And an excerpt from an unpublished chapter showing just how accurate this joke is under the cut.
With Bilbo's determined nod he walks back to the cliff edge followed by antsy dwarrow, the wizard waiting expectantly below, and soon enough the hobbit is deposited safely on the soft grass as well.
Thankfully, this finally convinces the dwarves to let him pick them up. For the most part the following flights go just as smoothly as the first. Lokhir enjoys the feeling of cradling something treasured against his chest, trusting him to keep them safe. Each of the company is nestled close to the fire in his breast as he bears them deftly to the earth. The instinct to protect curls like thorny vines around each fragile heartbeat, delicate as a bird in his hands. How quickly he's become ensnared by such guileless creatures.
Every member of the group responds differently to the experience; some react with fear, others with joy, and some with a fear that turns to joy in the rush of the wind. A few times Lokhir has his arms full of curses, threats, and growled demands that the whole situation never be spoken of again. It's certainly an entertaining task.
He brings the dwarf king down last, putting to use his many centuries of experience so as to disturb his wounded passenger as little as possible. Thorin bears the experience with ill-tempered dignity, alpine eyes glinting with some complicated emotion where his cheek rests against Lokhir's collarbone. Their faces nearly touch as Lokhir dips his head, crouching to absorb the force of the landing and briefly enveloping the dwarf king entirely in his body. He's pleased to find that it's possible to do so even in this fragmentary form.
The dwarves, fierce, beautiful creatures that they are, adorned with gleaming beads and weapons, still fit with delightful ease in his arms.
Why Smaug was covetous of the gold when he could've had his pick of the mountain's inhabitants instead, Lokhir will never understand; each one is a unique treasure beyond any gem.
And here he is with thirteen! It is yet unclear whether or not the hobbit is of the wizard’s hoard; perhaps he might yet claim Bilbo as well. Of course, it will take some time yet for a proper bond to form, but the thought is enticing nonetheless. Lokhir pushes down the pleased sound that wants to vibrate out of his chest at the thought and reluctantly releases Thorin to his feet.
