#You x Ori the dwarf

[mithrilhearts]

Alright folks! I know I'm not really doing much for the AU-Gust event for FOTFICs, but when given the opportunity to finally write something for my beloved @i-did-not-mean-to, I simply HAD to! It's definitely not my usual sort of writing, but I had fun with it.

I hope you enjoy it, my friend!!

Characters: Ori x OC, Nori

Prompt: Poorly timed confessions + "Sorry I took so long"

Words: 1624

The mountain had been won, and restoration over the winter had been anything but dull, so for these quiet moments, Ori often found himself near the back of any gathering of dwarrow, even during meals if he could help it. Thankfully, ever since Bilbo had come into the company, some of the more hobbity ways of life had merged their way into the lives of the dwarrow. Perhaps that was more Thorin’s doing than anything, to help keep his new interest feeling at home, but it did give the others a fair chance at properly taking care of themselves.

At least when supplies and provisions were not something they had to scavenge for.

Sitting tucked away at the farthest end of one of the large stone tables of the feasting hall, Ori had a blank journal spread in front of him, food casually to the side, and a look of pure thought across his features. A bead sat stationary within the gutter of those blank pages he had yet to decorate with ink. The bead was immaculate, just as it was important. It was a reminder of the things he had left behind prior to this quest of Thorin’s that had now come to a close.

There were so few things that had made it all the way from Ered Luin to Erebor, and this was one of them. A small, but hardy thing, much like the dwarrowdam who had gifted it to him. Plucking the bead and rolling it between his fingers, a fond curve pulled at the corner’s of Ori’s lips, examining the design of that which was most special to him. He wondered how Lílja was doing these days. Was she still the studious dam he remembered? Or too busy breaking the hearts of many a dwarrow with an axe in hand?

Or perhaps breaking them literally.

It often made the scholarly dwarf wonder what she had seen in him, for she had been a force to be reckoned with. Smart, lovely, and fierce. Sighing to himself as he rolled that bead around once more, Ori’s lips dropped, his eyes falling closed and remembering a time that felt like so long ago…and yet, wasn’t that long ago at all.

The night before leaving Ered Luin, after many months of shy glances and careful gestures, Ori had been ready to pour his heart out. At first, he had thought of simply writing something and leaving it behind for Lílja, such as a letter or a poem, something to truly get his thoughts down, but in the end, he’d opted for verbally stumbling his way through a proper confession of his admiration. 

Much to his surprise, while formerly forehead to forehead with the lovely dam he missed, Ori’s feelings had been reciprocated with the bead that was currently being rolled between his fingers.

A clap against the back of his shoulder sent the dwarf nearly jumping out of his skin.

“Thinking about your beaut, again, little brother?” Nori teased, fully thrilled to have caught Ori off guard as the younger dwarf fumbled with that bead, clutching it to his chest. “You could always write to her, you know.”

“The ravens have been working hard to deliver far more important things from our king to his sister, I would hate to overwork them…” Ori sighed, not bothering to shrug the arm that was suddenly slung over his arm as he relaxed, his eyes falling upon the bead in his palm once more. “I do miss her though.”

“Anyone with eyes can see that. Even Bilbo’s caught on!” Nori teased, reaching a hand over and playfully tweaking Ori's cheek, and finally getting a swat in his direction. “I have faith that you’ll get to see your dwarrowdam sooner rather than later.”

“Much as I would love that, I can’t help but believe that Lílja will be upset with me for leaving her like I did,” Ori lamented with a roll of his eyes before they settled on the king and consort-to-be that looked so dopey and enamored, reminding him of the doe eyes he’d been teased about making at Lí. “Did we look like that?”

“Even more sickeningly sappy, I promise.”

Trust in Nori to be honest, anyway. Ori took the words with grace though as he felt a smile pull at his lips, offering a grateful nod towards his older brother. “Perhaps I’ll have to come up with something more romantic if she ever speaks to me again after that poorly timed confession. Perhaps a bead of my own? Or a poem…”

“Or one of the thousands of sketches you’ve done of her since we left. I’m sure she’d keel over just knowing she’s not left your mind since we hit the road.” Squeezing Ori a bit in that shoulder-slung grip. “She’s a fine dam, you know.”

“She is!” Ori’s voice rose an octave, agreeing excitedly and quickly. “She’s fierce, and smart, and her beard…” The longing sigh could have blown the entire mountain away if it had just a little bit more force.

Hearing the quick scraping of boots against stone, Ori perked up to notice Thorin racing beyond his table, Bilbo at his heels and mentioning something about the first caravans from Ered Luin. Sharing a glance with Nori, Ori was quickly on his own feet as other dwarrow were also trickling their way to the main gate to welcome the first of those from the Blue Mountains. “You don’t think…?”

“Let’s go get your dam,” Nori urged, pushing Ori along.

Waiting anxiously, Ori bounced from foot to foot, a bead still clasped in his hand while a journal was long forgotten back in the feasting hall. His eyes were constantly moving, recognizing most faces, but none stuck out to him as important as the one he wanted to see. While watching Thorin embrace his sister, and how she eagerly was greeting Bilbo, it only produced a small smirk of amusement, but his attention continuously moved from dwarf to dwarf. 

Whatever small surge of hope had flooded Ori’s chest began to wither away, right up until the point where he heard his name ringing loudly like a gong, It felt like the world had slowed as a particular dwarrowdam emerged from the caravan crowd with a very unimpressed look to her face as her eyes met his. It felt like being caught in the grip of trolls, that gaze, and Ori almost wished he’d stayed behind with his journal and his memories.

“She looks mad,” Nori whispered from behind in his ear, keeping the younger dwarf from tucking tail.

“Thank you for pointing that out,” Ori hissed, already aware of that fact as the dam in question was stomping his way. Furious as she looked, the warmth that bubbled about in his heart couldn’t be helped. She looked just as lovely as he remembered. The way her beard moved as she did, and the little glimpses of those heavily pierced ears, and the tattoos! He’d take an angry Lílja any day, over no Lílja at all.

“Best of luck, little brother,” Nori teased before retreating back a few steps, eager to watch from afar as the dark haired dam got within reach. All he hoped was that Ori didn’t stumble over his words again.

Bracing himself as Lílja stormed her way over, Ori forced a smile to his lips, shy as it was. “Hi Lí,” he barely stammered at least, his fingers locking together as he half expected for an axe to land in his skull, or a fist to clock his jaw.

“Hi? That’s all you have to say?” Lílja huffed as she took those last few steps and her arms moved, though not in the way anyone expected considering her stomping display across the stone. Instead, her hands moved to cup the sides of Ori’s face gently. “I’m sorry I took so long…” she murmured. 

Reaching up to clasp around Lílja’s wrists, one hand awkwardly while hanging onto a bead, Ori felt his heart flutter, practically soaring to the heavens as his grin widened. “What do you mean? I’m the one who left—”

“And to say you were simply leaving for the Shire!” Lí snorted, “but…I’m sorry I took so long in getting here so that I could tell you to never do that again. Or at least take me with you! Our foolhardy king could have likely used a bit of sense among his company!”

Ori couldn’t help but laugh, flashing a glance over towards Thorin, Bilbo, and Lady Dis. “We had a bit of unexpected sense join our company, but I’m certain having you along would have spared us many headaches.”

“The Hobbit, over there?”

“Our burglar,” Ori winced as he watched Dis’ skull crash into Bilbo’s, and Thorin practically fell over in worry at the gesture.  “And the future Consort Under the Mountain, should he survive Thorin’s sister. You will love him just as we do,” 

“I can’t wait to meet him then, but until then, tell me all about this quest, for I have missed you dearly.” Lílja was quick to bonk her forehead far gentler against Ori’s before latching onto his arm, ready to be escorted deeper into the mountain and get a full retelling of the Quest for Erebor, now that seeing the victory had calmed her once worried heart.

“Of course, amrâlimê. I have a whole journal to show you!”

Typical Ori, and the truth of it was, seeing him alive and well had calmed her, not Erebor, not the king’s success, but Ori, and she wasn’t planning on letting him out of her grasp anytime soon—come dragonfire or high water.

[shirefantasies]

Heyyy i just wanna say that I LOVE your writing. Its so so comforting 🫶🫶🫶

Can I request a story/headcanon about how Thorins company/ specifically Kíli would react if (fem) reader got her hair braided by her (non dwarf) friend, and it was just a friendly thing, but the dwarves thought it was a courting braid?

Pairing Fem!Reader x Kíli

Thank youu🫶💗

Omg thanks! Comfort writing is a big honor 🥹

Mission of Misunderstanding- Kili x F!Human!Reader

Shout-out to my girlies in the unbraidable hair community lmao 🤝 Warnings: one minor swear lol, a couple suggestive remarks

One more step and your feet were going to fall off. Surrendering to the burn, you all but fell down onto the log, tilting your feet so only your heels rested upon the earth. A sigh escaped your lips and you didn’t even move when the rustling sounded at your back.

A familiar voice spoke your name. Bilbo. “Are you quite alright?”

“Yes, my friend,” you breathed, “so long as you don’t count anything below the knee. Or my hair. Can’t imagine how much dirt and leaves have gotten in it after all that.”

"Well, yes," Bilbo chided, ever the little mother-hen, "you've got to keep it back. Why don't I braid it for you?"

Your heart burst, and not from exertion this time. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course," the hobbit shrugged, "haven't had much practice of it of late, but certainly I can give it a go for you. I understand. I wouldn't want the mess either. Come here."

Thanking him again, you scooted closer to where Bilbo stood, gritting your teeth for the pain of him detangling your hair, only to relax at the gentle touch of his nimble fingers. Eyelids fluttering shut in contentment, you sat as Bilbo worked his magic neatening your hair up and making fresh braids of it for you. Feet still elevated and aching, but less so the longer you sat off of them. When the hobbit pulled back with a quiet, still-focused finished, your first instinct was to reach up around your head, touching the new set of braids with a widening smile.

"And now it shall be free of my face! Truly, thank you, Bilbo!" Pulling him into a quick hug, you vowed to repay him somehow with a teasing final statement. "Since I doubt you want me to braid yours."

"That is quite alright, thank you," he chuckled, "let's head back to camp before Bombur chases us down, eh?”

Camp was nearby, and still sparsely populated as you approached it. Bofur and Bombur were there building a fire, and Thorin stood a ways aside having a conversation with Balin. Dwalin and Gloin sat playing a game with a rock as their table, and Ori sat knitting. The others, you presumed, were hunting, saddling ponies, or else getting attention from Oin. Thinking nothing of it you sat down again, this time near Dwalin and Gloin, asking who was winning and if they were taking bets just to laugh at their responses. Bilbo helped Bofur and Bombur get set up for dinner a few feet off, propping up sticks strong enough to hold the cooking pot.

Sure enough, the rest of the company began trickling in, Oin, Bifur, and Nori first, the latter two with poultices and bandages. You winced. Perhaps you should complain less about your feet. Next up came Dori and Fili, who each carried one half of a felled deer, shot clearly with one of Kili's arrows. The younger prince had a bag in hand, likely having won whatever silly game determined who got the lightest load. Smiling and meeting his eyes, you gave a quick wave, indicating your amusement at the game behind you with your eyes.

Kili smiled back and waved, then swiveled his head away and back again in a double-take. You found yourself frowning as he averted his gaze to help his brother, blinking as you wondered what that was about. All you'd done was say hello. Not even say, really. Did he think you were making fun of the others?

Perhaps it was nothing, but considering your feelings for the prince, it was everything in your mind. Cycling ideas began overtaking your brain like mist. Had he suspected malice of your joke? Had he simply heard something? Why had his expression shifted so? Maybe he was just worried by what he heard.

~

"What did I miss while we were gone?"

At Kili's words, Dwalin simply frowned, peering at him like he'd thoroughly lost his marbles. "What do ya mean, lad?"

"Did...did anything happen?"

"Took Gloin for a right fool on the card table," the older dwarf replied with a smug look, chest puffing and shoulders widening.

"No," the prince shook his head, "not with you, with..."

Despite the way he trailed off, Dwalin gave him a knowing smirk, crossing his tattooed arms. "Ah, I see," he nodded, "not with me, not with me at all. With the lass, eh? Why, she didn’t greet you with a kiss?”

Having an older brother really steeled one to teasing. Much as Kili wanted to fight, to protest and say oi, quit that or I’ll make you, he knew it was exactly the rise Dwalin would’ve wanted to get from him. Beside the other fact that his elder could kick his ass easily.

“‘Course not,” he replied nonchalantly as he could, “I just noticed someone had braided her hair was all.”

Even Dwalin had cause for surprise at that, dark eyebrows shooting up to his metaphorical hairline. “Just since this morning?”

“Yeah,” Kili replied, trying not to sound as deflated as the words made him feel, knocking the air clean out of him now that he’d said them out loud, “thought maybe you’d seen who did it.”

“Hadn’t even crossed my mind, but I think it was like that when she and Bilbo headed back to camp.”

“Bilbo?” He’d lose to a three and a half foot…grocer? “Well now, I’d not have expected that, eh?”

“I can tell ye don’t actually want to laugh, son.”

Sighing, he finally let himself deflate. Bilbo? You and Bilbo?

~

“I hardly see them talk that much. Do you?”

“Not nearly enough to warrant a marriage. Those take time.”

“I know, Fee.”

“Spark.”

“I know.”

“And I thought you two had it. Not even just saying that because you’re my brother. You know I’m honest with you. The only reason those two would have is both feeling like outsiders, and that hardly seems cause to f-”

“Thank you, Fili, yes. Perhaps I was just wrong. Perhaps she could never have loved me after all. She wasn’t my One.”

“Now, brother,” grabbing him by the cheeks with one hand, Fili pulled his younger brother’s gaze to meet his, “not so hasty. Have you talked to either of them yet?”

“Wasn’t ready,” he mumbled, shaking out of the squishing grasp.

“Well, perhaps you should. Knowing is pain, yes, but it is also the thing that keeps us going in the end.”

Kili dropped his gaze thoughtfully before meeting his brother’s eye again, smiling faintly. “Remember our old espionage days? Maybe it’s time we had another mission.”

“Alright,” Fili nodded and smiled, “for old times’ sake.”

~

“Well hello there, Master Burglar.”

“Whatever it is, I won’t fall for it.”

“Now, now, so dry and for what?” Fili wrapped an arm around the hobbit. “I was just wondering how you you were coming along with…a certain member of the company.”

At that, the hobbit’s face crumpled in disgust. By Fili’s reckoning, Master Bilbo seemed barely interested in romance and certainly not with any of the types he currently ran with. He needed someone more doilies and dishcloths and the lot. You may have been the closest to his type, but still far too much of an edge, far too much indeed.

“I beg your pardon?” Bilbo simply replied.

With a conspiratorial wink, Fili leaned in and whispered your name, glancing back to the hobbit’s eyes, which narrowed slightly. Suspicious.

“Uh, w-well I would say,” Bilbo stuttered, shrugging lightly, “well as we could be, all things considered.”

“All things considered?” Fili’s grip tightened a bit. “There are things to be considered?”

“There are plenty of things to be considered!” The burglar shot back. “Why, is she upset with me? Last I heard, she liked the braids and I made her feel much more comfortable. Have I done something today?”

Blue eyes closing to near-slits, Fili released his grip entirely, arm falling back to his side. “Did she ask you to arrange her hair?”

“She complained about it,” Bilbo replied, shimmying in his newfound freedom and using his released arm to slide his pack closer, “so I offered to do something about it. Can’t imagine that is much of an outrage…oh. Oh, good heavens! No! Oh, no. No. She could be my daughter, who on earth sent you over here to…?”

Blonde brows raising, Fili’s head shot back in surprising hard enough to send his mustache braids swinging. “Wait, so you do know about courting braids?”

“Gloin was just telling me all about his,” the hobbit replied, freezing in place even in spite of his awkward, hunched-into-his-pack-hands-deep posture, “neither of us thought a thing about it. Privately I was hoping she and Kili would do whatever it was to get the tension out there, you know?”

Fili did know. He knew, all right.

~

“Psst! Psst! Hoo! Hoo! Caw!”

Kili’s head snapped up at the sound, dark eyes meeting his brother’s fair head popping from the scraggly bushes surrounding camp. One gloved hand waved wild beckoning at the younger prince. Rising from the rock he’d sat down on, one with a strategic view of some conversation between you, Uncle Thorin, and Balin, Kili strode to the edges of camp.

“Reconnaissance successful,” his older brother hissed.

“What?” Jaw dropping, Kili felt his hands leave his chest and clench in surprise. “That was fast. Nothing for me to do?”

“Not true, brother. Not true at all,” Fili smiled, “your part is far more important. You have to go talk to her.”

With a sigh, Kili nodded despite the heavy clunk of his heart in his chest. All the childhood playtimes were nice and all, but at the end of the day he had to be a dwarf about things. Face his fears, just like Uncle Thorin and his father and even Fili.

“You’re right. Though I dread it in my heart, I must speak to her. Even if my love is never known.”

“I wish you the greatest of luck,” Fili patted his shoulder, smiling eagerly, “and trust me. She won’t do a single thing to hurt you. I know it. Alright?”

Another nod. “Alright.”

Inhale, exhale. One step, then another. It was hard sometimes. Putting on the bravado. Fili was always so capable and Uncle had high standards. Not that he shouldn’t, but…it just got easier to act unafraid of everything. In truth, there was much Kili didn’t understand. Much he feared. Perhaps even his own heart, and that was why he had allowed himself to play games with it for so long. No longer, though.

Crunching across the dry campsite ground, he marched up to you as your conversation ended and asked to speak with you, frowning slightly at the nod Balin and Thorin exchanged. Focusing instead on your gaze, the way your eyes were intent in his and the-admittedly quite adorable-way shock bloomed across your face before giving way to a smile and a nod.

“Of course,” you said, and that was that.

How was it that one little smile from you could simultaneously calm Kili's heart and set it leaping like nothing else? There truly was no denying that you were special. Perhaps Bilbo had seen what was so dazzlingly obvious, too. Guess that wasn't too much of a shock.

You both ventured toward the tree line, stopping next to a particularly sturdy trunk. Eagerness was written across your face as you leaned against the smooth bark, encouraging Kili with a smile he couldn't help faintly mirroring even as tears swam in his eyes.

"Are congratulations in order?"

"For me?" You asked, head tilting and hand reaching to your chest. "Forgive me, but what are you asking? I thought maybe I'd upset you last night, but now I really fear it. Or are you teasing me again?"

All thought was scrubbed from Kili's brain at your words, a thick blanket of confusion draping over the prince's mind and furrowing his brows. Is this what Fili meant? Were you not to hurt him because you thought him cross with you? That hurt a bit in and of itself. Perhaps you'd known he would be jealous. But then again, you had greeted him so casually, giving him a cute little wave when he came back...

"Please," he all but begged your name, "the suspense is just killing me. Is that not a courting braid you've been given? I know it is new as of yesterday."

"Is that why you looked so perturbed? Courting...courting braid? Kili," you laughed, "my hair was full of sticks and leaves and all manner of muck, so Bilbo detangled it and got it out of my face for me! Bilbo could be my father!"

Still a bit shaky, but Kili's face surrendered a smile at the teasing smack you gave his upper arm. "Oh, forgive me for being a dwarf," he shot back, "I was hardly the only one who noticed."

"But you were the only one who was jealous," you teased him back, "is that not right?"

Kili could tell by the faltering smirk you gave, by the dart of your beautiful eyes, that you did not truly believe it, but by Mahal, you would when he was done with you.

"Madly," he agreed, eyes boring into yours, "never let anyone but me braid your hair again."

Eyebrows shooting up to your hairline, you peeled yourself from the tree as if to get a closer look. "Kili..."

"I mean it," he implored your name once more, gently taking your shoulders in his hands, "please. This isn't a joke, but if you'd like me to convince you..."

Surging forward, Kili closed the gap between you two, his lips soft against yours and stubble pleasantly tickling against your skin, which shifted as you moved in response to his kiss. Your hands found purchase in his hair, tangling in it and eliciting a sound Kili was too focused on you to be embarrassed about. When you finally pulled away for air, he pulled you back, resting his forehead against yours with a growing smile.

"So, you convinced?"

Your eyes glittered with mirth, joy, mischief...perhaps even love, and Kili knew he should have never doubted you were his One. "So convinced I practically want you to rip out all of Bilbo's work and do it over again yourself."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

Taglist: @lokilover476 @fuckyoumakeart @mossthebogwitch @ibabblealot @kilibaggins @joonies-word @stormchaser819 @pirate-lord-of-narnia @datglutengoblin | Reply/Ask/Message to join 🥰

[welikeimagines-andfandoms]

Courting Gifts- Thorin x Human!Reader

Summary: Reader didn’t realise what Thorin gave her was a courting gift, but she’s quick to remedy it

Word count: 966

Your hands begin to shake as you run through Erebor to find Ori. Your heart racing and your feet pounding against the marble of the newly restored kingdom, as you looked for the young dwarf.

Thorin had given you a beautiful dagger a couple weeks ago, assuming it was a thank you gift of friends, as you’d been the one to never leave his side and have worked so hard to restore his kingdom. Unfortunately according to Kili and Fili, you were completely wrong.

That beautiful danger was one Thorin had hand crafted just for you, using a style and gems he knew you loved, and according to his nephews, it was in fact a courting gift. Your heart seemed to stop at hearing this, not because of your lack of feelings for the king, but more for your abundance of them.

You never thought Thorin would return the feelings you had for him, but now you were beginning to understand why he had been so grumpy lately. According to his nephews, once a woman is gifted her courting gift, it is customary for her to give one in return.

It had been two weeks and Thorin had not noticed you making anything or asking anyone to help you make him something, so his heart sank.

As soon as the princes explained this to you, you ran to Ori, hoping he could help. Weapons and jewellery weren’t really your strong suit, but you had knit and crocheted some things when you were younger, so you figured that was the best way to go.

“Ori!” You yelled as you finally saw him, causing a few dwarves to turn to look at you.

Turning around he smiled sweetly as he saw you running towards him.

“My sweet dwarven friend, I need your help.” You puffed out with a hopeful grin, all the running around causing you to be a little out of breath.

*****

Luckily for you, Ori was more than happy to help; in fact the young dwarf beamed and jumped at the opportunity to help his ‘future queen’ as he put it. Such a title filled you with both anxiety but mainly excitement as you began your plan.

For the past few weeks you had worked hard to make Thorin a blanket that he would hopefully love. It wasn’t perfect and some of it was slightly loose, but Ori, Fili and Kili reassured you that it was the love and hard work that you put into it that would make Thorin smile.

For the past two weeks the princes and Ori had been running between helping you and calming Thorin, while you worked hard at your gift.

Late one night as you knocked on the door to Thorins study, you remembered all the reassuring words your friends had spoken to you.

‘He will love it!’

‘It’s made by you and with your love, don’t forget that’

‘Hurry up and be my Aunty already!’

Those encouraging words seemed to run faster and faster through your head as you waited for Thorin to answer the study door. As the door swung open, both of your somber looks turned to matching bright smiles as you looked at one another.

Working on the gift meant you hadn’t seen as much of Thorin as you usually would, but looking into each others eyes now, felt like a soothing balm over you both.

Silently stepping aside to let you into the study, you took a deep breath as you gently placed your wrapped present on the plush couch. Thorin chose to also stand as he smirked at your cute fussing.

Walking over to him once the gift was placed out of the way, you gingerly took his hands in yours, a smile growing on your face as he reciprocated the action.

“Thorin, when you had gifted me that dagger, I didn’t know the intention behind it, but after learning what it meant I wanted to make amends for how I must have hurt you, not returning a gift.” You smile sweetly down at him.

Taking one of his cheek in your hand, your thumb rubs against his cheek bone. A mix of realisation, relief and joy hit his eyes as the meaning of what you were saying began to sink in.

Gently stepping away from him, you retrieve your gift from the couch.

“This is for you, to show that I not just accept your gift, but that I relish in its meaning.” You smile warmly as you place the gift in his hands, a tear of happiness threatening to break from your now watery eyes.

Your eyes flitter between his hands and face as he begins to unwrap the blanket.

Finally the gift is revealed and he lets out a breathy laugh and tear filled smile as he takes in your gift. His smile grows and grows the more he looks at it, the gift filling him with so much joy he can’t help but rub it gently across his face.

After a while of admiring your gift, his eyes finally meet yours. Placing the blanket on his desk chair, he pulls you into a tight embrace.

“Thank you, Amrâlimê. Your gift means more to me than I can ever express. It will keep us and our future family warm at night and bring us joy for years to come. Your gift is more perfect than you will ever know.” He tearfully expresses to you, now gently embracing your face in his strong hands.

“I love you, Thorin.” You confess as you stare into his beautiful eyes.

“I love you too, my sweet Zabdûna (queen).” Thorin returns your confession, as he leans into you sweetly, and plants a passionate kiss on your lips, that you are more than eager to return.

[crystalbeetle888]

‘A Small Accident’

Kili x Reader

After bathing in a seemingly normal hot spring, you are left in rather precarious situation. Though not to fear, Kili is here to help.

Warnings: None

The sun had just begun to set behind the looming mountains on the horizon. The sky painted in hues of pink and orange, cast a golden light on the company of Thorin Oakenshield. The dwarves, tired from their journey potter around camp, setting up for the night. They chatter to one another in their secret language, laughing as they set down their packs and build a fire.

Placing your bag on the outskirts of the clearing, you look around discreetly at the men, seeing if any of them were looking, before taking your knapsack filled with toiletries and clean clothes and taking your leave. It had been at least a week since you had last bathed properly and the whole company had begun to smell like a pile of corpses. The sweat and filth from the horses was irritating your skin, and you didn’t know how much more of this you could take.

Since waking up in this strange land you have had nothing but pain and discomfort, especially if Thorin had anything to say about it. He seemed to have some sort of vendetta against you. Possibly because you’re a woman, more likely because you’re human. Either way, you get the sense he sees you as a burden on his company, despite Gandalfs insistence that your presence is a sign. Whatever that means.

Still they’re not all bad though. Bilbo is a gentleman with a kind soul, who enjoys spending the evenings talking with you. Bofur is friendly and easy to get along with, never failing to make you smile with a borderline inappropriate joke. And Kili, well, you weren’t yet sure to feel about him. He seems kind and charming, but he could very well just be a fuckboy in disguise. You try not to let his flowing locks and chiseled jaw distract you too much. You’re far too busy trying to survive to entertain a relationship right now. Plus you doubt Thorin would ever allow it, some strange human woman from another world and his prized prince nephew. ‘Pfft as if’ you think grumpily to yourself.

You kick rocks and twigs out of your way as you venture further into the forest, hoping to find a large enough bush to hide behind so you can give yourself a much needed rag wash.

As you walk though, you spot an unusual brick structure sticking out of the trees. Curious, you go over to take a look. The small stone wall stands around your chest height and curves around a pool of water, just big and deep enough for someone to sit in with their legs outstretched. The air around the water is warm and prickles your skin, “You’re joking” you whisper to yourself in disbelief. You dip your fingers in and sigh, it was hot. Quickly stripping off your clothes, you slip into the hot spring, groaning as your body relaxes for the first time in weeks.

You take your time lathering yourself up, before rinsing off the build up of filth. Once clean, you rest your head on the edge of the stones, soaking the water’s warmth. You’re so very tired. Your limbs feel heavy and your eyelids begin to flutter closed. You let out a long yawn before drifting off into a deep restful sleep.

Back at camp the dwarfs fuss around fire, each one playing their part like a well oiled machine. With Bomber, Bilbo, Nori and Ori preparing a stew dinner. Dori and Bifur tending to the fire. Bofur, Gloin and Oin tending to and unpacking the ponies. Balin and Thorin conversing over the map. And Dwalin, Fili and Kili preparing to hunt some fresh animals for the days to come. However, Kili’s mind seems to be elsewhere. He looks around the camp anxiously, a deep frown etched upon his face.

“What’s wrong brother?” Fili nudges him with his elbow. “She’s not here” he replies, looking out into the darkening forest with worry. Fili quickly surveys the camp “She took her bag. She’s probably off doing ladies business” he shrugs unconcerned. Kili shakes his head, still not convinced, “I just have a bad feeling about it, perhaps we should go look for her”,

“And perhaps you just wish to see her unclad” Fili jests, a cheeky smile stretched across his face.

Kili’s face grows hot with embarrassment “N-no” he stutters “I’m just concerned for her safety, from… wolves and stuff”. Fili stares at him in complete disbelief before sighing “Alright, let’s go find her, but you’re telling Dwalin we’re not helping him hunt tonight” Kili’s face pales at the thought of disappointing the older dwarf “Alright” he replies grimly.

After being growled at by Dwalin, Fili and Kili wandered through woods calling your name, but to little avail.

“I told you something was wrong” Kili exclaims frantically. “She probably just wandered too far” his brother tries to calm him with no success. Kili calls your name again, desperate to hear your voice. He wasn’t sure why he was having such a reaction to your absence. He’d barely held a proper conversation with you! Not that he didn’t try, he did, much to his own embarrassment. All he managed to get out was some crappy pickup line he’d heard used at an inn, which also didn’t work on the other lass either.

There was just something so.. magnetic about you, something that drew him in closer.

“I’m here, I’m just changing!” Your faint voice answers back. Kili whips his head in your direction, his hair flinging everywhere. “See, she’s just changing. Now, let’s give her some privacy aye?” Fili pats him on the shoulder as he heads back to camp. Kili spares one last glance before following in his brothers footsteps.

You rouse to the sound of your name being called, the male voice getting closer to your bathing spot. “I’m here, I’m just changing!” You call back to them groggily. Quickly climbing out of the pool you frantically redress yourself, not taking note of your surroundings as you throw your knapsack over your shoulder and trudge back to camp. Your muscles feel relaxed and your brain foggy after your long bath. You let out a long yawn as you finally reach the clearing where the company was staying.

As you lug yourself over to your bag, dropping your knapsack beside it, you begin to rummage through it trying to find your spoon and bowl.

"Uh.. lass?" Bofur asks hesitantly. "What?" You reply, still trying to find your utensils. "Would you mind turning around real quick?", "What?" You turn, looking at him over your shoulder, still kneeling down. "And can you stand up now?" He and the rest of the company stare at you with a look of shock. "What the fuck are you talking about Bofur?" you glare at him confused. "Please, just.. stand up" Kili pleads with you.

You stare at him for a moment, unsure what to do, before rising to your feet. As you stand however, your eyeline seems to fall quite short of where you usually rise to. Usually, you'd be at least a head taller than the dwarves, but now, your eyes seem to be inline with Kili's nose. You stare at him in complete shock, your body frozen in fear. "What the fuck is going on?" you whisper. "You're short," he states, staring at you. "I'm short" you echo.

Despite your hesitations surrounding Kili, you could obviously see he was quite the handsome man. But from this angle, jeeeesus did he look big. His shoulders were broader, his arms thicker, and his hands… definitely more noticeable.

Thorin marches over, his face stony with seriousness "What happened? Where did you go?" his voice booms. "I don't know, I just had a bath, fell asleep, and came back to camp" panic begins to grip your chest as you worry about the longevity of your sudden vertical ailment.

Kili steps closer to your side, his hand gently resting on your arm in comfort. Your heart warms briefly at the gesture. "And where did you bathe?" Gandalf asks, wandering over. You hesitate telling them about the hot spring, "Uhh.. It was like, a fallen stone structure surrounding a small pool".

He hums in thought for a moment, "And was there anything strange or unusual about this pool?",

"...The water was hot" you hear some of the company scoff or sigh at the thought of a hot bath.

Gandalf nods in understanding "There are many places in Middle Earth that hold magical properties. We should wait and see if it clears up with time" He smiles at you most unhelpfully, before pottering off to smoke. Thorin sighs slowly out his nose, agitated by the wizards cryptic ways "We'll do as he instructs" he looks to you then nods to Kili, before returning to his spot.

Kili lingers by your side for a moment, unsure whether to stay or go "Perhaps it would be best if you slept by Fili and I tonight, you know, for safety" he looks down at you. You nod your head, not even having thought of how this might affect other aspects of your life. Kili smiles widely at you before picking up both your bags with ease "Come, it'll be warmer by the fire anyway".

After settling in next to the two, now very tall and slightly intimidating, dwarf brothers. You curl up in your bedroll, scrunch your eyes shut, and pray to anything that might listen, that you return to size by the morning.

However, sleep does not come easy this time. The world seems all the more vast and all the more dangerous. You wriggle around trying to make yourself comfortable to little avail. Suddenly, a thick weight is placed across your body. You look down to find Kili's leather coat covering you "I thought you looked a bit cold" he says gently, tucking you in.

For the second time tonight, your heart warms because of Kili “Thank you. Are you sure you don’t want it though?”, he shakes his head “Nah, we dwarves are thick-skinned” he smile cheekily at you.

“Good night Amrâl (love)” he whispers, Good night Kili” you respond, before turning over.

You tuck your head into his coat, a sense of comfort and warmth washing over you as you finally drift off to sleep.

In the morning, you were sorely disappointed to find that you had not gone back to normal.

You frustratedly pack your bag as the company readies to leave. Swinging your now, much heavier backpack onto your shoulders, its weight causing you to lose your balance and fall flat on top of it. You lay on your back for a moment, staring up the early morning sky. Sighing, you attempt to roll over on to your side with no success. "Need help?" Kili steps into your vision, hand outstretched. You smile at him exhaustedly, allowing him to help you up.

Unbeknownst to you, this would not be the last time Kili assists you because of your new vertical condition. After a long day of riding, sat behind Bilbo, you struggle to find your footing on the stirrups. Kicking helplessly, as you attempt to get down, "Allow me to help" Kili says from behind you. You nod, and he places his hands firmly on your hips, lifting from the pony and onto the ground with ease.

Whilst travelling, the company comes across a steep rock wall in their path. Allowing the the ponies to climb up themselves would be safest, but it also meant you were left to struggle against the incline yourself. As you grip on to the rocks and roots, you find your muscles seizing up underneath the weight of your pack. Your hand suddenly slips and you lose your balance. Luckily, Kili manages to catch your arm before you topple down "Careful there Thatr (Star)" he smiles down at you cheekily, before lifting you up the rest of the way.

Every slip, trip, tumble and fall, is swiftly avoided by Kilis' keen senses and eagerness to protect you from harms way, especially during this vulnerability. However, his helping hand doesn't aid your feelings of helplessness. It feels as though each day you become even more and more of a burden than the last. You were on your last threads

And then a storm rolled in.

The wild winds threatens to throw you, and poor Bilbo, off your pony. "Thorin, we must find shelter!" Kili yells, his voice barely traveling against the pelting rain.

Thorin, at the front of the pony line, turns around to look at his miserable and waterlogged company, "Head for the tree line. We'll set up the tents!" he finally relents to the weather.

Trotting over to the forest, the company swiftly dismounts, and quickly begins to set up some two-man tents.

After helping Bilbo off the pony, you swing your leg over, attempting to dismount yourself. But your foot slips off the stirrup, and you fall backwards off the pony, twisting, and landing face first in the mud.

You lift yourself up with your arms, your leg still caught in the saddle causes you to partially hang off the horse. You gasp and spit out the mud, eyes screwed tightly shut. A shocked and frustrated yell leaves your lips.

“Hold on ‘Ibinê (my gem)!" Kili calls out to you. A pair of strong hands lift you up from under your armpits. Once standing, they wipe the mud from your face and you are finally able to see again. Kili stands in front of you, face scrunched in concern as he tries to wipe away the filth, "I'm so sorry Gaihith (Little Dove), I should have been there to catch you".

His words are the last straw. Your lip trembles as you try to keep the tears at bay. All you can do is nod your head in response, ducking it low so he wont see your teary eyes.

But he does, of course. Gentle hands cups your face, guiding you to raise your head again "Go to my tent. I'll be there in a moment" he says firmly, face mere inches from your own. You let out a shuddered breath and nod.

Crawling into his very cozy tent, you let out an exhausted sob. The tears begin to fall uncontrollably as you lay down on his bedroll.

As you wallow, the flap of the tent opens and Kili shuffles in, pushing your own bag into the corner.

He had stayed in the rain to retrieve it for you. The thought causes your heart to ache more and cry harder. "Come here Halwûna (Sweet one)" he coos scootching in beside you.

He holds his arms out and you don't skip a beat before cuddling into his chest. Kili holds you tight as sobs wrack your body "It's alright", "You're okay", "I'm here" he whispers into your hair.

As your cries calm down, Kili pull his head away to look at your face. You look haggard. Face puffy, eyes bloodshot, a bit of drool on the side of your mouth, drenched in sweat and rain. "What's wrong Benmar (Supreme beauty)?" he whispers, wiping ways the spit and tears. You sigh "I'm just so tired of being short" you manage to stutter out.

He hums in agreement "It has been and difficult few weeks hasn't it?",

"And I worry I might not ever go back to normal" you begin to sob again. Kili gently holds your cheek regaining your attention "I'm sure you'll go back to normal Mesem (Jewel), just give it time" he reassures you.

"But what if I don't" you can’t help but worry, as you gaze deeply into his warm brown eyes. "Well, then I suppose I'll just have to keep taking care of you forever" he smiles softly at you.

"Oh Kili-" you cry weakly at his romantic gesture. "Shh" he gently kisses your forehead, then you cheek, then your nose before pulling back slightly to stare at you, asking, no begging for permission.

"Please-" is all you have to say before he swoops in, planting a firm kiss against your lips. You clutch to his jacket, his touch grounding you. As you pull away, you rest your forehead against his "Everything will be alright. I'm sure of it Amrâlimê (My love/Love of mine)".

You nod, trusting him, "You know, you're gonna have to teach me what all these names mean one day". He smiles widely at you "It means ‘love of mine'" he whispers to you.

Your heart swells and you shyly smile at him "I love you too" you softly whisper back to him.

He grins before pulling you closer "Come, we should rest. It's been a long day. And we have plenty of time for kissing tomorrow" he pinches your side lightly, causing you to squeak and squirm. Settling in against him you fall into a long restful sleep.

Throughout the following week your height, very slowly, begins to go back to normal. Eventually, you are able to carry your pack again, hop on and off your pony, and even help around camp. Kili however, did not change one bit. Still offering to lift your bag, a hand when dismounting, and anything else he could think of. Kili stuck by your side like glue.

Sitting around the fire with the rest of the company, you lean your head on Kili's, now that you're tall enough to do so, his arm wrapped securely around your waist.

“I'm glad you didn't keep your word" you whisper to him privately.

"What do you mean?" he looks up at you, brows furrowed in concern.

“I'm glad you didn't stop taking care of me, just because I'm big again" you explain.

He scoffs at the thought “I also told you I’d take care of you forever, didn’t I?” He smiles up at you, eyes practically shining with affection. And in that moment, you knew he would.

[mountkennedie]

Straggler

Kili Durin x human!reader

Summary: An au where everyone lives happily in erebor and kili is in love with you (lucky)

Warnings: ONLY TWO uses of y/n, and fluff ofc

A.N. i love kili and he loves me tbh.

Bagginshield mention lol.

Also: -ê khi love: my one love and Ghivashel: treasure of all treasures

Kili is 4'8, Reader is around 5'4

"You look beautiful in the sunlight," the dwarf beside you said. You jumped, you swore when you left this morning, and you didn't have any stragglers. However, here you are, with Kili Durin on your tracks. You weren't going to lie, you enjoyed the princes company, if only he gave you a warning beforehand.

You all had been thriving in Erebor upon a year now. Now that things had settled and riches distributed, everyone was able to return to a simpler life. Ori began exploring crochet after mastering knit. You enjoyed going on walks around the mountain, and Kili enjoyed you.

You looked down to him and furrowed your eyebrows, unsure if you heard what you thought you did. "I said um," he began to look sheepish, "you look beautiful in the sunlight, Y/n."

"Thank you," you bowed your head in appreciation, then began to continue your stroll when he said, "Wait!" He grasped your forearm, "may I join you this morning?" He gave you a warm smile in addition to the sweet eyes you could hardly resist.

"You already are KIli," I told him, returning the smile. "But sure, why not." He wasted no time in meeting you at your side. "I really love the view," your gaze followed over the trees and valleys and into the overwhelming beauty of Middle Earth. After being on the year-long quest and exhausting final battle, you can finally appreciate the scenery you're surrounded with. It sends waves of peace over you that you only wish to bask in until the end of time.

"So do I," he whispered. But instead of looking at the young rising sun over the horizon, his gaze on you didn't falter. To an onlooker, it would look as if his sight upon you had grown more intense.

You, of course, noticed this. "Kili, I'm serious!" You playfully shoved him to the side. You let laughter spill from your lips, and he joined you. You paced forward slowly, "you know... would you ever like to see it all?" Your voice matched your vision, very distant.

"All..?" He asked you whilst meeting your speed.

"Of middle earth. Would you ever want to see the entirety of our world?" You spoke quietly, thinking of how you would answer that question. In all honesty, you would. But not for a long time. You needed a couple of years before venturing on your next quest, and with the knowledge you now know, you would not want to go alone.

"I see the entirety of my world every day," he spoke softly. He stopped walking and looked at you. You halted and looked at him. He had a gentle smile on his face. Crossing the short distance, you stood before him.

"Must you always be a flirt?"

Looking up into your eyes, "I must," he mused.

"And why is that, Kili?"

"Y/n, -ê khi love, I think you know," he took your hand in his. He held you like you were the rarest treasure, and for how he was looking in your eyes, to him you were.

"Kili..." You were speechless. His eyes were studying every movement your face made, trying to learn as much as possible about what you were thinking. But you saved him the trouble, "amrâlimê." You had so desperately wanted to give that name to him. You smiled so brightly, and he returned it. It was debatable who out shined the other.

"Really?" He couldn't contain the excitement he felt inside. All the talks with his uncles about how properly court had finally paid off. He knew he needed to meet with Thorin and Bilbo as soon as possible, but it could still wait until he completed the courting tradition.

"So does that mean we'd give each other the braids?" You felt like a child for asking that question, but being human, this was new to you. Thorin had conveniently told about the practice yesterday.

"It does! It does, indeed." He reached back and released his shiny brunette hair for the silver clip he had installed and turned his back to you. You don't think you've ever seen him so eager. Upon picking up some strands, you heard your lover sigh deeply. If only you were a dwarf, to fully understand this significance. You've noticed Fili's braids. Maybe he's waiting on his turn since.

When you finish the braid, you let your fingers run through the rest of his locs, as if hypnotized. He turned to look at you, tears in his eyes. His hand took yours and placed a lingering kiss on the back of it. He did not break eye contact during the small gesture, and it sent waves of emotion through you. "Your turn, ghivashel."

His gentle tone woke you from your thoughts. You gasped a little and smiled. You turned your back to him and sucked in a breath, beyond excited to receive a braid of your own.

After finishing his portion, you hear Kili release an uneven breath. You turn around to see him with tears in his eyes. You don't ever think you have been gazed upon in such a way as he is gazing now. Eyes wet with tears, but full of passion and love that could never be shown to anyone other than his One.

You held his face in your hands and looked deep into those eyes. He leaned his forehead up to rest against yours, and you closed the gap. The feeling surging between the two of you could never be measured. Without a word, you both aimed for each others lips, a final collision to seal tradition.

It was languid and slow but full of life. Pulling away, you both looked each other in the eyes. "If only I could tell you how many nights I've laid awake... waiting for this moment, -ê khi love." His eyes looked over your face as if taking it all in for the first time. Not getting enough of every inch it crossed over.

"You will never have to wait again."

[vee-vee-writes]

Bilbo the Balrog (Company x fem!reader)

This is part two to Bilbo’s Little Sappling

It had been a long tedious day of slogging through swampy paddocks and long tussocks. When it all stopped to make camp for the night, each company member quickly fell into routine, contributing to the set up in their own way. Ori, Dori, Oin, and Balin gathered kindling, while Gloin, Dwalin, and Nori gathered and chopped firewood. Bombur was starting the stew while Bifur and Bofur cleared an area for your bedrolls. While Thorin typically barked out orders on this particular night he seemed fixed on the quiet debate he and Gandalf were having. Likely discussing which route would be the best to take for tomorrow's travel.

Your father had found his place helping Bombur with the nightly stew. You were thankful for Bombur’s kindness towards him. Most of the younger and elderly dwarves had come around to him but there were a few who were still cautious. You didn’t blame them, they looked to their leader for guidance and Thorin was far from accepting.

While you usually floated between jobs tonight you found yourself working alongside the two cooks. They left you to skin and prepare the fresh game while they dealt with the vegetables and gathered fresh water. Once each dwarf had finished their prospective task and the fire had been tended to, they gathered eagerly around awaiting supper. All but Fili and Kili who had been sent to watch the ponies.

So once you had helped dish up for each of the company members, you filled three more bowls. Expertly balancing the three bowls, you sought out the two young princes’. Camp had been made in a small clearing in the forest you had come too, while the ponies were slightly further away so as not to disturb you all in the night. After trekking the short distance from camp you broke through the trees to find the herd. The brothers sat lazily upon a rock overseeing them but it didn’t take long for them to spot you. Beaming they both sat up straighter, puffing out their chests ever so slightly as they did.

A small giggle threatened to burst out of your lips at the site. Hastening your stride you’ve made it to them in no time, pushing a bowl into each of their hands before settling down with your own. “Mhmm good good and even better company” Fili teased with a flirtatious smile. Flushing you quickly fixed your gaze to the bowl in your lap.

“Aw stop it Fili, you’re embarrassing her” Kili chimed, pinching one of your cheeks with his free hand. Sweating his hand away you desperately tried to come up for something to retort. But before you could say anything, an enraged hobbit burst through the bushes, startling the nearest ponies.

“What is wrong with you two? Do you have no manners or shame? If I was your mother I’d be highly disappointed” Bilbo raged. Taking in his flared nostrils and beet red face the two young princes quickly threw their hands up in surrender. “How dare you try to take advantage of my daughter out in the woods where you thought no one would see you. I - WE have customs around courting and this is highly inappropriate and downright offensive. To a cost, a young lady alone like this with no chaperone is ungentlemanly” Bilbo continued, the vein in his forehead bulging.

By now, the rest of the company had come flying through the woods, to see what was going on. Slack-jawed and lost for words the young princes’, meekly stared on at Bilbo in surprise. You said nothing, knowing it was better to let him rant it out lest the brunt of his protective ramblings be turned on you.

“Bilbo my good lad, what is all this fuss about?” Gandalf soothed. “These two hooligans were coming on to my daughter! They thought no one would catch them! Well they thought wrong!” Bilbo flung his arms animatedly as he ranted on.

“Is this true?” Thorin gruffly questioned his nephews. The two vehemently shook their heads, still at a loss for words. “(Y/N) are they telling the truth?” Thorin questioned. “They meant no harm, we were simply having one another on. All Kili did was pinch my cheek after Fili had made a joke. I swear nothing else happened nor was anything else going to happen” you replied in earnest.

“Well that’s certainly not what it looked like to me” your father huffed. The rest of the company seemed highly amused as they watched on. “Well it seems the matter is settled then” Gandalf comforted, “(Y/N) why don’t you come back to camp with the rest of us and leave Fili and Kili to their watch.” Nodding you made your way over to Gandalf and your father.

The wizard was quick to lay a grandfatherly hand on each of your shoulders and guide you back towards camp. With the matter resolved the dwarves behind you lit up with a muted buzz of whispers about the incident. One thing was certain, nobody would be making the same mistake as the two brothers had. Lest they want to face Bilbo the Balrog.

Enjoy my work? Check out my masterlist for more.

[balinsbestie]

Books, whispers and courting chaos 

Reading (or at least trying to) in the library while gossiping. Reader is married to Dwalin. 

Reader x Dwalin, Balin x platonic!reader, Ori x platonic!reader. 

The grand library of Erebor was my favorite place in the mountain. Rows upon rows of ancient tomes and scrolls filled the air with the comforting scent of old parchment and ink. It was a haven of quiet, a place where I could escape the noise and bustle of dwarves hammering in the forges or arguing over supplies. Today, however, the quiet was a little livelier than usual. 

Across the table sat Balin, his beard neatly combed and his expression equal parts sage and sly. Beside him was Ori, scribbling notes in the margins of his journal, his wide-eyed enthusiasm for every topic contagious. And then there was me, tucked into the corner, pretending to read but failing miserably as Balin and Ori kept pulling me into their chatter. 

“So,” Balin said, a glint of mischief in his eye as he peered over the rim of his spectacles, “how’s the courting going with my brother?” 

I groaned, closing the book I wasn’t reading. “Is that what we’re doing today? Gossiping about Dwalin?” 

“We wouldn’t call it gossip,” Ori chimed in, looking up from his writing. “It’s more like… research. For posterity.” 

“For posterity?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“Yes,” Ori said, entirely earnest. “Your courtship with Dwalin is quite the topic of interest. It’s not every day someone manages to tame a grizzly bear.” 

Balin laughed so hard his beard quivered. “A grizzly bear! That’s spot on, lad. Though I’d say my brother’s more like a grizzly bear with a battle axe.” 

“He’s not that bad,” I protested, though my cheeks burned. “He’s just… protective.” 

“Protective?” Balin repeated, leaning forward. “Is that what we’re calling it now? Because last week, I saw him glowering at a merchant for asking you if you needed help carrying your wares. Poor fellow packed up and left the mountain within the hour.” 

“That’s because the merchant was overcharging!” I said defensively, though the memory did make me laugh. “Besides, Dwalin’s not all gruff and scowls. You both know he has a soft side.” 

Balin gave me a skeptical look. “A soft side? You’ll have to point that out next time. I’ve known him for over a century, and I’ve yet to see it.” 

Ori tilted his head thoughtfully. “I did see him give a loaf of bread to one of the children in the lower halls last week. He muttered something about how ‘a warrior can’t fight on an empty stomach,’ but I’m fairly sure he was just being kind.” 

“There, you see?” I said, gesturing triumphantly. “He has his moments.” 

“Few and far between,” Balin teased, though there was a fondness in his voice. “Still, I’ll admit, you seem to bring out the best in him. I’ve never seen Dwalin so… patient before.” 

Ori nodded eagerly. “Yes, like when you made him sit through that storytelling session last month! He looked like he’d rather face a goblin horde, but he stayed the whole time.” 

“And didn’t complain,” Balin added. “Out loud, anyway.” 

I smiled, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. “He tries, you know. Even if he grumbles, he’s always there when it matters. That’s why I—” I cut myself off, realizing I was about to reveal too much. 

“Why you what?” Balin pressed, his grin widening. 

I waved him off, pretending to be engrossed in my book again. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.” 

“Oh, no,” Ori said, setting down his quill and leaning in eagerly. “You can’t leave us hanging like that.” 

Balin crossed his arms, clearly enjoying himself. “Go on, then. Spit it out.” 

I sighed, knowing they wouldn’t let it go. “Fine. That’s why I love him, all right? Because beneath all that gruffness, he’s the most loyal, steadfast dwarf I’ve ever met. He’d do anything for the people he cares about.” 

There was a moment of silence before Balin smiled warmly. “Aye, that he would. I’m glad he’s found someone who sees that in him. He deserves it.” 

Ori beamed, looking like he was about to write the entire exchange down in his journal. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you both.” 

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a little embarrassed but also grateful for their support. “Now, can we talk about something else before Dwalin bursts in here and finds you two grilling me about him?” 

“Fine, fine,” Balin said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But only because I don’t fancy getting on his bad side. Let’s see… Ori, what’s the latest scandal in the lower halls?” 

Ori’s face lit up. “Oh, you won’t believe this! I heard that Bombur caught Nori sneaking into the kitchens again last night. Apparently, he was trying to—” 

The conversation shifted to other matters, and soon the library was filled with laughter and the rustling of pages. But as I listened to my friends and glanced at the books around us, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Courting Dwalin might come with its challenges, but with Balin and Ori by my side, I knew I’d always have a place to laugh, share secrets, and be myself. 

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

Oooh Rain for sweet romantic treat, and FiliOei please!!!

Fili x Ori! I haven't written one for them in a while. Thanks for the ask, I hope you enjoy!

Ori stared out at the heavy rain pouring down from outside the cliff hanging they had found before turning his glare onto Fili. 

“I told you we weren’t going to beat it home.”

“Yeah, my bad.” The blonde grumbled, poking his head out to judge the clouds. “But I doubt we’ll be here long. An hour max.”

Ori let his back hit the rock behind him, sliding down to the ground as he pulled out his sketchbook for something to do. Fili sighed before plopping down next to him. 

“Sorry we didn’t get to see your bird.”

“They’re eagles and they migrate west to the shoreline during the winter and this could have been my last chance to see them before they go.”

Fili didn’t say anything for a long moment, and Ori took to attempting to ignore him again. 

“It won’t be your last chance.” Fili declared. “We’ll try again next year and the year after if we need to.”

Ori snorted, but his expression was downcast as he stared down at the still blank page before him.

“I start my apprenticeship with Balin in the spring, and you promised your uncle to go with him and the trade caravans.”

Ori was caught off-guard when a hand went around the back of his neck urging his head forward. He held his breath as Fili press their foreheads together, his eyes closed and tone solemn.

“This won’t be the last time we see each other, Ori. I promise you.”

Ori remained frozen in place before he released his breath, leaning just a little further into Fili’s space. He wasn’t worried about them not being able to see each other. Not really, especially when Ered Luin was such a small colony. He did worry about them being able to spend time together. Fili has been his best friend for as long as Ori could remember. And Kili too he supposed. It was just different with Fili. 

“So we’ll just tell Thorin and Balin to shove off and go see the eagles anyways?” Ori smirked.

Fili pulled back looking aghast. “Could you even imagine telling Thorin to shove it? I can already hear the shouting as we speak.” He shivered.

Ori laughed which in turn made Fili grin. 

“I’ll have to sneak off in the middle of the night, but it’s fine. I’m sure it’s good for Uncle’s blood pressure to be kept on his toes.”

Ori rolled his eyes as he resettled, leaning a bit more on Fili’s shoulder. The other dwarf didn’t seem to mind as he wrapped his arm around Ori’s back holding him close. 

“You’re going to get to see eagles, Ori. I just know it.”

And wouldn’t you know it. A handful of years later and Ori not only saw them, but rode on one. Fili’s grin when he looked over at him was breath catching, and Ori realized in that moment, he never wanted to miss one for all that he lived.

Trick or Treat My Inbox

[elrondsimp]

Bilbo Baggins X F! reader

“Unnoticed love?” PT1

Being the only girl in the company was undoubtedly challenging, especially as a hobbit. The dwarves had never encountered a hobbit lass before, and they initially hesitated to let Y/n join the journey, fearing she would slow them down with their preference for comfort, specific meal times, and plumper physiques compared to other races. However, Y/n's unwavering determination eventually won them over. She vividly recalled the events that led to their acceptance.

The moon bathed the Shire in its ethereal glow, casting a beautiful blue tint upon the ground. Y/n observed Bilbo cooking and preparing tea for both of them.

"I apologize for missing tea this morning. A wizard tried to recruit me for an adventure, but I declined," Bilbo said, placing a cup of tea in front of Y/n. The sweet aroma wafted towards her face. Bilbo knew exactly how she liked her tea, with a touch of cream and plenty of sugar.

"No need to worry, Bo. I witnessed the interaction on my way to the market," Y/n replied, lifting the cup and taking a small sip, her laughter escaping as she did.

"What's so amusing?" Bilbo asked, curiosity evident in his voice. "Oh, just the expression on your face when you went inside. It's not every day one sees a displeased Bilbo, unless it involves those Sackville-Baggins," Y/n chuckled, picking up one of the sweet treats Bilbo had prepared and taking a bite.

The two of them often shared meals together, almost like a tradition, which had led some of the other hobbits to speculate about their romantic involvement. However, Y/n knew deep down that her feelings were unrequited, despite her yearning for more. If only she could see the way Bilbo looked at her.

Their comfortable silence was shattered by a loud, insistent knocking on the door, startling both hobbits. "Were we expecting company?" Y/n placed her pastry down and stood up. "I don't believe so," Bilbo replied, joining her. He approached the door, hesitant about turning anyone away. What if they needed help? Taking a deep breath, he grasped the doorknob and opened the door. A dwarf stood before them, his features highlighted by the moon's glow, giving his beard a bluish undertone.

"Dwalin, at your service," the dwarf introduced himself, bowing and eyeing both hobbits. The interaction was awkward as he barged in and helped himself to some food, leaving the hobbits dumbfounded. "I guess what they say about dwarves is true," Y/n huffed, observing him devour their food.

Before long, more dwarves arrived, including Balin, the brother of the first dwarf, and two brothers named Fili and Kili. The wizard himself also made an appearance, followed by a swarm of dwarves stumbling over each other as they entered.

Y/n found amusement in watching their squabbles as they struggled to regain their footing. One dwarf tipped his hat and winked at her. "Bofur," he introduced himself, extending his hand, which Y/n shyly shook. "Y/n, a pleasure," she replied in a soft, cautious voice. Bofur placed his other hand on top of hers, grinning. This gesture did not go unnoticed.

The situation escalated when the group began singing, resulting in chaos. They clanged silverware together, tossed food, and spilled wine everywhere. It was a spectacle that surely alerted the neighbors. Y/n attempted to catch plates, while Bilbo desperately tried to prevent further damage, including potential plumbing disasters.

Now in the kitchen, washing the dishes, a young dwarf named Ori approached Y/n. She smiled, looking at his bashful face, as he handed her a plate. "Thank you, Master Dwarf," she said graciously.

Since that fateful night, Y/n found herself surrounded by the dwarves. Initially, there was tension due to her outburst with Thorin, but she felt more at ease with the others. When she wasn't conversing with Bilbo, she would engage in discussions with Bofur or Balin. Bilbo observed from a distance, his stomach churning with a sense of neglect. He couldn't quite pinpoint whether it was jealousy or anger, but he despised the feeling. He would watch Y/n return from the river, her wet hair clinging to her face, her flushed cheeks after a battle, or her cheeks puffing out when she ate. Observing her lick her lips only heightened his desire.

"Are you alright, Master Burglar?" Fili nudged Bilbo, snapping him out of his reverie. "Hm? Yes, I'm quite alright," Bilbo replied, fumbling with his hands, worried that he had been caught staring at his beloved friend. "It must be challenging being away from home, let alone on a perilous mission. But at least you still have some comfort with you," Fili remarked, glancing at Y/n. "I don't know how you manage to stay focused," he continued, his gaze lingering admiringly on her curvaceous figure. Bilbo couldn't blame them; he himself was guilty of such thoughts. He watched Y/n's every move, her hair still damp and sticking to her face as she walked alongside Ori, listening to his rant about his older brothers.

Bilbo's desire for Y/n remained unspoken, buried deep within. One side of him yearned to claim her as his own, to let the world know that she belonged to him. But he knew the truth—she was not his. They weren't courting, which meant she was available for others to pursue. The other side of him simply longed to drag her away into a secluded tent and express his desires, hoping she would reciprocate.

"Bilbo," Thorin's voice echoed, breaking the momentary trance. "Tend to the horses," he commanded. Bilbo sighed, watching Y/n fulfill her duties.

The company continued their journey towards Erebor, which meant passing through Mirkwood—a prospect that displeased Thorin but left him with no alternative. It was no surprise when they were captured by the elves. While the other dwarves underwent thorough searches, the elves were uncertain where to begin searching Y/n. One male elf patted down her sleeves, but that was the extent of it. "Hey! Why are you putting your filthy hands all over us but ignoring her?" Kili exclaimed, but the elf sighed and ignored his question. "We should have hidden our weapons on her," Gloin grumbled. "Excuse me?" Y/n turned her head, astonished by the remark.

They were presented before the king himself, Thranduil. Thorin gritted his teeth, looking beyond him. "Mr. Thorin, are you alright?" Y/n glanced at her leader, witnessing a softening in his gaze when he looked at her. She appeared so vulnerable, restrained—though they all likely did—yet he remained silent.

A gentle hand slid under Y/n's chin, redirecting her attention from Thorin to Thranduil. "Sweet hobbit, what brings you so far from the Shire?" Thranduil cooed, treating her as if she were a child. Y/n remained silent, her mind plagued by numerous

questions. Would everyone be alright? Would she be safe? And, most importantly, where was Bilbo? Unbeknownst to them, he observed everything from his hidden vantage point. He had never seen her look so fragile before, kneeling before a king, beneath someone who wasn't him.

"Are you at a loss for words? No matter, we will take good care of your friends," Thranduil declared before instructing his guards to remove them, leaving the two alone. Bilbo knew he had to act swiftly, despite the heartache it caused him. He had to find a way for them to escape as soon as possible.

Thranduil circled around Y/n, resembling a predator stalking its prey. "You never answered my question. Are you here to reclaim Erebor as well?" His tone carried a taunting quality, as if he couldn't believe a hobbit would willingly leave the comfort of their own home for an adventure. "Release them; they are my friends," Y/n spoke softly. Thranduil chuckled, ceasing his circling motion and kneeling before her. "Friends? Oh, my dear, you are merely a pawn in their game. Once they have the opportunity, they will discard you as if you were nothing," he said, gazing into her eyes. "Oh, little one."

He lightly caressed her cheek, smiling. "I believe it's only fair to say you will be treated much better here. I cannot allow your delicate hands to become even more roughed up than they already are," he remarked, alluding to the skirmish with the giant spiders. "Stay with me," he urged. "No," Y/n replied firmly.

"No?" Thranduil removed his hand from her cheek, repeating her answer. "No?" Rising from his kneeling position, he stared her down. "Why not? Do you truly wish to fight alongside these... these creatures? Oh, my dear, you should learn to choose your battles wisely because...," his voice darkened, "I'm afraid you won't be spared." "I'm doing this for someone I love!" Y/n blurted out. Instead of a chuckle, Thranduil burst into laughter. "You? You love one of the dwarves?" he exclaimed. "It's not the dwarves. It's..." Y/n's voice trailed off. Thranduil sighed, instructing Tauriel to apprehend her alongside the others.

Now sitting alone in a dark and desolate cell, Y/n was left with her thoughts. Worries washed over her, refusing to dissipate. They were trapped, and Bilbo was nowhere to be found. What if he had been devoured by the spiders?

[pyropixiesposts]

Tittle: the kings equal

THORIN X FEM!OC

Summery

Mira( a half dwarf/half hobbit)had traveled with the company, made friends,was adopted by the ri's and had stolen the heart of the brooding dwarf king. After partitioning the gods to heal those who fought in the battle, a deal was made. If she could withstand enduring the pain of all the wounds inflicted on the dwarves and allies, the gods would save those who fought. Binding her hands to her blade and stabbing it into the snow and ice to support her weight incase the pain makes her knees buckle After everything was said and done she was left unconscious and brought to the healers. When she wakes the newly crowned king must make amends and only has until spring to convince her to stay.

(Mira is a curvy, 4ft9 dwarf/hobbit. Covered in tattoos and freckles. Brown eyes)

Chapter 1 The promise of coffee

When mira opened her eyes, she was overcome with the burning sensation all over her body. Gripping the blanket that lay on her, she slowly sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Taking in her surroundings, seeing herbs, bandages and a chair near her, she came to the conclusion that she was in a medical tent. Looking down, she could see she was in a, thank the gods, clean clothes. A dark brown pair of pants and a soft cream colored shirt. Memories of the end of the battle rushed her. Fili being ran through, kili being held by the turiel as he died and thorin... Running from the tent on shaky legs, looking around wildly, she prayed it worked. That they were alive, that HE was alive. "THORIN! You better be alive mother fucker or im gonna be PISSED!" So preoccupied with with rash yelling ( she'll blame it on the pain later) that she didnt notice how almost everyone fell to their knees at the sight of her. What she did notice was ori running towards her and nori not far behind. Ori practically crushed her, lifting her off her feet and swaying her to and fro. When a mumbled "ow" fell from her lips he hurriedly put her back on her feet. "Be gentle! She just woke up, she shouldnt even be on her feet and you go waving her around." While nori shoved ori's shoulder it seemed like something clicked in nori's mind. Spining to face mira, he stretched his arms out almost as he expected to catch her. "You shouldnt be up! You should be sitting! Or laying down! Why ar-" Before he could ramble, mira cut him off, grabbing his arms she hurriedly asked. " Are they alive Nori? Is he alive? Did it work?" The desperation in her voice was heartbreaking for her brothers to hear. A loud commotion coming from a deep green tent had everyone looking towards it. It was a sight to see thorin stumbling from the opening and yell her name. Running towards him, well more of a rushed hobbling. She began doing what she does best. Yelling at thorin. Loudly. " You son of a bitch! Who told you, you could try dying?! I did not fight a fucking DRAGON just for you to get bitchy and die!" The reaction thorin gave was not one she wanted. Mere feet infront of her and he was laughing. Laughing! At her! Before she could yell more, two very much alive and somewhat well princes wrapped them selves around her. A chorus of "we're so happy your awake!" "Best aunty ever" and "uncles sorry" sounded from the two boys. The anger she had felt melted away as relief and joy filled her as she saw the company and family she tried so hard to save, alive and whole. Hugging both boys, she couldnt help the fat tears the ran doen her face. Thorin held out his arm to her and said the most magical thing to her. He invited her to the tent with a promise of coffee. While she was stiff in her movements, she was quick with the thought of a sit down and coffee.

[shirefantasies]

FIC RECS MASTERLIST

I wanted a place to share all my favorite works in this community and find them again- please check these all out 🥰 and check back here too, because this will definitely be getting added to 😁

Lord of the Rings- Multiple/All Characters

You’re in the Fellowship and the Hobbits Have a Crush On You- @wordbunch

How You First Met- @rivendell-poet

Cuddling With Them- @princessofgondor

The Fellowship + Romance- @ironmandeficiency

How You Look After the Hobbits When They're Sick- @wordbunch

The Fellowship With an Oblivious-to-Flirting Tenth Walker- @rivendell-poet

The Fellowship Around Their Crush- @live-laugh-legolas

Lord of the Rings- Single Character

Histories and Legacies- Eowyn x GN!Reader- @tobylix-blog

Pippin x F!Human!Reader- @r0se1111

Your Own Stars- Arwen x F!Reader- @friendship-ditch

Gentle Dark- Haldir x F!Elf!Reader- @gloomwitchwrites

Sugar and Cinnamon- Eowyn x F!Reader- @friendship-ditch

I Forgive You- Eomer x GN!Reader- @wild-lavender-rose

Eowyn SFW Alphabet- @wordbunch

Platonic Aragorn x Writer!Reader- @heliads

My Sweet Girl- Eowyn x F!Maid!Reader- @welikeimagines-andfandoms

Thunderstorm- Eowyn x Wife!Reader- @welikeimagines-andfandoms

The Hobbit- Multiple/All Characters

Ways Thorin’s Company Remember You On Their Journey- @brainrotbabe24

Thorin’s Company’s Favorite Slang (Humor)- @welikeimagines-andfandoms

Kissing the Mirkwood Elves- @theelvenhaven

Cuddling With Thorin's Company- @kilibaggins

The Hobbit- Single Character

Courting Thorin Would Include- @ghostwholikesghosting

How Was Your Day?- Dis x F!Human!Reader (Smut)- @filiswingman

Chamomile Tea- Sigga (Dwarf OC) x F!Human!Reader (Fluff)- @filiswingman

Loving Stares- Bofur x F!Reader- @andinthedarknessbindthem

Apple of My Eye- Ori x F!Reader- @i-did-not-mean-to

Bard x Mermaid!Reader- @welikeimagines-andfandoms

Dressed to the Nines- Bilbo x GN!Dwarrow!Reader-@immawriteyouthings

[justjbeboriginalo]

Don't Die This Time

Kili Fanfic

Kili meets a girl who has to go along on their quest on Gandalf's request. The girl captures his attention from the first time they meet and they grow to love each other over the course of the quest.

Pairing: Kili x OC female who can control nature

Chapter 5: Pain Part 1

Warnings: Death (Orcs)

Gaia stumbles around, unable to stay upright. A heavy fog pushes down on her and she struggles to breathe. As she falls to her knees, her hands shoot out to the ground. She searches for something to hold onto. A disgruntled voice booms through her ears and her head snaps up. A familiar figure floats to her, surrounded by a darkness that follows it.

Sauron.

Gaia jerks awake which causes her to slip down the rock she was seated on. She rubs her face and lets out a groan. She hates being in the Mirkwoods. The sickness that lies upon this forest is similar to one she is already familiar with.

The Necromancer at Dol Guldur might be more than what she is prepared for at the moment.

“I already told you- “

“Shut up, I already told you that we need to go around. The road will be there. Not here,” Ori shouts at Dwalin, “you daft dwarf.”

“Don’t you dare- “

Gaia pushes her hands to her ears, cutting off the foul comments of the fighting dwarves. They have been at each other’s throats since they lost the road.

She told them that she could locate the road, but none of them listened to her. They have been shouting and cursing at each other for who knows how long.

Her eyes search for Thorin in the fighting crowd, but he is not part of the crowd. He is standing a few steps away from them, staring at nothing in the distance. Why has he not put a stop to this fighting?

Sauron.

Gaia shakes her head, trying to rid the memories from her thoughts. Why, of all places, does she have to remember her past in this forsaken place?

She turns her attention to the dwarves and catches Bilbo trying to break up the fight, but he fails to succeed.

An elbow shoots out which hits Bilbo’s head and he falls to the ground. The dwarves continue their fighting, sending trampling feet in Bilbo’s direction.

She shoots up and hurries to stop them from squashing Bilbo.

“Oi, stop it,” she shouts, making her way hurriedly to Bilbo. They ignore her and this causes her blood to boil.

“Stop it,” she shouts again. This time, her words are accompanied by a strong wind which sends the dwarves flying in different directions.

She crouches next to Bilbo, inspecting whether he got hurt in the process. Bilbo gestures that he is fine and she stands up.

The dwarves are spread out on the forest floor, groaning and grunting.

Gaia grabs a loose vine from a nearby tree and rushes to the closest dwarf, Dwalin. She wraps the vine around his middle while she helps him up.

“What was that for?” Bifur asks, trying to stand up. Gaia kicks his legs from under him when she passes him, making her way to Balin.

“This forest has you lot fighting. This is exactly what Gandalf warned us about, but do you listen? Do you ever listen?” Gaia asks, more of a rhetorical question.

She wraps the vine around Dori, Nori, and Ori before stopping next to Bifur.

“We- “

“No, shut up. I do not care about your silly excuses. Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves,” she mutters as she wraps Bofur and Bombur. “You have lost a lot of time in this cursed forest. I will not stand by and watch you fail this quest because you act like children.” She wraps the vine around Dwalin and Balin.

“Gaia is right,” Thorin interjects, “We have been wasting our time here. You all know we only have one chance.”

Gaia stops from wrapping the vine around Fili and Kili, bowing her head to Thorin to show her support.

“So, get in line,” Thorin orders the remaining dwarves. They all scramble to get in line behind Fili and Kili.

“You know how to get back on the road, right?” Kili asks in a whisper. Gaia nods, finishing wrapping him. “Do you need any support?”

“No, but thank you. Just keep them under control,” she whispers with a wink to Kili. He flashes a smile and bows his head.

After Gaia has finished wrapping the vine around the remaining company, she guides Thorin to the front where she also wraps the vine around him. She lets the vine wrap around her arm before she thickens the vine.

There is no way they will be able to escape from these restraints.

Gaia removes her shoes and throws them into her bag before relishing the feeling of life beneath her feet. She closes her eyes at the vibrations of the forest.

With a determined huff, she feels for the different vibrations. The trail has a different feel to it than the soil and grass they were stuck on.

She easily finds the trail they lost and leads the dwarves on the trail.

After a while, the dwarves start to converse and some even break out into song. She glances over her shoulder at the company and notices Kili singing along with the rest.

A smile ghosts over her features.

She turns her head to the front and listens to them as they sing and joke around. The sickness of the forest does not seem to have an effect on these dwarves anymore.

The river comes into Gaia’s view and she hurries to the river, wanting to escape the darkness of the forest.

She leads the company out of the Mirkwood and stops them next to the roaring river. The vine slips from her arm, letting go of the rest of the company. The company starts to celebrate and Gaia laughs softly at their antics.

Dwarves.

“Thank you.” Thorin’s voice is deep next to her. Gaia turns to him and inclines her head at him.

“We got out,” Kili shouts as he runs over to them. He throws his arms around Gaia, pulling her in for a hug. She lets out a laugh into the embrace.

He slowly lets go of her, his hands coming to a rest on her arms.

“Thank you. For getting us out,” he says with a small smile. His hands squeeze her arms and she smiles warmly at Kili.

“You are welcome.” Kili lets her arms go before he turns around, rushing to tackle Fili to the ground. Gaia laughs at them.

A familiar vibration catches her attention. How did THEY make it through Mirkwood? With the help of none other than the one who placed the sickness on that forest.

“Orcs!” she shouts while she runs to the company, trying to get their attention. “Run!”

Balin is the first to start running with Fili short on his heels.

Kili spins around while his eyes search for Gaia.

“Kili, run,” she shouts, gesturing for him to go.

As Kili starts to turn to run, an arrow flies past Gaia. It pierces the flesh of Kili’s thigh. He stumbles a bit before he falls to the ground, groaning when the pain registers.

Gaia crouches down next to him and quickly throws her arm around him to support him. She helps him up and they make their way to the rest of the company.

“You will be fine,” Gaia mutters repeatedly, dragging Kili with her.

Kili’s leg gives out from underneath him and he hits the ground with a thud. Fili runs back to them to assist Gaia in getting Kili back up, but Kili’s leg is a bad condition.

Gaia looks around and her eyes fall on the running water next to them. She has never managed to control water, but that is their only escape.

She lets out a shaky breath when she reaches the water, her hand stretched out to the water.

As soon as her hand touches the water, a large ice block forms.

She gasps, unable to believe that she had done that. She turned water to ice?

“Get on,” she shouts to the rest of the company, jumping on the block.

Fili throws Kili on the ice and she prevents him from sliding off. Fili follows along with the rest of the company.

The block of ice is large enough for the whole company if they squeeze against each other. Gaia helps to keep them from slipping off the ice by forming something that resembles a border around the edges of the ice block.

The stream of the river is strong and it moves the block with ease.

The Orcs are quite a way behind the company, but they continue to shoot arrows at the ice.

Gaia deflects the course of the arrows as it is made of wood.

A few Orcs managed to catch up and they are jumping from the riverbed to get onto the ice block. Between Thorin, Fili, Dwalin, and Balin, their lifeless bodies fall into the treacherous water.

Gaia glances at Kili and the dread settles in. They need to get some shelter, away from the Orcs. Hopefully, she can heal him.

Hopefully.

“We are making progress,” Oin says, wiping his forehead. Gaia hums, keeping her eyes on the water. They need to get to land.

After they made their way through the worst parts of the river, the water became calmer. As the water slows, the ice block starts to melt.

Gaia tries her best to keep the ice from melting until they get to the bedrock, but it would seem fate is not on her side anymore.

“Swim, get to the shore,” Thorin calls while he sinks into the water. Gaia jumps from the block to help Fili with Kili, struggling to get to the bedrock.

The company gets to the shore which is accompanied by groans and some rushed arguments.

Kili takes a few steps, but he sinks to the ground with a groan.

Gaia rushes over to him, her hand on his shoulder.

She sees him trying to cover his wound, but she recognizes the blackness that is evident in his wound. A Morgul shaft.

“We have to keep moving,” Thorin coughs out. Bofur has joined Gaia and Kili, the worry evident in his features.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing,” Kili says, but neither Gaia nor Bofur believes him.

”On your feet,” Thorin commands Kili, but Gaia prevents Kili from standing up. He frowns at her, but she shakes her head at him.

“Kili’s wounded,” Bofur starts, “His leg needs binding.” Fili comes rushing to aid, helping his brother onto his feet.

Gaia feels the tears stinging her eyes, but she blinks them away. Why does she always jump to the worst conclusions?

Thorin starts about the Orcs. Gaia hears Bilbo contributing his opinion with Balin and Dwalin also talking, but she focuses on Kili.

His leg is only going to get worse. They need to stop. The more time they spend not extracting the poison, the more time it has to spread throughout his whole body.

She has seen what the poison can do and she does not want Kili to suffer such a fate. She has grown quite accustomed to him and she would not let him die like that.

He needs to rest.

“Bind his leg, quickly. You have two minutes,” Thorin interrupts the current conversation, looking at Kili and Bofur. Fili helps his brother back to the ground.

They watch as Bofur and Oin start to bind Kili’s leg. He lets out a few pained groans, his body writhing on the cold rock.

“Kili,” Gaia calls softly. He turns his head to her, trying to smile at her. She reaches her hand to his cheek. Her thumb moves in circles on his cheek, soothing him. “You’ll be all right.”

Gaia hears Ori dumping the water from his boots into the river. She supposes she should do the same. Her head turns to Kili.

“I am going to try to get the water from my clothes and shoes. I will be back to help you,” she says with a weak smile, standing up.

Gaia follows Fili and they sit next to the river, dumping the water from their boots and squeezing the water from their clothes.

“He will be fine, won’t he?” Fili asks with a quiet voice. Gaia snaps her head to Fili, hiding her concern.

“Yes,” she says, but she realizes that she did not sound convincing. “He just needs to rest.” Fili gives a quick nod, his eyes fixated on his boots.

An unfamiliar presence catches Gaia’s attention and she turns her head to the stranger.

Everyone readies themselves for a fight, but the man is quick to warn them with his bow. He might be an even better archer than Kili.

“Do that again and you’re dead,” the man warns.

Gaia relaxes slightly. This man could perhaps be of assistance to them.

Fili has made his way to Kili in the meantime, defending his brother from the stranger.

Balin is the first to approach the man, recognizing the barge from Lake Town.

Gaia smiles to herself as she steadily walks back to Kili. She hands him his boots and some of his clothes which she dried.

“Here,” she whispers while Balin is still busy talking with the man from Lake Town. She wraps a light red and green plant around Kili’s leg, just above his bandaged wound.

“I know that one. An Airuxux,” Kili says hoarsely. Gaia smiles brightly at him and nods.

“Look at you. You even remembered the name,” she jokes. “We just call it “the sucker”,’ she says with a wink. Kili’s brows furrow.

“Why do you call it that?” Gaia ensures that the plant is tucked away from Kili’s eyes so that he cannot see the plant drawing the poison from his blood.

“No idea,” she lies. Kili chuckles lightly, shaking his head.

“It is a strange name.” She hums in agreement when she notices the rest of the company following the stranger.

Fili helps Kili up and supports him with Gaia walking behind them.

Kili rests against the rocks as the man and Balin continue to converse.

Gaia catches that he has children and that his wife has died. She looks at the man with the dark hair while he loads the barrels onto his barge. Something about him seems familiar. She cannot place it.

A soft groan escapes Kili’s lips and she turns her attention to him. Fili also focuses his attention on Kili, but Kili tries to tell them that he is okay.

Kili looks at Gaia and sees her tired eyes, mixed with something else he cannot place. He had thought she could not control water, but she just turned water into ice. He cannot hide his amusement at her skills. Who is she? How did she come to be?

His leg sends a burning pain throughout his whole body and he bites back a groan. He does not want to worry Gaia or Fili. He will survive. He has survived worse.

When his eyes catch the glossed-over ones of Gaia, his heart pains. He does not like to see her like this. She deserves to be always happy, smiling.

His hand moves to hers and he takes her hand in his. He squeezes her hand, to tell her that he will survive. Her grip tightens on his hand.

Gaia focuses on Balin who has offered to pay the man double for smuggling them into Lake Town. She does not have anything of value on her. Perhaps, if she searches through the pockets of the clothes on her, she can find something.

But how is the man going to smuggle them all into Lake Town?

[cilil]

A little more warmth

Eönwë was more surprised that the Balrog had actually remembered the concept of payment in lieu of pillaging than by the offer, but his head and ears were nicely warm now, and he was more fond of the cute white and yellow patterns on blue than he had assumed; he did, however, fear for the bobble's safety just a little bit.  "If it isn't too much trouble," he said, polite as always, yet failed to suppress a giddy smile and blush. Who would've thought that one day he would be the one getting pampered by a big, strong Maia instead of all the expectations of courtship resting on his shoulders? 

❅ Pairings: Gothmog x Eönwë, background Fingon x Maedhros

❅ Characters: Eönwë, Gothmog, Ori, Maedhros, Fingon, Caranthir, Aiwendil (briefly), Nári (mentioned), a guest appearance by a very special mortal

❅ Synopsis: After Gothmog successfully talked Eönwë into going on a date asked Eönwë out, the two Maiar visit the market together to buy some gifts, argue and enjoy each other's company - while making everyone else's day significantly worse. Also featuring a few fun cameos from my giftee's favourite characters.

❅ Featuring: Canondivergence/AU - everyone's alive and happy, holiday fluff, awkward dates, bickering, marketplace stroll, kissing, holding hands, fluff & humor

❅ Warnings: Some sexual humor and innuendo

❅ A gift for @i-did-not-mean-to, written for the @whiteoliphaunt exchange. IDNMT also kindly let me use this super cute star divider.

➥ Read on AO3

"Do you think this is... appropriate?" Eönwë asked bashfully, referring to the fact that his hand was presently being held by a larger, clawed one. 

"How else am I supposed to let everyone know that this hot piece of ass is mine?" Gothmog retorted, chuckling when he looked over to see his not-quite-official lover blushing furiously. 

"Language," Eönwë hissed and squeezed his hand for emphasis, but made no move to pull away. Gothmog had suspected for a while now that he secretly enjoyed open displays of affection and even desire more than he would like to admit, stuck in his mindset of etiquette and propriety as he was. 

"Let's get you something to keep your ears warm, hm? The tips are all red," Gothmog teased, gently tugging on the smaller Maia's feathered ear before pulling him over to the nearest market stand that had any sort of textiles for sale. 

A Dwarf with reddish brown hair was currently leaning over a box filled with wool, engaged in spirited conversation with a dark-haired Human, only for their fun to be woefully interrupted by the appearance of a Balrog. 

"Hey you," Gothmog addressed the Dwarf. "Do you have something to put on the head of a pretty little hero? He's all red from the cold." 

"Gothmog, please." Eönwë flashed the duo an apologetic smile. "He is... very enthusiastic today." 

"Oh, um... that's lovely!" the Dwarf replied with as much elation as he could muster, still seemingly spooked by the way two Maiar had just interrupted his conversation. "I have a couple of hats you could try... woolly ones, some with bobbles too –" 

"A bobble hat. Blue if you have that," Gothmog interrupted, grinning from one non-existent ear to another. 

"Must you always attempt to ridicule me?" Eönwë grumbled, his plumage fluffing up defensively, but the Balrog patted his head as their unwilling acquaintances beheld the spectacle. While the Dwarf searched his wares, nervous but determined and smiling unerringly, the Human appeared to be strangely entertained by the scene she was witnessing. 

"I have blue with a bit of yellow –"

"Perfect." Gothmog snatched the hat he was offered and placed it on the smaller Maia's lovingly patted head, pulling it over his eyes in his enthusiasm. 

"Aww. You look cute. Do you like it?" He flicked the bobble with his claw while Eönwë adjusted the hat and smiled at the friendly Dwarf. 

"It is very lovely, my dear –" His sharp eyes caught the small name tag made of clay that was attached to a thick woolly shawl. "Ori." 

"And it suits you, good sir," Ori complimented, "the blue matches your eyes. Well, um, your current ones, I mean. Mahal told us that your kind can change that at will, but –" 

"Yes, he's very pretty, with and without his blue eyes. And he's my boyfriend," Gothmog cut in, a hint of smugness in his tone. "Do you want the hat, bird? I'll get it for you." 

Eönwë was more surprised that the Balrog had actually remembered the concept of payment in lieu of pillaging than by the offer, but his head and ears were nicely warm now, and he was more fond of the cute white and yellow patterns on blue than he had assumed; he did, however, fear for the bobble's safety just a little bit. 

"If it isn't too much trouble," he said, polite as always, yet failed to suppress a giddy smile and blush. Who would've thought that one day he would be the one getting pampered by a big, strong Maia instead of all the expectations of courtship resting on his shoulders? 

Gothmog, lord and brother to the bane of dwarven kind, leaned closer to Ori who flinched a little. "You. Do you accept gems as payment?" 

"G-gems? Yes, certainly... uh... which ones do you have?" 

Instead of answering, Gothmog merely pointed at his gem-encrusted shoulders. Ori's eyes widened. "Oh! Yes, one of those is quite alright!" 

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"I am most grateful for your kindness, but did you have to scare the poor Dwarf like that?" Eönwë rebuked, the bobble on his head wobbling from the force of his righteous indignation. 

Gothmog took advantage of his momentary distraction to reclaim his hand and hold it as they continued their market stroll. 

"Hey. Now the little guy has a trophy for his bravery, facing the mightiest and most terrible of all Balrogs!" He chuckled to himself. "Nári would try to fight me on that, but she isn't here." 

"Thankfully so." While Eönwë feared no opponent on the battlefield, neither the bite of a Balrog's whip nor the edge of their blades, he knew to respect the sharpness of her tongue. 

"Don't let her hear that either." Gothmog looked around for other things of interest, then suddenly pointed at another stand. "Speaking of people with flaming hair, isn't that the Elf who escaped you back in the day?" 

It was indeed. The former high king of the Noldor, known as Maedhros after his time in Beleriand, was busying himself with the making of candles, carefully dipping them in wax over and over again until he was satisfied with their shape and thickness. 

"How do you even know about that?" Eönwë asked, referring to his companion's previous question. 

"Mairon told us everything," Gothmog shrugged, "and this one escaped us too. Slippery little Elf. But still just as flammable as his father."

Eönwë elbowed him warningly. "If we are to talk to him, please refrain from making such comments. And don't set anything on fire." 

"Fine." 

Maedhros appeared to be blissfully oblivious to their approach, focused on his candles as well as a certain other Noldo manning a stand close by, carving soap and exchanging the occasional glance and smile with him. Eönwë recognised Fingon, yet realised too late that this other former high king was, unfortunately, yet another victim of Gothmog in particular. 

Before he could intervene, they had already spotted each other, and a huge grin appeared on the Balrog's face. 

"Soap, huh?" 

"Would you prefer me carving something out of your horns?" Fingon retorted, managing a smile that was a little too pleasant in return. 

"You could certainly try, little Elf."

"I could indeed. You don't have your friends with you this time." 

"Enough. No more of this," Eönwë said firmly and greeted the two Noldor with a respectful nod. "May we have a look at your wonderful work?" 

"Sure. Though I am not sure what you need a candle for if you have a Balrog with you," Fingon said with a cheeky wink at Maedhros. 

"Some of them are scented," the red-haired Elf hummed, watching wax drip from the candles he was currently working on. "I suspect Balrogs are not." 

"Perfume is even more flammable than incarnates," Gothmog said lightly and walked closer to Maedhros' stand to take a whiff. "What's that supposed to be?" 

"Berries. The others are vanilla and sandalwood." 

"Ah." Gothmog continued sniffing. "Interesting." 

"Nothing you would find in Angband." 

"Heh. You know it." 

Eönwë made sure to stay close to his companion and admired the candles. 

"I didn't know this was one of your hobbies," he said. 

"He has developed quite the skill with candles and other things like them." 

Maedhros blushed furiously, and Gothmog eyed the two Elves as if there was something suspicious about the comment, though whatever hidden meaning it held was lost on the ever innocent wind spirit. 

"And you with soap it seems," Eönwë chirped happily, ignoring the awkward atmosphere, and walked over. "So many lovely scents too... may I touch these?" 

He pointed at the artfully sorted and stacked bars of soap.

"Of course."

"I've had candles, but never soap," Gothmog commented and lowered his head to sniff a green bar Eönwë had picked up for closer inspection. "What's this scent even?"

"Fir," Fingon answered. "You probably didn't have that in Angband either." 

"What's a Balrog supposed to do with a tree anyway? Turn it into firewood?" 

"Please never repeat that when Lady Yavanna is near," Eönwë chided. "Speaking of the lords and ladies though – which scent do you think would please Lord Manwë and Lady Varda, Fingon?"

"Vanilla," Gothmog snorted and proceeded to heartily laugh at his own joke while his three former and current enemies stared at him in silent disbelief. 

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"No. Absolutely not."

"Yes. Very yes." 

"Gothmog, please. How am I supposed to look anyone in the eye after this?"

"You don't have to. I could just take you home and keep you as my pet bird until the end of Arda." 

Eönwë glowered at the grinning Balrog. 

"You are not going to publicly purchase lace underwear for me," he said, slowly and empathically. "Neither I nor poor Caranthir want to have that conversation, I would imagine." 

"If that angry little Elf doesn't want to talk about lace, he shouldn't be making it," Gothmog huffed and gripped Eönwë's hand to pull him over to the stand of Caranthir who was already eyeing them with mild dismay. Unfortunately for the heroic herald, he lacked both the size and strength to prevent the inevitable embarrassment. 

"Hey you," Gothmog greeted the Noldorin prince with his usual lack of courtesy. "Do you think you have something that would look cute on my boyfriend?" 

Eönwë's sigh of exasperation caused all nearby textiles to flutter dangerously and Caranthir to stare in disbelief. 

"Manwë's herald is dating a Balrog of Morgoth?" 

"You watch what you're saying, Elf. The boss doesn't like that name," Gothmog growled before the other Maia could respond. 

Caranthir was still staring. Eönwë resisted the urge to hide his face underneath his wings and cleared his throat. "We have... become more closely acquainted." 

"That's his way of saying we're dating, yes." Gothmog smacked the counter with his free hand. "While I'm at it: Be sure tell your uncle too. Tell him that I meet up with the pretty bird to train now, and afterwards we f–" 

"Gothmog!"

"What?! Just making sure."

"You have said more than enough!" 

Caranthir blinked a few times, watching as the two Maiar turned back to face him after their brief argument. 

"You... you meant that?" 

"Yes! Need I say it again?" 

"No. Please don't." 

He cast one last glance at Eönwë who merely closed his eyes and prayed that all his embarrassment would be cleansed in Arda Healed. 

"Well..." Fighting to regain his composure, Caranthir began to look through his completed pieces. "Are you looking for anything specific?" 

Gothmog shrugged. "No idea. I don't wear underwear myself, so..." 

"Just look for... any sort of bottoms," Eönwë mumbled, the word alone causing him to blush. He didn't consider himself overly squeamish with language – at least not after all the foul words he had heard during the War of Wrath and after – but part of him feared this statement could somehow end up revealing too much. 

"Good idea, bird." Gothmog pulled him closer and rubbed his cheek against the side of his head. "I can already imagine how cute your ass would look in some nice lace panties –" 

Caranthir let out a choked noise of discomfort, but Eönwë's attention was preoccupied with something different. He had dealt with the lewd and vulgar behaviour of Melkor's servants enough times to predict what might be coming next and seized Gothmog's wrist before he could touch the part of his anatomy he was referring to. 

"Not in public," he hissed. "Or else I shall be forced to draw my sword and take your hand."

"Feisty bird." 

"I am a warrior. Never forget that." 

In the meantime, Caranthir had selected a few pieces. With an expression that spoke of defeat, the fire in his dark eyes dim, he showed a skimpy piece of soft blue fabric with white lace. 

"That one would match your hat," he commented. 

Eönwë was unsure whether it was mockery or an earnest attempt at being helpful. 

"Thank you for your trouble," he said with as much grace as he could. "Though I am not sure if you need my measurements or anything...?" 

"You could just try it on," Gothmog suggested with a gentle nudge. 

Maia and Elf alike stared at him, utterly mortified. 

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"You are terrible." 

Eönwë's tone was still accusatory, but Gothmog remained unfazed. 

"Drink, bird," he encouraged with a gentle nudge – one that would have still sent any incarnate flying, but caused only a mild rustle of feathers thanks to the smaller Maia's impeccable stance and balance. 

"Fine," Eönwë mumbled and took a sip of mulled wine, critically eyeing the beverage. The taste was more pleasant than he had anticipated, but he needed to be careful not to drink too much, lest he be seen tipsy or even drunk in the company of a Balrog. His lack of alcohol tolerance was something other Maiar, particularly those in Oromë's, Tulkas' and of course Melkor's service, liked to tease him about. 

"Hey, don't look so glum. Don't you like shopping?" Gothmog held the bag filled with various items they had acquired up with one claw, and Eönwë couldn't help chuckling lightly. Neither of them seemed like the type to enjoy a quiet marketplace stroll, but it had been surprisingly pleasant, even with the Balrog's tendency to tease and intimidate other visitors. 

"I will never hear the end of this," Eönwë lamented, though more for show than out of actual annoyance, and downed half of his cup for dramatic effect. "Buying underwear together with the Lord of Balrogs... oh the amount of questions I will have to answer." 

"I don't get why people are even wondering," Gothmog shrugged and practically inhaled his wine, causing steam to rise from his mouth and nostrils. "I mean, what's there to ask? Everyone's seen that cute ass of yours, and I bet I'm not the only one who –" 

"Enough," Eönwë hissed. Aiwendil, who had been feeding some pigeons nearby, was staring at them with wide, curious eyes, but squirrelled away when he realised he had been noticed. 

"Anyway. It's mine and I want it to look pretty." 

"If you insist." 

"Aw, birdie..." Gothmog wrapped one arm around his shoulder, and Eönwë found himself reflexively leaning against him despite his (futile) attempts at salvaging his dignity. "I was hoping that, if I get you some nice stuff for your collection, you'll be in the mood to try on those panties later... and show me how pretty you look in them..." 

"We shall see if your behaviour warrants such a reward."

"Must you always be so strict with me? And with yourself too?" 

When Eönwë looked up at his companion, surprised by his observation, Gothmog's smile was weirdly disarming. 

"Y-you need to understand that I need to maintain a certain decorum, even though I... admittedly have grown quite fond of you," he attempted to explain himself. 

Gothmog shook his head. "Eh, I'm sure they want you to believe that, but you also know we think differently. You deserve to have fun too." 

His expression shifted to a devious grin. "As do I. May I perhaps have a kiss then?" 

"In public?" Eönwë asked nervously. 

In lieu of a response, Gothmog dropped the bag, fished a mistletoe twig out of it and held it over their heads with his free hand – an easy feat thanks to his greater size. 

"See? Now we're basically socially obligated to kiss." 

"Did... did I already say you are –"

"Terrible? Yes. And smart and handsome too."

"Was this Melkor's idea?" 

"Maybe. Does it matter?" 

It didn't, and Eönwë knew just as well as Gothmog did that he tended to talk too much and ask too many questions when he was flustered. Accepting that he had been outsmarted by his fiery lover and mortal enemy, he proudly raised his head to receive a searing hot yet gentle kiss. 

taglist: @a-contemplation-upon-flowers @asianbutnotjapanese @a-world-of-whimsy-5 @bluezenzennie @edensrose @eunoiaastralwings @i-did-not-mean-to @melkors-big-tits @singleteapot @wandererindreams

[bluebellhairpin]

Thorin Oakenshield X Fem!Reader

Summary; The journey to Erebor takes you deeper into the dangers of Middle-Earth, and the promise you and Thorin made is put to the test.

Warnings; Talks of nightmares (visions of the future). Injuries and blood. One (1) swear word. Reader is female-body-coded, uses she/her pronouns, and is Human (Is called 'lass' once).

Listening to; 'Movement' by Hozier - "You are a call to motion, there, all of you a verb in perfect view."

Part 3 || Part 5

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Ko-Fi

Thunderous booms, flashes of light and stone, rain that feel like thick fat needles. 

Glimpses of a future ahead were what woke you with a start. It was before dawn, only just, and already a few around you were quietly starting to pull on coats and pack up their bags. 

You stayed shocked still, your heart hadn’t yet slowed from the distressing dream which had you frozen in place. Something about this one felt different. More urgent. 

More real. 

Maybe it just came with the knowledge that this was a future - yours, and that of those around you. But your gut was telling you it was because this one was to be coming soon. You knew you saw nothing in order, you’d seen nothing come to play in front of you as it had in your visions - not yet.

But, that was going to change. 

You left Rivendell with a heavy heart. 

The comforts of the Elven city were now behind you, though still at such a close distance that you could turn back and look at it longingly. You knew trouble lay ahead - so far very few of your visions had come to fruition, and they seemed to only get worse, worrying you more, and more frequently. 

You were quite sick of them, in all honesty. 

“You need to keep a clear head.” Thorin called out to you, garnering your attention over the heads of a half dozen Dwarves. “If that means staying out of it, then stay out.” His words were harsh, laced with bitterness fueled by nothing but habit. 

He was right, though. If you were to help anyone, you needed to be on the ball. You nodded, firmly and quietly - Thorin seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if he expected you to fight back as usual, when you didn’t and simply kept moving, he resolved to do the same. 

Ori looked up at you from where he walked just behind you, all big eyes in his young face - or young for a Dwarf. 

“What?” you asked. He blinked.

“He isn't fighting you anymore.” You looked back at him, mouthing gaping open once, before closing again, and you looked ahead. Your eyes drew to Thorin. “You aren’t fighting him either.”

“I guess I’m not.” 

“It’s strange. To see it.” Ori commented again. “But it feels… normal.” 

You said nothing. 

“Something changed last night,” he said, kicking a rock ahead of you on the path. Bombur stepped on it. “When you both talked. It was something good, wasn’t it?” 

It really wasn’t, you felt. 

But when you looked back at him, he looked so hopeful. He was still so young, yet he was here. He was going to see awful things, you knew that - but if you could stop some of it, save someone, save that hopefulness, then did he really need to know? 

“It was Ori,” you said, “It was good.” 

Thorin felt sour inside. 

He’d pushed Balin ahead, saying he knew these paths better - he did - but Thorin knew them enough to lead everyone too. He really just wanted some time to think. To plan. 

Your meeting with the Lady Galadriel, and his with Lord Elrond - he needed to take it all in. 

Now he knew they had a time limit, that you were more important than he had thought or believed. Even something so little as how easy you actually got along now that both your pride’s were cast aside - he had no idea why it was that easy to do. You couldn’t have bewitched him, he knew that, but it would be so easy to think it. 

It filled him with a warmth of both fondness and anger - like steel or gold turning soft under the heat of fire - when he dwelt on it. So he didn’t. 

He was too busy right now to do that anymore anyway. 

The grass and mountains turned into rocky ledges - a slippery narrow path where one wrong foot could lead to a long and unpleasant fall. He was stuck thinking on his feet - where they were meant to go - and making sure everyone else did the same, while trying to keep an eye out through the rain for a place to shelter. 

Then, a crack of thunder, and he heard an unfamiliar yell. He heard you yell. 

Thorin had been keeping an eye on you, the way you migrated from the middle of the group to the back, and how you kept your eyes to the skies through the fabric of your hood - you were scared of heights. But even so, you hadn't made a single noise of distress until now. 

Thorin saw you yelling to Dwalin halfway up the group, unable to hear what you said through the rain. Then the message was relayed from Dwalin to Balin, and from Balin to him. 

“The lass says she’s seen this!” Balin said. 

“When?” Thorin frowned, then yelled to you “When!” your reply was faint, but he made out your words. 

“Last night!” 

“What do we do?” 

“Move!” you said, clutching the wet stone beside your head, “Quickly!”

Quickly they moved. The pace made room for more mistakes, more slip ups on the wet stone, but not one had yet fallen. 

Officially, you’d moved to the back of the group. Pushing everyone closer, keeping everyone nearby - Thorin could feel your haste and worry from all the way at the other end of the Company. Whatever you’d seen had you thoroughly panicked.

He’d never seen you lose your composure quite like this before. 

He didn’t know what you’d seen, but the promise he made pressed to the front of his skull - to do anything you said to keep everyone safe. He was going to move, and he would make everyone move too. 

Only a few more minutes passed before he, and everyone else, knew why you were so keen on moving out of these mountains so fast. 

“Giants!” Bofur called.

A too-large boulder was thrown and hit the mountain above the Company with a mighty crack, sending smaller boulders and rubble down past where everyone stood. Thorin, with a well-worn instinct that matched the others, pressed himself to the rock face, sheltering from the stone storm. 

“Move!” you called, pointing further up the path, “Don’t stop moving!” But everyone was either frozen in place, or stuck by those frozen - too stuck sheltering to risk moving and getting hurt. Thorin himself felt his feet unable to move, try as he might. 

The mountain above gave way with a groan, and the Company was divided in two under another downpour of rocks. 

Thorin knew he should listen to you - it was his biggest takeaway from tolerating those Elves, and this time he didn’t. He was too slow. Was this where he died? Where someone else died instead? 

He didn’t want to believe it. Even though he did, for a few fleeting moments hit with the cold, cruel idea that half his Company, including you and Fili, and the Hobbit, had died. He didn’t have to believe it. 

They were there, groaning and bruised in a lump of squirming limbs. He watched you push yourself up beside Fili, clutching a cut on your forehead that was weeping red - he doubted you were the only one who needed a moment to recover. 

And the mountain provided such a haven. 

A calm has settled over the group, resting on their shoulders and hair and clothes like dust collecting in an unused fire pit. Try as he might, Thorin was not sleeping that night. 

He’d watched as everyone took a place to rest. 

Watched as Oin finally convinced you to let him take a look at your head, cleaning the fresh wound that wove down from your hairline to your eyebrow. Even in the dark he could see the cut glinting with fresh blood waiting to scab over - they had nothing to fix it with. The hope would be that the bleeding stopped soon, and you’d run into no more trouble for a little while longer so it could heal enough to not tear open more. 

Then, he watched you sleep. He wondered how tiring it was, and worn you must've felt after what happened. Knowledge no one else knew was no easy weight to carry. He was glad that you appeared to be getting rest though. Thorin saw how your hands tucked under your arms to keep your fingers warm, and how your clothes rose and fell on top of your deep breaths of sleep. He found himself dozing off despite his resolve not to. 

But he was a light sleeper. 

You jolted awake, not from a dream but to a reality. 

Barely having time to react, you grabbed onto anything in an effort to keep your bearings as the ground underneath where you slept fell away. In your confusion and fear, you heard yourself ask what was happening in a stolen breath - your fall changed into a tumbling slide, which wasn’t helping to answer whatever unknown question was floating in your head. 

Someone's hand had your nose, then a foot clashed into your shin. An axe flew past your face - a narrow miss if there ever was one. Then you landed with a thump on top of someone's stomach, only for someone else to land on yours. 

“What do you guys eat,” you asked, wheezing, “You land like rocks.” 

“Bombur’s cooking does that to a Dwarf.” Someone mumbled behind you. 

Before you could stand, you felt a hand curl around your ankle, yanking you from the pile of writhing bodies. An unflattering squeal left your lips as you looked down to see boney fingers and yellow flesh. 

You kicked it with your other foot, then it was grabbed. You tried turning over to claw your hands into the wood to pull yourself away only for your arms to be snatched too. You were pushed and pulled into a standing position and then practically yanked forwards. 

Then you got a proper look at where you were. 

Standing a few inches taller than the Dwarves and these creatures whose capture you had - literally - fallen into, suddenly became a slight advantage. 

You were in a large cavern, being pushed along rickety wooden paths that groaned so loudly under the commotion that you wondered if they’d give way with the weight. The creatures themselves didn’t evoke much more reassurance. Goblins, if the Trolls from a few days ago were anything to go by. All beady eyes and mouths sending spittle in every direction. 

One came up to your face, climbing over the others to get a proper look at the Human among Dwarves - even pressed a curled nail into the skin next to your cut. A sibling anger to the ones currently in your fellowship rose inside you. 

“Oh! A real charmer aren’t you?” you said, leaning your weight on the two either side holding your arms to kick him in the chest, sending him flying backwards off into the dark chasm below. 

Then hands curled around your legs, puppeting you into walking but restricting enough to stop anymore deadly outbursts. 

 “Don’t fucking touch me! Let me go you wimpy,” you grunted, pulling an arm free and pushing one's face so hard as to send him back a few paces, “- Troll Swine!” 

A few moments later, you were brought to a standstill. 

You had been so focused on directly around you that you hadn’t realized exactly what was further around you. If this were a nest, you’d found yourself in the deep heart of it. 

But right in front of you was - probably - the ugliest looking thing you’d laid eyes on. You wished you could lay your eyes anywhere else, but there was some morbid curiosity inside you wondering how this… thing could end up looking quite like that. 

“Whose in my kingdom. How dare this come to be? What other purpose but for trouble?” he asked, and a much smaller Goblin bumbled forward.

“A Human, and Dwarves, sleeping right on our front porch.” 

You saw his eyes widen, and then barked orders for you all to be searched - you looked down at the Goblin in front of you. 

“Your fingers go in any flaps of my clothing, and I break them.” He didn’t touch you. 

“What are you doing here?” The Goblin King asked. But was met with silence. “Speak!” 

You looked over at Thorin, he was saying nothing, so neither were you. You knew he’d know what to do. 

You weren’t quite sure how it happened, but you were finally getting away. No one was being crushed, or having their limbs torn from their bodies - in fact the Company was dealing more damage than they were being dealt. 

You were in awe at how well they, and Gandalf, worked together. Like a well oiled machine, with all its parts precisely where they should be. You almost didn’t know where you’d fit in - what you could do to help rather than be a hindrance. 

But thinking you didn’t fit in, that you couldn’t, wasn’t going to help anyone. The course of events, the way everyone was fighting, you quickly found yourself beside Thorin himself. 

And you worked together like a river over rocks. It was like you were made for it. 

You pushed past waves and waves of Goblins, swinging at heads with your new swords as Thorin took aim lower. You were so under qualified for a fight like this, but you knew it had to be done - you knew you had to try. 

And Thorin, despite in the heat of battle, took the time not only to make sure you were still following and close, but once smiled. Small and fleeting, but a smile nonetheless. It told you without words that your best was good enough. That you were proving yourself worthy of being here despite your inexperience. 

Thorin came to an abrupt stop in front of you, having to put an arm out to steady both himself and you - having come half barreling into his back and Gandalf’s along with half the Company. 

The Goblin King stood in front of you, large and looming. You hoped Gandalf had a plan, for you at least had no answers, nor an idea of a way out of where you were now. All you knew - having then been hit by the sudden realisation - was that you would get out. 

Visions told of horrors ahead, ones felt and seen by all those around you - ones that did not play out trapped in this mountain, surrounded by Goblins and their King. 

Gandalf was doing a head count. Thorin had come to stop near Dwalin - his friend clapped his shoulder gently - and then he looked at you. 

Drawn, in a way. 

Your cut had worked open, weeping and glistening red like a ruby, but not bleeding. Not yet. You were still okay. An important piece of this journey, something as crucial as the map or key to burglar, was you. Maybe what he was feeling was just because he knew you were so vital. 

Even so, he couldn’t help thinking that wasn’t the only reason he was feeling so kindly of you, even though it might’ve only been yours. 

“Where is Bilbo?” Gandlaf asked, realising now that the Company was one short. “Where is the Hobbit? Pray, tell,” he said, approaching you as you looked up at him with fingers still gingerly tracing the edges of your injury, “Have you seen him?” 

You shook your head, no. You hadn’t. 

“I think I saw him slip away unnoticed,” Nori piped, “When they were first corralling us.” Thorin felt anger swell inside him. A knowledge he was right all along about Bilbo - that he wasn’t truly here to help, that he wasn’t taking this journey as seriously as he should be. 

“What happened,” Gandalf asked, “Exactly?” 

“I’ll tell you what happened.” Thorin started, stepping forward. He saw you lean back against a tree with a sigh - you didn’t like where this was going, but he went on anyway. After all, why would it bother him what you thought? “The Master Hobbit saw his chance to leave and he took it. Longing for nothing but his warm bed and hearth since he left it. We won't be seeing him again, he will be long gone.” 

Then something startled you, something you only noticed, and Bilbo stepped out from behind the tree you were leaning on. 

“No he isn’t.” 

“Bilbo!” You gasped, turning at his voice, face lighting up through your pain at the sight of your friend once lost, returned. 

It was clear you thought of that halfling fondly, and it filled Thorin with a small nagging guilt that he spoke so harshly of someone you regarded so highly. The Company likewise welcomed Bilbo back, with commendation and glee. He told of how he was homesick, how he had a home to return to - and how they did not. 

It struck a chord in Thorin. One that added to the song that was making up his guilt of past and present hostility. 

“With you're sneaking around like that Biblo,” he heard you say, “Oh, I had such a hunch you’d make a good burglar!” The Hobbit laughed half-heartedly, but you didn’t notice. A howl reached where you stood from the distance - a Warg - and Thorin watched you closely as you looked around only for your face to fall completely in recognition. 

You searched the group for someone - for him - and he felt he knew what you were going to say. 

“I know this - I’ve seen this place,” you said, he tentatively stepped forward only for you to stop him, “No, we need to leave.” 

“Orcs?” Balin asked. Your eyes fell, but you shoved those closest to you to start moving. Your head shook, and Thorin could see how your hold tightened on your sword. 

“Azog.” 

You remembered falling asleep to the deep humming of Dwarves, and the smell of coals burning. You were filled with warmth, inside and out, and you knew a piece of you would be left there by that hearth even after you’d left it. 

But that night, a night weeks ago - the night you spent in safety besides Bilbo’s fire in the Shire - held a bad omen. 

It held a dream of uprooted dirt, scraped knees, and palms stinging from the bark of fallen trees. The smell of a forest burning, and the sound of cries for help. A flash of teeth and fur, and promises in a tongue you didn’t understand. 

You saw eagles flying, and you saw Thorin dying.

[delicatenightfury]

Star of the Mountain Chapter 36

Warnings: fluff, angst, canon-level violence, spoilers for the Hobbit films

Pairing: OC x Thorin Oakenshield

Beta'd By: @mistys-blerbz

Author's Note: please do not steal my work! I do not own the Hobbit or the characters, but I do own my OCs and the parts of the plot that are not part of the movies. I have worked very hard on this fic. Please be respectful and do not steal.

Please comment, reblog, and like!

Masterlist - Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

“What’s on your mind?”

Oreliell glanced over at Thorin, who was seated at his desk. He appeared to be combing through various stacks of papers, but she knew that he was still quite attuned to her.

Oreliell sighed.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I just feel as though something is wrong.”

Thorin put down his papers and turned in his chair to face her.

“What makes you say that?”

Oreliell hesitated. She wondered if her concerns were simply in her mind, that she was fabricating something out of nothing. 

Thorin stood from his seat and joined her by the large window. He took her hand, prompting her to look at him. The sun had barely risen over the horizon, yet the early morning glow cast a brilliant orange across the study.

“It is far too early to see your face so troubled, gimlelul. You must tell me when something is weighing on you. I cannot read your mind. I leave that job to you sister.”

Oreliell smiled slightly at his attempt to jest, but sighed.

“It is actually Vedis I am worried about. I have not been able to find her.”

“It is still early in the day.”

“Vedis rises earlier than the sun. She always has. Last night, something seemed to be troubling her at dinner. Then during the night, I heard her leave her room. When I checked this morning, she still was not there.”

“Have you tried calling for her?”

“Many times. She has not responded.”

“Is it possible she is simply out of reach?”

“Erebor may be vast, but we have yet to find a distance where she cannot reach me.”

Before Thorin could say anything more, there was an almost frantic knock at the door. The two exchanged glances of confusion.

“Enter,” Throin called.

The door opened slightly and a dwarf popped his head inside.

“Ori?” Oreliell said.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you,” he said.

“Nonsense, Ori. What is it?” Thorin asked.

“There’s… well, there’s been a situation in the throne room.”

Thorin’s brow furrowed.

“What kind of situation?”

“It’s best if you see for yourself.”

Thorin sighed, but nodded. He looked at Oreliell.

“We will deal with this, then I will help you find Vedis,” he said.

Oreliell smiled.

The two followed Ori out and to the throne room, where several guards stood. Typically, only two guards stood outside the throne room at a time. The guards bowed their heads to Thorin and let them inside. The throne room was empty, minus the small gathering of dwarves by the throne. Oreliell realized that they were all members of the company, plus Dís. They were mumbling quietly to themselves, making it slightly challenging for Oreliell to determine what was being discussed.

“Thorin,” Dwalin said, dragging everyone’s attention to them.

Thorin greeted them.

“What has happened?” he asked. “Ori said there was a situation.”

Dwalin nodded.

“It’s the Arkenstone.”

“What about it?”

“Thorin,” Dís said, stepping forward. “It’s missing.”

Oreliell’s eyes went wide and shot up to the throne. Sure enough, the Arkenstone was vacant from its place.

Oreliell felt someone grab her hand. Her gaze was drawn away and down to Thorin. He had her hand in a tight grip.

“How?” Thorin said.

“It was Bifur that discovered it,” Bofur offered. “Go on, brother.”

Bifur stepped forward. He had somehow lost the ax that had been lodged in his head during the battle, miraculously giving him the ability to speak in common tongue again.

“I was making my normal rounds this morning when I discovered it,” he said. “I came into the throne room and saw that the stone was missing. I called for Dwalin and made sure no one came in.”

“When I got here, I instructed several guards to remain outside,” Dwalin said, continuing with the report. “No one on rounds saw anyone go in or out of the hall.”

“The stone couldn’t have just disappeared,” Kili said.

“And we are sure it is nowhere in the hall?” Thorin said. “And that none of the guards have seen it?”

Dwalin shook his head.

“I questioned them all myself. None reported noticing anything, and they’ve all been sworn to secrecy until we figure out what has happened.”

Thorin nodded. 

“Very good. Let’s initiate a search, but it must be kept quiet. No one must know. We do not want to create an uproar.”

Dwalin turned to the company and began passing out roles. Gloin was assigned to gather men, and several others would head different groups. The rest of the company would work to make sure word did not get out.

Oreliell looked down at Thorin. She squeezed his hand slightly to gain his attention.

“{Are you all right?}” she asked in elvish.

Thorin took a minute to respond, but ultimately shook his head.

“{The last time the Arkenstone was missing, I nearly lost my mind to the dragon sickness. It is the king’s jewel. To know it is missing once again… is difficult to come to terms with.}” He squeezed her hand. “{But I will get through this. It was the thought of you that pulled me through the darkness last time. With you now physically by my side, I believe I am less likely to stumble.}”

“{Even if you did, I would be there to catch you, my love. You need not stand alone ever again,}” she told him.

Thorin smiled up at her and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

“Thank you,” he whispered, making Oreliell smile. He looked away, going to say something when he noticed Dís and Dwalin looking at them. He eyes them suspiciously as Dís whispered to Dwalin, staring at her brother in surprise. Thorin sighed. “Now what are they up to?” he muttered.

Oreliell chuckled in amusement.

“Dís is merely commenting on the fact that you speak my native tongue,” she said. “The thought that you took the time to learn elvish never crossed her mind apparently.”

“Only enough for insults, once upon a time.”

“Like what you said back in Mirkwood?”

Thorin rolled his eyes at her teasing tone.

“We were being falsely imprisoned,” he grumbled. “Thranduil had no reason to detain us, that stuck up stick pixie.”

Oreliell laughed.

Dwalin, Balin, and Dís approached the two. Dís looked between them, obviously amused by what she had witnessed. But her expression became serious when Balin began speaking.

“This is most troubling,” he said. “We won’t be able to hold off the people forever. What will we tell them?”

“And what about the council?” Dís asked. “They are going to be anxious and curious about all the secrecy.” 

Thorin sighed and ran his free hand over his face.

“We wait. Searching for the Arkenstone will be our primary focus. However, should we not find it, we will call a council meeting in the morning.”

Dwalin put his hand on Thorin’s shoulder.

“Will you be all right?”

“Yes,” Thorin said. “It is in the best interest of Erebor that we remain calm. We do not need to incite concern. But Dwalin, I want an increased guard around the mountain. Make it subtle if you can. If the stone, thief, or a clue is found, I want to know about it.”

“Of course.”

“We will find it, brother,” Dís said. “Do not worry.”

Despite the efforts of the search parties and increased guard, nothing turned up that day. Oreliell could tell that Thorin was becoming anxious. He tried to keep himself occupied with other things, but she knew the disappearance of the Arkenstone was weighing on his mind. Thankfully, not as heavy as it had before the battle. Thorin tried to keep Oreliell as close as possible, and was almost constantly holding her hand, as if it were to ground himself.

The next morning, Thorin summoned the council. Oreliell could hear them gathering behind the large wood doors, talking amongst themselves. She glanced at Thorin who straightened his coat. She offered her hand to him, smiling when he took and squeezed it.

“It’s going to be all right, Thorin,” she said. “We are here for you.”

“I know. And I will be forever grateful for your support. I just worry what will happen should this get out. What if my rule is questioned? I have lost the symbol of the king, and nearly lost the mountain. What if I am unfit to be in this role?”

“Enough of that.” She brushed some hair away from his face and ran her fingers through his hair. “You have done so much for Erebor and its people. You won back your home, you are restoring it to its glory, and you have brought your people back. No one else was able to or tried to do such a thing. It was you.”

Oreliell could tell that his smile was slightly forced, but his eyes told her that he was grateful for her words.

Thorin rolled his shoulders and pushed open the door to the council hall. The dwarves nodded in greeting to the two of them as they made their way to the table. Oreliell looked around at them. Those that had been part of the company looked tense, the knowledge of the missing Arkenstone weighing them with worry. The others were quiet but appeared confused as to why they had been summoned. And as always, Lord Korvon looked at her with disapproval in his eyes. He did little to hide his displeasure, but she was not going to try to force him to accept her. 

Oreliell took her seat beside Thorin, who remained standing at the head of the table.

“Thank you for coming on short notice,” he said. “I would not have called you here if it were not dire.”

“Dire?” Lord Malark said. “What do you mean? Has something happened?”

Thorin glanced at Oreliell. She gave him a small smile and a nod. He turned his eyes back to the council.

“Yesterday, we discovered that Arkenstone had disappeared.”

Several of them gasped in shock and questions were fired in quick succession.

“How could this have happened?”

“Where were the guards?”

“Are there any leads?”

“Who could have dared to do such a thing?”

“Let the king speak,” Dain said over them.

“We do not know much, other than it was stolen during the night,” Thorin said after nodding at his cousin. “We have had additional guards posted outside the throne room, and patrols around the mountain have been increased. We are on the lookout for the thief, but so far we do not have much. Our goal is to keep the mountain from going into a panic if this were to get out.”

“I agree with this decision, your majesty,” Lord Trinan said. “We have had too much uncertainty regarding our home. Adding another reason would not be wise.”

“What else can we do to help?” Dain asked.

They dove into plans about how else they were going to search for the Arkenstone. They organized further search parties and guard rotations. They even created plans for if the people came to learn about the missing stone.

Oreliell saw Thorin become more and more relaxed as the council talked. Having plans in place was easing his nerves. Knowing that he had their support even though the Arkenstone was missing was a weight off his mind.

The lords pitched in their suggestions for the plans, debating what would be the most efficient way to assist in the search. However, one lord was rather quiet, simply observing the talks rather than putting forth his thoughts.

Apparently, she was not the only one to notice.

“Lord Korvon,” Dís said. “You have been rather quiet today, which is quite unlike you. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, your highness,” he said. “It’s just… I couldn’t help but notice something peculiar.”

“And what is that?”

“Lady Oreliell.”

Oreliell was slightly caught off guard. He had never once addressed her so formally, and his tone was… somewhere between mocking and curious.

“Yes?”

“May I ask where your sister is? I can’t help but notice that she is absent today.”

“I’m not sure, Lord Korvon.”

“Not sure? Surely you have some idea.”

“Unfortunately not.”

“But you two are practically joined at the hip.”

“Believe it or not, I am not my sister’s keeper. She may come and go as she pleases.”

“When did you last see her?”

“The other night when she left Thorin and I to spar at the training grounds.”

“Curious.”

“Why does all that matter, Lord Korvon?” Kili asked. “Vedis is allowed to miss a council meeting if she is occupied.”

Korvon shrugged, feigning innocence.

“It’s a simple observation, my prince. Or rather, it seems like a coincidence.”

Oreliell tensed, sensing where he was going with his line of thought.

“Speak plainly, boy,” Lord Rusnig said. “What are you getting at?”

Korvon huffed.

“Does no one else find it odd that the elf should go missing the same night that the Arkenstone does?”

The room fell silent. Oreliell stared at Korvon in shock.

“Lord Korvon, you can’t possibly be suggesting that Vedis is the one who has stolen the Arkenstone,” Balin said.

“Why is that so unbelievable?”

“What is the basis of your accusation? What proof do you have?”

“The night the stone went missing, so did she. Oreliell herself said she hasn’t seen her sister since then. And when I was taking a walk that night, I saw her headed toward the throne room.”

“Vedis patrols the mountain at night,” Dwalin said lowly, arms crossed over his chest. “That is hardly proof.”

“She kept looking around like she was making sure she wasn’t being followed! She was paranoid!”

“Perhaps it is because of dwarves like you that hold ill intent toward them,” Dain replied.

“Have I a reason not to? Elves betrayed us in our time of need. When Smaug first attacked the mountain, the elves of the Greenwood watched as our people died before turning their backs on us. When we sought shelter in the aftermath, they shut us out! And before that, elves have tried to stake a claim on treasure that is rightfully ours!”

“All of those instances were with the Woodland Realm and King Thranduil, and those conflicts have begun to be resolved,” Balin told him. “Oreliell and Vedis have only ever helped us.”

“Are you sure? Who’s to say that they haven’t been deceiving you all this time? They could have planned all this from the beginning, planned to seduce and trick our king by feigning helping him search for Prince Thrain and later reclaiming the mountain. All this was a ruse to aid the elves of Mirkwood get into the mountain and steal from us!”

“That is enough!” Thorin said. He was on his feet once again and glaring at the dwarf lord. “I suggest you hold your tongue if you wish to keep it, Lord Korvon. I will not have you slandering my One, your soon-to-be queen, or her sister. To suggest that they could be behind the Arkenstone’s disappearance or that they would create such an elaborate ruse with a kingdom they hold no allegiance to is disgraceful. I will hear no more of it.”

Korvon narrowed his eyes before shoving his seat back and storming out of the room. Many angry eyes followed him out. Thorin looked at the other dwarf lords, who all appeared to be shocked by their fellow dwarf’s outburst.

“If there is nothing else to discuss concerning this matter, you are dismissed,” he said behind gritted teeth.

“The nerve that man has,” Dís grumbled once the lords had left the room.

The others voiced their frustrations. Oreliell, however, stayed silent, still in shock. Lord Korvon’s words echoed in her mind. She felt hands on her shoulders, only slightly pulling her out of her thoughts. She placed her hand over one of Thorin’s, squeezing it.

“I cannot believe he would accuse Vedis of such a horrible thing,” Kili said. “She would never steal the Arkenstone!”

“But he’s right.”

Once again, the room went quiet. The dwarves looked to Oreliell, stunned that she would agree with Lord Korvon.

“Oreliell,” Thorin said. “Lord Korvon is simply looking to place blame.”

She shook her head.

“I’m not saying he’s right about Vedis stealing the Arkenstone. She practically hates the thing. I’m saying that the timing of it all is suspicious.”

Dain leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

“How so?” he asked.

“Even if Vedis wanted to steal the stone, she would not have done so so obviously. She’s incredibly smart. She would have stolen the stone, stored it somewhere she deemed safe, then stayed present to feign assistance in searching and lead it away from her. Her absence raises suspicion of her being the thief and makes her more likely to be caught.”

The others thought on this in silence for a moment, slowly nodding.

“You’re right,” Dwalin said. “It’s too convenient, too easy to place blame.”

“But even so, we still do not know who has taken the Arkenstone,” Kili said.

“Then we must focus on one thing at a time,” Thorin replied. “While finding the Arkenstone is of great importance to the throne, our first course of action should be finding Vedis.”

“What about the lords?” Oreliell asked. “They will disagree with such a decision.”

“Their opinions do not matter when it comes to family and kin.” She smiled at him and squeezed his hand. “Dwalin, please gather some of your best men to begin the search. The search for the Arkenstone will continue, but I want Vedis found.”

The group nodded in agreement. As they began to slowly filter out of the room, Oreliell turned to look at Thorin.

“Are you sure about this?” she asked quietly.

“She is your sister,” he said to her, “and she is my friend. I want her found as much as you. And we will find her.” He kissed her forehead. “I promise.”

[birboon]

Nymmril the Gold - A LoTR fanfic

Pairing: Legolas x lion-shifter male!oc (Nymmril)

Spans from: The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Synopsis: Nymmril, a young skin-changer from the far deserts, has been under the care of his Keeper Beorn for centuries. With the dragon present, it was deemed too dangerous for him to leave. But what happens when Gandalf and his company of mischievous dwarrow stumble into the Carrock asking for help? Only one thing is for certain: A lion's loyalty is a powerful weapon.

act 1 - chapter 3: "so it begins"

Read it here: ao3 & wattpad [chapters: 1 , 2]

The dwarrow had already helped themselves to the ponies by the time he'd arrived to help them, and were busily rushing around saddling the beasts when he rounded the corner to the paddocks. The thirteen piebald, stocky animals were pawing at the ground with feathered hooves as the short men scurried about them like fire ants. It was a funny sight to see indeed, watching as the dwarves struggled to reign the ponies to a stand still so they could tighten girths and shorten stirrups. The animals were having none of it, doubly confused at the fact that they were being handled by small creatures whom they did not know, and refused to stay in one spot for more than a couple seconds at a time.

 The only one, in fact, who seemed to have had any luck was Gandalf. The wizard was already on the back of his mount - a much larger, heavy-chested stallion - and was watching his companions chase after their steeds with mirth twinkling in his wisened eyes. Nymmril smirked at the scene before him.

"I see you've helped yourselves to our stock," he said humorously. Several of the dwarves stopped in place, freezing and fingering the hilts of their axes and swords and knives that lay at their waist, others continued on slowly, weary of the young shifter but too focused on their nigh-impossible task to give him their full attention. He ignored their distrust - he could work on that later. At his voice, his old friend beamed.

"Nymmril! I take it Beorn has let you accompany us, then?" Gandalf asked happily.

"Indeed! For a moment I thought he would not let me leave, but it seems even the Great Bear is not immune to my charm."

The wizard laughed, nudging his horse over towards the young man.

"I doubt there is anyone in Middle Earth who is, my friend," the grey-clad Gandalf answered, clapping Nymmril on the shoulder. The shifter smiled dismissively and walked forwards, towards the young Ori, laying a hand on the nose of the dwarf's spooking mount and speaking quietly into its velvety ear. The beast let out a soft whinny at its familiar-friend's words and stood stock-still, allowing Ori to finally heave the heavy leather saddle onto its back.

"Thank you," the dwarf sighed, looking up at the shifter. "I didn't think I was ever going to be able to get it on."

"It's no problem," Nymmril said with a soft smile, giving the pony a soft stroke before he moved on towards the next nearest member of the company who appeared to be struggling. He was making towards the halfling, who could barely reach up far enough to bridle his poor pony, but was beaten by the brooding, fierce-looking dwarf who had looked so unhappy at the mention of taking the Elven path. The dwarf gave the young man a sharp glare as he came to the aid of the halfling instead, as if warning Nymmril to stay away, and the shifter grinned widely with raised brows at the display and he instead turned towards two dwarrow who looked surprisingly similiar, if not for their hair colour. The pair were stood close together, and were helping each other out in kitting up their ponies: It must have been working, for one of the animals was already prepared to be ridden. Still, he slunk over towards them, for they looked friendly enough (as friendly as a dwarf can look, that is) as they jested with each other and Nymmril wished to be introduced to other members of the company. He recognised one of them, the one with a blonde beard, for he had spoken out earlier about his and Beorn's relations.

"Hello," he said, "We have not yet met properly, have we? I am Nymmril."

The two dwarves snapped their heads round to the speaker at the exact same time, popping up from beneath and behind the ponies with braids flying in hysteria. Twin smiles adorned their beaming faces as they spoke;

"Fili-"

"And Kili-"

"At your service!" They said at last in such unison that had he not known better, Nymmril might've suspected them of rehearsing it. The dark haired Kili bent down low in a bow, smirking even as his brother elbowed him out the way to do the same.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. Do you require any assistance with your ponies?" They didn't appear to be struggling, but Nymmril wanted to offer his help anyway - it was the polite thing to do. Kili scoffed, but his brother glared at him and smiled up at the young shifter.

"We don't need any help here, we've had plenty of practice with chaps such as these. Though perhaps you could teach me to ride something else," Fili said suggestively, wiggling his brows. Nymmril had no clue what he was speaking of, face remaining blank and impassive as he stared down at them. Kili let out a short, barking laugh and slapped his brother across the head, dragging him back towards the ponies, throwing a short, insincere apology over his shoulder as they left. The young man watched the dark-haired dwarf throw a worn leather saddle at his brother, jesting (or perhaps scolding) him about something that had gone beyond Nymmril's own understanding. Quite the characters, it seemed, were those two dwarves.

After he had made the rounds, trying not to feel personally hurt by the reluctance of the dwarrow to accept his help, Nymmril had come to know the names of all the company - even if he had to coax them from Gandalf and not from the horse's mouths themselves, so to speak. Thorin, apparently, was the leader of the company - the handsome, moody dwarf - who just so happened to be the rightful King under the Mountain. Joining on the quest to reclaim their homeland were his heirs, Fili and Kili, as well as his trusted companions: Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Ori, Nori, Dori, Dwalin, Balin Oin and Gloin. It was going to take some getting used to, for Nymmril to remember all those names - he was hardly the best at remembering things. As for the halfling (or Hobbit, as Gandalf had soon corrected him), his name was Bilbo Baggins and he was ever the little gentleman. This the young man had learned just as they were setting off from the cosy shack that Nymmril called home.

"Pardon my asking, Mast- Nymmril," the Hobbit began, having learned his lesson from the shifter's telling Ori his preferred way of being addressed, "But where is your horse? Are you not riding with us?"

"No, Little One, I am not."

"What? But surely you can't expect to keep up with us on foot?"

The shifter threw his head back, laughing as he grabbed hold of the halfling's pony, leading it by the bit out of the gate. The sound was bubbly and cheerful and almost immediately the hobbit began to smile too.

"Indeed I do expect to do so! You are forgetting that I am a skin-changer, Bilbo. I am perfectly capable of keeping up with you all."

At Nymmril's words Bilbo flushed, muttering numerous "oh of course"'s and "do forgive me for forgetting"'s, causing the shifter only to laugh once more, releasing his hold on the hobbit's steed and slapping it on the rear to send it towards the head of the company. After that he was flanked by Bofur and Bifur, the hatted dwarf constantly throwing warm smiles towards the shifter even as the other spoke only in a language he couldn't understand a single word of. Khazgul was not his speciality. 

To be continued...

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