#Rhun needs a hug

[thephoenixandthecrocodile]

Thoughts on the ROP Season Finale

I absolutely ADORE the Balrog scene. Amazing visuals, amazing ending to the Durin’s relationship, amazing music! It was absolutely gorgeous

Also love that Disa and Narvi came to Durin’s aid even when Durin told them not to. That’s true love.

So, the Rhun storyline definitely suffered the most this season and I’m hoping now that we know who the Stranger is, we can focus on developing the dark wizard and what role he has to play in all of this.

Also, I love Ciaran Hinds, so definitely want him to have more screentime next season haha

“Pity will not defeat Sauron” – oh oh oh if only you knew what the pity of a Baggins means for Sauron’s future.

And then there’s Numenor -_- Honestly, at this point, I can’t wait to see it fall into the sea.

Earien, babe, maybe you should stop following orders you don’t fully understand.

This season Pharazon: Miriel is a traitor because she’s working with Sauron. Pharazon next season: You know, Sauron’s not that bad actually.

Earien is frustrating but she always wears the most beautiful outfits

How does Elendil have such easy access to Miriel’s private chamber? XD

“And where is my place, if not by your side” JUST KISS ALREADY?!

AH!!!! Narsil!!! I squealed during this scene.

Love this tracking shot of the carnage in Eregion and Galadriel kicking ass

God damn it, Galadriel, you had one job! Protect the nine!

Oh my god Celebrimbor!  This scene, this scene broke me and is everything I wanted from Celebrimbor’s death. The pain. The defiance against all odds. The quiet victory. The prophecy of the one ring and Sauron’s end. It was so beautiful.

That face caress! How often do you think Sauron did that when they were ‘friends’? And now...

“Look what you’ve done to yourself” Oh fuck you!

I LOVE defiant Celebrimbor! So brave. So tragic. So flawed. In the end, he stood before the Dark Lord with nothing but his words and shook Sauron to his very core and made the Dark Lord cry. What a fucking bad ass.

ALSO THOSE FUCKING TEARS!!! GIVE BOTH CHARLES AND CHARLIE ALL THE AWARDS RIGHT NOW

I’ve enjoyed the glimpses into the Southlands this season. I think it’s going to pay dividends in Isildur’s character arc next season when he returns to Numenor and can testify to the needs of the Southland and the righteous of Miriel’s campaign.

I enjoyed the Isildur Theo hug. I hope they meet up again. There’s potential for a tragic friendship between them.

Listen, Estrid wants to go to Numenor simply because she wants to know what indoor plumbing is right.

Like the reference to Bronwyn and the role she held in the community.

MY GOD THE EMOTIONS THAT CROSSED KEMEN’S FACE WHEN HE SAW ISILDUR WAS ALIVE! Bwahahahaha

BEREK!!!! Best horse ever!

Also, these poor people. First, they were under the watch of the Elves, never knowing a moment peace and privacy. Then Adar. Then “Halbrand” who just never showed up, and now the fucking Numenorians. They just can’t catch a break.

“After all, they’re only trees.” FUCKING KEMEN!!!!! This little shit. If an Entwife doesn’t squash him next season I’m going to be pissed.

Ahhh! Glow-up Adar!

“A meaningless name. A name I was given.” That is so trans coded.

Ahhhhh he returns the ring so he can still be an Uruk and be with his children. ☹

“I forgive you. No more flames. No more darkness.” *cries*

The ring gave him hope, something he hasn’t had for Eru knows how long.

“Forgive me child.” “it’s too late.” “it’s never too late. Not even for me. And not for you, my son” “It’s too late” *sobs* No!!!!! Adar!!!!!! *bawls*

This is another season that completely broke me. Adar betrayed by his own children, children he truly adored and wanted to protect. Adar who maybe could have actually give them a true home and peace.

Also, Galadriel freezing and having major PTSD as seeing Sauron again is so relatable. It’s what happens when you see your former abuser unexpectantly and she also must have realized that Celebrimbor was dead and it was now up to her to protect the nine so his death wouldn’t be in vain.

Ok using the crown as a weapon is awesome, but still fuck you Sauron. I hate you so much!!

Elrond begging to save Celebrimbor’s life work slayed me. All that work and knowledge gone. Like the burning of the Library of Alexandria.

I fucking love this fight with Sauron and Galadriel. So proud of our girl holding her own against Sauron for as long as she did. Also kicking Sauron over the rocks was beautiful and of course the bastard has to regain control of the fighting by casting illusions of her friends.

DON’T YOU DARE USE CELEBRIMBOR IN YOUR ILLUSIONS YOU LITTLE SHIT

“The door is shut.”

“I would have placed a crown on your head” Do you think Sauron’s little speech to Galadriel is how Morgoth seduced Mairon? That promise of equally shared power. Of worship and glory.

Also love that everyone is so focused on Galadriel’s ring that no one even pauses to consider Gil-Galad THE HIGH KING might have a ring as well. XD

I’m with Gil-Galad: DWARVES!!!!!!!!

That fucking smile when Sauron things Galadriel is going to give her the ring. That she “understands” his goals.

Love that Galadriel took a page out of Elrond’s book and yeeted herself off a cliff to protect her ring. XD

Poor Sauron, rejected by the only two people he “loved” today. As this point, you would think he’d pause and consider that “maybe they have a point. Maybe I am toxic. XD”

Precursor to the morgul blades!

Poor Elrond looks so dead when he finally uses the ring to save his friend. That heavy decision to risk corruption because his friend’s lives mean more than anything else.

Also, he must feel so much guilt “failing” Celebrimbor. He can’t fail Galadriel, not another friend. Not again.

Wonder if Galadriel’s wound will bother her like Frodo’s?

Poppy’s speech and the montage are so sad, but also uplifting in a strange way? I actually miss Bellows now.

Also, Isildur you just LEAVE THEM WITH KEMEN?!!!

SAURON TOOK FEANOR’S HAMMER. THAT LITTLE SHIT!

I love that Gandalf’s entire life purpose is finding Hobbits to adopt and then send them off on dangerous adventures where they prove to the world that they are the most hearty and bravest of folk in Middle-Earth.

Also, I would love it if Nori is the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-ancestor of Pippin Took. XD

I got teary-eyed at Nori and Gandalf’s parting. I really love their relationship.

I don’t know why, but this version of Tom Bombadil, the one sung by Gandalf and Bombadil makes me want to cry.

Aw Durin’s first concern is Elrond and aiding him. They’re so in love.

How can DURIN not being DURIN’S preferred heir?! Like you don’t name a kid DURIN if you don’t want him to be king. -_-

“Pity. I’ve never known you to be such peaceable company. I was growing accustomed to it.” XD

RIVENDELL!!!!!

It’s both a tragic and a gift that the rings that Celebrimbor made himself allows Galadriel and Elrond to build Rivendell and Lothlorien and protect it from Sauron for so many years. I hope he takes that knowledge with him in the halls of Mandos. He may have helped create the seven and the nine, but they were corrupted because of Sauron. His own work was beautiful and allowed so many people to live in safety and peace in a world in the midst of a world war. And also saved Galadriel’s life in ROP. THAT is his true legacy.

[sayonaramidnight]

6, 10 and 29 from the Romance Asks for Helvi and X'rhun, please!

Theeeeeeeeeeeeeem~

Romance asks!

6. Who is the big spoon?

They usually face each other when snuggling, but there must have been at least one time when Helvi was the big spoon and this happened, I’m sure of it.

10. Do they have pet names for each other?

Beside the generic ‘love’ or ‘dear’? It’s enough for them to call each other by name and make it sound most tender and... charged. With sparks and lightnings. Aaand she did pick up the habit of calling him ‘stranger’ the way you call someone ‘friend’ when they were still getting to know each other and it’s been their inside joke since then.

29. What are your favourite moments that happen between them?

More like my favourite trope, I suppose...

(...)

Instead, she wakes to the sounds of a squeaking chair and X'rhun tossing in his sleep. He breathes heavily, hat lying on the floor and face covered in cold sweat - or are those tears? She quickly sits up on the edge of the desert island and holds his chair steady before it falls over; that makes him awake abruptly, gasping for air. "Easy, Rhun, I've got you. Just breathe."

His trembling hands grab onto her arms surprisingly tight; it takes a while, before his eyes focus on her worried face. "Helvi," he rasps out.

"I'm here," she says softly, unbothered by his firm grip.

He clears his throat and looks around. "Arya?"

"Still sleeping."

"Good." He gives a sigh of relief and takes a few deep breaths, forehead resting against Helvi's; never before have they been this close. The grip on her arms loosens, but doesn't let go completely.

"Better now?" She smiles, unexpectedly comfortable with the closeness. "Do you need anything? A drink? A hug? A smack back into reality?"

"A long bath and a glass of Lohmani Red, thank you very much." X'rhun replies with a smirk, back to his composed self.

"I'm afraid all I can provide at the moment is a humble breakfast."

"Ah, 'tis even harsher than a smack. Can't you let a man daydream in peace after less than peaceful awakening?"

"My experience tells me such daydreams are the worst to come back from." She lets go of his chair, tempted for a moment to brush the hair out of his face and see if it's really as soft as it seems. "Were you dreaming about your comrades?" The moment passes.

"I..." He releases her too, with a trace of regret, and then wipes his face. "I was, indeed. A recurring dream since our encounter with Lambard, as you might guess - but there's no need to dwell on it."

"Sure thing. If you want your pride intact, I can forget about the whole thing right away." Helvi says with a playful smile, glancing at the floor; it's a perfect moment to reach for the hat! Unfortunately, X'rhun snatches it quickly, before she can seize the opportunity.

"My pride has been through worse, but I'm getting a sense of failure as a mentor." He puts the hat on and gives her a warning look. "'Tis my duty to watch over my students, not the other way round."

"Is that what we are to each other? A duty?" Her expression turns serious instantly; her voice, however, is still soft. "Then I should be running away as far as possible, just like I've been running from my other duties. And yet, running to you - and Arya - makes it worthwhile. Don't ruin it, please."

For a moment, X'rhun looks at her in silence, seemingly unsure how to react - and that's not like him at all. "If I may ask," he finally says, "what am- what are we to you, then?"

Helvi looks back at him, perfectly sure how to reply. "A choice."

He smiles and nods as if he understood - and perhaps he really does. "In this case... I take it all back."

[andisinger]

The Black Crow

Chapter 2  A/N: I went off with all these words lol. A little bit of backstory thrown throughout.  Word count: 4877 Warnings: Violence, gore, descriptions of blood    

    Myomel was in sight, the changing leaves falling around my galloping wargs and myself, the guards at their posts near the front gate. Halting to a stop, I received warm welcomes from my old friends.  “Creosa iant Mellon!(Welcome old friend)” Calanon greeted, a warm smile spreading across his face. I dismounted quickly to embrace my dear friend. My arms wrapped around the cold steel of his armor as I smiled and was whisked from my feet.  “Aminaya elea lle anta!(I should see your face)” I joked as he dropped me to the forest floor once more. Removing his helmet, I reveled in the familiarity of his dark skin tone. His glimmering eyes, the shade of dark, starry night; his cheeks blushing the color of a pink rose he once gifted in friendship. Smiling at each other, I embraced him once more.  “Uma lle brien somethien? (Do you bring something?)” He asked as we stood by the gates, my wargs now playful pups among friends in the city. I nodded and hummed, extending the Caragor’s tusk.      His smile faded quickly.  “Caragor?” He asked, taking the tusk to examine it closely. I nodded again, explaining to him how I came of it.  “Y' witcher?” Calanon prodded further.  “Uma. (Yes)” I confirmed, looking around at the fallen leaves amongst us.  “Ta il- tulunka. (It would not steady)” I said, my hands picking up an oddly shaped grey stone that fit into the palm of my hand. Calanon chuckled, returning the tusk to my hand.  “I' witcher? (The Witcher)” I scoffed.  “I' caragor.” I corrected. He shook his head with another bright smile.  “Lle atar naa eska. (Your father is home)” My heart skipped a beat with overwhelming joy. “Ro wishes a' elea lle. (He wishes to see you)”     With Calanon’s words I was off to see my father once more. Galloping through the empty streets, the fellow beasts roared, barked, howled, and pulled at their chains at us. Around the corner, father’s own beasts stood on hind legs unleashing a booming roar. Hod yipped and howled once I dismounted with the Caragor’s tusk. Our beasts rustling around the property with each other. Opening the door timidly, I announced my presence.  “Atar?” I called out.  “Tinu?” A hopeful voice called stepping into the hall.       My father stepped into view; a short man with only 6 fingers and tanned skin, his soft brown eyes wet with tears. I nodded and ran to him, embracing him in a tight hug.  “Atar, amin brien y' gift. (Father, I bring a gift)” Kneeling before him, I presented the tusk. I knew his emotion would be disappointment; killing animals in Myomel was seen as a sin worthy of a heavy punishment. Dropping my head and closing my eyes, I felt the weight lift from my hands.  “Tinu.” He whispered.  “Sut ume lle tul a ed' sina? (How did you come by this?)” He whispered examining the dreadful gift.  “Brinegulf.” I mumbled, my chin beginning to quiver.  “Caragor?” He asked, moving around me to sit at the table. I moved with him, nodding.      I sat down, the small chair creaking under my weight, my father's eyes now ballooned in size as he gaped at the sharp tusk.  “Nae ta mith ri' mor? (Was it gray or black)” He asked in a hurry.  His brown eyes looking up at me then flashing back down.  “Mith (Grey).” I said, my arms crossing over my chest.  “Nae lle ereb?(Were you alone)” I shook my head.  “Eller nae y' witcher. (There was a Witcher)” Father looked up at me, his hands dropping the tusk and grabbing my hands. His eyes flashed black, no white in sight as he spoke in common; a language unknown to him. “Three people traveling. Tracking dangerous beasts, you will have to face the hardest decision of your life. Your people are in danger so long as you know this Witcher.”      Father’s arms shot out to his sides and his head dropped behind him, his jaw was slack as his premonition left him as soon as it had started.  “Atar?” I called gently, moving from my chair next to him to hold his hand. As I had grown, Father’s premonitions had their truths; I learned from a young age to never ignore the spirits' words and to always thank them for their wisdom. He found me as a child, wandering through the woods. Quickly, his eyes returned to normal, his hand tightened around mine.  “Atar?” I asked once more, he nodded his head with a small smile.  “Lasta a' i' ooma.” He said, patting the back of my head as I rested my head on the back of his hand.  “Amin anta utu- ner wargs. (I need to find more wargs)” I told him honestly; father nodded his head and took to his feet, moving about the small house to grab his book.      The book laid between us; the pictures of all animals moving about either in herds or by themselves.  “I' witcher naa travelien Rhun. (The Witcher is traveling East)” I informed Father who looked at me once more with his sweet brown eyes. “Lye can il- lava ho san- ner coia. (We can not allow him to take more lives)” Father said. I nodded while watching the herd of wargs traveling through the woods. I thought of the best way to meet them; traveling back towards Brinegulf, I could cut them off in the woods with some help from the members of my clan.  “Esta sina undome, lye mista tul're amrun. (Rest this evening, we roam tomorrow morning)” Father said, closing the book and preparing dinner.      I sat on the chair by the kitchen, my eyes playing tricks on me; seeing a small, black haired child with gleaming eyes of love as father taught the child to cook. His face was still as gentle as the day he brought me home, his smile was soft, welcoming; father hadn’t aged as I had. My eyes began to water as I watched the two laugh and joke as the little girl learned his language and the new world around her.  “Mankoi naa lle cryien? (Why are you crying)” Father asked, grabbing my hand to soothe me.  “I' fea nyara amin en' iire amin nae y' hin. (The spirit tells me of when I was a child)” Father wiped the tear that had fallen onto my cheek and placed it on his cheeks; a tradition usual for parents with children blessed by the spirits of the forest.      While father cooked our stew, I told him of what the spirits showed me and how much those times meant to me; Father rejoiced in the memories of those times. We spoke as we welcomed the animals into the barn for the night; Hod and Kav cuddling together for warmth while Father’s beast grunted as she rolled onto her side, exhausted from the days roughhousing. Father tucked me into bed as he used to, his hands tucking me tightly into the sheets as he told me a famous story of the spirits of the forest and how they brought me from the sky. The smell of the sweet, sharp cedar of the house filled my nose and swirled around my head, the sounds of the sleeping animals in the barn nearby rolled throughout the house, my full, warm belly only aiding in the exhaustion now helping to close my eyes as I fell asleep in my old bed.       In my dream, I saw the Witcher; his white hair and gold eyes, his pursed lips as he yelled at me about my beast’s; how they cost him his coin, how they could’ve gotten him killed. I retorted with how he stole my coin the first time our paths crossed, how he caused me to lose the caragor. The dream ended with a slap then a kiss. But not from the Witcher, from the spirits. I shot up from my bed; the darkness around the room folding me back into bed, now is the time to catch. Father’s light footsteps trodden around the house before he knocked on my door, the smell of dragon's breath wafting through the house. “Naa lle desiel? (Are you ready)” He asked. I nodded with an excited smile; breakfast went down in a flash and we were off. The six of us ready to tame more beasts for Myomel.      We cut off the small herd as I had thought; running around the herd, separating them into easier tameable amounts. Hod and Kav surrounded the two wargs, circling them with the fur of their backs sticking straight up; their jaws open and chomping if they attempted to run. The two different colored wargs had their tails between their legs, their teeth a marble white showing their youth. Approaching slowly with extra amounts of dragon’s breath, I held out my hand; Kav snapped at the paw of the silver warg who cried as he stepped back into the circle, lifting the injured paw while he knelt down to lay on his side in submission of the older, stronger Warg.  “Look at me.” I told him; his golden eyes shooting towards me. His lip lifted slightly to reveal his white teeth. “Are you hungry?” I asked moving closer, Hod snapped at the black warg, his teeth pinching the back of the neck. The black warg was tossed back into his place, Hod lowered his head; his aggressive stance overpowering the young warg who was attempting a challenge.       Reaching forwards to the silver warg, he attempted to snap at my hand; snapping back, I stood up straight and pushed my shoulders forward. Dropping his lip, he sniffed at the air; his ears resting on his neck. I stepped forward once more, extending my hand for him to smell. The silver warg sniffed gently; the air around my hand turned cold as he sniffed the licked at the calming dragon’s breath in my palm.  “Good.” I praised allowing him to eat the sweet treat from my hand. Hod barked and snapped as the young black warg charged at him. His back toes spread out to hold up their weight as they battled each other for dominance.  “Kav.” I motioned with my head for her to help Hod tame the youthful beast. My wargs had the young beast on his back with his jaws snapping at their throats or feet, leaving trails of blood and slobber in his wake. Hod’s jaws shook as he hovered over the slowly defeated beast. The silver warg, now realizing I wouldn’t harm him, rested on his side watching the show beside us.      He looked back at me; the golden eyes shimmering in the growing sun. Reaching out to scratch the fluffy chin of the youngling, his eyes closed as I scratched the delicate skin under his mouth.  “Come.” I said, pulling more green dragon’s breath from my pocket to get him to his feet and following. I stood to the side, watching the black fur of the youngling shake as he fought against my two wargs who I had gotten on a similar adventure. Finally paying his head down in exhaustion, his spotted tongue dangling against the green grass while his eyes closed in final submission. The silver warg sat on the grass next to me; I made sure to leave a pile of the dragon’s breath while I established the bond between the black warg and myself.      I stepped forwards, red dragon’s breath in my hand.  “Watch the other one.” I said to Kav who ran to sit next to the young male. Kneeling next to the black warg’s face, I stretched out my hand. Taking the offering quickly, Hod jumped to the side; his tail wagging. Petting the thick fur on her neck, she opened her eyes once more; her pupils dilating, a bond.  “Good.” I praised the black warg with a smile and more red dragon’s breath.  “Come.” I announced as I walked towards Kav. She stood still for a moment as I mounted. Setting off towards Myomel, our traveling hoard now triple the size of before. Calanon welcomed us with a smile and a bowing head, the members of the city stood by their gates with their children happily celebrating as our group proudly walked by. Reaching out to me was a small child, a blue flower in his hand; his eyes were as green as the leaves surrounding the city.      Nodding my thanks, I placed the blue flower on Kod’s head, behind her ear. Hod kept a close eye on the young wargs that walked on the inside of the road, the more experienced wargs closer to the edges of the fences to protect the men, women, and children. The wind blew weakly, my black hair being pushed behind my shoulders; the wargs sniffed the air, their ears forwards in attention. Looking behind me, the young wargs pranced up beside Kav for handfuls of dragon’s breath.  “Y' beleg unity. (A strong unity)” One of the members of the community said with a smile on his face; heavy scarring across his face, a proud tamer commenting on my skills. I dropped my head and pressed my hands together, my fingertips touching my forehead. A sign of respect amongst us few; he followed my movements, respecting me as well. Kav and I continued towards our home with our new possibilities of hunters, guards, riding scouts, or even breeders. Father dismounted his large beast; round and dark in color, a large cone shaped head with a drooping bottom lip that exposed it’s pink and black gum.      His three wargs seemed older than mine, their purpose would serve as guards; I followed father into the barn with excitement.  “Lye naa findien n'ner ar' n'ner. (We are finding less and less.)” Father said opening the stalls in the barn. I nodded.  “Atar, amin can il- stay.(Father, I can not stay)” I told him, gently petting the silver warg who closed her eyes as she panted and kicked her hind leg. Father stopped to look at me; his mouth closing in shock.  “Eller naa ner n'e Rhun. (There are more out East)” He said brushing his new animals.  “Atar,” I started while stepping over to him, “Amin will entula. (Father, I will return)” I told him, placing my hand on his arm. Father looked up to me with a small smile, hopeful while being sad.  “Amin mela lle.” He said wrapping his arms around my torso. I smiled as I rested my head on the top of his head.  “Amin mela lle.” I repeated.      I spent another night in my childhood home; another dream from the spirits of the woods of the Witcher and my animals, a strange man and woman, and a blonde child of royalty. Father had packed more food, coin, and dragon’s breath to aid in taming the beasts of far lands. Having four wargs was a drastic improvement; the two young wargs having to earn their names as we traveled together. The young wargs learned quickly, picking up on habits from their mentors and myself. Stalking being the black wargs favorite, trapping and chasing being the silver wargs favorite.      Today would be the first day of their riding training; the silver warg being first, Hod watched intently as I slowly mounted the smaller beast. He shook uncomfortably, his feet shuffling awkwardly. I praised the young beast, reaching forward to give him the green dragon’s breath which he took with unbridled glee. Hod clapped his teeth, catching our attention; he was correcting him. Smiling to myself, the two wargs working together made my heart swell with pride. The larger black warg was more of a challenge; she would attempt to roll and buck, trying anyway she could in an attempt to rid her back of me. Father taught me well, how to hold onto the wargs with my thighs and the areas of fur that would not hurt them simply remind them of their direction.       Kav growled, her head dropping low to the floor as she licked her dripping teeth. The young warg whined as she attempted to roll again, pulling her to the left; she moved hesitantly; surely her confidence would grow over time. I dismounted, extending my hand with a palm full of treats. She refused the treat which worried me. My heart sunk, I immediately fawned over her; checking her stomach for digestive noises, checking her coat for dehydration or symptoms of illness. Her wet nose poked around in my pocket, reaching for the smell of red dragon’s breath.      The five of us traveled around, collecting coin for taming the beasts of towns as Hod, Kav, and I had done for many years prior. On the outskirts of Blaviken, a sharp smell of hot shit and blood burned through my nose.  “Kav.” I said, cringing at the lingering smell. Her bright face lifted into the air as she followed the scent to the side of a small lake. The four wargs surrounding me growling and snarling, their jaws clamping and opening to reveal their unraveling tongues. I looked around, checking for tracks nearby; deep holes burying themselves among the sand filling with water. Bubbles popped as they erupted from the water; a tall grey beast outstretching it’s spider-like legs, underneath was a wide man with shoulder length white hair.     A quick stab from the Witcher into the beast's gut caused it to flail it’s wretched spindles. The witcher was as white as snow with eyes as black as coal. The young, eager black warg launched itself onto the face of the Kikimora; the Witcher pulled his sword from the beasts chest, black blood falling polluting the water around them as it squealed and cried. The grey skinned Kikimora fell to the Witcher’s feet who then raised his sword to the black, snarling warg. I whistled loudly, bringing the four warg’s to my side; the Witcher licked his lips as he readjusted the handle of his sword in his gloved hand.      The wind blew around us; wafting the smell of the Kikimora into my hood. The witcher and I watched each other in silence; he panted heavily as he dripped with water prepared for more fighting. Hod stepped next to me, his head turning to rest on my shoulder.  “What are you doing here?” He asked, lowering his sword. I stayed silent as the five of us watched him, observing his every move; how he sheathed his sword, dragged the massive Kikimora from the water onto the shore between us almost as if it’s an offering. Nearby a small doe lay on her side, panting heavily from the fresh wound that would take her life in some time.      The white haired man strode over, speaking softly to the poor animal before ending the suffering of the poor animal. My wargs and I stayed nearby, observing the Witcher while he dragged the dead creature towards the edge of the forest; his chestnut gelding stood calmly and quietly as he tied the Kikimora carcass to itself then rested it on the back of his horse. I remembered the words of the spirits; how he would put all of Myomel in danger. I weighed my options, attempting to kill the Witcher would bring further problems, there was no option to stay around him, I had to stay as far away from him as possible; his kind was nothing good.      The Witcher glanced back towards the edge of the woods once more as he walked towards Blaviken in silence; the four warg’s watched with perked ears and bright eyes as the Witcher turned and walked away once more, his face now returning to normal color. Turning back to the forest, I found the carcass of the doe. I buried the small, lonesome creature and praised the spirits of the woods; the smell of the Kikimora dissipated for a moment, a sign from the spirits. I stood and mounted Kav, we all took off through the woods, deeper East. A vision appeared before me; a man in white, long black hair, standing before our path.      Stopping before him, he revealed his face; a ball of white light blinding me for a moment before fading into a face I recognized. My father stood before me, a gleam in his eye and a smile gracing his face like flowers in a field. His arm reached up, his tan index finger pointing behind me towards Blaviken. Furrowing my brows, I was supposed to stay away from the Witcher, I was supposed to keep him away from Myomel. “Auta a' ho.” The voice was different from my fathers; deeper, strained as the words escaped from between his brown lips.  “Amin uma il- rangwa. (I do not understand.)” I told him, his smile widening as his hand never fell.  “Auta a’ho. (Go to him.)” He repeated.      My wargs stood calmly, before turning after father outstretched his left hand to rub the cheek of my mount. I faced the other direction, Kav’s feet moving slowly back towards Blavikin; I turned to see my father’s face once more, only, he was gone. A spirit had come to me, given me an order that I was to follow. I sighed heavily, a breath of white smoke chasing the heat from my lungs. The walls of Blaviken stood tall and proud, high above my head, in dark grey stone. Dismounting, I stood beside Hod and Kav, the two younger and smaller wargs followed obediently behind us.      The entrance was void of any people, silent and still despite the warming torches on either side of the gate; the quick wind blew ashes against the cobblestone ground. The wind blew on my hood covering my face, hiding my identity, as the cold breeze pushed us further into the city. I dug deeper into the city, hearing joyous voices announcing items for sale, the smells of food and drink and of the barn nearby, clashing of the blacksmith’s tools in his small work space. I looked around, searching for a sign of the Witcher or a sign from the spirits. The crowd was thick, careless as they nearby bumped into my beasts.     They would leap back with apologies as the whispers came, surrounding me at every angle; questions on who I was, where we came from, how my people could so easily tame the beasts among the lands. The people of this town walked besides us, observing the large mounts that stood taller than some of them. A young girl approached, walking besides me reveling in the warmth of Hod’s side. She attempted to reach her hand out, to gently touch the beast. “Do not touch him.” I demanded, tilting my head slightly towards her.      Her hand dropped to embrace the other as she continued to walk with me.  “The Black Crow does speak.” Her chipper young voice said. I nodded in silence once more. “I saw you run passed, why return?” She asked.  “The spirits ordered me to.” I replied slowly; unsure of how she would react. “Good thing they did, we have a beast who must be tamed. Where would you take him?” She turned her shoulders in an attempt to gain a look at my face.  “What beast?” She tilted her head with a hum.  “Can not say, my father knows; I can take you to him, he can tell you where.” I thought on the offer, looking around aimlessly for any sign of the spirits, but they had all left me; they pointed me in the direction, perhaps this is why I was here.       The young girl took me to a large, wooden door; a deep feeling in my chest, a feeling of magic nearby.  “What is this?” I asked, turning to her. She shook her head.  “I can not feel it nor see it. Like you and the Witcher.”  “He was here? Is he in there?” I asked, my hands touching my wargs rough fur. She nodded, babbling on about his kill and what they spoke of. My eyes darted around the surrounding area, looking for the chestnut horse he walked in with. Spotting it, I smirked. The spirits brought me to this place, this moment, but I couldn’t think why.      I was suddenly reaching out towards the gate, touching the magic before it; I walked through, it was a cold wash of air that transferred into the warmth of the sun. Everything was different; the smell of fresh citrus and the summer air, the sounds of birds chirping and fluttering their wings as they flew in the open space overhead.  “Ah, Warg Rider.” A gentleman's voice welcomed me. Two sets of footsteps setting towards me; the first eager, the second more hesitant to follow the first man. My hand was stolen from my side, a quick peck on the back of the cold skin.  “Drop your hood, you’re in knowing company.” The older man said, I kept my head low for a moment; I could only see the white hair that fell shortly from his chin. The man dropped my hand, which I used to pull my down to rest on my tensed shoulders. The thick wool opening to reveal the brightness of the sun. I could only wince against the light, then look around the room; beholding naked women pulling fruit from the full branches of thick trees, the tall, broad Witcher standing but a few feet away. His face in slight shock as I revealed my face.  “My name is Stregobor.” The ruffled haired man said walking back towards the Witcher.     He told me of how the Witcher and I served the same purpose with the same odd request; to kill a woman named Renfri, a woman born under the black moon. I inhaled sharply at the request, going against the spirits could prove fatal.  “I understand how this may be difficult for you, Warg Rider, your people have never killed a living thing unless proved truly necessary. But might I assure you, this is truly necessary.” He looked at me, his brows lifted in truth. I nodded slowly, silently praying to the spirits for forgiveness.  “This will be my coin.” The Witcher said, his eyes closed as he slowly looked at me, his jaw tightly clenched. “You’ve taken my coin. I take this coin.” I replied, I expected the sounds of my wargs but none came; I looked around me once more in confusion.      The Witcher crossed his arms over his chest, ignoring my statement for the returned coin. The conversation was over before it had begun; I had all I needed, the description of the woman and where she last stayed. I made my way out of the magic room back to my beasts who yipped excitedly to see me as I tugged up my hood once more.  “I saw your face, you know.” The girl said, holding my foot while I adjusted myself on Hod’s back. Smirking down at her, the young silver warg approached my side; his teeth peering from between his black lips.  “No. You did not.” The five of us traveled through the woods once more, smelling for any sign of the woman.      Stopping suddenly, I caught a strong smell of smoke from a fire nearby. I climbed the tree nearby to follow the smell unnoticed, the branches slightly falling under my weight then relaxing as I jumped to another. From tree to tree, I climbed and chased the smell through the pine trees. I saw a small fire warming the thoughtfully rotating food of the Witcher, close to his horse as it slept. A twig snapped nearby, alerting us to the presence of a woman; the woman I needed to kill for my coin. I looked back to the intrusive Witcher, his gold eyes peering up at me through the branches of the trees.      I waited for my moment to kill her with a single arrow, but had no way to take the body from the man before her. I retreated to my Wargs to wait until the next morning to claim my coin. The Witcher did not take my kill to take my coin; why should I be better than him. I was enveloped in the warm, coarse fur of my animals as I was taken by the spirits through another dream. The woman with short brown hair, large eyes, and cream skin, she fought almost as well as the Witcher and I. The Witcher would not claim the coin. A demon with a large head and sandy colored skin, short curled horns above its head, a voice and blight flash of light. “Posada.” My father's voice echoes through my ears as I sit up still among the snoring animals. The day was grim, death lingering in the air around us like we were trapped in a room filled with fire. I moved carefully, each step calculated as I reentered the city; it was absent of all sound now.      I went to find the old man, collect my coin the Witcher stole from me, but the magic was gone; the door now just a block of wood planks and metal hinges. Cursing to myself, I made my move in order to follow the spirits.      Towards Posada.

[ruthoakenshield]

Worthless Little Shadow (chapter 7)

Worthless Little Shadow (Chapter 6)

As they finish their conversation, a knock is heard at the door. Dis gets up and answers it. She closes the door and comes back to the table. "Thorin is ready for the council meeting. You boys had better get going." she tells them. "Balin, I will send the raven to go inquire and search for the two guards who helped Shadow escape." she tells him.

Balin nods. "You two ladies have a lovely day. We will see you both for lunch." Balin tells them as he gets up. He comes over to Shadow and gives her a wink. "Don't worry about how this will turn out, Lass. You are welcome here and we will not send you back to your father, nor will we send you out of the mountain. Spend the day with Dis and have her show you around the mountain until Dwalin or I have some free time. I'm afraid Thorin will keep these two lads busy for a while until we can get this all worked out and can prove to him your story is true." Balin tells her as he gives her a small hug.

She looks up at his face and gives him a small smile. "Thank you Master Balin for your help and your kindness." Shadow says quietly. "Any time, Lass. I am here if you ever want someone to talk with." he says and pats her cheek affectionately.

Balin heads for the door, "Come on Gents, lets get going." he says. Dwalin comes over and gives Shadow a smile. "It's good to finally hear ya talkin' Lass. I hope ye will sing for us again sometime." he says with a twinkle in his eye. Shadow blushes and says, "We shall see, Master Dwalin." he grins and gives her a wink and a pat on the shoulder, then heads over to his brother.

Kili gets up and comes over to Shadow. "Don't worry, Little Shadow, everything will work out. Just keep being you and give Uncle time to warm up to you." he says and gives her a hug. She smiles and hugs him back. "Thank you, Kee for finding me and helping me." she says quietly. He puts his head to hers and says, "You make my brother happier than I have ever seen him. I am glad he found his One and I can't wait to have you as a sister!" he grins.

Shadow chuckles and Kili heads for the door.

Fili stands up last and just looks at Shadow for a moment. He takes her hands and kisses each of them then holds them to his chest. "I wish I didn't have to go to these meetings today. I had wanted to show you around Erebor when we got back." he sighs. Shadow puts her forehead against his.

"You can show me your favourite haunts perhaps when you finish for the day. I am in no hurry, my love, I will wait for you however long I have to." she tells him.

Fili sighs and looks into her green eyes. "I love you SO much Ghishavel, thank you for not running when you realized who I was." he tells her quietly. She giggles.

"Well I couldn't exactly run when you had me in a tight grip on your pony." she replies.

Fili grins. "Stay with me always?" he asks her. "Yes, my Lion Prince, I will stay with you always." she tells him and kisses him so soundly that he is left speechless.

 They hear chuckling from behind them and Kili calls out, "Come on 'Lion Prince', get your rear in gear or Uncle will have your head for making us late for council." Dwalin and Balin chuckle and Fili gives Shadow a peck on the cheek and heads out to the meeting.

Dis chuckles as she watches the interaction between her oldest son and his love. It reminds her of her late husband. Fili looks a lot like him and she sees a lot of her in Shadow. She comes over to Shadow after the Dwarrow leave and she says, "Come, lets go for a walk and I will show you some of Erebor while we talk and get to know each other better." Shadow smiles and nods.

The two dwarrowdams head into the hallway and Dis introduces Shadow to the guards who were assigned to protect her room. They smile politely and welcome her to Erebor. Then Dis shows Shadow to the throne room and lets her look around. After that, she takes them to the market place and they have fun wandering the market and admiring all the wares. Dis takes Shadow over to her favourite corsetmaker and insists on getting several more corsets in various colors to go with the dresses the dwarves bought for her. "They don't understand some of the things we ladies need." she chuckles. Then they head over to the booth that sells undergarments and night clothes. Dis helps Shadow pick out more underclothes and some night gowns. Then they head to the food vendors and grab some fruit and cheese, honey cakes  and a bottle of mead and head out of the market.

Dis takes her to the library and grins when she sees Shadow's face light up a the mention of Erebor having a library. "Do you enjoy reading?" Dis asks. Shadow smiles a big smile and says, "Yes, I did a lot of reading when I was locked in my rooms." Dis introduces Shadow to Ori, who shows them around the library and explains how things are organized and what all he has done to restore the library. Shadow is amazed by it all and is quick to praise him for all his hard work and how lovely the library looks. 

Ori blushes at the praise and thanks her. He shows them to a table and lets them sit and talk and eat their mid morning snack. "Shadow, what are the names of the guards who helped you escape?" Dis asks as they eat. Shadow tells her and sighs. "I wonder if they are even alive any more. Father doesn't suffer those who betray him to live for very long. Father pretends to be kind and good natured on the outside, but once he lets you into his inner circle, he reveals how mean and cruel he truly is. I doubt he even bothered to search for me. He always told me I was worthless and good for nothing. He blamed mother for me being a girl and not a boy. As if she had any control over it." Shadow said sadly.

Dis sighed. "I am so sorry you were treated like that. When Thorin finds out what has happened to you, I'm sure he will not be happy and will understand why you ran. One thing he does not tolerate is a woman of any race being improperly treated and abused. You will be safe here, Sweetheart, if anyone ever raises a hand to you in anger he and my boys will see that they are punished severely. The dwarves of this community do not tolerate abuse of our women." Dis assures Shadow. 

"Were you close to your mother?" Dis asks. Shadow nods. "Yes, I miss her terribly. She would've loved my room. Amethysts were her favourite. They remind me of her." Shadow tells her. "She hated the name father chose for me." Shadow says. "Amad always told me I was NOT worthless and that I was NOT good for nothing. She always told me she wanted to name me, Davi, which means 'cherished'. She always called me that when Adad was not around. 

"Shadow, which name would you rather be called. It seems my boys' nickname is what Dwalin and the boys refer to you as, but that was because no one knew your real name. You won't be able to go by that though once you are introduced to Thorin, the council, and the mountain as Fili's intended. How would you like to be called? Raca or Davi?" Dis asks. 

"I can choose?" Shadow asks as she looks at Dis in wonder. Dis chuckles, "Yes, my dear, you can choose. If there is a different name you wish to be called in public, then let me know." Shadow thinks for a bit. She considers what Dis just told her about how dwarves here view their women. "Dis, do you think Fili would like it if I was called Davi?" She asks.

Dis gives her a warm smile, "He would love it, Sweetheart. Since he does obviously cherish you!" Dis replies. 

"Then I would like to be known as Davi." Shadow informs Dis. Dis nods, "What would you like as a surname?" Dis asks. "I don't know." Shadow replies. 

"What was your mother's name?" Dis asks. "Lenora Ironshield" Shadow replies. Dis' eyes get huge. "Your mother was Lenora Ironshield?!?" Shadow looks confused and nods.

Dis thinks a moment. Then she says, "Normally when a Dwarrow or Dwarrowdam is introduced formally, her first name, surname, and family lineage and titles are given. Thorin's is: Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, Son of Thror, King under the Mountain. But for you, I will make a case we use your mother's side since your father has behaved so poorly. If you wished to disown him, no one would bat an eye about it and you would still be considered a princess through your mother's lineage. I remember hearing about her once, before she met your adad.  She was a highly respected Dwarrowdam in her former community. I am surprised her father agreed to the marriage. Had he known what he was putting her into, he never would've agreed to the marriage." Dis tells Shadow.

"So let's have you introduced as: Davi, daughter of Lenora Ironshield, queen of the Rhun Mountains, granddaughter of Dolana Lavafist, queen of the Iron Mountain, and intended of Fili, son of Dis and nephew of Thorin, King under the Mountain." Dis suggests.

Shadow's face lights up and she nods. "I like that. We can figure out a surname for me later, I've done nothing noteworthy deserving one." she tells Dis. 

"Come, let's go send a raven to look for your guard friends." Dis says and they pack up their snack and thank Ori for showing them the library and Dis takes Shadow out to Raven Hill to send the bird to find her friends and see if they are alive.

Davi is amazed at the size of the birds. "I never realized how large the Ravens of Erebor are! They are such beautiful birds!" Davi exclaimed. A few of the ravens squawk and one hops onto Davi's shoulder and preens her hair adjusting one of the flower pins Dis had put into it. Davi freezes when the bird hops onto her shoulder and she looks at Dis a little frightened. Dis chuckles. "Loni said your hair pin was coming out and he decided to fix it for you." Dis explained. Loni rubs his head against Davi's face affectionately. Davi chuckles and says, "Thank you Loni. You are a nice raven." It squawks something to Dis and Dis chuckles. "Loni wants to know why you are so thin." she says. 

"Loni, my father rules the Rhun Mountains. He is a horribly cruel dwarf and abused both my mother and I. When my mother died, he locked me in my rooms and starved me. That is why I am so thin. Two guards, who were friends of mine, helped me to escape. That is why we sent the raven to search for them. If they are still alive, I want them to come here and be my guards as a reward for their help." Davi explains. 

Loni squawks again and rubs against Davi. Dis chuckles. "Loni wants to know if he can be your raven. He likes you and wants to stay with you if you will allow." Dis explains. Davi looks up at Dis confused. "Why? I can not understand what he is saying unless you translate for me. How did you learn what they say?" Davi asks.

Dis chuckles. "It is something those of the line of Durin are able to understand. Once you marry into the line of Durin, Mahal will bless you with the ability so you and Fili can communicate by sending messages to each other using the ravens if you are separated for a time. He will eventually have to do trade negotiations with other kingdoms and things like that and won't always be at your side. He will need you to run things with Kili's help while he is gone." Dis explains. 

"Oh." Davi says quietly. Loni rubs against her cheek and squawks quietly. Dis giggles. "He wants to know if you are going to marry Fili and be queen one day." Dis says. 

Davi giggles. "We will see, Loni. He only just asked to court me this morning." Davi explains. Loni flutters his wings and preens making Davi giggle. "What are you doing, Loni?" She asks. He squawks again and Dis translates. "He is preening so he looks nice for you." she chuckles. 

Davi blushes and asks, "May I pet you Loni?" He looks at her and bobs his head. Davi reaches up and gently touches his head. He closes his eyes and makes a funny little sound. Davi runs her fingers down his back and gently pets his wings. "Oooh! Your feathers are SO soft!!!" she says. Loni perks up his head and puffs his chest feathers out. Dis chuckles. "You just gave him a very high compliment." she tells Davi. 

Davi giggles. "Would you like to join us as we walk around Erebor, Loni?" she asks. Loni bobbs his head and stays perched on her shoulder as Dis leads them out of Raven Hill. They make their way back after telling the guard to send word to them immediately when the raven returns with news of the guards. He nods and they head back into Erebor. They talk with each other and Loni as Dis translates for Davi when Loni wants to tell Davi something. 

They walk around the halls and Dis shows Davi some of her favourite places. They stop in the grand ball room and the music hall. Loni asks if Davi can play any instruments or sing. She giggles and tells them she sings and plays the harp. Loni fluffs up and asks if she will play and sing them something. Davi nods and they walk into the music hall. Dis shows Davi one of the gold harps and Loni hops onto the top of it and watches as Davi sits and makes sure the harp is in tune. Then he flies down to her shoulder again and nestles into her neck. 

She sings the song she sang earlier. The one her mother sang to her as a babe. The music and her beautiful voice flowing out through the doorway and into the halls of Erebor. Everyone who hears it pauses and closes their eyes, mesmerized by the haunting voice and melody. Thorin hears it in the Council chambers and stands. He hollers for them to be silent so he can hear it clearly. Dwalin and Balin grin, knowing who's voice it is. Fili's jaw drops when he hears it and Kili smirks.  They are all surprised when Thorin gets up and walks out of the council chambers without another word. He follows the sound of the music and his nephews and Balin and Dwalin also join him in the hall. The music and voice stop however, before he can find out where it came from. 

Thorin looks around, frowning hoping the music starts up again, but it doesn't. He growls and heads back towards the council chambers. Kili and Fili, Balin and Dwalin all smirking behind him.

When Davi finishes the song and leans the harp back into it's position, Loni nuzzles his head against her neck and squawks quietly in almost a purr. Dis giggles and tells Davi, "Loni says you have a voice like a beautiful songbird. He says he has never heard anything so beautiful before and that he hopes you sing more often." Davi blushes and pets Loni again. 

"Thank you Loni. That song was one my mother sang to me when I was but a little dwarrow pebble." Davi explains. Loni makes another sound and Dis says, "He wants to know if you know any other songs." Davi nods and says yes, but I don't want to sing any more right now. Can we see some more of Erebor?" Davi asks. Dis nods. 

Dis leads them out of the music hall and down further. They can hear hollering and yelling and Thorin's booming voice coming from behind one of the doors. Davi looks at Dis with a frown. Dis chuckles, "That is the Council Chambers." she says. "You will find that is a common sound coming from there on a daily basis." she tells Davi. Davi huffs, "Not if I can help it." she mumbles. Dis chuckles. "When Fili is king, You and he will be in there and can handle them however you like." Dis says with a chuckle. 

She begins to walk again and Loni looks around as he perches on Davi's shoulder. They walk down some steps and Dis leads them to the royal Bath house. She shows Davi where to go to change and tells Loni to wait in the hallway. Loni does and once they have changed and wrapped in a towel, she calls him to enter. He perches on Davi's shoulder again, careful not to sink his claws into her bare shoulder. He flies onto one of the benches and turns to face away from them when they settle on a pool to enter and slide out of their towels and slip into the pool. 

Loni hops over to them and perches on the edge of the pool next to Davi. Dis and Loni and Davi talk for a while and enjoy each other's company. After a bit, their bellies begin to grumble. "Loni, will you go see if it is time for lunch? We will go change and meet you in the hallway outside the bathhouse." She tells him. He squawks and flies off. "What did he say?" Davi asked as they got out of the pool and wrapped up in towels. 

"He just said, 'as my ladies wish'." Dis said. "Come, let's see what Bombur made for lunch for us." They both giggled as their stomachs made funny noises as they dressed. 

They entered the hallway and Loni flew down onto Davi's shoulder. He squawked and then nestled down onto Davi's shoulder and leaned against her neck. She giggled. "I love your soft feathers, Loni." she said as she reached up and petted him. He made his funny purr sound. Dis chuckled. "He likes your soft hair and warm skin." she tells Davi. "Loni said that everyone is meeting in the Royal dining chambers for lunch. So we had better go meet them there." Dis informs Davi.

They head for the Dining hall and Davi stops at the door. "Dis, will Loni be allowed into the dining hall? I don't want to upset Thorin. He already seems to dislike me." Davi asked nervously. 

"Loni will be fine, Davi. Thorin will understand. His raven followed him all over Erebor for months until they got used to each other. That raven can find him in the deepest parts of the mountain faster than anyone." she tells them. Loni squawks and nestles Davi's hair making her giggle. "Will you sit on my shoulder while we're eating though?" she asks him. He squawks and shakes his head. "No, he says he will sit on the back of your chair so you don't upset anyone." Dis tells you. 

Dis, Loni, and Davi enter the dining hall and everyone looks up. Thorin is scowling and his eyes open wide when he sees a raven on Little Shadow's shoulder. Fili grins and comes walking over. 

"Well hello there my beauties!" he tells the three of you. Dis chuckles and gives him a hug. "We went to Raven Hill and sent the raven to find the two guards. Loni here decided to be Davi's raven." she tells her son. He looks confused. "Davi? Amad, I thought you said her name was Raca?" Fili asked. Davi giggled. "It is, Fili, but my father picked the name. My mother hated it because he chose the name to spite me. Mother always wanted my name to be Davi because she cherished me. She knew dwarrowdams were rare and that I was not worthless like my father thought. I decided I no longer want to be called Raca. I want to be known as Davi." Davi explained. 

Fili grinned, realizing the significance of the name change. He nods, "Davi it is then." he says and give you a peck on the cheek. He reaches out to give Loni a pet. "Hello Loni. Are you enjoying your new friend?" he asks the bird. It squawks and rubs against Davi and she giggles. Fili grins. "Well good. I'm glad you like her. You are welcome to be hers till the end of your days." he tells the bird. The bird bows and gives a quiet, short squawk. Then nuzzles against Davi. 

Fili chuckles and takes Davi's hand and leads her to the table. Thorin watches the whole exchange silently and looks at Dis with a raised eyebrow. She glares at him and silently tells him to keep his trap shut about it. He frowns and nods. He watches as Fili leads Davi to the table and motions for her to sit between him and Kili. Loni hops onto the back of the chair and Kili looks up and grins. He reaches up and pets Loni. "Heya Loni! You hungry?" he asks. The bird squawks quietly and Kili chuckles. "She doesn't know about that yet. We'll make sure to tell her though." he tells the bird. It squawks again quietly and Kili chuckles. 

Bombur and his crew bring out the food and everyone is served. Fili leans over to Davi and tells her, "You look stunning in that dress, my Love. Loni says it is the Raven's favourite color on you." Davi giggles and blushes. "He is so soft. I love feeling his feathers rub against my neck when he nuzzles me." she says quietly. Fili chuckles. "Don't forget to give him treats. That's how you keep them happily serving you for their whole life." he suggests. 

Davi looks surprised. "Fili, what do they like for treats?" she asks.

"They will eat almost anything. Bugs, worms, any kind of meat scraps, but sweet berries are a treat for them and will keep them especially happy." he says grinning. 

Davi nods. She picks a blueberry off her plate and hands it to Loni. "Here, Loni. Have a treat. You've been good company for me and Dis this morning." she says. Loni makes his purring sound and gently takes the berry and flies down to the floor to munch on it. 

Thorin rolls his eyes and looks at Dis. She glares at him and raises an eyebrow. He sighs and goes back to eating. The boys ask what all they did this morning and Dis shares what they saw and did. When she mentions the music room, Thorin's ears perk up. "What were you doing in the music room?" he asks. 

"Loni wanted to know if I played an instrument or sang, sir." Davi said shyly. "So I showed them what I could play. He asked me to sing for him and Dis, so I did while I played." she says. "I'm sorry if I wasn't supposed to be in there. I thought it was okay since Dis showed me it." she apologized quietly. 

Thorin's eyes got huge. He looked at Dis who was giving him a stern look. "It is fine. What do you play, if I might ask?" Thorin said, curious now. 

"The harp." Davi replies quietly. "Thorin looks over at Fili wide eyed. Fili just smirks. "And do you sing well?" Thorin asks. 

"I sing, Sir. Whether it is well or not, I do not know. Loni and Dis seemed to like it." Davi replied shyly. Loni flies over to Thorin and lands on the arm of his chair. He squawks quietly to the king for a moment and then Thorin's eyes get big. He nods and gives Loni a piece of meat from his plate and Loni flies off to the floor to eat it. 

"Your raven has said he wished to be your personal raven and that you have accepted him." Thorin says to Davi. She nods. "Is that ok, sir?" she asks. Thorin nods. "If Fili is in agreement, it is fine with me." he says. Your raven says you sing beautifully. Will you sing and play something for us when we finish eating?" Thorin asks. 

Davi looks panicked for a moment, but Dis, Fili, Balin, Dwalin and Kili all grin and nod. Davi looks back at Thorin and nods. "If that is your wish, I will sing and play you something." she says quietly. Thorin nods. 

There is a knock on the dining hall's door and Dwalin gets up to answer it. He returns with a large, old raven on his arm and he brings it over to Dis. The raven hops onto her arm and squawks quietly into her ear. Her eyes get huge and she looks at Dwalin and Davi. "What is it, Dis?" Davi asks. 

"The guards are still serving your father and have read the message from the raven. He says he sat on a tree nearby listening to the guards talking until he found the two we sent him to find. He said they are the only ones who read the message. They told him they would be happy to come serve at Erebor, but we will have to request their services before they could leave. 

Thorin looks confused. "Dwalin why was a raven sent to look for two guards? What is all this about?" he asks frowning. Dis looks up at Dwalin, who nods and she begins to tell Thorin what all they discovered this morning. Thorin is irate that anyone would treat one dwarrowdam that horribly, but two treated like that he was absolutely livid. Especially when he finds out who her mother is.

It took a stern look from Dis to finally silence him enough for her to finish her explanation of how these two guards are eye witnesses to what happened to Davi and her mother.  She explains that if Davi's father finds out these two guards are the ones who helped her escape, that they would be put to death instantly. 

Thorin frowned. "Davi, why would these guards risk their lives and the wrath of their king to help you escape an arranged marriage that would take you away from your father's abusiveness?" he asked. 

"Because they disliked what my father had done to my mother and I. They faithfully served my father only because of their concern for my mother and I. None of us knew anything about the prince I was arranged to marry. The guards knew my parent's marriage was an arranged one, they witnessed the abuse my mother and I both suffered at his hands. It angered them to see us treated the way we were, but there was little they could do to stop it. The guards did not wish that kind of an arranged marriage for me and knew I feared that kind of marriage more than anything. I asked them to help me escape and they did. Had I been allowed to converse with Fili ahead of time, I would not have ran and willingly married him and been happy to get away from my father, but I was not allowed to know anything about him or even who he was!" Davi explained. “My father will pass the kingship to my cousin since my father has no sons. My cousin hates how I and my mother were treated and I believe the soldiers who helped me escape must still be serving Adad because they hoped to hear how I fared or else they await the day my cousin assumes the throne and this rule from hell ends with my father's death. 

Thorin growled. "I see. And now you want me to request these two guards come serve here where they could help you escape again?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.  "Sir, I have no desire to run away from here. I have been treated with nothing but kindness by your family and the servants." Davi replied. "I promise you they will be your faithful and loyal servants. I just ask you treat them well. They have been through enough as have I." Davi pleads. 

Thorin nodded and rubbed his beard. "Dwalin what are your plans for these two guards should I agree to this?" Thorin asked. 

"They are to be Davi's and Fili's personal guards." Dwalin replied. "They are loyal to her and have already agreed to come should they be summoned." 

"I will think on the matter." Thorin replied. 

"I see you wear Fili's courting braids and beads. Have you agreed to the arranged marriage, then?" Thorin asks Davi.

She looks over at Fili, and he sees fear in her eyes. He quickly gives her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. She calms and he turns to his uncle. "We have decided to court, Uncle. I wish to marry her, but am leaving it up to her. She has been through enough abuse and mistrust, I want to give her time to get used to me and my family and Erebor. If at the end of the courting timeframe, she decides not to marry me, I will let her go. If she decides she wishes to marry me, then we will let you know." he tells his uncle. 

Thorin frowns. "Fili, we made an agreement with her father..." Thorin starts to say. "And her father broke that agreement, Uncle, and didn't have the decency to notify us until I was half way there! He released me from the agreement, let us keep the dowry and told me I was free to marry whom I wished." Fili reminded Thorin. 

Thorin growled. "And what am I supposed to tell the Council when they find out the missing princess is here? What am I supposed to tell her father?" Thorin asked. 

Davi's eyes got huge and she looked at Fili with such terror in her face he feared she would bolt. He calmly stood and took her hand. He pulled her into his embrace and held her trembling body. 

"Now is not the time for this Uncle." He said and calmly ushered Davi out of the room. Loni saw them head for the door and he flew over to them and rode on Fili's shoulder as they left. 

Once they were out of the room, Fili ushered Davi to a nearby balcony that over looked the western slope of Erebor. He sat with her and let her cry. He held her and told her he would handle this with Thorin. He asked her what she wanted them to do about her father. She told them not to tell him she was found until the two soldiers were safely in Erebor. She told him to have Thorin request their permanent presence here in the mountain to guard the Crown Prince and his One Immediately. She suggested they send the same raven back to her friends with a message that she is safe and happy in Erebor. That she is Prince Fili's One and she is requesting them to come guard her and her Prince immediately, but not to tell anyone but the two guards and that no one but the two guards see this message. 

Fili agrees to tell Thorin. Loni hops down onto Davi's lap and nuzzles her hand. He squawks quietly and Fili chuckles. Davi looks up at him and Fili tells her, "Loni hopes you still choose to stay here in Erebor and that he hopes you will give Dis time to make Thorin come around."

Davi giggles. Fili stands and tells Loni to stay here with Davi for a moment. He goes back into the Dining Hall and tells his mother what Davi said. She nods and starts railing on Thorin. He growls back at her and she gets fed up and grabs him by the ear and drags him out the door. He is growling at her and yelling at her to let go of him. She winks at Davi as they walk by. Davi looks confused. Fili comes back to Davi and everyone from the dining hall is following Dis, knowing what is coming and wanting to see it happen. Fili whispers to Davi and explains what happened after they left and what is going to happen. She giggles. 

They follow to the practice arena and Dis kicks everyone else out except those from the dining hall who followed them. Everyone sits in the royal box to watch the entertainment. Dis rails at Thorin telling him what an idiot he is being and so on. She presents her case to Thorin and requests he allow her son to court Davi. He grumbles about it and she goes at him with her Battle axes. He defends himself with his sword and they go round and round and round until Dis gets her way and Thorin yields to her demands after she drops him at the edge of her blades for the umteenth time. He is growling, but caves and she gets her way. Everyone cheers and she drags Thorin up and smacks the back of his head with the flat of her axe. He rubs his head and frowns and growls at her."Go tell them!" she orders. He growls and she threatens to beat him again if he didn't go tell them.

He grumbles and goes to tell Fili he has his blessing to court Davi. Fili and Davi beam at him and thank him. He grumbles a 'you're welcome.' and they all follow Dis to the music room. Thorin is confused for a moment. "You asked for music after lunch. Well lunch is over, so now you get your music." she states. 

With that she leads Davi over to the harp and helps her get settled. Loni perches on Davi's shoulder and nestles and squawks quietly into her ear. Davi giggles and looks at Dis. Dis tells her Loni just says he can't wait to hear your pretty voice again. "What should I sing for Thorin?" she asks Dis. 

Dis thinks for a moment, and asks if she knows The Misty Mountains song? Davi nods. "Sing that." She says, "then go right into the song you sang earlier." Davi swallows nervously and closes her eyes and begins to play the harp and sing.

Everyone's jaws drop at the sound of Davi's voice. Thorin especially is astounded. Her voice takes him back to the night they sat in Bilbo's hobbit hole and reminds him of all he succeeded in accomplishing and all who helped him do it. Then she begins to sing the song her mother sang to her and he is taken back to his mother singing it to him and to his siblings. When she finishes the song, there isn't a dry eye in the room.

Balin stands and comes over to her and takes her hand. He places a gentle kiss on the top of it and thanks her for the lovely music. He winks and then heads to his and Dwalin's suite.

One by one the dwarves thank Davi for her music and head to their suites until only Fili, Dis and Thorin are left.

Thorin stands and slowly walks up to Davi. He looks down at her and reaches out to grasp her hand. She hesitantly places it into his large hand and he gently pulls her over to him. He wraps her in a gentle hug and thanks her for the beautiful music. He apologizes for being such an ass to her and asks if they can start over. She looks up at him and nods, surprised by his about face in attitude. He smiles at her and kisses her hand and nods to Dis and Fili. Then he goes to his chambers and thinks how he is going to make this whole situation work for Davi so her and her guards stay safely out of reach of her horrible father.

@fizzyxcustard​ @queenofmankind​ @thorinthehottotty​ @deepestfirefun​@dumbassunderthemountain​ @thetherianthropydaily​ @demoniccheese83 @tschrist1​ @daisy-picking-lady​ @legolaslovely​ @lotr-hobbit-imagines​ @aspookybunny​ @ellavaneck @emrfangirl​ @midnight-reader-morning-sleeper​

[the-passing-flame-ffxiv-fanfic]

The Passing Flame; Ch. 1:

The sun’s rays peaked throw the sheer curtains leading into a rather medium sized room. The birds sang their lovely morning tunes as the village she and her family resided in began to spring to life with the morning bustle. She slowly woke, yawning slightly and feeling a long, elegant arm draped over her stomach. She slightly turned her head to view the sleeping form slightly stirring next to her.

“Morn’n, sleeping beauty.” Harune teased Alisaie. The arm moved under the woman’s body, as she pushed herself up lightly with her arms to look at Harune. Her snowy hair stuck out from all angles, and her eyes were half lidded due to sleep. Alisaie yawned and positioned herself halfway on her warrior, using her as her personal body pillow.

“Ngh… Not quite yet. Let us enjoy this rather peaceful morning.” She murmured sleepily as she hugged her spouse close. Harune chuckled and held her wife close. It was rare mornings like these occurred, especially after becoming parents. Not long after settling into a lover’s embrace did life bring them crashing down to reality.

BANG, CRASH, SHATTER!

“Hyliea get off me!!”

“Gotta toughen up bro!”

“You both broke moms’ vase!”

Harune and Alisaie groaned within the sanctuary of their room. For a moment Harune thought they could escape with just a few more moments of fleeting sleep until the usual morning chorus sounded off.

“Papa!”

“tattle tale!”

“Moooooooom!!”

“Stop screaming you two!!”

“Rhun started it!”

“NO I DIDN’T!”

“By the Twelve, why did the gods grant us with triplets…” Alisaie sighed as she got up from bed, heading towards a mirror and began taming her bed written hair. “Because the gods felt we didn’t suffer enough in our youth… or the fact that you tormented your family and friends, it’s a unique justice.” Harune chuckled and slipped out of bed. “If that is true, how did Alphinaud end up with one child?!” Alisaie exclaimed as she slammed her brush down in annoyance. “I never said Alphinaud tormented us, if my memory serves me correct, you tormented Alphinaud in the same way-”

“Hush.” Alisaie glared at Harune who put her hands up in defense. “I said IF.” She chuckled and opened their door, earning a quick hush from the house. As Harune stepped out with Alisaie not far behind, the three children practically froze in place. Indeed, a vase was shattered on the floor, along with water, dirt and flowers that filled the vase, mixing in with the mess. Another chorus filled the room, each trying to state their innocents and place blame on the other.

“Okay, okay, Quiet! Quiet! All of you!” Harune shot glances at each one before landing on before looking at their most responsible child. “Railee, please, explain-” “Why do you always believe her over us?!” Hyliea exclaimed loudly. Alisiea shot their tomboy child a stern glare and placed her hand on her hip striking her signature pose. “Because, my dear sweet primal spawn, she doesn’t lie, nor blame her other siblings when something goes wrong.”

“Heh, true.” Rhun shot at his sister under his breath. Hyliea glared at her brother, obviously hearing his remark. “got something to say puny arse?!” Hyliea jumped on her brother yet again as they started wrestling on the ground.

Railee just motioned towards her siblings in a ‘Do I need say more?’ way as Harune sighed holding the bridge of her nose. She reached down and pulled the pair apart, making them sit on the sofa with force. “Why do the gods torment me with such rambunctious children?!” She crossed her arms and glared at the two. Alisiea and Railee both took this opportunity to retreat to the kitchen and start on preparing breakfast.

“You both have been fighting since your name day!” Harune shot at the two of them. “Actually, before then, there were times I felt an awful lot of kicking in the womb.” Alisiea shot from the kitchen. “Whatever the case, you two are siblings, yet you fight as though you were enemies.” Both children kept their faces down in shame. They both had great respect for their parents but always seem to fail when it came to each other.

“Sorry Papa…” They both said in unison. Harune’s face relaxed a bit, she could never stay mad at any of them, at least not more than two minutes. She knelt down in front of them both, a small smile on her lips. “As the future of Eorzea, you both need to stop these useless squabbles and start working together. You think mama and Uncle Alphinaud fought like this?”

“Yes.” Hyliea answered quickly with a small smirk. ‘Well, she’s not wrong.’ Harune thought to herself. “Well, when we were on our travels, they were the most-” “Uncle Al said, one time, Mama put itching leaves in his sleeping bag and that YeYe had to spend the majority of the day-” Harune placed her hand over Rhuns mouth and sighed. She would have to talk with Alphinaud later about what stories should be withheld from the demon dou until a much later date.

“Go eat and ready yourself for classes.” Harune stood and both took off towards the kitchen.

Breakfast went off with little fighting and more of running through rules of class and making sure one out of the three abided by them this week. As the three left for class, Alisiea leaned against Harune and smiled warmly. “They may be unruly at times, but I do thank the twelve that they blessed us with children from both our genes, they were well worth that long winding road.” Harune chuckled in agreement. “That they were.”

She looked around the place they settled in and called home, ‘Ala Mhigo.’ The place indeed flourished in the years after its liberation. Harune couldn’t seem to leave it for very long and came to love this spot of paradise. Not every Scion settled here as each one had their own reasons to settle and build a life in each area of the world they saw fit. Y’shtola and Urianger took up residence in the late Master Matoya’s home in Idyllshire, having been a place Y’shtola felt a deep love for, Urianger made no hesitation on suggesting the move. Both them and Kryle took up residence there, helping rebuild the land to its former glory along with the help of Ishgard.

Alphinaud stay close to his sister, and is also the top professor in Ala Mhigo, and the number one target of Hyliea’s pranks. Lyse has since taken Raubahn place after he retired due to his age. Though, it did not last long as he trains the young warriors who attend the Ala Mhigan Scholar. Thancred has adjusted to life in Ala Mhigo as well, taking on small patrol duties here and there but mostly sticks to walking about town and escorting children who try to skip class back to the Scholar.

Harune sighed contently and turned back to the well sized home she shared with her family. “Well, time to clean up and head out to meet Lyse. We are having many new transfers at the Scholar today.” She stretched and laid a gentle kiss on Alisiea’s cheek. “Hm? Oh, is it that time already?” She chuckled. “Rhun will be most pleased.”

“Yeah, but I can think of two others who won’t be.” Harune sighed as she changed into her formal attire for ambassador meetings. “As of today, the royal eastern daughter and well known Ishgardian children will be among the new transfers. And you know how Hien’s child and Estinien’s son get along…” She sighed.

This was going to be an interesting year indeed.