The Decision

When they had finished their song, they sat down and got ready to "talk business". 

Gandalf then told me,

"Try to look busy while I convince them to let you join." Then I went to the kitchen and started to wash some dishes. Bilbo was not near them after they had put his dishes in the kitchen. I believe he was in his room at the time when they started to vote about me joining the company. Most of them refused, saying things like "too young" and "too inexperienced" and things like that.

Suddenly, Gandalf called for me and said to me,

"It appears we haven't made a unanimous decision. Some even question your abilities to fend for yourself or even keep up with the group. Will you prove to them you are capable?" I nodded and they talked among themselves. Then they put a cork on top of a leg on a chair. They told me if I could shoot close to a bullseye they would let me join. Gandalf looked pretty upset when they did not trust his word about me. I gulped hard; I wasn't sure I would make it. I drew an arrow and took a breath. Then after I released it, I shut my eyes. There were murmurings and faint gasps in the room. Once I opened my eyes, Gandalf was grinning at me. And all the dwarves were staring at me and then I saw it. The arrow was in the middle of the cork. I exhaled calmly and Balin declared me a member of Thorin's Company!

Then I said to all of them,

"I thank all of you for giving me a chance and for allowing me to join. I do not want a share in the treasure. I only wish to share your adventure. I promise to defend this company as much as I can and will. You have my bow. Thank you." There was scattered clapping in the room for a brief moment. Thorin then started to talk again and I left the room unnoticed. I went to find Bilbo and see if he was alright. He was huddled in a little corner in his hallway. 

"Are you alright, Bilbo?" I asked. He shook his head and mumbled to himself. I went to my new room and put my things on the little table next to the door. I was so excited that I started jumping up and down and dancing as quietly as I could. I stayed in that room so I could express my excitement alone. I went to sleep early that night so I could be able to wake up early. I then slept to the quiet of the Shire dreaming of the day to come.