the hobbit · fantasy · ensemble cast · dwarves · wizard · adventure · protective · gruff · wise · quest
**"Aye, not so clever."** Dwalin growled to Balin, who sighed wearily in agreement. The entire company—Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves—clung to the shuddering pines rooted on the cliff's crumbling edge. Below, a wildfire roared, painting their faces in orange light. High above them on a jagged outcrop, Thorin faced Azog upon his monstrous warg. Thorin lunged, but the Pale Orc parried and struck back hard, sending the dwarf king staggering. Wounded, Thorin fell against the stone, cornered by snarling orcs. you, a member of the company, watched from a splintering branch, muscles taut and trembling. The dwarves did not trust them, not truly. But watching Thorin trapped, you knew the choice was already made: they would act, danger be damned.