It remained tense and very quiet for the rest of the night and much of the next day, even Ori was oddly subdued. Nori disappearing in the early morning for a few hours before returning loaded down with food, lots of it, including some much needed dry goods. Ori was all but hopping in happiness, Dori saying nothing to how he got it all, just giving him their thanks. Which only made Nori frown even more hearing the real sincerity in those words, seeing his elder brother looking so utterly grateful and yet still conflicted, once again having had to fall back on Nori's stealing.
Nori stayed another day with them, silently making a mental checklist as his dark eyes would roam about the all but bare room while watching Ori for most of that day, Dori having gone to 'talk' with the landlord about something and then went down to the granary to make a little coin upload and unloading the heavy sacks on the various carts. Nori taking advantage to try and teach his little brother as much as he could, though Ori was shaping up to be an abysmal lock-picker, Ori however was utterly thrilled that he got to spend the day with his 'cool' brother, getting to do things he never got to do with Dori, his other brother full of so many amazing stories and adventures.
The quiet didn't last of course, when Dori finally got back the comments and flippant remarks started, followed by muttered opinions and observations, until what followed was the worse row that the two had ever had or since. Dori finally unleashing all his pent up resentment and frustration, Nori doing the same, sick of his brother's judgments and lofty ideals, their old argument coming back only this time it had far more teeth. But this wasn't just about stealing or being honorable anymore, a line had been crossed. Nori's name and reputation had grown, his talents evolved, his skills as a thief and sometimes assassin on the next level, finding himself sometimes in a darker and much more dangerous game with bigger players. He was not the only son of Ri, there where three of them, and now some of those dark disreputable people had already followed Nori home. They had already been robbed, their home burned down and forced to sleep on the streets like beggars, what next?
Others outside the Ri family would have been surprised that for all the screaming, slamming of fists the two never struck one another, not even in the deepest of rages, not since before Nori turned forty, though they were not above shoving and grabbing one another, but they never raised a hand. Instead they let their sharp tongues do all the heavy damage, ranting and eviscerating one another, the two of them soon red faced and snarling, spittle flying, lips curled over bared teeth with clenched fists and sharp gestures. Ori curled huddled and hiding under one of the blankets, loudly crying.
Until it all became to much and Nori suddenly turned, grabbed his long mace and cloak and stormed out the door, "You know nothing!"
Dori letting him go with a furious glare, breathing heavy as Ori continued to cry in the background, the sound of one of their neighbors angrily pounding on one of the thin wall, shouting for them to keep it down.
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Dori's terrible anger had burned itself out since the fight, like finally lancing and draining a long festering wound, leaving him feeling drained but oddly light. It also left him worrying and feeling guilty, Ori was also rather withdrawn and quiet, their neighbors still giving them pointed glares.
It was four days later when there was a clipped knock on the door, Dori and Ori sharing a surprised look before the older got up to cautiously open it, but frowned in even more confusion at seeing his own slim brother standing there on the other side of the door.
"Nori? What are you doing?" His asked, not understanding why he had not just come in. Dori's frown only deepened in concern to now see the many cuts and bruises on Nori's face that had not been there when he had stormed, his three-peeked hairstyle in windswept disarray, mud on his boots and cloak, as well as dried blood on his braided leather gauntlets.
He was opening his mouth to say something else when his taller brother suddenly shoved a large heavy cooking pot with some supplies in it at him, a hard look on his face, making Dori scramble to hold it all as the other walked past him and into the room. Ori cheerfully greeting him as the Dwarfling hurried over, but he to noticeably paused looking confused at receiving no response, throwing a confused look Dori's way, only to get an equally confused shake of the head.
"Nori?" The Dwarfling asked in a soft voice as both he and Dori came over to where Nori now stood, still saying nothing as he unloading the heavy pack from his back, then his various pockets onto the floor in the middle of the room, soon there was a rather large pile of various things. Knives and spoons, beans, meat, seeds, a big sack of potatoes, a bag of flour and sugar, a few bolts of fabric, four skein of yarn, new knitting needles, three tin cups, a smaller pot, a pan, some bowls and more. Dori slowly put the cooking pot down next to the pile, mouth hanging open, pale eyes darting about at the various items as he realized that while not all of it, Nori had somehow managed to replace much of what they had lost to the thieves and fire, so many things that they had made do without. Ori's little face lighting up as he gasped in delight as if it was a sudden treasure trove of jewels and gold as he squatted down, for Dori they might have well have been, putting a stunned ha nd to his mouth.
Neither had noticed when Nori was done unloading his pockets and glanced at his two brothers, clearly expecting something, but seeing the openly covetous and utterly thrilled looks on both their faces at such simple things, made something sting painfully in his breast. His bruised face darkening further, shame in his eyes as he stepped away from the pile and looked away, he had truly expected exasperation and maybe even derision at not only his return, but the return of such ordinary things, even with all the trouble he had gone through. Getting revenge and making sure that the twin sons of Hildom would never bother his- or any other family again.
"Look, Dori! Yarn, we can knit again!" Ori chirped with a big smile, waving one of the soft skeins.
Dori nodding his happy agreement as he looked over the items, a bright smile lighting up his own face when he bent down and picked up a teapot, his hands near trembling. He couldn't remember the last time he had simply had a cup of tea. "Oh, Dear! This is wonderful!" But when he turned to beam at his brother, his smile slowly crumbled back into a worried frown when the other turn away, Dori reaching out to lay a hand on his stiff shoulder.
"Nori..." He began softly, but the other brushed his hand off before reaching into his tunic again and tossing a small bag of coins on the floor by their bed. Nori then grabbed his now empty travel bag, fluidly turned on his heel and fled out the door, ignoring Dori's pleading calls from behind him as he disappeared into the night without a word or backwards glance.
Dori watching him go with sad and deeply troubled eyes, standing there in the doorway long after the other had gone, teapot still in hand, little Ori leaning against his leg for comfort.
"W-When is he coming back?"
"I don't know, Poppit."