The meeting on the third day went as well as could be expected; there was no yelling, no threats, just discussion. It seemed to Fíli that Sigrid's words had an effect on the Kings and their Councillors. However today Sigrid wasn't in attendance, and for some reason this bothered him. But he did try to listen to most of the discussions about trade prices, as dull as they were.
He was one of the first on his feet when the afternoon bell chimed to end the assembly, but he had to remain and observe the correct protocol. It was generally agreed that they should adhere to the conventions of the host kingdom. So he stood and shook hands with the councillors of Dale, even shaking hands with the Elf prince all the while covertly attempting to crush
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Sigrid straightened up and walked towards him, away from the children. "I would have been at the meeting today but Alice, who normally looks after them took ill this morning and there wasn’t anyone else.” she explained.
He nodded “Where did they all come from?” He asked curiously.
Sigrid looked back at them as they argued over who got what book. “Orphans, most of them, some have just fallen on hard times. So we try to make it easier by taking them by day, helping them with things like reading and their letters.” Sigrid turned back to him. “Actually, your timing couldn't have been better." She whispered. "I have to get a message to Da from the Tanner, but I can't leave the children alone. Would you be able to stay with them? I'll only be a moment."
"Are you sure you want me to watch over them?" He asked doubtfully.
She waved a hand airily. "With you watching over them, what's the worst that could happen?"
Hungry Mountain Trolls. Fíli thought to himself, remembering the last time he had been asked to guard something. But it occurred to him that if Sigrid was placing her trust in him, he probably shouldn't mention that particular
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When Sigrid conveyed the plan to the children they looked as dubious as Fíli felt.
Sigrid felt bad but she truly had no other option if her Da was to revive the message before the afternoon wagon departed for Laketown. As she stepped out the Reading Hall doors she cast a look back. Fíli stood like a sentinel, at a considerable distance from the children but watched them as if it was his sworn duty. They would be safe, she had never doubted that, but comfortable was another matter altogether.
So when she returned some time later, the sight that greeted her caused her to stop in her tracks. Fíli sat on the floor of the Reading Hall, his legs crossed as he pointed to a panel of shadows upon the ground. Meanwhile all around him were scattered the children, each one listening rapturously as he spoke animatedly. They didn't even look up as the door closed behind her, but Fíli did. He grinned at the look of surprise on her face but didn't pause in the telling of his story, seeming to bring the likeness of a river to life with his hands as he spoke.
Sigrid moved quietly to sit with them and one or two of the children looking up as she too crossed her legs upon the