[ Under different circumstances, Thorin would typically reinforce such an opinion, in some hopes that Bilbo will eventually see half of what he does, but here he lets it go without a fight - not happily, but clearly with the kind of resignation that comes with the certainty that he has more pressing battles to deal with. That notion is only reinforced by the sight of the expected small band of elves emerging from the forest - as silent and graceful as ever, though that's not how Thorin personally thinks of them, and just as generally unhappy to be here as the dwarves are to see them. Speaking of more pressing battles...
His hand clasps Bilbo's shoulder briefly as he steps past, as always more warmly than it would be with anyone else, and toward the familiar blond elf that's clearly leading the group, his pony trailing along placidly behind him. He's not looking forward to this, honestly, but he cannot afford to let his pride get the better of him here, not when something this important is at stake.
Legolas, in particular, is more displeased about where he's leading them, rather than the fact that he is obliged to do so at all. He's clearly more troubled than annoyed, even as he pointedly ignores some of the dirty looks that are being thrown his way. His attention quickly focuses on Thorin as the dwarf approaches him, though his eyes do briefly wander toward Bilbo, and his brows furrow slightly as he seems to consider the hobbit's rather unique presence. He had not been expecting a hobbit - but then, neither was he last time. The only time he saw Bilbo at all was during that chaotic escape from Mirkwood, despite the fact that the hobbit had somehow been sneaking around under his nose for some time before that.
Their conversation is brief, perhaps even terse, but not as hostile as it might have been on Thorin's end - his grudging respect for this particular elf shows, if somewhat subtly. It's clear that Legolas is going to be the only one accompanying Thorin to the south, as he guides his tall grey horse away from the group, while the rest of the elves are congregating off to the side, far enough away to be able to talk quietly among themselves without any dwarven eavesdropping.
There is still a little time before everything is properly settled so that they can leave, even though Thorin's patience with the process seems a bit thinner than usual. Dwalin lingers near him, but for once there is only an understanding silence between them instead of the more usual easy conversation. Thorin, for one, seems inclined to keep to himself for the most part. He's still glancing over in Bilbo's direction every once in a while, though. ]
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His hand clasps Bilbo's shoulder briefly as he steps past, as always more warmly than it would be with anyone else, and toward the familiar blond elf that's clearly leading the group, his pony trailing along placidly behind him. He's not looking forward to this, honestly, but he cannot afford to let his pride get the better of him here, not when something this important is at stake.
Legolas, in particular, is more displeased about where he's leading them, rather than the fact that he is obliged to do so at all. He's clearly more troubled than annoyed, even as he pointedly ignores some of the dirty looks that are being thrown his way. His attention quickly focuses on Thorin as the dwarf approaches him, though his eyes do briefly wander toward Bilbo, and his brows furrow slightly as he seems to consider the hobbit's rather unique presence. He had not been expecting a hobbit - but then, neither was he last time. The only time he saw Bilbo at all was during that chaotic escape from Mirkwood, despite the fact that the hobbit had somehow been sneaking around under his nose for some time before that.
Their conversation is brief, perhaps even terse, but not as hostile as it might have been on Thorin's end - his grudging respect for this particular elf shows, if somewhat subtly. It's clear that Legolas is going to be the only one accompanying Thorin to the south, as he guides his tall grey horse away from the group, while the rest of the elves are congregating off to the side, far enough away to be able to talk quietly among themselves without any dwarven eavesdropping.
There is still a little time before everything is properly settled so that they can leave, even though Thorin's patience with the process seems a bit thinner than usual. Dwalin lingers near him, but for once there is only an understanding silence between them instead of the more usual easy conversation. Thorin, for one, seems inclined to keep to himself for the most part. He's still glancing over in Bilbo's direction every once in a while, though. ]