#fili would’ve been a great king :(

[grntre23]

the king that never was

[ally-holmes]

Lion and Fire | Fili x Original Character

My Fanfic Masterlist | Multifandom

Fandom: The Hobbit

Pairing: Fili x OC | Background Thorin x Bilbo

Rating: Mature (just in case).

Content Warnings: canon divergence, everybody lives/nobody dies, the Durins are bad at romance, fighting tournament, misogyny (we’ll fight against it).

Summary: When Thorin tells Fili that Dáin has offered to introduce him to his goddaughter Maen and that expects them to get on good terms and, maybe, end up married, Fili decides that he’s going to hate her. Little does he knows that she’s not only beautiful, but she’s also smart and strong. He expected to be the one with an opinion on the matter, yet she confessing that she won’t marry him hurt his pride deeply. 

Word Count: 8012

Also available on AO3

This work was created to be part of the Deanobingo2023 event by @deanobingo​ It fills the Character Card with Fili and the General Prompt Card with Hurt/Comfort.

Lion and Fire | Oneshot

It's common knowledge among dwarfs that less than a third of their population are females and that pregnancies and deliveries are highly complicated and dangerous, therefore their children and dwarf ladies are cherished and cared for. However, a young dwarf lady in the Iron Hills turned the tables by giving birth eleven times, always quickly and powerfully. Among those eleven babies, seven of them were females. Those rarities gave the family high recognition among the population of the Iron Hills up to the point in which king Dáin pleaded for the couple to be the godfather of their youngest.

Their fame allowed them to marry their first daughter to a well-off smith. They loved each other, of course, but if the daughter hadn't been the first of eleven children the possibilities of marrying someone with a better position and income than them would've been remote at best. She gave the smith five children, four of them females, and two of them in one go. There was no such word in khuzdul for siblings that shared the womb although, in the common tongue, it was 'twins', apparently.

The success of that union helped the second daughter marry the son of the head of the guards. That was an impressive jump. Four wonderful daughters followed their marriage and the rumor of the magic of those dwarven ladies spread.

As the siblings of the youngster kept growing and marrying, she rolled her eyes with disgust and complained when her family insisted that because of the gift they obviously had she was meant to be kept indoors learning how to knit, sew, cook, and work in other small works like woodwork for tools or toys, and metalwork for jewels.

"Maen!" she heard her name being called and stopped in her tracks. Comically slowly, she turned her body to face the voice. King Dáin was looking at her with an arched brow. "What are you doing in the armory? Again."

"I rather not answer that, sire."

Shit. She shouldn't have said that because then the piercing look of Dáin noticed the axes she had tucked in a blanket. He sighed and approached the twenty-seven-year-old, "We've talked about this, Maen. You are a lady and–"

"I can fight as well as any other dwarf!"

"That's not the point. The point is that female dwarves are so scarce that the danger of the battle would reduce their number and it may cause our extinction."

Her frown and the fire in her eyes made Dáin smile. That young dwarf was like a daughter to him and he couldn't resist the pride swelling in his chest due to her determination.

"Very well. You'll be trained," her eyes lit up. "But do not expect any help just because you're the goddaughter of the king. You'll face the training like the others and if you fail you'll retreat."

"I won't fail!"

And she didn't. In fact, Maen became the best warrior of her generation. She was fast and strong with great coordination; her oldest brother-in-law forged her axes, sword, and knife with extra care. Maen's family had not taken greatly Dáin's decision to allow her to learn how to fight and smith among other things, but her bright smiles and good mood pushed them to accept it and help her the best they could.

Nevertheless, she grew up and the perspective of her marriage was smothering. Being the last of the sisters in line for marriage awakened a dark monster among the Iron Hills' population as every single male dwarf, despite their age, sent their intentions of courting the young dwarf once she was of age. Dáin cut that nonsense when the harassment became increasingly dangerous and he stated that whoever put his hands on his goddaughter without her proper consent would face a death sentence.

Kind of luckily for Maen, the year she became legally suitable for marriage was when the company of Thorin Oakenshield reclaimed Erebor successfully with the help of Dáin's army in their last moments. Not many people knew that Maen had an influence on Dáin's political decisions, but she did. When Thorin's letter begging for help arrived, she started thinking about the war machines they could carry to the Lonely Mountain to face the dragon, yet Dáin refused and put his foot down in that decision. She didn't let the topic drop, though, and thanks to her the Iron Hills' army was ready to part when Thorin's cry for help arrived. She had overpowered Dáin's stubbornness with her own.

The battle of the five armies was bloodshed. She fought back to back with Dáin and his second in command. Maen killed with both hands, not stopping until all their enemies were down, even if her arms were hurting badly or if her armor was soaked in blood. Once the battle had been won, Dáin looked at her across the battlefield and nodded highly pleased with her performance. Maen was a warrior and that day she proved to her fellow dwarfs that if they wanted to court her, they had a long battle ahead.

Prince Thorin and his nephews had been badly injured, but not deadly, which was great news for them. Winter was upon them and they had a decision to make: either they went back to the Iron Hills leaving the Oakenshield Company and the men of Laketown to their own volition, or they stayed trying to help and tending their own injured warriors.

Maen accompanied Dáin to the meeting with the elven king, Bard of Laketown, the wizard, Thorin, and a hobbit. While Dáin took a seat, she stood behind him with a hand carefully placed in the grip of her sword. She listened quietly while the discussions developed. The elven king was being a royal ass, Bard was a great leader, while Thorin and Dáin were being stubborn dwarves unable to see the privilege of a short alliance with the elves as they were able to provide them with food for the worst of the winter; no more than three months.

She cleared her throat when everything was starting to get ridiculous and Dáin closed his mouth immediately. Maen felt Thorin's eyes on her, but she didn't say anything, she didn't even move. Dáin sighed leaning back in his chair.

"Fine. Fine, you're right. Before the roads become intransitive, I'll send the healthiest injured dwarves back to the Iron Hills with word of sending back some of our resources for the winter. In doing that, we'll reduce the number of people in need in Erebor," Dáin conceded to everyone's surprise.

Gandalf studied Maen as if he was able to see through her soul.

"We need a place to stay as the dragon burned Laketown and Dale is inhabitable just yet. However, we understand that our number, although reduced after both the dragon attack and the battle, is still an inconvenience for Erebor and Mirkwood. I propose to divide our number and if you have room for us, king Thranduil, some of us would go with you, and the others would stay in Erebor, if possible." Bard was diplomatic and careful with his wording, but he wasn't giving any alternative. His people needed help and he was going to get it, he was willing to bend but not to break.

Maen fought her need to smile, but Dáin could sense her good mood and nodded to the man.

"Cousin, what are your thoughts? I haven't seen the mountain yet."

"I– I have not explored it in its whole. I do not know the extension of the dragon's damage," Thorin explained.

Bilbo, the hobbit, twisted his nose, looked around the table, and pressed his lips together before finally deciding to speak. "Um… I did. I came and went. Not much, really. I didn't want to get lost. The mountain is huge," that seemed to please Thorin. "There are a few large rooms whose structure is sturdy and it could keep all of us safe and such. Um… It might be like camping, but inside the mountain, though. We might need to build some tents inside to isolate and keep the warmth close to us because those rooms have very high ceilings."

"Huh… It can be done," said an old dwarf with red clothing and a white beard. Balin, if Maen remembered correctly, had been standing between Thorin and Bilbo's chairs, listening and not really talking, until now. "The forges were almost destroyed when we fought with the dragon inside, but the fire is still working and I'm thinking we might be able to use the old calefaction system. We can also get some fires in those rooms. And if some of the Iron Hills' dwarves are staying, they can guard the delicate parts of the mountain."

"My people would be under your orders, cousin, don't fret. I could go back if you don't need me here."

"We have a solution there. That's interesting," Gandalf noted with a controlled tone. "However, there's also the need for food. Even if Dáin gladly sends something from the Iron Hills, it wouldn't be sufficient."

"The lake is not incredibly far, but fishing can be dangerous depending on the weather," Bard explained.

"And Mirkwood is still dangerous to go hunting there. Plus, is farther than the lake," Bilbo pointed out.

"I guess there's no other option but to help you. However, if you expect this help to be–"

"It must be free or it wouldn't be 'help'," Bilbo spat with cold politeness.

Maen smiled then before biting her bottom lip. Thorin had seen her reaction and he looked at his cousin searching for answers as she had not been introduced at the beginning of the meeting.

"It's not like we can starve, and–"

"Then you must keep all the men in your realm," Maen cut him piercing his iced eyes with her own brown ones.

Dáin smiled smugly. "She's right, elven king. If you won't help the men that stay in Erebor, then you must take care of more of them. I'm sure I could take all my healthy dwarves and only leave here the badly injured ones, plus the company. It would be much easier for the Iron Hills to aid less than thirty people than three-hundred."

Thranduil was about to make a smart remark, but Gandalf's soft chuckle made him keep his mouth shut. His son, prince Legolas, accepted the previous conditions in his name. He was about to leave for the north, but he had stayed by Gandalf's plead to help with the negotiations.

"Beorn had offered to provide Erebor with flour and honey before the paths got cut due to the weather. If your majesty needs some aid with those ingredients, I'm sure he'll–" Gandalf was cut sharply by Thranduil dismissing the offering.

"We'll be ready to settle in half of the men. I'm sure some scouts would be able to hunt for the ones remaining in Erebor to survive the winter."

"Thank you, king Thranduil," Bard nodded to him.

With everything solved for the moment, the dwarves exited the tent with the hobbit. Bilbo seemed to have taken great interest in Maen, as he was glancing at her but trying to be subtle about it.

"May I help you, Master Hobbit?" She inquired with a playful smile.

"Oh! I'm… Uh… It's just, I…"

"The little guy must be intrigued about what's a dwarven lady doing here, are you not Mister Bilbo?"

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize. Most females don't do war, as it's supposed to be extremely dangerous."

Thorin arched an eyebrow at her, "It is extremely dangerous."

"Funnier than knitting."

"This is my goddaughter, Lady Maen, the Fire of the Iron Hills. I did not have time to introduce her before, cousin. She's responsible for our quick answer."

Confused, Thorin looked at her. "I kept pushing Dáin to come to Erebor and help you with the dragon. We were about to go out of the Iron Hills when the news arrived."

"She's a handful, cousin, a handful. Although, I have a proposal to make you," his tone and the fact that he was wrapping an arm around Thorin's shoulders made him tense.

"What proposal?"

"Are you interested in an alliance between Erebor and the Iron Hills? Stronger than the one we already have, of course."

"I won't be marrying her."

"Mahal, no! You're ancient for her!"

Bilbo snorted at that. Thorin shot him a look.

"Your nephews, on the other hand… Fili's the heir, is he not? Maen is Kili's age, so it wouldn't be such a difference between her and Fili. What do you think?"

"I won't impose a marriage upon my family."

Dáin laughed in good spirits, "If you believe I can make Maen do anything she's not comfortable with, you're highly mistaken. All I'm asking is if you think they could meet, and see what happens."

"Couldn't you have talked to me about it before?" Maen sighed.

"Now, where would the fun be in that?"

Things got settled then without any promises or concessions. Maen assisted Bilbo in tending the survivors and arranging the mountain for the winter. She wasn't as close-minded or prone to prejudice as her fellow dwarves, therefore she immediately took a liking to the hobbit which made Bilbo feel at ease in her presence. Before the worst of the winter fell upon them, and once the Iron Hills' supplies were well stoked in Erebor, Maen left with Dáin.

Five years later, Thorin reached out to Dáin accepting the proposition of having Maen and Fili meet, but he was clear enough that Fili had the final decision, not him.

That's how five years after the battle of the five armies, a caravan of dwarves from the Iron Hills closed the distance with Erebor once again. Rumors about Maen had been spread among the Ereborians; they knew about the good luck of the females in her family and that she was Dáin's goddaughter, yet even if they believed that they couldn't comprehend that she being a warrior was just as true as the other things. When she showed up in the throne room with a gorgeous magenta velvet dress with golden embroidery, intricate braids in her hairstyle, and beautiful jewelry designed for a princess more than for the youngest child of a poor family, the rumor spread that she was well educated, feminine, and, in no way, a warrior.

The throne room was occupied by king Thorin, his consort Bilbo, and his advisor Balin. Dáin stomped happily forgetting all about protocol much to Thorin's amusement.

"Cousin!! It's good to see you where you belong. Up and healthy, no less. Good. Good," he nodded vehemently.

"I hope the journey had not been too difficult for you, Dáin."

"Nothing can break us, Thorin. Ah! You better remember Lady Maen," with a gesture of his hand, she made a small bow.

"Impossible to forget. Welcome, Lady Maen. I hope your stay in Erebor would be pleasurable."

"If I may, sire, allow me to compliment the state of the mountain. In only five years, it has changed too much I can barely remember where all the debris was."

"Indeed. Time flies and we've been using it wisely. My consort has taken special care in the election of your rooms, and I've been warned that you would need free access to our library if you are to be happy under our roof," Thorin stated with a mischievous glint in his eyes that contrasted with the deepness of his voice.

Maen blushed violently as Dáin laughed, "There are two places that cannot be kept away from Maen, cousin, one of them is the library and the other is the arena. Don't let her fool you, she's as much of a handful as your nephews when she's determined. Not as mischievous, perhaps."

"I'm standing right here," she deadpanned.

She had been thinking about this meeting since Thorin's letter arrived at the Iron Hills, yet she never, in her wildest dreams, imagined Thorin Oakenshiel burst into laughter at something she'd said. Maen stopped breathing due to the surprise, and when she locked eyes with Bilbo, she relaxed as the consort had a familiar welcoming and caring air surrounding him.

"Well… Where's the lad?" Dáin asked then.

Thorin seemed nervous then, glancing at his consort. "We might have misplaced him," Bilbo pointed out.

"But don't fret, Dáin, Dwalin, and Dís are looking for him at this very moment," Balin added.

"He knew I was coming, didn't he?" She asked Bilbo directly.

The hobbit cleared his throat changing his weight anxiously. "Of course! We– Um… We told him this morning."

"This morning."

"Then we could prevent him from going out of the mountain," Thorin explained.

Before she could say anything else, the door burst open with amazing strength. A dwarf lady wearing a rich Durin's blue dress and an impressive braided upsweep, with mithril beads on her beard, appeared stomping in furiously; on one hand, she was carrying a heavy hammer while the other had a firm grip on the back of the clothes worn by a blond dwarf being dragged by her. A few steps behind them, a huge bald dwarf full of ink had another dwarf on his shoulders carrying it like a sack of coal. The dwarf lady didn't seem put off by the presence of the Iron Hills dwarves, it mostly fueled her anger if Maen had to go by the way her frown deepened.

She dropped the blond dwarf to the floor, right at Thorin's feet. The bald dwarf hadn't dropped the other dwarf that was fighting with all he had kicking and punching him without result. Thorin closed his eyes a moment before grunting an 'Up' full of ire.

The blond dwarf stumbled to get to his feet, when his blue eyes found his new audience, he ran a hand through his messy mane and stood excessively self-satisfied. Maen arched an eyebrow utterly unimpressed.

"Lady Maen, allow me to introduce you to my sister, Lady Dís. This is her son, and Crown Prince of Erebor, Fili," when Thorin noticed Maen's eyes glancing at the other two still struggling, he sighed. "And that's the chief of the guard, Dwalin, and Fili's brother, Kili."

"We do apologize for this terrible first encounter," Dís rapidly assured.

"Please, do not worry. I had been warned that he had been misplaced."

Fili rolled his eyes and Maen fought her urge to just push him. She had made a long journey to come and meet him!! The least he could do was behave like a proper dwarf.

"I was also told that I share a birth year with Kili," she looked pointedly at the dwarf on Dwalin's shoulder. The young dwarf stopped fighting to get free. "I must say I beg to differ."

Thorin snorted, "You and I, both."

"Why don't we show our guests their rooms?" Bilbo asked looking at Balin.

"Great idea! I'm sure you must want to rest before supper is ready," the advisor smiled at them.

"That'll be great, Master Balin," before following him and the others, Maen took Fili's look on with an enigmatic smile. The prince twitched under her scrutiny. "It would be impossible for us to get to know each other if you keep running away, prince Fili; and here I thought you were called Lion for a reason…"

As she left she could hear Dís loud laugh and a pleased, "I like her already!"

The quarters Maen was placed in were beautiful and cozy, they had a clear hobbit influence and she loved it. Bilbo had left a small stock of books in her room with a nice note. She felt moved by Bilbo's easy way of making people around him feel taken care of one way or another. Thorin's good humor was a total surprise, yet incredibly welcome. The brothers' stunt had hurt her, however. She couldn't understand how someone could just be so disrespectful to someone they didn't know. Maen understood that maybe Fili had already someone he wanted to court and he hadn't talked to his uncle about it, but they could've talked about it at least. There was no need to run away and reject her like that. Perhaps Fili had heard about her humble birth and that was a dealbreaker for him even though it didn't seem to be the case with Thorin or Dís.

As she considered the possibilities of the prince's behavior her mood soured. Something heavy sunk into her stomach.

When supper was ready, she walked to the dining room next to Dáin. Thorin's company was there, as they were now noblemen. Fili and Kili kept mostly for themselves although their mother confronted them with harsh whispers every now and then. Maen took this opportunity to get to know the others and she found herself charmed by Ori's shyness as he explained how he was now the head of the library and he'd been taking extra care of the books with Bilbo. Maen shared her love for books and complained about how scarce her library in the Iron Hills was compared to what she'd heard of the one in Erebor.

Ori's older brother, Dori, complimented her on her dress and she immediately explained that the intricate work had been made by one of her sisters.

"I'm not as good with fabrics and threats as I am with the sword, I'm afraid."

"The rumors are true, then?" Nori asked with a glint in his eyes. As far as she had been able to perceive, Nori loved all kinds of digressions of the norms. That included the fact that Maen was a warrior.

"Without having listened to the rumors myself I'm not able to confirm nor deny them, Master Nori. However, I am in fact a warrior. I came here five years ago a helped in the battle."

A snort made her turn her head sharply. Kili, bright red, was choking on his food.

"Seriously?" Bilbo muttered tiredly as he approached the young prince to clasp him in the back, "This is a divine punishment for trying to make fun of her. Just so you know," the hobbit whispered to him; it was so loud, however, that the whole room heard it.

Maen approached Dwalin after dessert had been eaten, and she started a conversation about axes and their different forms. It immediately engaged the warrior in an enjoyable chat about the advantages and disadvantages of long axes, short axes, extra curly axes, and so on. When Maen told him that his brother-in-law was the smith that made her weapons, Dwalin immediately showed interest in giving them a few blows and he even invited her to the arena.

Before the night was called off, she approached the princes. Without the ceremony and respect that she should show them due to their rank, she sat in front of them with an eyebrow arched and her arms crossed on her chest.

"Well? Anything you want to say to my face or you two rather whisper each other's ears off like a couple of grannies?"

"What are you doing here, exactly?" Kili wondered with a frown.

"I've been asked to come and meet with you guys. Dáin's idea is that, if Fili and I like each other we could get married."

"And if I don't want to marry you?" Fili spat straightening his back.

Maen snorted rolling her eyes, "Sweetheart, right now I'm the one who won't marry you. You haven't even been nice enough for me to be able to consider you a friend in the future. I'm going to stay here as long as Dáin wants, so you better grow up and face the fact that I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

"What if we make you leave?" Kili whispered in a poor try at being menacing.

She giggled. "Ow, you're cute. I won't leave. It's refreshing being somewhere where I don't have to be looking over my shoulder for someone to shove courting gifts in my face."

"Are you that popular in the Iron Hills?" Fili seemed skeptical and Kili was blushing so hard that his brain was going to melt.

"Dáin had to make a decree for them to leave me alone. It worked… for the most part."

*

Two weeks after that terrible first day, the princes seemed less ridiculous around her, which was great, but they still treated her like a pest. When Dís or Thorin agreed that Fili would accompany Maen to the market, he made her wait for at least an hour before showing up sweaty and dirty from fighting in the arena, Kili close behind him; as might be expected, the fact that the brothers were together implied that they lead her to the market and then ignore her in favor to talk to each other, the shop owners, or cute lady dwarves that walked through the market.

Maen kept feeling unwanted, disrespected, and hurt. The murmurs around Erebor saying that there was no way she was a warrior because she was too delicate, too soft, too nice, too girly… didn't help to improve her mood at all.

On the second day of the third week, she was invited to witness the tournament between warriors from the Iron Hills and from Erebor in the arena. Apparently, Thorin and Dáin had decided to rescue that form of healthy entertainment in order to cheer her up. She, boldly, asked Thorin if Fili was going to participate, to which he assured her that he would.

The day of the tournament rolled by and Maen was nowhere to be found. The rules were simple: no biting, no hurting in extra sensitive areas, and no killing; the local fighters would walk to the center of the arena and a visitor fighter would decide to duel him. Usually, the best warrior or, in this case, the prince, was the last one in moving to the center of the arena as it was the big show to close the tournament. As the time to start came close and all the visitor fighters were in their place, Fili approached his uncle with a concerned frown.

"Where is she?"

"Clearly not here."

"Uncle, we're doing all of this for her entertainment," he complained.

"No. We're doing this because you begged for a chance to make it right with her."

"While showing off, of course," Bilbo chimed in.

"That too. However, we cannot force her to come and see you fight after how badly you've treated her."

"This is not fair!"

"Shut your mouth and go to your place. I didn't raise you to whine like this, Fili," Dís snarled.

Dáin had listened to the exchange with a pleased and smug smile on his face.

The tournament started strongly. Dwalin was one of the first participants and he demolished the Iron Hills' fighter in less than ten minutes without breaking a sweat. Fili paid half attention to the arena as his eyes kept searching in the audience for someone familiar hoping that Maen's curiosity pushed her to go down there even if it was camouflaging herself to blend with the Ereborians. Kili, who wasn't a participant in the tournament, approached his brother from behind the fighters' bench.

"Nervous? You're next."

"No. I don't care. She's not even here."

"Does that mean that you're going to perform badly because your girlfriend is not here to see you win? Pathetic."

"Oi! She's not my girlfriend."

"Of course not," he scoffed. "Maen said clearly that she wouldn't marry you if you keep being an ass, and you've been even worse than an ass. Now you like her, though, and you cannot stand the idea of her marrying one of his many, many, many, many–"

"Shut your mouth."

"–many, many, many suitors in the Iron Hills. Who knows? Maybe Dáin offers her to marry his son."

A spike of jealousy bloomed in Fili's eyes and Kili smirked.

"If you perform greatly I'm sure Ori would talk to her about it."

Kili was a mastermind… on occasion. He knew that Fili had grown wary of the little librarian due to the amount of time he spent with Maen talking about books, and it was the right amount of fuel needed for his brother to stomp to the middle of the arena when his turn came.

The visitor fighters looked directly at one of them, one who had stayed in full armor –helmet included– since the beginning; it seemed as if they knew that fighter wanted to destroy the heir of Erebor. What if he was one of Maen's suitors? Fili was screwed. Kili gave his brother a thumbs-up and ran to his mother.

"Fili's going to die."

"Perhaps," she smiled.

The fighter faced Fili with a long sword in hand, and a couple of axes stored on his back. He bowed to the prince as requited and then waited for the signal to begin.

Fili took the initiative of the first blow. They shared some tentative blows, not really revealing their strength, and suddenly Fili used all this strength on one blow that the fighter wisely dodged, he punched the prince in the face with the hand holding his sword and Fili stumbled to the side. Fili's helmet allowed me to see his face and hair, but the fighter's blow hurt nonetheless. Grunting, Fili charged against him and, this time, the fighter responded with similar strength pushing his body against Fili's not allowing him to take any advantaged position. When Fili punched the fighter in the guts he didn't emit a sound, the dwarf was tougher than expected.

The fighter gained an area against Fili. As their swords were pushing against each other, none of them ready to yield, the fighter crushed Fili's foot making him lose some strength in his attack which gave the fighter room to disarm him, go around him, and kick his back throwing the prince to the floor.

Instead of taking that point of advantage and winning the battle, the fighter receded, threw his sword to a corner of the arena far away from him, and pulled his axes from the back. He gave them a colorful twist in his hands before turning to the prince. Fili had taken off his helmet with fury, his hair was a mess, and his eyes were lit with determination and ferocity. He couldn't see the features of the fighter, but the small bow was mockingly enough to fuel the prince's anger.

Fili took his throwing knives from their hiding place and threw them in quick succession; the fighter hit every one of them with precise movements of his axe while approaching the prince. Without anything else to throw, Fili launched himself to the floor made a turn, and grabbed his sword just in time to block one of the axes. He rejected the attack and ran to where his discarded shield was; how had he been so cocky as to believe he wouldn't need it, he didn't know.

The audience held their breath, the arena was in complete silence apart from the fighters' weapons crashing. One of the axes got blocked by the sword for the seventh time, but this time the position prevented Fili from pushing it back; the other ax hit his shield repeatedly, over and over and over and over. The hits were fast and strong, never hesitating nor showing tiredness. Fili's shield arm felt every hit like a jolt until a particularly hard hit shocked him from the wrist to the shoulder provoking a spasm that made him drop the shield with a painful moan. The fighter then kneed him in the uncovered side throwing him onto the floor once again.

As the prince fought to stand up, the fighter kicked him again before throwing his sword far away from his reach. The fighter stood proudly next to the whining prince and slid his ax under the blond's chin waiting for him to admit his surrender.

"I yield. I yield!!"

Fili's words made the arena break to sound again. The fighter retreated his weapon, yet he didn't move and Fili was too tired to try to get up.

"That's my girl!!" Dáin's yell overpowered the other voices.

The fighter tilted his head to one side, still facing Fili. He put his axes on his back again before pulling the helmet off. Maen's face appeared then and Fili was unable to produce a word.

"Fili, the Lion of Erebor, had been defeated by Maen, the Fire of the Iron Hills. This tournament has been–" Thorin kept with his speech but Fili couldn't make sense of his words.

Maen nodded at him and turned leaving him on the floor of the arena.

*

Fili sat heavily in a chair by the fire. His body ached horribly after the fight, bruises had been blooming on his torso, and his shield arm was stiff. Kili handed him a mug of warm ale with a cheeky grin.

"She kicked your arse."

"Of course she did," Thorin claimed. "Lady Maen is one of the best warriors of the Iron Hills."

"But she's a lady!!" Fili complained.

"Excuse me?" Dís looked pointedly at her son, who immediately cowered in his chair.

"What I don't understand is why you don't just ask her to spend some time together. You clearly like her," Kili pressed.

"Durin's are bad at romance, lad," Dwalin laughed.

"What do you mean?" Kili was suddenly interested while Fili just sipped his cup.

"Do you remember how Thorin treated Bilbo during our journey?" Balin asked in his calmer voice. "He was insufferable just because he thought the hobbit was cute."

"I did not!"

Dwalin snorted at Thorin's outrage.

"It was sad to see."

"It happened the same with Dís. She made your poor father bleed and cry before accepting his proposal," Balin added.

"Why did you shove me into this mess?" She complained and punched her brother's arm when he laughed.

"I didn't treat Tauriel badly when I met her," Kili thought out loud.

"That's because you're more like your father," Balin explained, not allowing the others to jump at the mention of the elf.

"Well, what am I supposed to do now?" Fili claimed the attention was on him again.

"Stop being an ass to her would be a good start. Although if you really do not like her that much I could always ask her out–"

"Kili don't mess with your brother when he's clearly suffering."

"Yes, mother."

"I have to say you're quite lucky, lad. Maen's not like any other lass; not even like any other dwarf. She wouldn't hold a grudge for long. It's up to you."

Dwalin's words echoed in Fili's mind as his eyes looked over the flames.

Not far away from the royal quarters where they were having their little chat, were Maen's. She had taken a very long bath, and dried carefully her bushy mane of dark brown hair before tying it in a careful braid whose sole objective was to avoid it tangling in her sleep. She sat next to her own fire with a romance book in her hands. Her focus wasn't the best at that moment, hence her relieved sigh when her torture was cut short by a knock on her door.

Bilbo Baggings was on the other side of the door with understanding showering his features. Maen invited him to enter the living area, pleased by the tray with backed goods and tea that Bilbo placed carefully on a small table.

"I hope you like scones, Lady Maen."

"I cannot say I've had them before, Mister Bilbo, but please, call me Maen."

"Bilbo for me then." After taking a few bites with a meaningless conversation, Bilbo twisted his nose, cleared his throat, and brushed the crumbs away from his fingers. "I wanted to apologize."

Maen blinked in confusion, "Please no, do not do such a thing. You've been nothing but nice to me, Bilbo. There's nothing you should apologize about."

"I beg to differ. I– I presumed that because you're a dwarf you'll have it easier here, that you'll click with Fili faster than– Well… I'm a hobbit, not a dwarf, and you know how reserved dwarves could be; I had it hard with the company for a big part of our journey, and when Thorin confessed his feelings I could only think about the council opposing and the Ereborians just hating me.

"I'm not entirely sure how I managed to have the position that I have now, but I'm certain that I own the company a big deal of it. Especially to Thorin.

"I shouldn't have presumed that you wouldn't feel left out or unwanted by your fellow dwarves. I guess you and I are alike on that front as I had been pinned down as an oddity by my fellow hobbits back in The Shire. I didn't quite fit there."

"Female dwarves aren't meant to be warriors, there's too little of us and pregnancy is a deadly risk on its own. The armory called for me daily, nonetheless, and Dáin was kind enough to consent to my training instead of pushing me to the knitting room. Even if that can be seen as an oddity in the Iron Hills, my family is well-known there, and I received offerings for courting way before I was of age. It wasn't ideal, of course, but being here makes me miss it. At least there I'm not underestimated."

"Fili likes you. He really does, Maen. He's just as stubborn as his uncle when it comes to facing his feelings. Did I tell you that the first time Thorin saw me, after arriving late I may add, he looked at me, head to toe, and said 'so, this is the hobbit' as if making fun of me? The audacity!"

"I expect you've made him resent that, Bilbo."

"Why, of course!! Soft, he said. Me! Ha! You've been way too nice to Fili, never losing your temper or chewing his head off. It's time for you to put your foot down, and let me tell you that your performance today was spotless. Everyone in the mountain is talking about it. There are rumors about 'the Lion and the Fire of Erebor'."

Maen laughed anxiously, her face warm with blush.

*

Three days after the tournament Fili offered Maen to spend a morning in Dale as she hadn't seen it since the battle and their market was interesting. That led to her waiting at the front doors, as usual, two days later, although this time she had taken the precaution of inviting Ori with her. Nori was obviously close, but he appeared to be ignoring them.

Ori was explaining with great enthusiasm the rich quality of Dale's paper and ink when Fili approached them. Maen glanced at him with an arched brow.

"Are we in a rush?" She questioned in lieu of a greeting.

Fili hesitated in his septs frowning, "Not that I'm aware of. Why?"

"You're on time."

"Yes."

"You're never on time. Usually, I would have to wait for at least an hour for you to be here."

Fili cleared his throat lowing his face with shame, "Yeah. I apologize for that. Um… Shall we go now?"

"Aren't we waiting for Kili?" She looked around in confusion.

"He's not coming."

Maen stared at Fili as if he had just shaved his beard. "On time and without Kili. I'm afraid to ask if Lady Dís had some sort of conversation with you."

"She did not."

"Huh… Well, I appreciate the changes, of course, yet I had already taken the precaution of getting my own companion as I was expecting you and your brother to be busy with each other. Ori here is going with us."

"I'm sorry Fili, I would leave you two alone, but Dori has given me a list of things to purchase in Dale. And you know how Dori can be if he doesn't get what he wants."

"No. It's– It's fine, Ori. The more the merrier. Shall we go then?"

Maen shared a conspicuous look with Ori before following Fili and some guards toward the ponies. Ori had been her ally in the mountain as well as Bilbo, and when she voiced her worries about the journey to Dale becoming just another day of being mistreated, Bilbo had suggested bringing Ori with her and the little scribble had beamed with the prospect of visiting Dale's market again.

Tables had turned and Fili wasn't happy about it.

Dale was impressive and richly decorated, their buildings were colorful and stunning; some of them had kept most of their past structure and there were marks of orc weapons on some walls. Ori explained to an astonished Maen, that Bard had rebuilt the city wanting to keep the memory of past times; like a homage. She understood the sentiment, there were claw marks in Erebor still and she already assumed it was a reminder of what could happen if they weren't careful with their greed.

The market was crowded, full of men, but also a good amount of dwarves and elves. Maen was bouncing on her feet excited to see, touch, and buy whatever came across her. She did not ignore Fili on purpose, although she must admit that having been used to being ignored by him she stopped thinking about reaching for him long ago, therefore her mindset was sure that he was just ignoring her as usual. Ori and Maen enjoyed every second in the market, they bought some books, paper, ink, quills, fabric, yarn… It was ridiculous.

After long hours waiting in the market, the dwarves started to feel hungry and then Maen turned to look for Fili and found him frowning, his mouth pressed in a sad thing line.

"Should we come back to the mountain to eat, or should we find a tavern here?" She asked him.

Fili scowled. "Let's go back."

Ori gave Maen a guilty look.

It wasn't until they were back in Erebor that Maen approached Fili, she crossed his path impeding him to run to his quarters. She waited until he gathered the patience and courage needed to look her in the eyes.

"How does it feel?" To her question, Fili frowned deeper in confusion. "Did you enjoy being ignored? Did you feel unwanted? Disrespected? Hurt?" Fili's expression opened up with a glint of awareness in his blue eyes. "Yeah. Is not very nice, is it? I did not intend to ignore you today, yet I expect that with you discovering how that behavior of yours hurt me, you'd be more careful in the future."

Not waiting for an answer, Maen nodded to the prince and left.

He didn't ignore her again.

*

Fili was running but he was not advancing and right before his eyes, Azog stood fighting against Maen. The frustration built up inside of Fili, he needed to reach her before the pale orc hurt her, he had to– he had– he–

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO" he screamed as Azog skewered his spear across Maen's torso.

He woke up with a jolt of pain in his own wound. A sheet of cold sweat covered his skin. He traced the long scar from his chest to his belly with his fingers still in a daze when a hard knock on his quarters' door awakened him completely. It was the middle of the night, there probably were five hours before dawn. Fili put on a gown and padded towards the door, opening it with caution. A young guard stood there uncomfortable.

"Sire, my apologies for the disturbance."

"What's wrong?"

"It's Lady Maen, sire, she's in the arena and we don't know how to proceed. Master Nori order me to ask you."

The prince frowned registering the information, "Leave her alone. I'll– I'd be on my way. Do not disturb her."

"Aye, sire."

Fili got dressed faster than ever, he grabbed his sword and headed to the arena. He nodded to the guards and to Nori, but they didn't share a word. There, in the arena, was Maen training with her axes, only a couple of torches illuminating the room. Fili recognized the tension in her shoulders and the determination in her frown, she'd had a nightmare.

He approached her with determination. Maen glanced at him and stopped her movements, but she didn't say anything, nor did he. With a nod of acknowledgment, Fili and Maen started sparing although not as violently as in the tournament as neither of them was wearing armor.

Tired to the bone due to the exercise, Fili got himself stuck in the same position that pushed his defeat in the tournament. Instead of kneeing him in the side as she did that time, Maen swapped her foot under his forcing him to lose his balance and fall to the floor on his back. She smiled at him, openly and sincerely. Fili laughed, offering his hand for her to take expecting her to help him get up. Maen threw her axes to the side and grabbed his arm, yet before she could pull him, the prince pulled first, making her fall against his chest.

Maen let out a surprised gasp before laughing at the childish move. Fili pushed his luck just a little farther, turning them in the arena until she was under him. She stopped laughing and arched an eyebrow at him, challenging his next move. Fili blushed violently; his eyes darted from her eyes to her lips. Sighing, the prince rolled to his side until he was on his back looking at the ceiling next to Maen, who was now looking at him. Fili noticed the movement in the shadows in the corner of his eye and he was sure that Nori was ready to intervene if he had done what he really wanted to do.

Instead of that, Fili pulled out a richly decorated mithril bead and handed it to Maen.

"I, Fili son of Dís, Crown Prince of Erebor, solicit permission to court you, Maen, goddaughter of Dáin Ironfoot, with this courting bead I had made myself."

Maen burst into a childish laugh, "Only you could ask with such a posh manner while both of us are sweaty and tired from a spar session in the middle of the night."

"That's not an answer," Fili singsonged twisting the bead in his fingers.

"Yes, you idiot! But beware, if you behave like an arse again I can call it off anytime."

"I won't."

Their laughs echoed in the arena ignoring that they had Nori win a huge amount of money.

It wasn't until that night, at supper, when with all the company and their families reunited around the table, Fili approached Maen with a wooden box.

"This is the first courting gift of many. Although I'm aware of what tradition requires for me to give you, I expect to know you better than to gift you some expensive fabric for embroidery."

Maen pressed her lips to avoid smiling too soon and she opened the box. The typical courting gifts a dwarf lass received were focused on her alleged skills in textile matters, some woodwork, maybe jewels… Fili had gifted her a dagger whose grip and sheath were engraved with loving care and decorated with precious gems.

"Fili made it himself. All of it," Kili explained filling in the silence. "He had been a pain in the ass for the last three weeks because–"

Dís hit her son in the ribs to keep him quiet.

Maen looked at Fili, his smirk had become a shy little smile and his eyes were bright with nerves and hopes. A small movement of his brows made her understand that she hadn't accepted the gift properly yet.

"I accept the gift. It's perfect, Fili. Thank you."

The tension abandoned Fili's body to the point of him needing a chair before fainting.

At one point, in the future, people would remember Fili and Maen not as the King and Queen Under the Mountain, but as the Lion and the Fire of Erebor.

The End

[sleepy-daydream-in-a-rose]

Thorin x reader | Hanahaki |

Summary: Reader falls in love with Thorin even if he isn't always nice to her. Reader gets Hanahaki disease and it worsens everytime she realizes Thorin won't ever love her.

Hanahaki: A rare disease caused by unrequited love. It manifests when the afflicted believes their feelings are unrequited. Thus even if the feelings are requited, they will have to be convinced they are loved.

If the afflicted has been rejected then the disease will worsen and the afflicted will die within a few hours.

(I once read this version of Hanahaki somewhere but I don't remember where so it might seem familiar.)

Warnings: Angst, panic attack (but good ending, promise, I can't stand bad endings lol my heart can't take those)

You would've never guessed that love could produce such a disease. Flowers rooting themselves in your lungs, growing and limiting your breathing capabilities. Gandalf, the sly wizard, found you throwing bloody petals away and pulled you aside.

Your gut told you the Grey Wizard already knew who it was but you still refused to say. It was painful enough to realize he would never love you back, so why say it out loud? So you would die quicker? No. You refused to die until you've done your part in the Quest for Erebor.

Gandalf kindly (urgently) told you the 'cure' of the Hanahaki disease. Should you confess and your feelings are requited, then the disease would disappear. But the afflicted would need to truly believe they are loved, otherwise they will end up the same way should their feelings be unrequited. If you confess and the other person doesn't feel the same, then the afflicted would die within a few hours instead of dying a slow suffocating death.

After being transported from your home to Middle-Earth and stumbling upon the little hobbit hole, you were swept away on this quest. Gandalf had to do a lot of convincing the King under the Mountain to let you join the Company because he thought you would be an asset to the quest. How? You did not know...

You were certain you weren't fit for this quest but you knew the feeling of missing home. Something you hadn't talked about it with anyone yet. No one asked so you didn't say a word about it.

The first to approach you were the nephews, Bofur and Bilbo (and Gandalf of course). They made you feel welcomed when the others didn't.

Thorin didn't budge from his first impression of you. Frail, weak and just a human female. Useless and an extra mouth to feed.

Your first impression of him on the other hand was quite the opposite. He was more handsome than in the movies, more majestic and even more intimidating.

You developed a little crush on the brooding King but that was only because he was attractive. His personality made you gag in the beginning, but after some time on the quest, you saw through little actions that he cared greatly for his kin.

You began to admire him more, even if his attitude towards you was less than optimal and even though you weren't the recipient of his small acts of kindness. Even Bilbo was more accepted by the Company and Thorin than you were. This made you feel like an outcast.

Even though Thorin treated you like you were less, your crush on him began to develop into love because you saw what a great king he would be. The important decisions he makes and leading the Company, you wouldn't be able to do any of those things, and you doubt anyone just could. He was extremely loyal and honorable (just not to you I guess).

After a while your throat began itching and you felt an urge to cough. It began as an annoying itch and transformed into a painful cough. You didn't want to be seen as an inconvenience (even more than before) so you hid it.

Then came the petals. Bloody petals. Hiding these were easy enough since it didn't happen a lot, but Gandalf was able to pick up on it. It looked like he pitied you, and was always kind and understanding when you didn't want to say who it was (but he probably already knew).

After the ordeal with those trolls (were you weren't much of a help) Bilbo became more accepted into the Company than you (though Fili, Kili and Bofur were still very accepting and open minded).

The Company slowly opened up to you, reluctantly albeit, because of your gender. Dwarves thought that females should stay safe at home and not be out adventuring.

That hurt you to be honest. After transporting to this world you didn't have a home to turn to, but apparently these dwarves never realized that. It bothered you greatly since you never talked to anyone about your family, but you did talk about your world when certain dwarves asked questions about your world.

Little by little you began feeling more worthless and depressed, even when the Company keeps you company. (hah get it?)

You stayed quiet more than ever, only saying something when something was asked, and with less enthusiasm. The Company must've noticed how your mood dampened. You missed home and Thorin's harsh words didn't make it any better. He always remarked how you should've stayed home, but it's not like you a choice now had you? You always went out in the woods to cough out all the petals you were keeping in and hoped no one would notice.

One night, when you were keeping watch (yaaay you got a task...but it was a sign that the leader thought you weren't completely useless) you felt someone sitting next to you. You hoped your tears weren't visible as you were thinking of home and how you're probably stuck on Middle-Earth.

The fur of the King was unmissable as he was sitting next to you. Little did you know that he saw your tears glistening in the moonlight. He probably thought you were too emotional and not fit for this quest.

What he said next was unexpected. "I am sorry for how I acted towards you in this journey. You clearly have an effect on the moods of everyone here. So much, that when your mood dampened, it affects every one of us."

Confused you looked at Thorin and furrowed your brows. "There is something clearly bothering you, something you haven't told us. May I ask what it is?" He said with concern laced in his voice.

That made you break down and cry out all your pent up emotions. Thorin must've thought you were an annoyance as he shifted a bit, probably out of shock.

"I don't have a home, I don't have anyone, no family or friends to turn to, so when this journey is over where do I go?", you said with frustration and tears streaming down your face. You felt hopelessness increasing as you said those words aloud.

As your body was shaking, trembling, you put your head in your hands and soon your crying turned into a panic attack. Your mind foggy and blurry, face wet from the salty tears that were flowing down your cheeks, body shaking from the mental stress you endured during the trip.

Your breathing shortened and you brought your knees to your head while using your arms to shield yourself from the outside world.

You couldn't take it anymore missing home, the loneliness, being out of your comfort zone. Even if the Company was there to comfort you, it just wasn't the same. It became to much. You loved the soon-to-be-king and that didn't make it any easier.

His eyes widened as he took in your trembling figure. The gruff dwarf sat next to you, as seeing you in such a state made him want to comfort you. He didn't know everything about you but he had a snippet of knowing that you missed your home, even though you never said it. He heard it in your voice and when your eyes looked distant and glazed over.

He was very prideful, but seeing how he never saw signs that you would break down like this he got worried. He wondered how long you were bottling up all your emotions.

It comforted you greatly to have warmth next to you, especially when it was him.

After trying to get your breathing under control in which you failed as it almost induced another hyperventilation, Thorin helped you.

"Breathe in, breathe out, listen to my breathing and to my voice only," his deep baritone voice said as he turned to you and placed a hand on your back, "your doing great (y/n)."

The first time he said your name. That was enough to make you calm down but you didn't dare to look at him so you kept your eyes on the ground.

"I am truly sorry that I did not discuss this earlier with you," he said with a voice full of regret, "I didn't think how my words would've hurt you and how I treated you would've affected you. You are but a mere daughter of the Race of Men and this is a dangerous quest. Your life and health is my responsibility and I will not have you get killed because of a quest you have nothing to gain with. But I see that you did have a reason after all. It's my fault that I didn't see the dedication you put into your contribution to this quest."

It's true. You wanted to help them (after Gandalf informed you of this quest), because you didn't have a home either (at the moment).

In reality Thorin didn't hate you or anything, he thought it best to scare you away so he wouldn't have to worry about a woman getting hurt in his presence. Though it was very obvious that it wasn't a good method of showing his concerns. He felt an unknown pull towards you and it irritated him that he didn't know why.

"Perhaps," he continued, "when this journey is over and Erebor is ours again, I- we would love it if you stayed with us... in the mountain."

The dark-haired dwarf fidgeted a bit.

"R-really," you said tears still staining your face and a bittersweet smile after calming down a bit, "that would be my honour."

For the first time during this quest, Thorin smiled at you. A heartfelt and genuine smile. His eyes twinkled. "My apologies for being blind, my lady," he said with a soft look on his face, "you deserved better, and I will make sure no one treats you the way I treated you."

Both of you smiled at each other and began talking about your life before plunging in this world until it was time for the second watch.

~~

After that night, you felt better. Everyone treated like you were one of the Company and things seemed to go perfectly. Except your disease, which worsened.

Weeks after that night you finally had first watch with Thorin again. He was much nicer to you. He gave his coat to you on multiple occasions, made sure you ate enough and you loved it. But you dreaded moments alone because it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide your disease. After every one of those sweet moments you felt an urge to cough, because you realized your feelings would never be returned. He was just being friendly after that night.

You were having a pleasant talk with Thorin when you felt the petals coming up.

Throat itching more than ever, you began coughing violently, trying to catch your breath. Thorin saw you struggling  and it alarmed him because he didn't know if you were sick or anything like that. As he raised his hand to rub your back to help you or soothe you while coughing since it looked painful, you turned away from him.  You didn't want him to see the petals, almost full flowers now.

He still  put his hand on your back. Then his eyes widened.  Bloody petals. Bloody half-flowers.

He knew of this disease. He knew it was bound to end with a heartbreakingly and sad death.

You knew he had seen them.

"Who?" he asked with the softest voice you ever heard from him. His voice laced with concern and something you couldn't really place.

Shaking your head you said, "It doesn't matter."

"It matters, (y/n)," Thorin said sternly as he looked worriedly at you, "the person who holds your heart must see what a kind and strong person you are."

"If it's someone in the Company, I can talk to him if you want," the Dwarven King continued.

You hurriedly shook your head and looked up at him, slightly surprised by his concerned face, "No that's not needed, I am content watching from afar."

The gruff dwarf dropped it, for now. But you could see the glances and worried gazes from him across the campfire if he heard you cough or clear your throat.

Balin knew of your predicament as he also knows of the extremely rare disease and saw some of the telltale signs. And seeing his King staring at your sleeping figure also cleared up some things for the old dwarf.

Balin, together with Oin helped you hide it from the rest of the company, they were already protective enough and you didn't want to complicate matters further. Oin made something that would soothe your aching throat.

One evening Thorin followed you out when you were 'gathering wood'.  And was surprised to see you coughing up full flowers, blood included.

Tears were streaming down you face as your throat burned from all the flowers you had to cough up.

"(Y/n)?"

You turned around and saw Thorin's eyes glazing over. "Please, tell me who it is. I will do everything in my power to make them see what a beautiful woman you are. If not, please let Gandalf help you."

He was referring to the surgery to remove the disease, which would also remove your ability to ever love again. You couldn't blame people for taking or not taking the surgery. Everyone to their own. You understood the pros and cons of undergoing the surgery, but you liked the pros of suffering from the disease more than the consequences.

You only shook your head as you began crying. "You know I can't, I don't want to be rejected. I'd rather die loving him than live never being able to love."

"Who is hurting your heart, amralime?", the usually gruff dwarf said with a cracked voice, "please, let me help you. I can't bear to see you suffering like this."

Thorin's eyes were glazing over and he held a very sorrowed look. His heart was breaking as yours was, but you didn't know that. The foreign word was also unknown to you which made you confused but you didn't pay any attention to it. You still refused.

"(Y/n), please," he put his forehead on yours, "I'm begging you. I love you too much to let this go. I don't want to lose you. I want you to be my Queen under the mountain so please... let me in. Even if you don't love me, I will still love you even after I go to Mahal's Halls. You are my One, (y/n)."

Gasping as your eyes widened at his confessions. The tears streaming down your face turned from sadness turned to tears of happiness.

You smiled brightly at him. "You love... me? ", your voice wavered.

"Yes, I do. I truly do," he said with a light smile on his face as a tear of worriedness trickled down his cheek. All the brooding dwarf wanted, was for you to be happy.

"But...," your smile faltered and you stared at him, "w-why?"

It broke Thorin's heart to hear you say that for he thought you were the definition of perfection, "At first I didn't know what I was feeling but then I saw you for who you really are. You didn't complain and kept walking while the others complained and whined. I fell in love with you, your beauty and personality. I was hoping to be the target of your affections, but if it's someone else... I would totally understand for I am not an exemplary dwarrow." The blue-eyed dwarf looked at you with a pleading look in his eyes.

"Thorin, if you would've told me this sooner then... this disease wouldn't have gotten so far," you said with a gaze filled with adoration, "I-I love you too, Thorin."

Suddenly, your breathing hitched and you couldn't breathe... Thorin looked alarmed "Ghivashel, what's wrong?"

Clawing at your throat you tried to catch your breath. As if the Valar heard Thorin's whimpers when you collapsed, you started to breath again. Normally, without any pain whatsoever.

You could feel the disease going away as it had a strong reaction to the feelings Thorin and you held for each other.

"I'm fine, my love. Everything's going to be fine," you reassured the love of your life as he held you.

Thorin smiled brightly as he finally had you in his arms and he had no fear of you loving someone else. Just him and only him. You were made for each other and the Valar knew it.

[finnofamerica]

The Black & White - Kili x Reader

Summary: Everything is black and white until you meet your soulmate. Additionally, when your soulmate dies, everything goes back to black and white. Featuring Balin and Ori!

Word Count: 2,480

Date Posted: 05.21.2020

Note: Two more to go guys!! Thorin and Tranduil will be posted in a few days. Also so far Kili’s has been the longest. 

|| Masterlist || 

You made the journey from the Iron Hills to Erebor with minimal complaints. Your father was one of Dain’s generals and, in turn, a trusted friend to the Lord of the Iron Hills. It was painful for your father to tell you to go, but he knew it would be good for the sake of Erebor and the future of the Dwarven kingdoms. An Assistant to the King’s advisor. 

When you arrived you read your letter of instruction once again. You were to make your way to the Erebor library and find Balin. You frowned as you looked around the great kingdom, there were so many halls and steps - you had no idea where to start. 

“Excuse me,” A soft voice startled you out of your thoughts, “You look a little lost.” 

You smiled at the bowl-cut haired dwarf. “Yeah, I think I am. I’m supposed to be looking for Balin, my father sent me to assist him.” 

Bowl-cut raised his brows in surprise, “You’re Y/n?” 

“Yeah?” 

“I’m Ori!” He beamed, “I’m a scribe of sorts, I suppose. I also work with Balin. You’ll love him, he’s very wise, and the mountain has a lot to do. It’s so very busy all the time, never a dull moment here - I’m talking too much.” 

The boy flushed, he wasn’t much older than you, only about 68. You being only 64 yourself. 

“I don’t mind,” You shrugged, “It’d be nice to have a friend around.” 

Ori ginned at you again, leading you through the halls of Erebor to the library. As you followed, he told you all about the reclamation of Erebor and how he nearly got burned to death by the Dragon. 

“I can’t believe they let you go on that journey! My father would never let me do something as dangerous as that.” 

“Mother didn’t want me to go,” He admitted, “But my brother’s promised to look after me. Here.” 

He swung the door to the library open. Books were stacked on shelves high to the ceiling, brilliant ladders on sliders extending all the way up. 

“Balin!” Ori called into the empty library. 

“What is it, my boy?” He called back from somewhere deep in the depths. 

“He’s in the office.” 

Ori led you through the maze of the library, arriving in front of a desk, where Balin - you assumed - was cataloging a stack of books next to him. 

“Balin, this is Y/n,” Ori introduced you. Balin smiled at you, grasping your hand in both of his in a firm handshake. 

“It is so wonderful to meet you, my girl, tell me, how was your journey?” 

You told him of all the things you saw and the two days ride was fine, though you missed the comfort of your home in the Iron Hills and that it was the first time out and about without your father. 

Balin provided you some assurance, leading you to your prepared quarters. He told you to get some rest, for tomorrow you would join him in a meeting of the leaders, to take notes. 

Your quarters were nice and comfortable, but you still found it hard to sleep without your father’s snores coming from the other room. You wrapped yourself up in the furs that made your blankets, curled up into a ball, and tried to fall asleep in the candlelight. 

. . . 

You dressed in one of your nicer dresses the next morning, hoping you would look professional for your first meeting. Balin met you outside your quarters, Ori at his side holding a huge book. 

“Good morning, Y/n, have you eaten?” Balin asked, holding what might’ve been a biscuit in his hand. You shook your head. “I thought as much, after the meeting I will help you get some food for your quarters.” 

“Thank you, Balin, that is very kind.” You bowed your head to him with respect. 

“None of that, girl,” He handed you the biscuit, “Eat up, you’re meeting the King this morning.” 

You ate while you followed them through the halls, wishing you had something to drink to wash the biscuit down. Too soon you were standing in front of a regal, powerful-looking king. His stony face, looking down at you. 

“Thorin,” Balin greeted him, “This is Y/n, she’ll be assisting me.” 

Thorin looked over you, figuring out what to make of you. His steely grey eyes not giving away his thoughts. 

“Very well, we shall see how she manages to keep up.” His voice was so deep it almost startled you, though you’d heard from your father the magnificence of the King under the Mountain. 

You frowned, eyebrows furrowed. 

“Don’t worry,” Ori whispered, “He’s always like that.” 

You gave your friend a smile and swallowed your nerves. You sat between Ori and Balin, notepad on the table and pen in your hand. Around the table sat the many leaders in Erebor, and you quickly began to note who was who, Ori’s whispered information heling you along in your notes. 

At the King’s sides sat the Princes, both of them listening to their Uncle. The moment you saw the younger prince, your world exploded into color, but the longer you listened to the meeting the more you realized how out of your depth you really were. You had no time to tell the young Prince that he was the reason you were seeing colors. 

As promised, when the meeting was over, Balin brought you to the Erebor market, helping you pick out some food for your quarters. 

“Do you know how to cook?” He asked. 

You nodded, “My father taught me. He was busy on watch most nights, so he taught me how to cook so I wouldn’t have to wait for him to come home.” 

“And your mother?” 

“She was never around, and my father never speaks of her.” You shrugged, your arm hooked with Balin’s as he guided you around. 

“That’s too bad, she missed out on raising a brilliant and talented daughter.” He patted your hand. You gave Balin a smile, grateful for the kindness he showed you. You spent the evening making your dinner and preparing your breakfast for the morning. There would be another meeting tomorrow and you wanted to be prepared. 

You grabbed another notepad, transcribing your shorthand into comprehensible sentences. Finally, with the lingering smell of your dinner in the air, you curled up in your bed and fell asleep. 

. . . 

“The markets have done great these past few months, trade between Erebor, the Iron Hills, and Dale have boosted the amount of product available in each city and so far boosted the economy of all three states.” The man read from his notes. You took your notes in shorthand, learning as much more from the meeting than you thought possible. 

Kili’s eyes turned to you, partially hidden behind Balin. He’d never seen you before but now that he had he couldn’t take his eyes off of you. The soft green of your dress complimented everything about you, and the soft scratching of your pen was oddly soothing. It was then that he realized that his whole world was in vivid color. The thought kind of scared him. His whole world used to be monochrome, he was used to monochrome. Why was he seeing color? Was he dying? He was much too young to die. 

Later that evening Kili found himself seeking the guidance of one of the wisest men he knew, After his Uncle of course - but if his uncle knew about this surely he would’ve told him and Fili by now. Kili made his way to the Library, knowing Balin would be there, it wasn’t often that he wasn’t in the great library. 

“Balin? You here hiding somewhere?” He asked, arriving at the desk where Balin usually was. Hearing his name, the old man left his office and leaned over the desk to talk to Kili. 

“Kili,” Balin’s voice lilted with humor, “It must be a pretty big problem if you’ve come to the library.” 

“Balin, you’re smart-” 

“Well, I should certainly hope so.” Balin laughed. 

“What does it mean when you start seeing colors?” He twiddled his thumbs nervously, now it wasn’t like the young prince to be nervous. “Am - am I dying?” 

“No, my boy, you are not dying.” 

“Then what is happening to me?” 

Balin let out a sigh at the fear and confusion in Kili’s voice. 

“Come inside and sit. I guess Thorin and Dis never talked to you about this.” 

You were sitting at a table around the corner, studying one of the Mountain’s history books, when you heard Balin’s soft voice explaining how soulmates worked to the young prince. Your heart sank in your chest, soulmate? 

“How could I have met my soulmate and missed them?!” Kili exclaimed loudly. You could hear the sound of his head thudding against the table. You decided that it was time to go, this was very personal to Kili and you had no part in it. Part of you wanted to listen, but in your heart, you knew you couldn’t, so you packed up your books and made your way out of the library. The door thudded softly behind you. 

. . . 

The next morning Kili was asking everyone if they had soulmates and if they could see in color. That fact that he’d somehow missed his one was tearing him up inside. How could he see them and not know? Balin said he’d know. Frustrated with himself, he stomped off to the library, seeking the company of himself on one of the high balconies. 

A balcony where you just so happened to be putting away the books that Balin had cataloged. 

“Stupid, stupid stupid,” Kili hissed to himself, running his hands through his hair as he paced. 

“Prince Kili,” You approached cautiously with the stack of books in your hands, you bowed your head to him, not sure if you could bow without losing your books, “Are you okay?” 

Kili met your eyes, his brows furrowing. 

Finally, he sighed, slouching against the bookshelf, “I’ve met my one somewhere, somehow, and I missed them! I have no idea who or where they are!” 

You knelt beside him, setting your books aside. 

“I think, if I may, once you find them you’ll know.” You rose from your spot, collecting your books to continue your work. 

“Wait,” Kili gently grabbed your arm, “I’ve seen you with Balin, are you related somehow?” 

“No,” You smiled, “My father is an old friend, he sent me to assist Balin, and learn his ways. Balin is getting on in years, and with no kids of his own, he wanted someone to take over for him.” 

“So you’re going to take over the library?” Kili frowned, brows furrowed. 

“Balin is an advisor to the king. Thorin is keeping his eyes on me, and if I do well under Balin’s guidance, then I will also be an advisor.” 

“Oh, I suppose that makes sense. What’s your name?” 

“Y/n.” 

“Y/n, have you found your soulmate yet?” Kili asked. You grimaced. 

“Uh, no, not yet,” You lied. 

“Oh.” He looked defeated, disheartened. “Well, see you at the next meeting.” 

You watched him leave, his movements sluggish, and saddened. Long after he left you headed down to Balin’s office, knocking on the door frame. 

“Balin?” You chewed your lip. 

“Yes?” 

“I think Kili might be my one,” You admitted nervously, heat rising on your cheeks in your embarrassment, “I don’t know what to do.” 

Balin gave you an understanding smile, putting his work aside. 

“He’s so distraught over not knowing who his soulmate is, and I feel bad, but,” You started frantically explaining, “He’s a prince and you’re training me to become a leader and I don’t know if I can be a great leader if-” 

“Y/n, dear,” Balin took a hold of your hands, forcing you to stop your frantic movements, “take a breath.” 

You took a deep breath and nodded. 

“Great leaders are great because of their heads and hearts. The people they love are their guidance.” He patted your hands, “If you are truly Kili’s one, you should tell him.” 

“How? If he doesn’t believe me-” 

“He will.” 

You waited for a free day before you went to talk to Kili. You heard about him and Fili trying to figure out who Kili’s soulmate is. To say Kili was distraught was an understatement. Kili was near heartbroken. 

You’d practiced your speech in your head a million times, and you found him sitting alone at the gate, twisting a stone in his hand. 

“Prince Kili,” You bowed to him, before approaching cautiously. 

“Hi, Y/n,” Though the carefree prince’s voice showed no excitement. He played with the stone in his hand again, “You know, I carried this with me the entire journey to the mountain, through everything, and I never knew it was green.” 

“Kili,” Your voice softened as you turned your gaze away from him, “I’ve been hiding something from you and I can only hope you’ll forgive me.” 

“What is it?” Kili asked, his face serious, and maybe a little suspicious. 

“I have met my soulmate, though I didn’t tell him because I was scared,” You finally brought your gaze to his chocolate eyes. “Kili, I lied to you, and for that, I’m so truly sorry. I see now how much this has hurt you and -” 

He embraced you tightly, startling you out of your train of thought. You cautiously wrapped your arms around him. You thought he’d be angry with you for lying to him.  

“I thought I’d never find you, and here you were under my nose the entire time.” He pulled away beaming at you. “Why did you hide this from me?” 

“I thought it’d get in the way of being a good leader. I need to be a good leader.” 

“Leaders are guided-” 

“By the people they love, I know. Balin told me. That’s why I came to tell you the truth.” 

“Y/n,” Kili said softly, holding your hands, “If you want to wait, I’ll wait for you.” 

You wrapped your arms around him, pulling him close to you. You knew you didn’t want to wait. 

“I’ve had enough of waiting.” You whispered, burying your head into his shoulder. Kili held you tight to him. He was glad that you didn’t want to wait, but to him, it would be worth it, no matter how long. 

In meetings, though you took your job seriously, shared secret glances with Kili. Though when problems arose, Balin would ask you what your plan was. Soon he knew that you would be an excellent advisor to Thorin, and later Fili, if Thorin wanted to keep you on his service. 

When you had free time, you would go on little dates with Kili, getting to know each other and officially establishing your courtship. 

Tags: @littlepurplewarrior​  @smolcinnabon @fizzyxcustard​ @aspiring-ginger​ @saviorsong​

[idjitlili]

Dildo Gaggins

Thorin x reader

Warning: periods

Summary: being apart of the company , and forcing them to stop, but not telling them why.

Word count:2085

You had joined the company due to Gandalf pretty much forcing you to, you parents were kidnapped by orcs when you was a preteen. So not very long ago , being only 18, you had lived on the road eating berries and such. That was until Gandalf had found you and raised you, he was like your adopted father.

You were guilty for wanting revenge on all orcs, they had taken your childhood away from you by slaying your parents. You weren’t going to let that go easily.Anyways you joined the company , Thorin was livid by the idea of a women human no less joining his company. Gandalf pretty much told him to fuck off, and that you were coming along know what matter what he said.

Anyways once you met Bilbo you were quick to befriend him, comforting him by cleaning that wooden thing kili wipes his boots on. Getting the mud out the rugs and such he was very much grateful for your help.

You had been on your hands knees scrubbing at the rug , which one of the dwarves had spilled wine on it. You had a bowl of water and a rag with soap , you had been working at this stain no longer before someone had shouted a comment at you.

“Miss y/n , you should get on your hands an knees more often..” you had looked up to see one of thorins nephews , kili starring down at your arse. You scoffed at him , pulling your long button up shirt over your behind. Fili along with some other dwarves such as bofur had laughed. Unknowingly to you Thorin had eyes your butt too, but sent angry looks to his nephew, for speaking to a women in such a way.

“My daughter isn’t some toy, Prince Kili, next time you will be a worm, Mark my words.” Gandalf has shouted pulling him by the ear away from you.

“She’s your daughter ,mister gandalf?” Balin , Dwalins older brother had questioned, once Gandalf had let go of kilis ear. You now sat up onto your calves , the rag on your thigh. “No, he has raised me since I was 11, my parents were kidnapped, by orcs probably eaten.” You spoke calmly, Balin felt guilty for bringing it up, other looked at you with sincere faces.

“Gandalf might aswell be my father.” You spoke smiling up at Gandalf who did the same, you stood up bringing the bowl and rag to the kitchen. Bilbo had followed you as you poured the water away. He looked at you curiously ,”so you are going with this company?” He had questioned you , eyeing you for a response.

“Even if I didn’t want to go, I would be stuck at home and b e bored to death. An adventure sounds great actually doing something significant in middle earth.” You spoke with meaning, you didn’t want to be a nobody and you would get to meet elves and other humans. Maybe you could meet someone.

The little hobbit smiled up you “you have a kind heart Miss y/n “

“Just y/n. I think we are going to be good friends mister baggins.”

“Me too..y/n.” You leans down and ruffled the hobbits hair , playfully.

That was a months ago now, you now and the rest of the company except Gandalf who left at the edge of Mirkwood, were deep in Mirkwood forest. You were walking along side Bilbo , you suspected that you lot would get lost. You were feeling great until a huge cramp hurt you like the waves of the ocean. You groaned clutching your stomach for a second, losing your breath slightly. Bilbo looks up at you in concern ,”are you okay y/n?” He questioned you , before you could speak you felt liquid in your pants. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be back.” You speak quickly , running towards Thorin who led the group.

Thorin had gained trust for Bilbo , apologised for in judging him, he still didn’t like that you were apart of the company. sometimes he would get mad when you accidentally did something, yet when they had been captured by the trolls he’s had made sure they had not got a hold of you, knowing they were vile and would do horrible things to you.

Thorin heard you approach him , turning his face slightly to look at you , then turning back to ahead of him in seconds.

You walked with him , until you catches your breath from running, “Thorin please can we stop , not even for two minutes it’s an emergency.” You pleaded , “we will stop once we are out of this place.” You knew he wouldn’t listen , there was no point even trying. You scoffed “fine.” you spoke angerily , before running ahead and going deep into the forest so no one could see you.

Unknowingly to you Thorin had made the company fasten their pace with him , to catch up, Bilbo angrily shouted at Thorin , whole kili and Fili asked where you had gone. Thorin had told the company to stay there while he went into off the path looking for you. At this point you were strapping bunches of cotton to yourself, to stop you bleeding through your pants. You were pulling up your pants when Thorin had found you.

You had gasped when you had seen Thorin , him in shock to see you pulling your trousers up from your knees. “Why did you follow me?” You spoke angrily , walking past him , leafs crunching under your feet as you watched back to path.

He stomped after you,” you cannot just run off like that to urinate .” He shouted towards you, you turned to him shoving him backwards. “I wasn’t going to the bathroom, it’s none of your business.” He scoffed at you “it is my business , when I am supposed to protect you , and I can’t do that when I can’t see you .” His eyes shining slightly , yet still harsh.

“I’m sorry I just didn’t want to bleed through my pants infront of 13 dwarves.” His eyes softened at your words , before you know it he has embraced you into a hug , you wrap your arms around his waist , as his arms around your shoulders. “W-what ar-“ before you can even finish question, you and Thorin are attacked by spiders. Thorin tried to fight them off but before you know it you are wrapped into cocoon with Thorin.

Now Thorins arms are around your waist while your hands against his chest. Heavy breathing waiting for death, that was until the cocoon landed on the ground. Allowing Thorin to rip it open, for you to jump up avoiding the pain in your stomach, lending a hand for Thorin. You heard that men didn’t really know of periods ,you figured that Thorin must of dealt with his sister when she had them.

Once you were able to take in your surroundings, you see the other dwarves getting out of cocoons , and their were spiders coming in on you all. Soon enough you all are fighting off these giant monsters. That is when more come only for them to be killed instantly by elves.

The elves search you all, this blond one searches you , yet he gets down to remove the knife from the holster. He stands up with the knife passing it to an elf. He looks at you frowning . “ you are injured.” He spoke with a monotone. You look at him confused before your eyes widen, elves must be able to smell very well. “...uh no I am not.” He shakes his head ,” you are bleeding.” Thorin groans angrily at the elf.

“Yeah..but It’s not an injury..uh mister elf. It b-becau-“ you are interrupted when a female elf with ginger hair whispers to the blond elf, his face flashes red in embarrassment. “I am sorry miss.”

And that was it , you all were brought to Mirkwood , all the dwarves were put in cells except Thorin and you (you were human but whatever) who were brought to the king, he looked like a narcissist.

Thorin insulted Thranduil , The king , when he offered a deal for our freedom for some hens. Thorin rejected in spite of Thranduil not helping his people when they needed so he wasnt going to help him in anyway.

“And why are is a women travelling with dwarves?” He had spat the word dwarves with disgust as he had circled you , to make himself superior to you. When you obviously thought he was anyways , god he was king.

“Uh.. because I want to sir.” You looked at the floor, he made you feel quite uncomfortable, he laughed in response.

“Ah, I see , you are their toy.” He smirked, you gasped at his words , you face flashed with anger.

“I see the way you must treat women , you disgust me. You probably do it because you are jealous.” You walked fowarded to him glaring before you continued “you know because you already dress like one, if your voice was an higher then I would’ve mistaked you for a women..” his face slightly twitching in anger you walk closer smirking. “Maybe the main reason is because you lack down there or maybe because daddy Di-“ you are interrupted by a slap in the face, Thorin is about to leap forward for Thranduil, but the guards grab ahold of him , but you slip past the other guards grips. You lung forward smashing your knuckles into his face, making him bleed. He quickly gets the guards to take you both to the cells.

You are both thrown into the same cell, he grabs you stopping you land on the floor, You smile at him lightly.

One of the dwarves asks what happened , he says something in dwarvish an insult probably, and then tells him what you had done, the others cheer. You slide down onto the floor , Thorin doing the same shortly after directly next to you. You had forgotten about the pain but now it hit you like horse. Distractions such as trying not to die , take your mind off cramps. You clutch your stomach.

Thorin eyes you gestures, “are you cold?” You look up at him, “I’ll be fine Thorin.” Yet he doesn’t believe you , he places one arm under Under your knees the other on your back, picking you up placing you in his lap. Your mouth is struck open in shock, as he wraps his arms around your stomach, you Lean back into his chest.

“Elves suck, that princess literally sniffed my vagina.” You groan at the fact you just said that to a king. He chuckles “I’m not surprised,he probably wanted you to be his prince to his princess.” He speaks into your neck, his breath tickling your neck.

“Damn I doubt anyone would want me, have you seen me.” You laugh sarcastically, “it will never happen” your eyes water, as a child you were cute you were asked out many times but you rejected them all because you were frightened, until you were 15 and fell in love with a boy that ended up breaking your heart and you didn’t even date! It made you feel ugly and more insecure then you had even been.

“I think you very much mistaken. I know someone thinks you are the most beautiful woman he has ever met, I have seen plenty of those dwarves eye you up.” His thumb thst lay against your hip went under your shirt to stroke your bare skin.

“Oh..what who?” You are surprised, Thorin had never spoke to you in such a way he had always been blunt with you , or avoided you, now you lay against him in his arms. He presses his lip to you cheek before whispering in your ear “me.” You gasp at his answer, you turn on his lap(careful you don’t want boner city..)

“Really?” You ask looking into his eyes, he nods, you quickly press your lips to his before pulling away, smiling widely.

You lean back in his lap after he asks you to court him , in which you agreed , he braids your hair before Bilbo opens the door. He gasps, at your position.

You get up Thorin, pulling him up,

“Oh shit sorry if I got blood on you Thorin.”

“You didn’t.”

“Oh hello dildo Gaggins.”

[soyeahitsmiddleearth]

Return Her pt. 6

The Company (and friends) x Reader

Everyone gets caught in the armory cause Kili the lying liar face is much sicker than he let on and nobody would listen to you. Everyone leaves and you stay behind, and look at that Bard let you stay. I hope Kili doesn't die.

---

Bard told you all to stay in the damn house. That it's not a good idea to be out and about when you have no idea what the towns people will do to all of you, but does this lot ever listen?

No, they don't.

As soon as Bard left, grumbling something about some tapestry, everyone gathered and declared that the armory is your best bet. 

You urged against it and stated that getting caught in a town you were illegally smuggled into isn't the best idea, but Thorin just shakes his head and states that Durin's day only grows closer and your chances slimmer.

You argue no more after that and follow them out the door despite the protests of Bard's son. 

How they found the armory so quickly you don't know, but you do know that with how pale and sweaty Kili is looking it's not the best idea to send him in with the other raiders. 

And you say as much. 

While everyone is sneaking around you approach and tap his shoulder gently, whispering when you speak, "Kili, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be out and about like this. Your leg's bleeding again." You can see the white of your shirt sleeves staining red and his forehead is clammy and, when you place your hand on it, extremely warm. 

When you press your hand to his forehead he jerks away and hisses irritatedly, "I'm fine! Stop worrying about my leg like it's any of your business and mind yourself." 

His words hurt your feelings (obviously) and by the way his expression immediately softens he realizes as much. 

He regrets his harsh words instantly and mumbles guiltily, "Y/N-" 

You don't let him finish and briskly walk past him to continue forward with Balin and Thorin, trying to push down the growing anger and sadness seeping inside of you. He's being stupid, and if he wants to ignore it and yell at you then that's his problem. 

When they stop to look at you, you say none too quietly to Thorin, "Kili is in no shape to go through with this. You should make him stay behind."

Thorin looks at you with furrowed brows and shakes his head, raising his hand to signal for everyone to stop, "Does Kili agree with that sentiment?" 

"No..." Yep, he's not going to listen to you. 

"Then he will continue with the rest of us." He states decisively.

God, you knew he would say that. You step closer and shake your head, "But Thorin-"

"Enough! I will not have a member of my company arguing with my decision." He sounds much angrier than you thought he would be, and it successfully makes you seethe on the inside and also a bit embarrassed since he just reprimanded you in front of literally everyone. 

"You're all a bunch of idiots, and your 'decision' is stupid." Is all you say, glaring at him none too happily. 

He's really trying to order you around like another one of his dwarven companions right now, the fucking nerve. Well guess what bucko? When shit goes wrong like you know it will, you're gonna give him the biggest 'I told you so' and rub his face in it for the rest of the trip. 

Before he can respond to your obvious insult (his face becomes very angry and everyone looks at you in alarm and shock) you turn on your heel and walk away from their sneaking figures. 

"Where are you going?" Thorin demands, grabbing your arm none too gently, "You cannot talk to me-"

"Don't touch me." You hiss, ripping your arm away from his hold and sending another withering glare at him, "If you're all going to act like everything is fine and dandy then go ahead, but I'm not going to stick around while you all let him work himself to death." 

And then you walk around the building and leave them all behind, still ignoring the various looks of surprise and horror on their faces. 

---

After about ten minutes of sulking by yourself you go to find them all again. 

Everything went about as well as you expected it would, because when you're within 5 meters of them you hear a crash so freaking loud it no doubt alerted the whole town to your presence. 

Right away you know that the jig is up and you're all going to be caught and, once again, you were right. 

You step up next to Fili who is below the window and say rather smugly despite the situation, "It seems I was right once again." 

He glances up at you, then around at everyone else, and when they go to run away a two armed guards come around the side of the building and aim their pointy things at you. 

"Oh I fucking told you so!" 

---

Your smugness doesn't last for long and is swiftly replaced by worry as everyone is brought to the biggest building in the city where many people gather and a large ugly man and that slimy guy Alfrid come out of said huge building. 

"What is the meaning of this?" The large man cries, looking out at the lot of you with distress.

One of the guards who caught you responds stiffly, "We caught ’em stealing weapons, Sire." 

He narrows his eyes and his voice is unpleasant as he says, "Ah! Enemies of the state, huh?" 

You hang out at the back of the group and nearly blend in with the crowd, so when Alfrid begins to speak he doesn't notice you amongst the dwarves. That would be bad for Bard, after all. 

"A desperate bunch of mercenaries, if ever there was, Sire." Alfrid agrees, his expression as unpleasant as ever. 

Dwalin yells gruffly, "Hold your tongue!" He takes a few steps forward and stands in the middle of the semi-circle, "You do not know to whom you speak. This is no common criminal. This is Thorin. Son of Thrain, son of Thror!"

There it is, the king card. 

Thorin steps forward upon mention of him and his lineage, and pats Dwalin's arm lightly to signal that he can stop. He the addresses the Master of the town directly. "We are the dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland."

People begin to whisper amongst themselves at his declaration of the groups intent, marveling and talking in wonderment while also asking questions.

"I remember this town in the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake. This was the center of all trade in the north!"

You almost roll your eyes at his dramatic speech and how the crowd eats it up. 

"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!" He declares, raising his fist while he speaks before slowly turning back to the master of the town with determination in his eyes. 

It seems like he's successfully convinced everyone to invite you all with open arms until the voice of Bard rings out through the clearing.

"Death! That is what you’ll bring upon us." He pushes through the card as he says it, all moving out of his way to allow him through.

When he passes you, you smile and say, "Hey Bard."

He pauses and looks at you, saying a bit gruffly, "Hello, Y/N." Before moving to stand in front of Thorin with a grim expression on his face. 

Then he continues, "Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all." 

You hear some gasps and more worried whispering and some shouts, but Thorin cuts down the doubts in seconds, "You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this; if we succeed all will share in the wealth of the mountain." Some begin to murmur their agreement and look interested again, "You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!"

When he declares that they will have a share in the treasure the crowd begins to cheer, but Bard turns quickly and more desperately yells, "All of you! Listen to me, you must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm? And for what purpose?" He looks back at Thorin who is looking at the Master and says more bitterly, "The blind ambition of a Mountain King, so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"

Long story short, Bard gets humiliated and ignored by everyone at the mention of his ancestor, he says something mean to Thorin, Thorin says something back, and then you're all being welcomed with open arms by the greedy king and his man-servant Alfrid. 

Bard stands in the middle of the celebrating dwarves with a defeated expression on his face, and you feel a pang of guilt wash over you even though it's not your fault. 

You walk up to him despite your excited friends and place your hand on his arm, "I'm sorry Bard, but they will do anything to get to that mountain." 

He looks down at you and sighs, shaking his head when you apologize, "This is the outcome I expected, though not the one I hoped for." 

"Well either way, you helped us a lot and, if it means anything, I thought you were an excellent host." 

He smiles at your words and nods his head, reaching up to place his hand on your shoulder gently, "Perhaps you could stay?"

Your eyebrows furrow and you cock your head to the side slightly, "Stay where?" 

"Here. With me if you wanted." The smile stays on his face and he looks sincere, "That mountain is not safe and I worry for your safety..." 

Aw, how sweet. 

You reach up and pat his cheek lightly but shake your head, "My place is with them, cause like, they would kinda die without me. We never would've gotten caught if they listened to me, after all." 

Bard laughs lightly and nods along, "I understand. But if your situation changes you are always welcome with me and my children." 

You glance up and see that everyone has been invited inside, and then Thorin walks up and glares at the bargeman, "Y/N, come. The Master of the town has invited us for celebration." 

"Alright, I'm coming." You step away from Bard and his hand falls from your shoulder, but before you walk off you jump up and press a quick kiss against his cheek. After, you scurry off to everyone else who watched the exchange with no small amount of anger or upset. 

"Why'd you do that!?"

---

After you go inside you get scolded for kissing Bard, but you kinda just laugh it off with a, "If you stop ignoring me all the time and behave then I'll give you guys kisses too." Which successfully made most of them shut up about it.

Thorin pulls you aside during the festivities and states he needs to talk to you, and you assume it's to scold you for sassing him earlier and insulting him in front of everyone. 

Only he doesn't scold you at all.

"I am sorry." He begins, successfully shocking you to your very core. "You were right about Kili but I refused to see his weakness at the time. I reprimanded you in front of everyone in an attempt to teach you a lesson, but I only made myself look foolish, especially since you were right." 

Of all the things you were expecting, that was not one of them. 

You just stand there and blink dumbly for a few moments before a bright smile spreads across your face, "Oh, well I accept your apology." You step closer and wrap your arms around him and embrace him, squeezing him tightly before pulling away, "I'm also sorry since I basically called you an idiot and your decisions stupid... and for saying that you suck."

"You didn't say that I 'suck'." He states, looking up at you in confusion. 

"Oh... uh, I guess I didn't say that out loud..." Whoops. 

You shake your head and distract from that by exclaiming, "Well, we don't wanna miss the party so lets go!" 

He only laughs.

---

You got a room all to yourself and had the opportunity to bathe and clean your clothes so that they aren't so grimy when you wear them tomorrow; and while you re-pack your things the next morning and get changed you find that you're very grateful to have clean garments once more. 

When you meet everyone at the front of the large building you get a lot of pleasant hellos and kind words (you're assuming someone heard your discussion with Bard and told everyone about his offer for you to stay), and you return each one in kind with some nice things to say of your own. 

You all head towards the boat and everyone begins to load on while the people around cheer, when Bilbo calls loudly, "You do know we’re one short? Where’s Bofur?"

"If he’s not here, we leave him behind." Thorin replies without hesitation, glancing back at Bilbo with a frown etched on his face. 

Balin nods and adds, "We’ll have to, if we’re to find the door before nightfall. We can risk no more delays."

They have a point, but it is a bit harsh. 

Everyone starts to file on the boat and you wait off to the side patiently when Thorin raises his arm suddenly and stops Kili from boarding. 

"Not you. We must travel at speed, you will slow us down." He looks like he doesn't want to say it, but his mind is made up.

"What are you talking about? I’m coming with you." He replies as a smile climbs on his face, as if he thinks Thorin is joking and trying to mess with him.

Poor dear. 

Thorin shakes his head, "No, no." 

Kili's smile slowly drains from his pale face and he says more firmly this time, "I’m going to be there when that door’s opened. When we first look upon the halls of our fathers, Thorin…"

Thorin lifts his arm and holds his shoulder lightly, his expression guilty but also unwavering, "Kili, stay here. Rest. Join us when you’re healed." 

The look the younger dwarf holds is one of pure devastation, and it makes your heart twist painfully in sympathy for him. 

Oin suddenly speaks up, "I’ll stay with the lad. My duty lies with the wounded." And then gets off the barge to join Kili's side. 

You remain on the board and watch the scene unfold as Fili begins speaking with Thorin, but you don't hear what they have to say since you're in the middle of making a decision. 

"I'll also only slow you down!" You declare suddenly, turning to look at Thorin, "I think I should stay too." 

Thorin shakes his head as Fili steps off the barge and looks up at you, "No, you can still come with us. You are not wounded." 

"Yeah, but I'm not as resilient as you losers, and if I'm being honest I think it would be better for all of you if you didn't have to worry about me if that dragon really is alive." God you really wanna go, but you know it's probably best not to. 

"Y/N, are you sure?" Thorin asks, his brows knitted together with a dismayed expression on his face. 

You nod your head without hesitation and crouch down so you're at eye level with him, "I'm sure. Besides, someone has to look after your nephews, their so freaking irresponsible." 

A small smile comes to his face as he slowly nods his ascent, "Alright, I see your point. But you will return to us when everything settles." 

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of hanging around here." 

Thorin glances back and signals for them to get the boat going forward since they've wasted enough time, and before it pulls away you lean forward and peck his cheek fondly before standing to your full height once more. 

"Be safe!" You call as it begins to float away before turning and walking up to the three abandoned dwarves. "Well boys, looks like you're stuck with me!" You joke, though your positive expression wavers when you notice how faint Kili is looking. 

"No!" Bofur cries when he suddenly appears, halting at the waters edge and watching as it drifts further and further down the lake. 

Slowly he turns with a dejected countenance before he sees all of you and a smile blooms on his face, "Did you miss the boat as well?"

You laugh softly and shake your head, opening your mouth to explain before Fili starts yelling Kili's name suddenly. You turn quickly and see that Kili has begun to lean over and looks rather boneless. 

"Oh shit!" 

---

Those Laketown pricks were just waiting for Thorin to leave to go back to their apathetic asshole ways, it seems. 

You all ran around like headless chickens looking for someone to help you, but everyone either ignored or sneered at the lot of you as if you have no meaning to them whatsoever. 

Yeah, you ended up cursing at quite a few people. 

Suddenly and idea strikes you and you yell, "Bard! We can go to Bard's house!" 

Nobody objects. 

And when you all arrive at his home you knock on the door since you know he won't turn you away. 

The door swings open and when he sees you a smile comes to his face, but the grim expression you hold makes him worried, "What is it?" 

You glance off to the side and he opens the door wider before the soft look he holds becomes hard and unforgiving.

"No. I’m done with dwarves." He opposes decisively, looking back at you sharply. 

Your countenance becomes more desperate as you reach up and place your hand on his arm, saying as more of a plea this time, "Please, Bard. Kili is sick and nobody else will help us!"

As soon as his defiant look falters you know you've got him, and reluctantly he opens his door and helps to bring the wounded dwarf to his bed. 

Once Kili is situated with Oin at his side, Bard goes through a cupboard and pulls out a cloth. 

He looks through some herbs then states, "We have nightshade, feverfew…" It seems he knows none of them will do the trick.

Oin shakes his head and sighs wearily, "They’re no use to me. Do you have any Kingsfoil?" 

You tune out the medicine talk and watch as Fili, Oin, and Bofur crowd around the groaning and writhing Kili as they try to help him, feeling dread fill you with his frail and pained state. 

At some point you begin biting on your thumb while you watch the chaos unfold; and when Bofur suddenly runs out after telling Kili to stay put (like he's going anywhere anytime soon) you snap out of your little trance and walk over to the bedside and ask softly, "Is there anything I can do?" 

Oin only shakes his head and replies darkly, "There's nothing any of us can do without that Kingsfoil." 

[avaria-revallier]

Chapter 5: Sometimes home is...

For a split second a gravely silence fell over the camp. Thorins heart stopped only to beat twice as fast afterwards. She had drunk the tea. She drank the poison! His first impulse was to grab her and somehow force the drink out of her. Maybe holding her upside down or asking Oin for one of those disgusting herbal remedies. Dwalin was faster in deciding what to do. With a swift motion he grabs the mug from the hobbits hands and send it flying over the fire. It shattered in the bushes.

Bewildered the hobbit blinks. “That was my favorite mug, you know?” she pouts, arms crossed over her chest.

Oin hands her his own cup of tea and stops Dwalin from throwing that one too. “Hobbits are immune to poisons and toxins. They can eat almost every plant without fear.” He explains to the other dwarrows.

Nori rises an eyebrow at that statement. This was a rather useful trait for a burglar. It would have come in handy for him on more than one occasion, if he would have been immune to poison. Without a doubt it would have made a lot of jobs easier.

Kili watches Bella in awe, nudging his brother. “See, I told you! She is not as gentle as she makes us believe! They must be secretly assassinating people and poison unwanted visitors with their delicious stews!”

Fili looks at his brother in confusion. “And they probably train in secret all kinds of fighting styles.” He adds rather sarcastic.

Kili nods, not leaving Bella out of sight. “Will you train us, mistress Baggins? We would tell no one else, I swear!”

“I – what? There is no secret training, hobbits are indeed gentle folk.” Helpless she looks at the rest of the company.

Balin is the one to shush the princes. From his seat across the fire he eyes the hobbit in suspicion. There was something that she hides. May it be the fact that she knew their names before they arrived at her home or that she not once seemed surprised while they raided her pantry and threw her dishes. He had talked to his brother about her as he had talked to Thorin and the rest of the dwarrows. She was … strange. When he had the chance, he had watched Bella. One thing was clear, she was not what the wizard had told them. Balin hadn’t spotted a single hint of her being uncomfortable about traveling, even thought Gandalf described her to be a homely creature. She fulfilled the tasks given to her and talked to the members of the group without hesitation.

“Tell us, mistress Baggins, why did you come on this quest? I remember clearly that you refused to sign the contract. So why?” he asked.

It was the question they all wanted her to answer. The question she feared the most. Nervous Bella takes another sip from her new tea. She needed some time to think of a plausible answer. The kings advisor wasn’t wrong to ask her.

“I – “she sights deeply “I am not sure what exactly you want to hear from me.” Chewing on her lips again she clings to her tea.

Dwalin puts his coat over her shoulders once more. The warmth was comforting, soothing. There was no way she could tell them about her ‘situation’ but if she would refuse to tell them anything they would most likely leave her behind.

“Stop that, you’ll hurt yourself.” Grumbles a familiar voice next to her.

Thorin had approached her while thinking. As she turns her head in the direction of his voice, he is close. Too close. Surprised she flinches away. He was staring into her eyes, before his gaze wandered down to her lips.

“Stop biting them.” He rumbled.

Someone clears his throat a bit louder than necessary, resulting into Bella jerking away from the dwarven king. Nervous she puts down her mug and brushes over her messy bun. Some curls were already escaping the leather string. Dwalin seated himself between his king and his newly won sister.

“I know you doubt me. As you know we hobbits are homely creatures of comfort. I miss my books, my armchair, my garden. I miss my comfort and my home. But you don’t have a home. It was taken from you. And that is the reason why I came with you. Because everybody deserves a home.” Bella stares into the flames, not recognizing the teary eyes of the company as she continues. “There is a saying in the Shire: ‘Sometimes home is a place in your heart. Sometimes home is someone. Sometimes all that you need seems so far. Sometimes it is right where you are. Sometimes home is a mere memory. Sometimes home is a mess. Sometimes it is not where you imagine it would be. Sometimes it is where laughter never ends.*’ A long, long time ago someone very special taught me that home is not where you come from, it is where you belong. Some of us travel the whole world to find it. Others find it in a person.”

Tipping her head back she gazes at the starry night sky. Bittersweet memories of her time with ‘her’ Thorin came to mind. Conversations, hugs and stolen looks and one last kiss. This wasn’t her Thorin. He is not the one who died on the battlefield. He is not the one who kissed her.

“Did you find such a person?” it was an innocent question from an innocent dwarf.

“I did.” Bella locked eyes with Ori. “Long, long time ago. He was… well, he was…” she swallowed down the rising tears, averting her eyes. Sadness tightened her throat and her lips started to tremble ever so slightly. “To me he was…”

Silence once more lay over the camp. Thorin felt as if someone had hit him with a hammer. A numbness flooded his body. She had someone. She loved someone else. Strange, he didn’t even like her. ‘Liar’. He didn’t care for her in the slightest. ‘Liar’. He doesn’t even – ‘Liar! If that were true, why are you still watching her? Why does your heart break a little whenever she is in discomfort? Why does your heart skip a beat when she smiles?’

“You talk like an old lady… How old are you?” his nephew managed once more to lighten the mood.

“I am thirty-two, master Kili.” She answered looking once again into the flames.

Chaos erupted like a volcano. Fili spat his -not poisonous- drink onto his brother, who jumped up. Bofur choked on his pipe while Bombur tumbled backwards into Bifurs sculpting knife. With a yelp he jumps near the fire, sending a few burning sticks flying in all directions. Dori is more than shocked and gapes at Bella, reassuring himself that Ori is by his side as is Nori. He hugs them both tightly as to make sure they are still with him. Dwalin whirls Bella around while Thorin begins to furiously whisper with Balin.

“You can’t be serious, lassie! My wee lad Gimly is older than you and even he had to stay at home! Almost demolished his room angry as he was.” Gloin fumed.

Bofur stopped coughing and looked at her wary. “Are you even allowed to drink wine? Mahal, we gave you ale!”

“Do you eat enough, lassie? Do you need another blanket? See, she should sleep nearer to the fire!” Dori fussed, starting to move her belongings and bedroll from the outer ring of their camp into the inner circle. Next to Dwalins bedroll, not far from Thorin and close to the fire so she wouldn’t freeze in the night.

Nori looked like a wet cat. He had threatened a child! She was so young. Younger than Ori. Glancing at his brother he could read the shock in his face too. Ori didn’t know either. The young scribe clenched his hands around the leather of his book.

“Eat up. You need it more than I do.” Bombur hands her some biscuits from his pockets and rummages through his pack, searching for more, he could spoil her with.

Dwalin starts to grumble something about ‘that godforsaken meddlesome wizard’ and ‘his schemes and games’. Even thought he made a face, ready to kill, he secures gently that the coat also covered her feet and refills her empty mug with the rest of the hot tea.

Only then Bella realizes that the wizard was absent. ‘Strange, where would he have gone to?’ There was still very much she had to think about. Chuckling she watched her dwarrows. In her last life it had never been an issue. They hadn’t even talked to her for the first few months of their journey. To be fair, she also mostly stuck to Gandalf. She had been afraid of the grim dwarrows. They talked about gold and mining, about diamonds, shaping them and their quality. The work of a blacksmith and various techniques of working with metal and wood. Frowning she turns around to the tattooed dwarf next to her.

“Dwalin, what does ‘namad’ mean?” The heated discussions and yelling died down once again.

Bella knew it was Khuzdul, the secret language of the dwarrows. She had never learned the language, even when Ori offered to teach her. She had been to afraid to learn. Too afraid to splinter her heart even further by knowing what ‘amrâlimê’ meant. Balin only sighted at her words. He looked tired and exhausted.

“Aye, you have a right to know. As expected my brother once again choose to act before talking. For dwarrows our craft is important. We take great pride in what we crafted. I know stories of families holding grudges over centuries because one called the others craft ‘cheap’. Well, a craft is our pride, but family, family is our greatest treasure.”

Bella took a moment to watch the company. It was true, she realized, they all are family and put their kin before themselves.

“When a dwarf gifts an item crafted by his own hands and you accept it, you accept being family. For a dwarrows a woman is the biggest blessing. You must know, dwarrowdams are rare. We are protective of our family, but fiercely protective of our females. Every dwarf that has at least a bit pride and honor in himself protects and respects women. Females have every right that male dwarrows have and no dwarf in his right mind would forbid a dam to do something or rob her of her choice.” Balin concludes.

The rest of the company are all nodding in agreement. Bella never knew that they had a culture as advanced as this. In the Shire she would probably have been married in the next few years. She would bear children, cook and knit. She would’ve lived a respectable life. The other hobbits had already deemed her mad for living alone in Bag End. In the Shire one also had to keep an eye on the gossip. She had restricted herself going on adventures after she had returned in her last life. She fought hard to become ‘proper’ and ‘respected’ again. What a joke. What for? Why would anyone willingly give in their freedom to fit into the worldly picture of another? She had been mad for trying so hard.

“Wait, does that mean I married Dwalin? No offence, you would be a great partner. Thought by hobbit standards Bombur would have been the ultimate catch! A cook with such an amazing figure. No doubt the ladies must have given you pastries while you visited the Shire?” Bella grins at the corpulent dwarf.

Bombur turned red at her words, while Bifur pocked his stomach and Bofur grins from ear to ear, imitating the high-pitched voice of a lady.

“Ohhh! You are a cook? How nice. And so attractive, are you not. Here, take this. Don’t be shy, dear.”

The company bursts into laughter.

Balin simply chuckled. “No, lassie. By accepting his gift, you became his sister. ‘Namad’ means sister.”

“If he wanted to marry you, he first would have to court you and that would have been handled differently.” Thorin grunted somehow displeased.

“Different? In what way?” Interest sparked in her, distracting Bella from the war-drums in her head.

“Well, to court you he would have to craft an item with you in mind. This gift would first have been approved by your father or oldest brother. If he acknowledges the craftmanship and approves of the dwarf, he would hand the gift to you. You then could reject his gift and give it back. That would indicate, that you are not interested in courting this dwarf. If you reject the gift, but keep it, you encourage him to try again.” Balin explains.

“Aye, it took me seventeen years to finally be accepted by my dear wife. She rejected me thirty-five times.” Interrupted Gloin with a dreamy expression on his face.

“And what if I accept his gift?” Bella asks again, burying herself further under Dwalins coat.

“In that case you would begin your courtship. You would gift him something made by yourself with him in mind. Occasionally you two would be spending time together to get to know each other. With a chaperone that is. Exchanging gifts is an important part of courtship. Most likely the female will be showered in gifts, as they are rare, treasures of all treasures. If the dwarrowdams is happy with her choice she would ask the lucky dwarf to braid her hair and include his bead in the braid. She would do the same with his hair. Then the courtship would be official, and no other dwarf would have any right to intervene. Well, except for the family of the female that is. If they have the feeling that he treats you poorly they would call the courtship off and they would have every right to take his beard, shave his head and chase him to hell itself.”

Bella looks around camp, only to find all her dwarrows nodding in agreement, a stoic determined expression on their faces.

“Now that you accepted my brothers’ gift for you and he named you ‘namad’ you are officially his sister. You are only his sister and not bound to me, as his brother by blood, in any way. If I wish to call you family I would have to gift you a craft of my own as well.” The kings advisor reaches for the cup in front of him, exchanging the tea for simple water.

The beating and drumming in her head grew stronger. Letting out a small whimpering sound Bella presses one hand against her head. The tight bun was no help, so she opened the leather stripe and lets her curls run free over her back. The tea helped her relaxing, but sadly it couldn’t take the pain. Closing her eyes, she leans over to Dwalin – her brother! – and rests her head on his shoulder. Bella was tired. Her body ached all over from her own training and her head felt like a while army was dancing a flamenco on her brain. Dwalin was surprisingly comfortable. She would have guessed that he was hard as rock with all those muscles on him, but he was soft enough to function as a cushion. Apparently, he had told her the truth, dwarrows do run hotter than hobbits. He emitted a rather comforting warmth, lulling her into sleep.

Thorin flinched at the nearly soundless whimper and cursed himself instantly. With an indifferent expression he turns his head to the right. His hobbit – the company’s burglar, he corrects himself, was leaning onto his best friend. A sharp knife of jealousy stabs into his heart. Then he reminded himself ‘she is his sister, you have no reason to feel that way, you don’t like her’. The pain remained.

 Turning back to continue his conversation with Balin, whatever the topic might have been, he found the whole lot staring at him. Kili with a grin big enough to split his face. Fili wiggling his eyebrows, looking from his uncle to the hobbit and back. Balin only studying his face, announcing he would volunteer for first watch. When he turned away Thorin could spot a knowing grin on his lips. Bofur was busy collecting coin from his brothers. He had bet that the brooding king at least would find her less annoying after a month or two. He had never expected this, but a bet won was better than losing. Nori leaned over to whisper something in Oris ear whereon the young dwarf turned bright red, hiding his face in his hands. Noris grin vanished when Dori hit him on the back of the head, reminding him of his manners. Gloin smiled at him, a dreamy look in his eyes. He was without a doubt thinking about his wife and their first meeting.

“Aye, it hits you like thunder.” He nudges the healer, “No remedy for love, right brother?”

Thorin could feel his face heating up. He jumps up, angry at himself and the strange feelings the small creature sparked at him. ‘Maybe he did drink some of the poison, that would be a reasonable explanation why his heart rate rose again when looking at her. That gentle, lovable, sweet- snap out of it for Mahals sake.

“We move at first light.” He snaps, stomping past his snickering nephews. “Rest as long as you can.”

Dwalin looked after his king. He hadn’t seen Thorins reaction, too concentrated on not moving at all. For no reason he wanted to disturb his sisters rest. Proud he watches her breathing relaxed and deep. For her to fall asleep next to him makes his breast swell with pride. She trusted him enough to let down her guard, trusting him to protect her while most vulnerable.

“Move her to her roll, will ya. Otherwise she’s going to have a stiff neck in the morning.” Oin advised him.

Gently he picks her up, afraid to wake her, and carefully moves over to their sleeping rolls. Jet again he is surprised how light she is, how small she looks in his arms.

“I’ll protect you with my live, namad.” He swears a silent vow to Mahal.

Kili drags his brother away from the others. He was certain in his decision. He had told his brother what he had seen back in Bree. Holding up the little bells he looks at his brother. The blond prince looks down at the gleaming trinket. They had polished the bells, engraved tiny ornaments and fastened them onto a self-made hairpin. The metal gleams in the low firelight like gold.

“Do you think she will like it?” Kili uttered.

“I hope so, brother. The way she reacted in the shop was weird, but maybe hobbits show joy differently?” Fili murmured back.

“And when she accepts she will teach us her secret fighting styles!” The younger Durin bounces excitedly.

“I doubt that she can even fight, Kili. Nonetheless there are a few things that don’t completely line up. How did she know our names before we even arrived and why does she look at us with such deep pain and sadness in her eyes?” He asks more himself, than Kili.

“I don’t think that she would betray us, if you fear that. She seemed to understand our pain of loosing home. She understands us. I know it might sound weird, but I trust her. She is nice and kind. Bella might nor be our kin, but I know a treasure when I see one. She is such a treasure. She might even be a once in a lifetime treasure. Don’t you feel it too, Fili? The warmth she sparks and the happiness she spreads? Even uncle seems to feel it.”

“I know, Kili. I feel it too. She gifts me peace and presents me laughter. I would love nothing better than calling her sister. It is strange, but she feels like home, like something long lost. Something I never knew, but still oddly familiar.” Fili sights deeply.

“We should go to bed too.” Kili yawns, tucking away the bells and moving to his bedroll.  

Fili remained a moment longer, thinking about the hobbit. She was an odd one. Within only a few months she had befriended the company, enchanted them with her kindness. Dwarrows were loyal creatures, open about their feelings, well except his uncle, and when they decided on liking a creature or not only Mahal might have been able to change their minds. The lass didn’t even know what she had attracted with her just being herself. One thing was written in stone, Bella wouldn’t get rid of them any time soon.

Masterpost

* this is out of the song ‘Home’ by Stefanie Heinzmann

[long-cosmos-overhead]

The Hobbit ~ Sick S/o

Bilbo Baggins

He’s such a sweetheart he constantly frets over you making sure you have the right medicine, checking your temperature it gets to a point where you yourself would have to tell him to calm down and reassure him you were okay for the moment

Anything you need he’s already got he’s made a plate of food sided with water some medicine and blankets at the ready he doesn’t want you to get worse although you’d be fine

He doesn’t mind if he gets sick taking care of you he would prefer not to but of course he’d be there for you holding back your hair when you were sick regardless of the consequences

You’re not allowed outside one because you need to rest up and two you could spread your illness and good luck trying to do any work around the house like cleaning or cooking, Bilbo would send you right back to bed until you were feeling fully better

He’d be down for cuddling checking if your too hot or cold so he can add or take a few blankets but you’re often up and running before you know it because you have been taken great care of

Thorin Oakenshield

He’d be very worried it was the worst time for you to fall ill when the company is fighting orcs, spiders and dragons to reclaim Erebor he definitely can’t have you hurt as well as sick Thorin needs you not only as a fighter but as his love you keep him grounded

He stops the company and builds camp for a few days for your sickness to be cured and to let you get the rest you need the last thing he wants is for you to be helpless and in freezing or hot places upon a horse

He’ll definitely let you sleep with him if he doesn’t already he needs to keep track of your fever and make sure you don’t hurt yourself in the night he also wakes up to check your temperature to be thankful to see each night it had gradually been getting better

He’d give you most of his share of food he claims you need it more than he does you’re so grateful even if it’s a small bit of bread Thorin cares endlessly for you he would hate to see you dizzy or faint because you don’t have the nutrients to fight your sickness

Thorin drapes his fur coat over you a lot when it’s cold it’s visibly big on you but it’s snuggly and warm you often found yourself falling asleep in it which Thorin found utterly adorable and thank Valar you were up and running as usual again

Kili

He’s very overprotective you’re with him almost anywhere not that you mind he does go a bit over the top carrying you everywhere not letting you walk until you’re feeling and looking much better you need rest he says

He does anything for you he even asked Thorin for a rest break so he could get you some sleep and water he openly worries about you asking Oin if there is any other cures or medicines or things he can do to help you get better quicker if you weren’t sick you would’ve teased him for it

He makes sure you get your share of food and the comfiest place to stay he really dislikes seeing you in discomfort and Kili would let you sleep with him if it meant he could keep a good eye on you wrapping you up in his thick clothes to stop your chills

He does not care if he gets ill taking care of you, he’ll kiss you, cuddle you, carry you he can’t watch you struggle and grow weaker so he does his best to make sure you’re doing okay and making you comfortable

Kili will crack jokes and tease people in the company to get you to laugh it’s like music to his ears everyone knows how much Kili cares for you and watching him spoil you in affection brings smiles to even Thorin’s face he’s very happy when you’re better

Fili

He is more toned down than Kili but very worried and protective he’s naturally calming and soft although if someone isn’t being too helpful he won’t hesitate to put them in their place when you don’t have it in you

Fili sings you songs from his childhood ones his mother sang to him when he was sick or hurt his voice is low and puts you to sleep if you’re struggling to nod off all the while keeping you close

He braids your hair to pass the time sometimes when you’re sleeping so you have something nice to wake up to and sometimes while your awake he knows how much you love it when he plays with your hair the braids he makes are so beautiful especially when your sick or upset he makes sure to do the best

He’ll personally get your food and give you medicine or herbs to calm your temperature and he rides beside you since you’re near the back if you begin to get tired or sleepy Fili will take the reigns of your horse and tie it with his placing you between his arms so you can sleep

Thorin suggested they leave you behind since you weren’t being helpful and there was a riot, Fili went mad and you got to stay he would never leave you behind as long as you lived he loved you

Thranduil

You were waited on hand and foot whilst Thranduil attended his meetings everything you needed or asked for was brought straight to you, Thranduil has someone report back to him on how you were doing he wished he could be with you

After he got back to your shared room he was all over you the king you see upon the throne does a 180 with you he has to be certain you have what you need before anything else

Thranduil knows how bad you feel when you’re ill and overall cleanliness is a big deal, he’ll run you a warm bath for you to relax in adding some elvish herbs to clear any sinuses and prevent headaches though mainly he wants you as calm as possible

Thranduil will massage your head and back releasing all the knots in your muscles and he’s very good at it whispering sweet words in elvish knowing how much you love him in his native tongue he’s ever so soft as well not once coming close to hurting you

He’ll brush your hair before helping you into bed even if you had a minor fever you were pampered by your husband he’d stay with you the night waking up if you did and refusing to accept your apoligies for waking him, Thranduil loves you after all you are his queen

Legolas

He honestly found it cute how dependent you were on him but in the other hand he treated you like you were a pane of glass if he touched you too rough you would shatter it was endearing but at times painful

He got you anything you asked for piling overboard but your his only love he cares for you more than anyone else you can’t deny watching Legolas pick up odds and ends for you was one of the sweetest things you’ll ever see

Legolas would be immature and crack jokes with you starting playful fights to keep you at least laughing with him on the flip side once you began looking paler than usual and sounding lethargic he would be completely serious going full on panic mode

He would have some experience in healing and brought some elvish herbs to keep your sickness at bay and help you get better personally bringing you some flowers as well ever so elegant and charming with a kiss against your forehead

Legolas doesn’t mind getting ill if it means he can take care of you but the chances are slim since elves don’t get ill as much as humans he’ll join you in bed letting you curl up against him lightly playing with your hair until you were a whole lot better

Elrond

Elrond was a healer one of the best many people knew in middle earth he would demand you go to your shared room and get some rest whilst he finishes a small task promising to join you soon

He comes back to you with elvish herbs and drinks to speed your healing and stop your sickness he knows exactly what to do to make you feel better and his hospitality is so calming he is so patient and knowledgeable when taking care of you never complaining or showing that he is tired or fed up

He balances his duties and time with you well and naturally has no difficulties caring for you he’s more than happy to stay with you for a few hours until you’ve fallen asleep and then work for a bit in your room so he can check on you if anything has gone wrong

He gives you lots of reassurance through words and teaches you a little about healing properties while doing so you have no doubt you’ll get better in the hands of Elrond he knows what he’s doing

Elrond will lay in bed with you on his chest reading a book to you or telling you stories he was told as a child playing with your hair letting you fiddle with his rings or fingers wrapping an arm across your body to bring you closer to him out of habit he feels a need to keep you safe when you’re venerable

Lindir

He’s so shy he asked permission to touch you where he feels it is intimate so you don’t feel uncomfortable whilst you are ill despite being together he doesn’t want you to feel anymore discomfort

He fluffs up your pillows brings you medicine and even asks Elrond for a day or two off just so he can take better care of you he assures you that he is more than happy to and Elrond understands, Lindir is so sweet it makes your heart melt he’ll literally do anything for you

Lots of forehead kisses Lindir adores you even if you’re not looking or feeling your best he wants you to know that you’re outstandingly beautiful to him no matter what’s going on and you mean so much to him he just has to plant a soft kiss on your head

He brings you flowers from the gardens everyday and the most vibrant ones there he knows what you like placing them in a glass vase next to your bed before shyly joining you letting you cuddle up to him as much as you want

Lindir is great at hugs and cuddling he’s so warm and smells like fresh air and silk and you need plenty of rest to get over your sickness what better excuse than to cuddle up next to Lindir he loves it gently hooking and arm over you giving you as much comfort as he can which is plenty for your standards

[ruthoakenshield]

Thorin and the Gem Carver (part 16)

You wake up and feel something cold against your back. You moan softly and feel strong broad hands slide under you and lift you just enough for the cold item to be removed. Then you are gently laid back down. Opening your eyes, you see Dwalin there with Oin beside him holding a bundle that is now dripping a bit.

You yawn and stretch, wincing at the ache in your back. “What time is it?” you ask. Dwalin chuckles and tells you it’s supper time. You sigh and look around. “Where is Adad and Thorin?” you ask, puzzled why they weren’t there.

Dwalin chuckles. “It’s gonna be funny hearing you call my big brother that for a while, Lass.” He tells you. “Thorin had some business he needed to tend to, then called for Balin to come meet him to discuss some things. I’m sure they’ll come see you after supper.” He says.

“Oh.” You say a little disappointed. You hear movement and see your Aunt Julia approaching the bed. “Hi, Sweetheart. Heard you had an eventful time after lunch.” She tells you. You nod, “I moved my legs a little with Kili and Fili helping hold me up!” you tell her, but now I am stuck in this bed for Mahal only knows how long.” You pout.

“I wish I wouldn’t have overheard you and Uncle planning on marrying me off to some rich dwarf!” you pout. “I never would’ve run into Mirkwood and wouldn’t have fallen and gotten hurt like this.” You grumble.

You don’t see the hurt flash across your Aunt’s face, but Dwalin does. “Hey now, that’s being a bit harsh, Jade.” He tells you. “Had you not heard them, we might not have been able to do something about the arranged marriage problem, and then you and Thorin would’ve both been stuck in unhappy marriages to other dwarves and would not have been able to be together.” He reminds you. “I know it’s been hard fer ya lass. But there’s been a lot of good things that have happened because of what you did!” he reminds you. “Mahal allowed this to happen for a reason, Sweetheart. Sometimes we have to have pain to grow as dwarrow and it’s a part of life. Painful times help us appreciate the good times even more. It helps to remind us of our blessings we have been granted from our creator.” He explains.

You sigh and tears trickle down your cheeks. He sighs and sits on the other side of the bed from your Aunt. “I know it’s frustratin’ fer ya lass. Being bed ridden is no fun for anyone. You should’ve seen what a grumpy bear Thorin was! Oin threatened to tie him to the bed if he didn’t lie still and do as he was told!” he tells you making you giggle picturing Thorin being bed ridden and Oin threatening to do that.

Oin comes over and says, “And don’t think I won’t do the same to you, little missy! You may be the future Queen of Erebor, but you’ll still do as I say if you want your happy ever after and be walking and carving again!” he tells you teasingly. You smile until you hear him say that then your face falls.

“What’s wrong, Sweetheart?” Julia asks seeing your sudden upset. “I don’t know if I want that title. I’m no queen. I’m no princess, I’m just a lowly cripple who can’t do anything for herself. What good is a crippled queen to such a kingdom as this?” You say quietly. “Why does Thorin even bother with me? I’m of no value to anyone.” You mumble, wishing you could just run away and hide or go back to Rohan and be with Eowyn.

Julia sighs quietly. “Honey, you’re of great value to me. Bunnanunê (My tiny treasure), you are all I have left of my beloved nadad (brother). I don’t know if you remember how close he and I were when you visited Rohan as a little girl with him. He was extremely upset with our Adad for arranging me into the marriage I was put into, especially when he found out my One was a soldier in Thror’s army. He tried for years to get Thror to annul my marriage to your Uncle so Rin and I could be together. It was at that time, and I suppose still is, very rare to find your One. Some, like Balin and Dwalin, wait an entire lifetime and never find them, others wait for half their life, like Thorin has and if they are lucky, they find him or her.

My One died after we found each other and were told we could not be together because of my arranged marriage. Thror had gone mad with the Gold Sickness and refused to change the law and allow us to be together. Rin died defending this mountain from Smaug. Sometimes I feel my One’s presence when I walk past the place where they say he died. Finding your One is a very special thing, Sweetheart and is never taken lightly. Because you heard your Uncle’s plans, and had the courage to do what I did not, you not only escaped the same fate as me, but your decision allowed Thorin to make the Edict that freed us all from those horrible arrangements! Not only us, but all future dwarrow, including your own!

I am very proud of you my nadadnathith (brother’s daughter). You are far braver than I am, and your Father would’ve been very proud of the nathithuh zê (first Daughter) he had worked so hard to raise from the time you were born until his death. He loved you more than anything. I am told the last thing he begged of Dis’ sons before he died, was that they watched over you and kept you safe. Even with his dying breath, his thoughts were only of you, Sweetheart!” she tells you with tears in her eyes.

You listen to her words and cry. “Oh, adadnamad (Father’s sister /Aunt), why is this all happening to me though?!?” you squeak out. “I don’t know, Sweetheart. All I know is that you are incredibly special and blessed by Mahal. I am told that there is no other record of a dwarf being born with white hair like yours, and that you were born the exact moment this mountain was lost to the dragon. The mountain pulses happily whenever you touch it’s stone. I felt it when you caressed the carving on the walls the one day when we went to eat in the dining hall. The mountain loves you and is happy you are here.” She tells you.

You’re quiet for a while and just play with your Aunt’s fingers and rings. “I still don’t understand why Thorin dotes on me so and why he wants to court me. I’m not fit to be a queen.” You say quietly.

Dwalin chuckles. “Gehyith (little Dove), Thorin has waited a very long time for you. He is excited he has FINALLY found you and he doesn’t see you as broken or a cripple. He sees you for the beautiful, spunky, teasing, little spitfire that you are. You have kept him on his toes trying to catch you just to be able to talk to you, and only caught you because of your tumble down the ravine. Though, I’m sure he never would’ve stopped pursuing you once he saw you in the market the day you arrived. He couldn’t take his eyes off of you until Kili finally yanked on his shirt to get his attention. When he turned back from talking to Kili, you were fleeing down the street!” he says with a chuckle. He insisted we follow you despite him having a council meeting he was supposed to be at that afternoon. He chose you over his duty as king in that moment. He was intent on finding out who you were and wanted to talk with you so badly. He knew from the moment he saw you that you were his One, Sweetheart, and he was determined to meet you and beg you to join us in the mountain and be his.

Lass he loves you with a passion and dedication he has shown for little else except keeping our people safe during exile, seeing that they were provided for and had a place to live temporarily until we could reclaim this, and the quest itself.” He says gesturing to the mountain.

You are his One and he will never stop loving you nor will he stop pursuing you. You will always be on his mind and in his heart. He is stubborn and can be pigheaded and has a temper, but he will never lay a hand on you to hurt you intentionally. You are his world now. Every decision he has had to make since finding you was always made with consideration for you.”

Dwalin chuckles and tells you, “You should have heard him thundering at the council the day after the announcement of that edict was made! It silenced them when they heard your Uncle’s plans to sell you to the highest bidder. Thorin bellowed at them, “MY ONE! MY ONE being SOLD like a slave?!? Is that what you wanted?!? YOUR FUTURE QUEEN, being sold to the highest bidder!!! Is that what YOU want?” Dwalin says mimicking Thorin, and making you giggle.

“Honey, he will do anything he possibly can to make you happy and comfortable, but your safety is his top priority especially right now. Honey, he would give his life to keep you safe, and he wishes he could take this pain from you and endure it for you.

This mountain was not built to be friendly for those who can not walk. There are too many stairs and narrow walkways to be using the wheeled chair with you in it to navigate it’s passages and hallways. That is why he is so concerned that you do exactly as you are told so you can walk on your own again.

He wants you to be able to explore and see all of the kingdom that he hopes you will want to rule with him at your side. He is eager to show you his favourite places, but he can’t until you are able to walk. That is why he insists you follow Lord Elrond’s and Oin’s orders. Because if you do not, and are never able to walk, then someone will have to carry you all the time. I don’t think you want that any more than we do. Though we don’t mind carrying you, right now as you recover.

If you want your independence back, then you have to be willing to do as you’re told for a little longer, Sweetheart.” Dwalin tells you as he reaches over and dries your tears. “I wish you could see how worried Thorin has been for you. It has been hard for him to see you so banged up, Jade. You are not the only one hating this cage. When you are deemed fully recovered, I’m sure a huge party will be thrown to celebrate it.” he says mischievously. My brother has been itching to dance with his new Nâthuê kurdu (daughter of his heart). Dwalin tells you with a wink and a twinkle in his eye. “Now, how about some supper? Are you hungry now that you slept all afternoon?” he teases.

You chuckle and nod. Oin gives you some options to eat and you tell him your choices, he goes to the wall, pulls on a cord and a few minutes later, a maid appears. He tells her to bring food for you and tells her what you want, then instructs her to bring food for himself, Dwalin and Julia as well. She nods and heads off to the kitchens. Oin goes and tells one of the guards to let Dis know that Julia and Dwalin and himself will be taking supper in your room for tonight. He nods and goes to find Dis.

Then Oin returns to your room. “Here, we can prop you up, but only a little bit, just enough for you to be able to eat and drink, then you’ll have to lie back down once your stomach settles.” He tells you. Dwalin and Julia help him prop you up into a more reclined position.

While you wait for the food to arrive, Julia tells you about the project she is helping Ori with and you listen, and are excited for her. She shows you one of the beginning readers he is lending her, and she reads a bit from it for you. You tell her you are proud of her for learning to read and for helping Ori. You ask her if she likes working in the library and she nods. Ori says I’m on my way to becoming a fine lib…lib... Dwalin, what’s the word he used?” she asks. “Librarian.” He says with a chuckle. “That’s what they are called in the world of men, apparently. And Ori liked the sound of it.” he chuckles.

A knock on the door gets everyone’s attention and Oin goes to see who it is. Bombur is standing there with a tray of food. Behind him are his two young daughters talking excitedly about the toys the King bought for them. They come in and ask where to put the trays. The youngest of the girls, comes up to Dwalin and looks up at him as he stands, towering over her, and looks down at her. You chuckle since she only reaches about mid-thigh on him. “Hi Dwal!” she chirps.

Dwalin tries to keep his neutral face but he can’t with her for some reason. He cracks a smile and says, “Hi pebble. Did ya bring us some supper?” “MmmmHmm. Here!” she says trying to lift it up for him. He chuckles and takes it from her and sets it at the foot of your bed.

He then grins and swoops down and picks her up, tickling her and making her giggle and squeal. “NOOOooooo don’t tickle! Hahahahahhahahaha!” She shrieks.” He laughs and holds her above his head. “And what will you do, little pebble, if I keep tickling you?” he asks tickling her again, then stops to let her answer, still holding her high above him. “I’ll tell Daddy on you and you won’t get fed for a week!” she shrieks as she shakes her tiny finger in his face.

He and Bombur laugh and Dwalin sets her down on the floor again. “Well now, we can’t be having that, now can we?” he says pretending to be all serious and folds his arms across his massive chest and frowns at her.

She matches his frown and grumpy face and crosses her little arms across her tiny chest like he has. “No, so you better be good and no more tickling!” she scolds shaking her finger at him again and puts her little hands on her chubby little hips.

Dwalin chuckles and says, “Fine, little pebble, no more tickling…for now. Thank you for bringing my supper with your Adad and Namad. (Father and Sister).” He tells her. She nods, hugs his leg and then trots back to her family. They chuckle and head out back to the kitchens.

Everyone has been trying to stifle their laughs lets them out after they hear the second set of doors close as Oin shuts the door to the room. “How old was she?” you ask chuckling as Dwalin sits on the end of the bed and starts to eat his supper. “Ten, I think. Her older sister is what, 14?” he asks Oin. Oin just laughs, “Something like that. I’ve lost count. Bombur has a prolific wife and quite the brood.” He chuckles.

You giggle. Julia helps you eat your supper as she munches on hers. “How long are dwarrowdams pregnant for, Oin?” you ask. “Three years, Lass.” He replies. You look at him shocked. “WHAT?!? Did you just say THREE YEARS?!?” you exclaim. He laughs. “Yes, Lass. I suppose that surprises you since you lived with other races for so long.” He says. You nod. “Humans are only preggo for like 9 months!!!” you exclaim. Dwalin about chokes. “Wait, What? Nine MONTHS?” You laugh and nod. “Um yeah. Though, I suppose they grow and age much faster than we do. I would’ve thought Bombur’s little one was like five or six! That’s about how old a human child looks and behaves at that age. A 10 year old is MUCH taller and talks more like an adult.” You tell them.

“Aye Lass. Humans age much faster than we do. It always throws us when we see Bard’s children because they have grown up so fast in the short amount of time we’ve known them. When we first met them, little Tilda was shorter than Thorin but now they are eye to eye. And Bain is now Taller than Thorin and almost the same height as Bard!” Oin says with a laugh.

“I miss Tilda and Sigrid. They were fun to talk to. Tilda was fascinated with my hair and my braided bun that I had my hair in when I met them. I gave them some of the hair pins that she had been admiring in my hair as a thank you for their help.” You say sadly.

“Honey, we can invite them to come and see you here.” Your Aunt tells you, “Since we will have to postpone our trip to Dale for a  while longer, I can send someone to inquire about if their Father will let them come see you this upcoming week.” She tells you. You smile and nod.

Once you finish your meal, Oin lets you lay reclined for about an hour to settle your stomach. Just as he got you laying back down, there is a knock on the door, and it opens. Balin peeks around the door and asks if they can enter. You nod and he opens the door and they both walk in. “We missed you at supper.” Thorin says. “How are you feeling?” he asks.

“Alright. Frustrated that I am stuck back in this bed, and can’t sit. Oin says I have to lay on my back or my side.” You say dejectedly. “I know, Gehyith, (little Dove) I remember how frustrating it is to be stuck like that. Oin threatened to tie me to my bed if I didn’t stop trying to get up and escape.” He says with a smirk.

“But you must listen to Oin and Elrond’s wishes, Gehyith. I saw Yavanna and Mahal again when I went to the heart of the mountain to think and try to put my feelings and thoughts into words. We talked and Mahal explained why you are having so much trouble. He said the spot where your spine is injured is weak, like a crack in a stone foundation. If it is not fixed and reinforced, it will continue to be weak and cause problems for the foundation. He said once Lord Elrond comes and heals whatever is causing the nerves to not be able to work properly, that Mahal himself will come and visit you and will fix the weak spot permanently and reinforce it so it will be as it was before you fell. He promised me it will no longer hinder your recovery after that.

He also said to give you this.” He says. “It is a gift from me, which he saw and blessed. There are a couple notes inside it from the wise old woman who made the book, and a message from Mahal and Yavanna themselves for you. He says gently sitting it on the side of the bed next to you. You look up at him in awe. “You spoke with Mahal and Yavanna?” you ask. He chuckles and nods. “I thought they had forgotten about me, or that I did something that angered them, and this was my punishment.” You say quietly.

Your words make Thorin’s heart ache and he understands the reason for Mahal’s note to you now. “Would you like to see the gift, Gehyith?” Thorin asks you. “Yes, please. I have not the strength to hold it yet.” You tell him. Thorin nods. “I will hold it, see if you can pull the cord to release the velvet.” He encourages.

You reach up and try to grasp the blue cord, you get it between your fingers, but it sips out when you try to pull it loose. You frown and just hook your finger over the tied part and manage to get it untied that way. The velvet falls down at the bottom and you reach up and push the velvet off the two sides and the top. Your eyes open wide when you see the beautiful leather work and gold and silver foil accents. “OH! It’s beautiful!” you exclaim as you caress the blue dyed leather. Thorin feels the book vibrate slightly at your gentle caress. It begins to glow, and you look at him surprised. “What are you doing with it?” you ask. He chuckles, “It’s not me, Gehyith, it is reacting to your touch. It knows it’s owner is near, and it wishes you to see what is in inside it.” he tells you. You look up at Thorin in awe.

He turns the book so you can see the latch on the side. You nudge it with your fingers until it flops open, then Thorin opens it carefully so the notes do not fall out. The first page is blank, and you push it to the side and see two pieces of paper stuck into the seam. Thorin takes them out and holds the first one so you can see it and read it.

You read it out loud so everyone can hear. “May this book bless you as you fill it’s pages as it blessed me making it for you. May the Peace and blessings of Mahal and Yavanna, be forever with you.” Thorin flips the page back open to where the two notes were stuck into the seam, and you see it is written on. He holds the book up to you so you can read it out loud too. “To Prince Thorin and His Lovely One. I wish you all the happiness in the world and many blessings of Yavanna and Mahal. May the gods bless you both with peace and joy.” Sincerely, Miranda Goldenleaf daughter of Erebor, Royal book binder.

Dwalin’s and Balin’s eyes get huge. “Miranda FINALLY gave it to you!” they both say with HUGE grins. Thorin nods, knowingly wondering how many others knew of her crush and her gift for him. He sighs and sets the book down then picks up the last note. It is on what looks like hand-made paper with tiny gold flecks embedded in the fibers of the thick paper. The edges are gold leafed and the ink used glows brightly around the black letters. Thorin holds it up for you to read. You start, but you only get the first sentence out and can’t finish as you’re bawling. Thorin finishes reading it out loud for you in his quiet baritone voice:

“My dearest Jade, this book has been blessed by Yavanna and myself so that it and it’s contents never fade from memory, will never wear out, and will survive till the ending of the world. Use it to preserve the talents of the Mistress Gem Carver’s guild (the dwarrowdam’s new counterpart to the Master Gem Carver’s guild). You, My Dear Jade, are the first dwarrowdam we name as Mistress Gem Carver. Your skills and talents being honed by your Father from infancy. You carve better than any dwarrow I have ever created or ever will create. None will compare to you. Teach others what you have learned, you WILL carve again, both in wood and in gems and precious metals. Do not despair, my sweet Jade. You have not been forgotten by us. We are proud of you and all you have overcome.”

              ~Mahal and Yavanna.

There isn’t a dry eye in the room when Thorin finishes reading the note. Balin comes over to see it and his eyes open wide. “Jade, never before has Mahal given us his and Yavanna’s seals! Neither have they ever given us a written letter or note. This is extremely precious. Do not ever let this fall out of that book! I will make you a little place holder for it that will keep it securely in there. We can mount it to the inside cover, so it stays secured. He tells you. You nod. “Thank you Adad.” You say. He grins and Dwalin just laughs. “I’m sorry, it’s just so strange to hear those words associated with my brother!” he giggles.

You grin and look up at Thorin who’s eyes are twinkling and filled with laughter. He reaches out and caresses your face. Gehyith, I have informed Fili that he is to rule in my stead for a while. Mahal says I need to stay with you. He stressed with me that you MUST be on bed rest for a week after he and Lord Elrond heal your back to give the nerves time to regrow properly. Mahal warned me that if you do not follow these orders, you WILL NEVER walk again.” He tells you.

“Please, Uzfaku (my greatest joy), promise me you will tolerate the bed rest and behave for one more week. I can not bear the thought of you never walking again!” he begs, resting his forehead against yours, his hair forming a curtain around both your faces, giving you a bit of privacy. You feel a wetness drip onto your cheek and realize they are his tears. You reach up and touch his arms, feeling the strength in them, he raises his head just enough to gaze into your eyes clearly. “Please.” He says quietly. “Do this for me, I will stay with you and help you bear it. I will not leave you to go through this alone any longer.” He tells you quietly. You gaze into his glassy eyes and see how worried he is. You give him a slight nod. “I promise. I will do as you say.” You whisper.

The look on Thorin’s face breaks your heart. The intensity of his love for you almost overwhelms you. He leans forward again and rests his forehead against yours. His hair forming a curtain blocking out everything but his face. “I love you. Jade the Mistress Gem Carver, my One, my treasure. I am yours wholly and completely. I will choose no other. I will wait till the end of the world if I must for you. I will give you what ever time you need to make a decision about our future. I have one last gift to give you, but wish to wait until you feel you are ready to receive it, for it will be given in front of my kingdom so that everyone may know of our love for each other. Until then I will continue to court you. When you are ready to take the next step, tell me and we will take it together. Okay?” he tells you quietly, barely speaking.

His scent of sandalwood and cedar with the faint scent of pipeweed and his distinct musk invades your senses and engulfs you in comfort and love. His hands still cupping your face warm it as he holds you. You nod. “Okay.” You whisper.

He smiles and gives you a soft, gentle kiss. One of promises and security. He slowly sits up and runs his fingers through your snow white hair and along the side of your face. “We do this together then. As a team.” He says softly, taking your hand in his and entwining your fingers with his. You nod. “A team.” He brings his head down and kisses the top of your hand.

“Some of my subjects bid me today to give you their well wishes.” They were sorry to hear of your accident and injuries and wish you a full recovery and send their blessings to you. Two of my dear friends who were part of the company who helped me reclaim this kingdom are toy makers and tinkerers. They have fabulous imaginations and I have asked them to come up with a device that will allow you to draw as you lie here in the bed. It may take them a few tries to figure out what will work for you. Work with them and give them feedback as you try their creations.

Perhaps you can practice your drawings and try to remember some of the things you have carved over the years and draw them to practice and hopefully it will help strengthen your fingers, hands and arms.” He tells you. I have asked Celeborn to take some more of the healing crystals and make you a device to put your pencils into so you can hold them easier. I took one from the packet that came with your book so he might use it to gauge the size for fitting them properly into the crystal holders.” he tells you.

You look up at him and your entwined fingers. “Thank you, Kurdûn (man of my heart).” You say quietly.

Thorin smiles at you warmly his eyes crinkling at the corners. His heart soaring at you calling him that for the first time.” He kisses your hand once more. “My pleasure, Gehyith (little dove).” He tells you.

Balin, Dwalin, Julia and Oin step back and watch with amusement as Thorin presents his gift to you and the two of you talk. Once Thorin finishes reading the note from Mahal, Balin comes and takes the book and it’s notes after suggesting he make the place holder for the one from Mahal.

He steps back, holding the book and he and Dwalin admire the workmanship of Miranda. They quietly explain to Oin and Julia the importance of this gift to Thorin. Her eyes get wide. “Oh!” she says. “It is most exquisite!” she says. Balin tells them all of Thorin’s plan to honor Miranda and they all agree it is deserving of her skill and dedication and service to the line of Durin.

“I’ll take this with me. I need to head to the forges for a bit. I completely forgot about making the adoption beads for Jade’s and my hair and promised Thorin I’d make the beads for Miranda. I’ll make the holder for the note from Mahal as well now since I’ll be down there, working with the metal.” He tells them. “I’ll be back up after a while.” He says and heads out.

Dwalin and Julia stand off to the side, watching Thorin and you talk quietly and see him lean down and rest his forehead on yours for a while. Then they see him sit up and take your hand and entwine his fingers with yours. They hear him murmuring to you quietly and the two of you sit and talk.

Julia looks up at Dwalin and smiles. She wraps her arms around Dwalin’s middle and rests her head against his chest. He chuckles and wraps her in a hug. “Are ya still happy ya asked Thorin ta annul yer marriage?” he asks her. She nods. “Are ya happy here with me?” he asks. She nods again. He smiles and cups her face with his large hands. “I know we are not each other’s ones, Julia. But will you permit me to court you, proper like?” he asks softly. She chuckles.

“What if you find your One, my mighty Azaghâl (warrior)?” Julia asks.

“I won’t.” Dwalin says quietly and swallows hard. “How do you know that?” Julia asks with a puzzled look on her face. She looks up and sees pain in Dwalin’s eyes. “She died with Thorin’s mother and grandmother.” He says so quietly she almost didn’t hear it. Watching his face, she sees his eyes glaze up. He closes them and squeezes them tight, swallowing hard.

“Oh,. I’m sorry, Dwal.” She says and hugs him, rubbing his back gently. “I guess that is something else we have in common then… not being able to be with our ones, and losing them to Smaug.” She says quietly.

“I coulda been with her. But to do that I would’ve had to step down as Thorin’s bodyguard. I couldn’t do it. Not to him. Not like that.” He says. “Thror wouldn’t see reason and refused to change the edict.” He says. “What about now?” Julia asks, if you court me, won’t you have to give up your position?” she asks the big dwarf.

“No, Thorin and I talked about it after the edict was issued and you chose to accept Thorin’s offer to annul the marriage. I offered to step into the role of protector and provider, knowing my One was lost to me as well.” He tells Julia. “Thorin changed the Edict that stated I would’ve had to give up my position as his bodyguard. Now I won’t have to give it up. He trusts only the company who proved themselves loyal to keep him and his family safe. He didn’t want to lose me as his Bodyguard.”

We found my One when we were trying to escape Smaug before he attacked Laketown. He was chasing us through the kingdom, and we had hoped the western guard tower would’ve had a way out. But the entrance from outside had collapsed and trapped everyone in the room. Thorin’s Mother, Grandmother, my One who was their maid, and many others of the servants and infants had run there thinking the same as we had. They all died, unable to escape, and we found their bodies when we hoped to escape as they had hoped.

Thorin saw them all laying where they perished, huddled together, holding each other trying to comfort one another, and Thorin refused to let any more of us die like they did. We decided to split up and try to lead Smaug to the forges. I think Thorin hoped to get Smaug to light the forges for us and then hoped to kill the great beast and end his reign of terror. Unfortunately, our plan didn’t work as we hoped. He lit the forges for us, but we weren’t able to kill him like we had planned, and Smaug sacked Laketown.

Luckily, Bard had the remaining arrow from the windlance stores we had made for his ancestor, the ruler of Dale. Bard used a broken longbow, and Bain’s shoulder to fire the huge arrow into the beast as he passed over them; finding the one scale his ancestor had loosened when Dale and Erebor were sacked and lost 180 years ago now. Bard managed to hit Smaug with that last arrow in the one place on that dragon’s underside that could be pierced and was unprotected.

We heard Smaug’s roar of pain and watched him fall from the sky into the Lake, ending his reign of terror for us all. “Bard the Dragon Slayer, he was called for many months after that until he was elected by the people to be their next king of Dale. From then on, he has been simply referred to as ‘King Bard’. I think he prefers that title. He always seemed uncomfortable with the ‘Dragon Slayer’ title.” Dwalin explains.

Julia listens to his tale while she hugs him and rubs his back. Once he finishes his tale, she steps back and looks up into his face. She reaches up, caresses his cheek and says quietly, “It would be an honor to be courted by such a noble warrior of Thorin Oakenshield’s company. The loyal bodyguard to the King may court me if he so wishes.” She says with a mischievous grin.

Dwalin looks at her for a minute, blinks, and then embraces her in a tight hug. “Thank you, Gimlelul (my brightest star)!” he says happily and peppers her face with little kisses.”

The two of them fail to notice Thorin turn and see their little interaction. His chuckles bring them back to the present and Dwalin grins. “I guess we get to court together.” He teases.

Thorin laughs. “Fine, my friend, but no, you can not get married nor engaged on the same day that we do!” he teases back. I am happy for the both of you though.” He says and shakes Dwalin’s hand in congratulations and gives Julia a hug. “Jade is sleeping again.” He chuckles.

“I seem to remember someone else falling asleep all the time mid conversation when he was on bed rest too!” Dwalin teases. Thorin blushes. “I still maintain it was Oin’s teas that made me do it!” he teases back. “I heard that Thorin Oakenshield!” Oin joins in the banter, teasing the king.

Thorin and Dwalin just laugh. Any word on Elrond’s arrival?” Thorin asks. Dwalin shakes his head. Last we heard was he was trying to contact the great eagles to see if they would bring him and his daughter here.” Dwalin tells him. Thorin nods and looks around. “Where is Balin?” he asks realizing his advisor is not there.

“Went to go make the adoption beads for his and Jade’s hair and the beads for Miranda and the plate for the letter from Mahal for the book. He took the book with him so it’s safe. No worries, Thorin.” He tells the King.

Thorin nods and yawns. “ Have chambers for Lord Elrond and his daughter prepared so they are ready when they arrive. It’s getting late. I’m going to lie down on the sofa there.” He tells Dwalin. “Wake me if there’s any changes of if Jade needs me for anything.” He tells both Dwalin and Oin.” They both nod and let Thorin rest.

“If you wish to go to bed, Sweetheart, go. I’ll stay here with Thorin and Jade. If anything changes, I’ll come wake you.” Dwalin tells Julia. She nods, “Night Murkhûn. (shield man)” she teases and gives him a quick kiss on his lips. He groans quietly and swats her rear. “Night Kurkarukê (my tiny raven).” He says as she sways her hips and saunters out of the room, leaving the door open. He watches as she enters her room and shuts the door. Dwalin sighs and chuckles. Then turns and calls for a maid, giving her Thorin’s message about Elrond’s rooms and then Dwalin heads for the other sofa by the fireplace. He lies down and sees that Thorin is already out and snoring softly. He chuckles and gets comfy then he too, falls asleep.

Oin chuckles softly at the two of them and sits in the soft chair by the window where he can keep an eye on you and get to you quickly if you wake and need something.

More Chapters to come.

Likes, comments and Reblogs always welcomed happily! Feel free to leave any of them, just please, give credit where it’s due.

All Gifs were borrowed from the GIF search thingy on Tumblr. Photos were from off the internet google search.

If you wish to be added or removed from the taglist, please send me a message to let me know. If there’s a line through your Pseudonym, Tumblr isn’t letting me tag you.

Tagging:

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[winchesterandpie]

Not So Far From Home (Fili x Reader

Pairing: Fili x Reader

Word Count: 1390

Warnings: Some missing home, but mostly just fluff!

A/N: So... I realize it’s been a while since I posted a new drabble. I finished my finals and made it home, and despite not finishing that Dean drabble I was planning on, I did manage to write this one! In honor of Fili Friday, here it is! This one’s for anyone missing someone/somewhere for Christmas! (The reader character is from our world, transported to Middle Earth) Gifs are not mine! Hope you enjoy!!

December Drabbles Masterpost

I stood with my hands on the parapet, looking out over the sunset-illuminated landscape. Snow fell gently from the clouds, dusting my hair with the big, fluffy flakes. My gown was only so warm, but I couldn’t bring myself to do anything about it beyond wrapping my arms around midriff. 

This was the first winter that I’d actually really had time to think since I’d stumbled into Middle Earth. Last winter, I’d been a little busy trying to stay alive, what with the dragon and the armies and all. This year, the first snowfall reminded me that I would have been starting to listen to holiday music, happily preparing to celebrate the holiday with my family.

 But not this year. 

They didn’t exactly have Christmas in Middle Earth. I knew that, of course, but I felt a little empty walking through the halls that looked the same as they did any other day of the year. I’m sure that if I had said anything to Fili, he would’ve done something. But I knew that some people already though it odd that the prince was courting me, and I didn’t want to give changing traditions as another reason for them to object.

I was so lost in thought that the sudden weight dropped on my shoulders startled me. 

“You look a little chilled, love.” 

“Thanks, sunshine.” I relaxed when I heard Fili’s familiar voice. His warm arms wrapped the soft blanket more tightly around me as I glanced at him with a weak smile.

“What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

“I… It’s nothing.” I shrugged it off, looking back out beyond the mountain. “Really, you don’t need to worry about me.”

“No, it’s not nothing Tell me what’s going on.” One of his hands gently lifted my chin, bringing my gaze up to meet his. “I want to help, kurduwê.”

“It’s just…” I leaned into him, his lips pressing against my forehead for a moment. “I miss home. This time of year is a holiday there, and I always celebrated with my family. I know I’ve got you and the company, but it’s just not the same.” I was embarrassed to note that a few rebellious tears spilled from my eyes.

“Oh, my sweet lass.” Fili’s hands both landed on my cheeks and brushed the tears away. 

“I’m sorry I’ve been distant these past weeks.” Distractedly, I brought my hands up to play with the braids that spilled over his shoulders

“That’s alright,” he said, tucking a piece of hair back behind my ear. “I know it’s hard when you miss something. Tell me more about it?”

“I’m sure you’ve got more importa--”

“Y/N, nothing is more important to me than you are. So if this is important to you, I want to hear about it.” 

“Thanks, Fili.” I smiled at him for a moment before tugging lightly on his braids, drawing his face closer so that I could press a brief kiss to his lips. One of his hands slid to cradle the back of my head, prolonging the kiss until I shivered.

“How about you tell me about it inside?” he asked, the skin around his eyes crinkling up merrily as he chuckled.

“That sounds like a good idea,” I agreed heartily, letting him tuck me under his arm and guide me back into the room.

Two days later, I was walking through the halls toward the kitchens when I saw two dwarves carrying what I could’ve sworn was a Christmas tree. I was ready to dismiss it as me going crazy until barely a minute later when I saw another pair of dwarves hauling another tree. Curious now, I turned toward the Great Hall, where I’d seen the dwarves disappear with the trees. 

I took a step back in surprise, my hand involuntarily rising to my mouth at the sight that greeted me. The Hall contained a dozen tall pine trees lining the walls, and some dwarves were moving to hang a wreath on the wall behind the King’s table. Still more dwarves were stringing ribbons around the room and hanging what I could only describe as ornaments on the trees. Red and gold ribbons circled the tall columns as far as I could see. Kili stood in the middle of it all, helping to light candles on the chandeliers.

“Y/N!” he called out when he saw me, jogging over with a grin on his face. 

“Kili!” I returned with equal enthusiasm.

“What are you up to?” Kili swung me around, laughing gleefully.

“Well, I was on my way to get breakfast when I noticed these trees and I wondered what new prank you were working on.”

“I hope he isn’t planning on turning this into a prank.” Kili released me to turn as I heard the familiar voice of his brother.

“Morning, kidhuzurâl!” I said happily, slinging my arms around his shoulders.

“And to you, gimlelul.” His hands rested lightly on my waist as he leaned to kiss my cheek. “I see you’re in high spirits this morning.”

“Indeed, I am! But what’s all this?”

“Why it’s Christmas, of course!” Fili grinned at me, then continued more hesitantly. “It does… look like Christmas, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, Fili, it’s… it’s wonderful!” I let go of him to look around at the whole room, breathless with wonder. “It’s more magnificent in here than I ever could’ve dreamed! And you did all this… for me?” The words caught in my throat, thick with emotion, as I met his twinkling gaze.

“This isn’t even the best part.” His hands tenderly cupped my cheeks as he smiled softly at me.

“Fee, you don’t need to do any more. Really,” I said, leaning into his touch, “this is incredible already.”

“Trust me, you’ll want to see this.”

“Fili?” I was surprised when he stepped behind me to cover my eyes with his hands again. After all of today’s surprises, I wasn’t sure what else he could possibly have up his sleeve.

“Just one more, kurduwê,” he laughed. “Now come on, step up here.” I followed his guiding touch carefully.

“Alright, now… through this door.” I stepped hesitantly, my hands out in front of me to prevent running into anything. 

“I’m not going to run you into anything, silly,” he said, jokingly indignant.

“You certainly won’t as long as I keep my hands out,” I returned snarkily.

“Just… stop here and keep your eyes closed.” Fili let his hands fall from covering my face to my waist before dropping his hold on me entirely as he took a step back. “Ok, you can open them now.”

I did as he said, opening my eyes to find my room decorated beautifully. A tree sat in the corner of my room, decorated with ribbons, jingling bells, and ornaments of all sorts; a snowglobe rested on the fireplace mantle, along with several candles, while glass snowflakes hung from the ceiling. As a final touch, two fresh mugs of cocoa sat on the table in front of the couch.

“I know it’s not the same, but I hope it feels a little more like home.”

“I don’t even know what to say.” I pressed my lips together, feeling tears well up in my eyes. He stepped closer, one hand coming up to my cheek gently. His blue eyes told me that I didn’t need to say anything - he already knew what I couldn’t find words to express.

I stretched up on my tiptoes to kiss him softly. His other hand splayed across my back, his lips gentle against mine. The kiss was unhurried as the fire crackled merrily. It spoke of three little words that lingered between us, louder and more clearly than any way we could have said it aloud.

“Thank you,” I murmured as I pulled back, my fingers fiddling with the ends of his braids.

Fili only pressed a kiss to my forehead in reply, quietly changing topics as he pulled away. ”Now we’ve got the whole evening to ourselves, and we have hot chocolate and fuzzy blankets.”

And so we settled onto the couch, my back against his chest, his chin on my shoulder and his arms around my waist. Contentedly, we spent the rest of the evening tucked snugly under the fuzzy blankets as we passed stories, songs, and kisses between us.

Khuzdul translations

Kurduwê: my heart

Kidhuzurâl: golden one

Gimlelul: my brightest star

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! Happy Holidays!

Forever tags:

@riddikulus-obsessions​ @addictionmarvel​ @peppermint–teas​ @mercedesbarnes​ @javapeach​

If you want to be added to the tag list, either permanent, for specific characters, or just for the December Drabbles, shoot me an ask or a message, and I’ll be happy to add you!

[luna-redamancy]

Fili x Reader {Kingly Worries & Vibrant Flower Crowns}

Just a little oneshot to try and get rid of my writer’s block 

“Where’s (Y/n)?” Fili asked anyone he could find, the kingdom buzzing with activity. Today was his coronation, and his One was nowhere to be found.

“(Y/n)?” He called into the kitchen, maybe you were getting a snack? Nope, not there either.

Next, he tried the baths, covering his eyes he opened the door slightly, “(Y/n)?”

“Not in here!” A frightened woman replied, causing him to snap the door shut in embarrassment, “My apologies!”

“Where could she be?” Fili thought aloud, the thought of you not being in the one major event in his life besides your upcoming marriage disheartened him. Stuck in his thoughts, he didn’t notice one of the maids coming through with a bundle of flowers. Running into her, Fili immediately spewed apologies as the maid simply shook her head with a smile, “Inside your thoughts again, Prince Fili?” Giving a sheepish smile, he nodded, it wasn’t uncommon to see Fili trapped in his thoughts on a evening stroll or staring out the window for long periods of time.

“I’m looking for (Y/n), have you seen her by chance?” The maid looked out the window in a brief moment of thought before nodding, “Aye, I have, last I saw she was in the garden with some children,” The maid shrugged as Fili brightened up, “Thank you!” He shouted back to the maid as he took running down the hall, now having a burst of energy to find you.

..

“-And loop it around one more time,” You instructed the small girls in front of you as they tried to replicate what you were doing with your fingers. The flowers looped into a ring, becoming a crown of sorts, decorated in vibrant pinks and purples.  

“I did it!” A young girl by the name of Eleanor cheered, holding her slightly messy, but beautiful flower crown up for you to see. “Yes, you did!” You cheered with her as the others too began cheering about their success, bringing a smile across your face.

“(Y/n)!” Fili called to you as he entered the garden, a smile blooming on his face as he saw your grin from a distance.

“It seems that I am needed, ladies, why don’t you go show these off to your parents, aye?” You convinced them, causing giggles and squeals of joy to erupt as they thought of the prideful look their parents would give them.

“Okay!” They announced in almost perfect unison as they all stood up and ran back inside the kingdom to track down their parents. Laughing you watched them go inside before looking over to Fili, who was now approaching your small spot in the grass.

“Hello, my love~” You cooed, leaning back on your hands as he took a seat beside you, “Hello my wanderer,” Fili responded cheekily as he laid his head in your lap. A laugh left your throat as you began dragging your nails through his freshly washed hair, his eyes slipping shut in satisfaction. The kingly braid, you remembered, was going to be placed in his hair in just a few hours time.

“Wanderer?” You questioned with amusement as he slowly opened his eyes in response to your question. “I wake up, your gone, I ask all around Erebor and no one has seen you besides the maid down in the west hall, who told me she saw you in the garden,” Fili explained in a somewhat angry tone, his smile betraying his mock anger.

Rolling your eyes, you leaned down to press a kiss to his lips, “Well, I take it you didn’t find my note on my pillow then?” You asked, remembering writing out exactly where you’d be when he would wake. “I’m telling you, I woke up and--- Note…” Fili froze, looking up to the clouds for a moment, “You... left... A note.”

Nodding with a grin, Fili groaned, “I’m sorry amrâlimê, I’ll look better next time,” He mumbled the last part, mostly to himself. Pressing your forehead against his, you pressed a kiss to his temple, “Well you found me, is there something you needed? I thought you would’ve been busy with coronation stuff?” You questioned in a soft tone, knowing his anxiety about becoming a king was overwhelming sometimes.

“I just needed you,” Fili responded with a lopsided smile, his eyes showing how much anxiety he truly felt. “I worry… I worry about becoming a great king like Uncle, what if I can’t measure up? What if they want a new king--” You stopped him by plopping the flower crown you crafted onto his head.

“Well, I know you’ll become a great king, with a great crown as well.” You smiled reassuringly, stroking your hand down the side of his face, enjoying the feel of his slightly scratchy stubble near his cheekbone.

Reaching his hand up, Fili chuckled when he felt the velvety petals, “A crown fit for a king,” He mused.

Forever Tag- 

@lady-of-lies @all-things-fandomstuck @xxno-wayxx @fizzyxcustard @izzydaelleth @aquaangel18

[writingfromkitchenator]

Dwalin ~ Ornate

700 Followers Challenge!

Requested by @fentah

Words: 1,622

Warnings: Angst, uncertain ending

Dwalin sat quietly, staring at his hands, lost deep in thought.

The door opens on the darkened room, Balin peeking his head in before shaking his head and looking back at Thorin.  “I’ve never seen him like this.”

Thorin looks grave.  “There must be something that we can do.  We cannot just leave him there to wallow in his own grief and pity.”

Balin sighs, looking again at his brother.  “He loved Y/N more than he would ever say Thorin, with her gone…I don’t know if there is way back for him.”

“I only want to know,” Dwalin’s voice came from the room, causing both of them to look around the door.  “Why she didn’t tell me the truth.”

“We may never know,” Balin said, entering the room slowly, keeping an eye on Dwalin and noting the several broken items around the room already. “She always kept things close to her chest.”

Dwalin frowns but doesn’t look up, Balin and Thorin sharing a worried glance.  “They were s’posed to be old markings, one that didn’t mean anything anymore, things that were in her past that she’d left behind.”

Balin nods at Thorin, who clears his throat slightly and holds out a piece of paper.  “Dwalin...they didn’t happen to be anything like this?”

Finally, Dwalin looks up, his eyes red and puffy, but his hand is strong as he takes the paper and his eyes wonder over the intricate pattern drawn.

They watch as his fingers trace it out of memory, his eyes going distant for a moment before he sighs.

“Aye,” He said quietly.  “What does it mean?”

Thorin and Balin share another look.

“It’s an old symbol,” Balin started.  “From an old bloodline that slowly developed into a…group, of sorts, ones that made blood pacts to each other and wore their marks proudly. More often than not, they weren’t the nicest of dwarves.”

“They were thieves, bandits, marauders, among other things.” Thorin said.  “My great grandfather cleared them from Erebor long ago. With her…well, it looks like she’s just one creeping back in.”

Dwalin frowns and shakes his head.  “She wasn’t like that.”

“They knew how to act to get what they wanted Dwalin, she-”

“Wasn’t like that.” Dwalin said firmly.  “I know Y/N, and while she was rough around the edges, there was nothing that that spoke ill of her nature.”

A silence fills the room for a long moment, Balin and Thorin debating what to say.

“I just don’t understand why she had to go, with hardly saying a word.”  Dwalin finally broke the silence, his voice quiet and low, his question hanging heavy in the air.

“We may never know Dwalin,” Thorin said softly.  “But…with what’s gone missing lately, we only have to assume the worst.”

Dwalin gaze was dark as he looked at Thorin.  “How many times do I have to say that she wasn’t like that? I knew Y/N.”

“Clearly not enough to know why she would leave so quickly.”

Dwalin was on his feet, hands clenched by his side and a retort on his lips when they were all distracted by hurried footsteps along the hall.

Fili appeared, his face flushed.  “Uncle, you may want to come take a look at this.”

Thorin frowns at him.  “What is it Fili?  This is-”

“It’s Y/N,” Fili was already turning on heel and starting back the way he came.  “Come on!”

Thorin and Balin stood there shocked until Dwalin pushed his way through, hurrying after Fili, before they followed too.

The hall was a buzz of voices in Dwalin’s ears, but none of that mattered, not until he found you and see what was going on.

His step faltered as he saw you standing proud against a group of guards, their weapons raised; your hand on your sword, but you made no movement to draw it.

Dwalin growled and forced his way through them so as he was standing between you and their weapons.  “What do you think you are doing?”

The guards all shared looks.

“Sir, we have reason to believe-”

“You will lower your weapons and that’s an order.” Dwalin growled, the guards hesitating, but he didn’t see it as he turned back to you, quickly taking in your tired expression, even through the calm, he could see that something bad had happened, which was only made more evident when he spotter several bandages sticking through your armour.  “Where have you been Y/N?”

Your eyes softened on him and the beginnings of a smile started. “I’m sorry to have worried you my love, but I could not risk anything happening to you.”

Thorin and Balin caught up then, Thorin’s gaze mistrusting.

“Y/N,” He said a little uncertainly.  “Would you care to explain yourself?”

You glanced at Dwalin for a moment, something like worry flashing across your gaze, but you held yourself tall in front of the King. “First, an apology is order, King Thorin, it was never my intention for this to go as far as it did.  I must also convey that I have sorted the issue and returned what was taken from Erebor.”  You nod at the cart that several of the guards had surrounded and were poking at the bags.

“Sort the issue,” Thorin said slowly.  “And what was the issue exactly?”

“The Guilded.” You said easily, drawing a few murmurs from the crowd and a knowing look between Thorin and Balin.  “What was left of my people, as it were, no doubt you have worked it out by now with the small calling cards that were left behind at each thievery.”

You knew that Dwalin’s gaze was on you, not willing to believe the words you were saying.

“Considering you were banned from Erebor, I find it hard to believe that you worked your way back in so easily.”  Thorin said, frowning.  “And I find it even harder to believe that you are simply returning what was stolen.”

Your smile was sad.  “Trust me, my King, there was nothing easy about it.  There were already not many of us left when we caught wind of the return and reclaim of Erebor, and we all agreed that it was time to reintegrate ourselves into our people’s belief and culture, putting who we were well behind us.  It seemed, however, something that I sadly discovered once it was far too late, that old habits die hard for some.  It took me longer than I would’ve liked to track down those responsible, and even longer to…right the wrong that they have done, hence my prolonged absence.”

Thorin lets out a slow breath.  “You understand Y/N, that there are going to be consequences to these actions, that there will be recompense?”

A bow was your answer.  “I am ready and willing to accept the consequences my people have caused, because although I was not directly involved, I should have been more careful in how I allowed them to roam your city.”

Dwalin stared at Thorin.  “Surely you can’t be locking her away?”

Thorin licked his lips a little nervously.  “You need to see how this looks to the people Dwalin, they need to know that they are safe.”

“You can’t just lock her away!”  He said hotly.  “I will not allow it!”

“Dwalin, we don’t know if the others will return to-”

“There are no others,” You cut in calmly, all eyes returning to you.  “I am now the last.”

“Y/N,” Dwalin asked a tense moment.  “What are you saying?”

“I did what I had to do to protect those that I love.”  You said, not meeting his eye.  “And as none of them were willing to change their ways, I had to put an end to it.  As leader it was my responsibility to do so.  Of those few left in the city, most are already married and have integrated well into Erebor; you will never know the difference and I will divulge no names.”

Silence falls again, the air feeling heavy as Dwalin stared at you, trying to work out how much he really knew you before he looked to Thorin and saw him making a decision.

“Guards, take Y/N to a cell and keep her guarded.  I need to convene with the council to decide what is to be done with her.”  Thorin said it firmly enough, but his voice was ladened with regret.

“No.”  Dwalin said, stepping forward as the guards go to surround you again.  “I won’t allow it!”

He only faltered once your hand rested on his arm, bringing his gaze to yours.

“There's no way to stop it.” You spoke softly to him.  “I know the consequences of my actions and I am prepared to accept them.  Please Dwalin, don’t get yourself hurt for me, that’s why I kept you out of it to begin with.”

Dwalin’s shoulders sink as he sees the honesty and integrity in your eyes and with hardly thinking, wanting to put at least some of the pain in his heart to rest, he took you in his arms and kissed you deeply, uncaring of the watching eyes and bare whispers that followed.

He rests his head on your for a moment, speaking quietly so only you can hear.  “From now on, wherever you go, I follow.  No matter what.”

You smile warmly at him, even as he steps back to let the guards take your weapons and bind your hands.  “I love you Dwalin, no matter what happens, remember that.”

With a feeling of helplessness, Dwalin watched you be lead away. Thorin goes to say something only to be cut off by a dark look, Dwalin turning on his heel and marching back to his room, thinking heavily on what to do next.

[shellsan]

30 Day Writing Challenge

Day Eight: Flight

Fandom: The Hobbit

Pairing: Thorin Oakenshield/Bilbo Baggins

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit, or any of the concepts created by Tolkien.

Flight

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

The first time that Bilbo goes flying, he's terrified, the sight of the ground he was so accustomed to being under his feet seeming so far away that even the adrenaline in his veins couldn't squash it. He was but a simple hobbit, creature of the goddess Yavanna. Never, should he be in a position where his feet cannot no longer touch the ground, and the earth seems too far.

But as Bilbo had come to accept along this journey, he was not the same as other simple hobbits. Other simple hobbits shy away from adventure. They do not travel, nor do they fight. They stay holed up in their burrows, thankful for the peace and safety of the Shire, yet all so accustomed to it.

It was the life Bilbo had lived for so long. But he'd also come to accept that what he believed to be living was merely a facade of going through the motions, trudging through every thing day by day in the hopes that the way his fingers twitched for excitement would fade, and he would finally feel content.

But he digresses, for the topic he wished to think on wasn't his first flight, but was his second.

Although he was terrified the second time he flew as well, the back of the great eagles much more comforting than its claws, despite being just as far from the earth, it was not his fear of the ground so far away that terrified him during that moment, but the thought of the very person clutched in the claws of the animal.

Thorin, lifeless and pale, holding on but not by much.

The words the man had tried to say to him as he lay there, accepting his death on an ice covered lake -don't think about the lake-, echoed in Bilbo's mind. But he would not give up hope. Thorin Oakenshield would not die on this day, or so help him he'd find some magic to bring him back just to kill him again.

Landing, Bilbo watched silently as the dwarves took their king, and people rallied together regardless of their race and previous disposition, helping each other in any way that they can surrounded by the blood and death of a hard won battle.

“Thank you.”

No-one else was going to thank the bird, but Bilbo was rather fond of the animal and he knew that it deserved his thanks more than anyone else ever had.

The bird inclined it's head before turning and flying off.

With his manners taken care of, Bilbo swallowed thickly, all too aware that in his rush to get Thorin to safety he had no idea what had become of his other Dwarven companions.

But if felt wrong to stay standing so close to the encampment, despite the presence of so many that were not dwarves. He was not meant to be here. He had done so much wrong, regardless of his reason, and broken so much trust.

The memory of being held over the battlements was still fresh in his mind and it fought hard against the memory of Thorin telling him that they should part as friends.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice anyone coming near him until a hand landed on his shoulder gently.

Jumping, Bilbo swung around quickly, only see Balin standing before him.

“Why are you so far away? Thorin would have you near him as he battled with death.”

Frowning, Bilbo shook his head. “There is no way that Thorin is awake just yet, so you cannot know that for sure. I'm much more comfortable over here, yes I am.”

“Laddie, you need to get some food in you.” Balin tried instead.

Once more Bilbo shook his head. “I'm quite alright, thank you.” He denied, despite the gnawing in his stomach that said otherwise.

The older dwarf sighed the same way parents did when their faunts didn't listen to reason.

“The other's would have you close.” He insisted.

Bilbo couldn't believe that for a second. After what he'd done there was no way they want him near. But a more pressing concern tugged at his heart. “How are the others?”

Balin smiled wryly. “Everyone survived at the very least. The Ri brother all have minor injuries, cuts mostly. Bofur, Bombur and Bifur are well enough to be wandering around. The brother's Ri are fine, although last I checked Dori was mothering them both so there's nothing to worry about even with the minor cuts and bruises. Dwalin got a couple nastier cuts, but he'll live. Oin and Gloin are fine too. Fili and Kili have the worst injuries other than Thorin, but the both of them have thick skin and even thicker skulls. Give them a week or two and they'll be back to their normal mischief.”

Relieved, Bilbo suddenly felt like a weight was lifted from him. “That's good to hear.” He admitted.

“You would've known if you'd come further into the camp where the rest of the company is.” Balin reminded.

But Bilbo just shook his head. “I will not come any closer until Thorin wakes and asks for me.”

A string of not so nice words seemed to leave Balin's mouth, although Bilbo had no idea what they meant.

To further make his point though, the hobbit sat down on the ground, Sting close to his right hand.

With a grumble, the old dwarf seemed to give up for the moment, turning around and making his way back into the camp.

When he was sure Balin was truly gone, Bilbo relaxed. It was better this way. Of that, he was certain.

Over the next week, there were many visits from various members of the company, but none of them managed to get Bilbo to move. Not even Dwalin's threats were enough

“I swear to Mahal, I will pick you up myself.”

Bilbo sniffed in offence, but couldn't help his smirk. “I'd like to see you try.”

He gave a pointed look to the bandages that still covered the dwarves midsection.

After than, Dwalin had left stomping angrily and shouting about how he hoped that Bilbo died before Thorin woke so that he could tell his king that his hobbit was a complete idiot.

It was all extremely dramatic, but it had been the one moment since he'd set up personal camp so far away that Bilbo had forgotten to be worried for a moment, too busy trying to figure out why he was Thorin's hobbit.

But the distraction hadn't lasted long.

Just as Bilbo was getting ready to last out another day, he spotted Dwalin approaching.

Sighing, the hobbit wanted to throw his hands up in frustration. When would they give up?

As if sensing his thoughts, Dwalin grinned further. “Up you get, laddie. Thorin had awoken, and he had requested you in his tent.”

For a moment, Bilbo debating asking for that to be repeated, unsure if he'd heard correctly, but he squashed the urge. “Very well. Lead on, Master Balin.” He accepted finally, unable to come up with any reason to deny them this time.

He had said that he'd join them when Thorin woke and if he requested Bilbo, after all.

Trailing after the older dwarf, nerves buzzed under his skin. What would Thorin say? Would he take back the words from when he thought he would die? Or perhaps repeat them?

There were many possibilities, and the hobbit was having a hard time thinking through them all.

But the one thing he did not consider, was that Thorin was not always a man of words, but rather a man of action. And his actions this time, were clear.

The third time Bilbo experienced flight, it was in the metaphorical sense, heightened by his physical state of being where in his lips were pressed against Thorin's.

The shock wore off quickly enough, and the hobbit pushed back, kissing fiercely in return.

Speaking would have to come later.

Even this type of flying was terrifying, but as Bilbo was beginning to learn, he was not a simple hobbit who shied away from danger. No, he'd much rather dive straight in.

And dive he did.

[thesportssoundoff]

Everybody is winning except us

Joey

October 7th

Of all of the ways this could've gone, I'm really surprised I didn't figure this would be the EXACT way it would go.

You can't predict Khabib going feet first into a melee outnumbered like 5 to 1, you can't predict Conor McGregor having a "Greedo shot first" moment by actually throwing the first punch (although in his defense, as he scales the cage, someone else is scaling it and I would've assumed anybody from Khabib's corner is going to be after me or my team at that point), you can't predict riots or a full on culture/nationalistic war.

You can always predict chaos in MMA. You can always predict the WORST CASE SCENARIO in this sport.

If you think of all the positive aspects from just the fight alone, you could be here for a while. Conor McGregor took two years off of MMA, came back to fight the scariest dude and had an actually not half bad performance given the stylistic match up, the rust factor and his natural shortcomings as a fighter (quick twitch high reflex muscle memory guy with poor cardio). If anything he could have/should have been applauded for taking the risk and we'd all be asking how a run back goes with an additional six-ish months of training. For Khabib, he once again answered another litany of questions and for the most part aced the toughest test of his career. For the UFC, they put on a tremendous fight card without a hitch, made massive money and set themselves up for another run of successful fights for both guys including a rematch. Everything could've been positive.

But this is MMA. The Worst Case Scenario more often than not will rear its ugly head at the most inopportune time. There's no point in step by stepping anybody through the brawl. What's done is done, what happened happened and everybody and anybody has their opinions on it. We all gain nothing from replaying it over and over. It's more about how we leave this entire fiasco with perceived egg on the faces of everyone involved.

I feel like we have to begin with Khabib Nurmagomedov because at the end of the day, he's the guy here who took this entire joke to the next level. You can't go and fight dudes at the cageside area. That's basic common sense stuff. The problem is that this isn't the first time Khabib has been involved in utter tripe before and maybe this is just who he is. To me, nobody has had their public perception hurt the way he has over the past few weeks from the homeless guy push ups to the presser comments to the open work out fiasco. If "gotten to" is a deal then Khabib epitomized it this entire weekend. Even his brief press conference was a trainwreck as he went from contrition for his behavior to wondering why it was a big deal and dare I even say, attempting the tried and true Whataboutisms that ultimately lead down a road to nowhere. It takes great skill to talk for a minute and reveal you still don't quite get why you're going to be a in a world of trouble.

Now if you believe in the receipt then Conor McGregor's been way overdue for one. This is an act that's spiraled out of control since his KO of Jose Aldo (and perhaps maybe even a bit before that happened) with an eventual "Oh Shit" coming at some point. You don't continually win in shit situations of your own making before something eventually backfires on you (unless you're Jon Jones) and Conor's last two years have exposed the very worst of the act. The Andre Fili/Artem Lobov situation, the Bellator incident, bar fights, speeding tickets of a dangerous sort, the ENTIRE Mayweather-McGregor fight lead up, the bus incident and the presser that was basically a collection of "Too far!" material in an already "Too far!" situation. Conor's gone for it on 4th down a lot recently and every situation he's either scored or gotten a penalty bail out from the bad decision. Eventually those do catch up with you and here we are now. Again, the erosion of SBG; it's image as a gym full of average dudes accomplishing great MMA shit evolving into the world's biggest collection of fake McGregor's has to be mentioned. What do you do when King Midas' left hand turns everything to gold but his right hand turns everything to shit?

Of course we can also bundle up everybody else into one neat and tidy paragraph here; the UFC for being a business first and not a common sense machine second. The bus attack was part of the story in my opinion and couldn't be neglected BUT somebody with a hint of common sense should've said "tone it down" to Conor and Khabib about religion, this that or the other thing. Instead they played it fast and loose, like they did/do with DC vs Jones, without realizing that Jones vs Cormier was a really personal rivalry about two people who for the most part kept it at two people. Hell taking it one step further, we can say that the UFC should've told Conor to tone it down in 2016 or 2017 or 2018. This is what happens when a fighter gains power and becomes TOO big to say to no to. You get this. Conor should've been told "No!" faaaar sooner than this. How about SBG and Khabib's cohorts who seemed to want to interject their asses into this as much as the two fighters themselves. We can also turn a sarcastic thumbs up to the majority of the MMA media; the ones who bloviated "Conor's back!" as he poured out his presser best but not once stopped to ask if maybe this whole religion/nationalism/family feud was going a bit too far. The same ones who refer to last night as a disgrace (which it was) without stopping once along the way to ask if we were heading into this situation by virtue of nobody wondering if this was spiraling. The ones who are SO reliant on MMA (and ergo the UFC and ergo Conor) to do well that they, like the UFC, allowed anything to go in the pursuit of the traffic. Lastly and perhaps most painfully? Us as fans. When the things that sell are always the worst, the bar is always raised. As consumers we have the ability to dictate what we receive and if what works is the dirt worst? Well that's on us, no? If we ascribe to the "We fight in a cage, nothing is bad for the sport" mantra then we wear this. We may not have asked for THIS specifically but that's neither here nor there because we've asked fore more of the bad shit. We ASKED for this.

And ya know the sick part? Everybody wins here really if you think about it. Assuming Khabib isn't suspended for life and incapable of getting back into the United States? He'll have a Conor McGregor rivalry for years to live off of. The same goes for Conor who has mastered the "losing the fights where you have an out" approach. Vs Nate? Well that was on two weeks notice at 170 lbs! Vs Floyd? First fight in boxing! This one? Two year layoff vs the world's greatest wrestler! Once Dana White gets over his personal shame and disappointment? The business man is going to make him realize that he'll have general wealth for every generation he's ever going to have with a Khabib vs Conor rematch. The folks decrying this as shameful will playfully bite their nails and play the "Who knows what's gonna happen!" gimmick at every presser, every face off and every single day leading up to the rematch. Those who shout about how "passionate" these fanbases are will continue to do so while also saying "they're not ALL like that!" when confronted with every social media clip of fans brawling and fighting outside the venue. Even Dillon Danis, a less self aware Robert Drysdale who fashions himself as a bootleg Conor McGregor, has basically made himself into a household name now. Everybody wins because so long as consumers want it? Business ALWAYS wins. That's the nature of the game. It's MMA at its dirt worst and there's perhaps no other place MMA shines then when it's at their dirt worst. Be it boxing or MMA, business booms at the dirt worst level. This is seemingly where the sport actually wakes up and decides to perform.

There are basically just two losers here really. The first is the lightweight division which sure looks like it's careening towards yet another stripped champion. And potentially yet another interim champion. And potentially  yet another year of question or determining just what the hell is going with the most loaded weight class in sports with fighters stuck on a broken elevator that's going neither up nor down. We have the most blessed division in the history of this weird sport and right now we have a champion who's about to be suspended, a former champ who is probably going to chase "money fights" now and the real champion who seems one poorly timed stunt away from ripping everything on the lower half of his body. The world's most talented division is about to get its dick buried in the dirt again for no reason other than the guys at the top of the helm can't control themselves. The other loser? Those of us who cling to the hope that one day this sport won't be like this. At the end of the day, we need to stop assuming MMA's going to one day grow up and just resign ourselves to the knowledge that it is what it is. For those of us who believe this thing is going to clean itself up? Probably not happening. The idea that one day in the not too distant future fights will be able to sell on the basis of being great fights and we won't need to squeeze every bit of juice out of it by resorting to the dirt worst (be it DC referring to Jon Jones as a junkie, anything Colby Covington does or the latent ethnocentrism used to sell this feud) should be dead now. As much as we all want MMA to treat itself like a sport, what the people want---and seemingly what EVERYONE involved in this sport wants---is this. We built this sport on it and now we gotta own it. All sports have brawls/fracases but they're not the drawing point to drawing people in. We WANT this. We OWN this.

If you don't believe me, wait until Covington vs Woodley to confirm it all over again. Prepare yourself for the worst case scenario.

[hacked-wtsdz]

1. Books because I always choose books

2. I’d have to say Aragorn or Frodo because of the wandering part of their lives. I relate deeply to Frodo’s inability to stay at the Shire after Mordor and to Aragorn’s general lostness for the most part of the trilogy.

3. Misty Mountains or Lament for Boromir

4. “My friends, you bow to no one.”

5. Either the Shire or the Woodland Realm, maybe Lothlorien.

6. Elf. I feel like I’d fit right in.

7. Orcs

8. Don’t do this to me. Aragorn, Legolas or Frodo. Tauriel too, Idgaf.

9. I do look like Eowyn tbh

10. Fili and Tauriel. I liked that otp and I liked Tauriel and I liked the Hobbit trilogy and whatcha gonna do about it

11. Probably ThorinxBilbo. I don’t see it at all.

12. Had they not been shot in New Zealand with its fantastic landscapes, it could have not become this great. But I’m not sure.

13. Add some cut scenes?

14. Ohhh I once read somewhere that Tolkien would hate it but I think that he would’ve loved them. They offer so much escapism and comfort and hope to people, it’s what he would’ve wanted.

15. Tauriel

16. Lothlorien

17. Denethor. He’s a dumbass.

18. No

19. Gandalf beating Denethor with a stick

20. Orlando Bloom, Sir Christopher Lee and Liv Tyler

21. Legolas, Merry, Arwen

22. Tauriel/Legolas’ fighting knives

23. I don’t know, honesty. I have a pretty strong force of will, so there’s a chance that no.

24. Legolas or Aragorn

25. Unfortunately, only a Legolas funko pop

26. Yep. Rereading them right now.

27. No:(

28. I first read the lotr books when I was 13. I read the Hobbit at age 10 or 11 and LOVED it. Watched the movies about a month ago because I was afraid of spoiling the book experience. Oh, how wrong I was.

29. Not really

30. I’d have to say Return of the King

31. Fuck Aragorn, kill Gimli, marry Legolas (…..)

32. Either Tauriel’s costume or Eowyn’s battle armour

33. Shelob probably. That Denethor tomato scene is emotionally traumatic too tho

34. Gondor

35. Aragorn or Faramir, Arwen as mom

36. Frodo/Aragorn

37. Watched lotr about a month ago, the hobbit — a week ago

38. Wow you really are allergic to awesomeness

39. Gandalf’s Shadowfax

40. Grace of Undomiel or The Fellowship Reunited?

LOTR Themed Questions

[niteowlnest]

Twist the Knife: Part 11 (Final)

Summary: Three dwarves babbling about orcs and dying in another world crash into Holly’s life and home, literally. The royal line of Durin is trapped on Earth, and Holly must help them get back to where they belong.

Rating: Mature

Pairing: Thorin Oakenshield X OC

A/N: Well, we’ve come now to the end, and just as winter makes a dramatic exit, too, with one more snowfall. :) Thanks to all who have been reading this. Hope you enjoyed!

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10  Part 11 (Final)

"This is normal, Holly," Gandalf, with a slight lilt of exasperation in his voice, assured me. "Absolutely nothing to be alarmed by. He hasn't changed one bit."

And he thought that was supposed to be reassuring? While I knew all that, and didn't doubt a thing he was saying, I couldn't help but ask myself if I knew what exactly that meant, and what it would mean for the future.

Because that obstinate, hotheaded, suspicious old dwarf had locked himself in his bedchambers, speaking to no one and allowing not a soul in, like some pouty teenager. And that, I realized with a sense of incredulity, was who I wanted to marry. What a mess.

My frustration was shared. Fili and Kili looked about ready to tear their hair out, which would've been a damn shame. Instead of immediately going into a panic like I did, because that man has somehow managed to make me lose all my faculties by doing absolutely nothing to me, they started puffing like steam trains. Kili even marched down the hallway to bang on his door, demanding in the scariest display I have ever seen from that sweet boy that he open up and actually look at me for more than five seconds.

"He's always been wary of magic," grumbled a dwarf who had entered the room not long ago and struck me entirely dumb with how little familiarity I had with these guys. When Fili and Kili mentioned their extensive company while journeying to reclaim Erebor, and the names Balin and Dwalin came up, I hadn't entirely imagined who I would find holding them. Balin could have probably blended right in with Happy and Sleepy, but Dwalin? By my guess, he'd eat the rest of the bunch.

"And you haven't?" Kili scoffed, literally blowing smoke now that he had his intricately-designed pipe. He hadn't stopped since we walked into what they told me was the kingdom's council room.

"Never said I didn't."

"What magic are we witnessing, though?" Balin asked in his statesmanlike tone he'd been fond of using this whole meeting. If that didn't give away his position in the ranks, his clothes would have. He turned to me, a kind eye above his crisp white beard. "What's your story, lass?"

I tilted my head toward the brothers. "Nice to know I wasn't worth mentioning to your friends and family."

Fili shrugged. "We said a great deal. I don't think they paid attention to our description of you so much as they wanted to know about where we'd been."

"Mother was interested," Kili chimed in.

"Holly is from the world where the souls of the king and princes were sent to upon their imminent deaths," Gandalf explained, and I was more than happy to let him handle the specifics, as I was nowhere near qualified to give a Ted talk about this. "It is because of her that they were able to find their way back to Middle-earth."

"So she is the girl that sheltered you?" Dwalin asked of the boys, simultaneously eyeing me up. Another dwarf my height, and equally intimidating as the other one. I just stared back; shouldn't let them smell fear, after all.

"A fine home," Fili said, handing me a grin that I returned. "Warm and dry in the middle of a snowstorm. We'd have been lost without her, truly."

"It was by her hand that the three of them could escape her world and return here." The wizard like to embellish, I've learned, and not in any way I'd like. Can I make him stop?

I suddenly had two sharp dwarf eyes glaring pointy daggers at me. Dwalin, arms cross over his wide chest, turned to face me. "What does 'by her hand' mean?"

Ugh.

Gandalf took a step toward me, which I felt disconcerting considering the amount of dwarven steel in the room. "The only way that their souls could have been returned to their original bodies was if they were released from the ones they had inhabited in her world in the same way they were taken here."

"Yes," I answered the puzzled, yet threatening head-cocking, "I had to kill them...him."

"It was the only way," Kili jumped in.

"You put their lives in the hands of a girl who had no weapons experience?" Dwalin growled at Gandalf in a fit I’d entirely expected.

"It was the only way," the old man barked back. "And as you can see, she was perfectly capable of the task. She had every reason to desire it done efficiently and appropriately."

"Can't you ever speak straight, wizard?"

Of course, as I remained the open book I'd always been, someone was paying enough attention to me to notice when I glanced toward my feet, probably with cheeks glowing bright pink. When I looked up again, I caught Balin's scrutinizing stare and noticed the exact moment he realized what Gandalf was hinting at. I anticipated disgust, to say the least; it didn't take a genius to know that a king forging a relationship with someone outside of his own race would not be received well amongst his people. I hadn't just been talking about Middle-earth when I said I didn't belong in his world. All I found in the old dwarf's eyes, however, was surprise. The shock would subside later, I bet, and be replaced with derision. But his warm face and diplomatic demeanor probably wouldn't allow me to see it.

Dwalin, though a little slower, wasn't so witless as to completely miss our split-second exchange. He, however, wasn't so keen on keeping his thoughts a secret. "You can't be meaning what I think ya mean."

"Holly's home wasn't the only place Thorin was invited." Gandalf pinned me with a smile.

"Well, don't make it sound like that." Even though, where my mind went, the sexy brute was more than welcome.

The balding dwarf didn't seem too happy, but he hadn't made a fuss quite yet. Instead, he folded his arms tighter and pouted. Yep, the Viking look-a-like actually stuck his lower lip out. "So why'd he bar you out?"

"You know, if I knew that, I'd have found a way into his room and dragged him out by the ear." Because, while I wanted to blame his behavior on our last moment together and the nauseating way it ended, that smile as he faded away was still plastered to the back of my eyelids. I expect anyone to have some ill feeling toward the one who deliberately put them through pain like that, but I had to keep reminding myself of our circumstances.

"None of us would've expected her to end up here," Fili explained, "as, according to Gandalf, the only way to cross worlds is through an extreme event. We held no hope that we'd ever see her again. The shock of her showing up here must've hit him hard."

"You think she's...?" Dwalin trailed off, eyebrows jumping as he caught his brother's eye.

"I'd put money on it," Kili said without hesitation. "Why else would she have been sent here and not died naturally in her world?"

"A keen observation, Kili," Gandalf applauded.

"What?"

Fili looked at me and grinned. "Best we let Thorin fill you in. Once we can pull him from his room."

I don't think he needed to. I had a bit of an idea, and my heart thumped wildly at the very thought. "I want to try it."

"Try what?"

"Getting him out. He's been spooked, and I don't think it's a good idea to let him sit around for too long with whatever's going around in his head. I know I should trust you all about him; hell, I've only known of your existence for a few weeks, and I have no true claim to knowing him. But I'm not comfortable with doing nothing when I'm the reason he's like this. Let me see if I can coax him out."

Gandalf nodded. "You're right. But be cautious, dear one. I know he would not attempt to hurt you, as he is too virtuous a dwarf to let any harm befall a woman, let alone one he has taken to. However, he is confused and defensive. Little can be known of how he may react."

Even when he thought I had bad intentions for him and his nephews when we first met, he never once went after me in a mindless fit of rage or anything else. No, I don't think he'd do anything at all to me. It was for him that I was worried. So, with an escort in both the boys to show me the way back to the royal hall, I approached the wide, steady doors leading to the king's chambers. I tried the gold handle, jiggling it a bit to see if he'd left it unlatched when the knocking stopped. It didn't budge, and I heard no sound from inside. I turned to the other two.

“Don’t stop,” Fili encouraged with a nod. “His head’s thick, but you know that. If anyone’s capable of getting through to him, it’ll be you. Just don’t give up.”

“No chance of that happening,” Kili grinned. “Never known someone who could match him stride-for-stride the way you do. He’s lucky to have found you.”

“All right, enough of that, both of you.”

They both gave me a wink before they turned to slip back into their room at the behest of their kin, who worried for their health after all this excitement. I turned back to the door and took a deep breath, pounding my fist against the door. "Thorin, it's me. I'm here. Can you please let me in?"

No sound whatsoever. I wondered if he had gotten out and locked it behind him, or if there was a secret passage leading to his rooms that he’d escaped through. There didn't seem to be a soul in there. But those two were right. I wasn't going to be deterred that easily.

I knocked again, hopefully louder as the force I used rattled through my arm. "Thorin, open up. Come on. I'm not a dream, okay? I never was. Remember holding hands? That felt real, didn't it? That whole week did." I leaned against the door, gripping the handle. "I couldn't do what you asked, you know. I couldn't forget any of you. God, Thorin, I've never felt anything like that in my life. There was no way I'd ever be able to forget it just like that. Not after all we went through. Look, I'm...I'm sorry I had to do what I did. I didn't want to. But you knew that, didn't you? You told me that you accepted it." I bit my lip, trying not to let my voice waver. "But I know it couldn't have been easy to face down a blade again, willingly letting yourself be...killed, no matter if you knew where you'd end up. That thought didn't help me either. I've never in my whole life done anything that hard, and I know that's not saying much compared to what you've been through, but it's true. I felt it so hard, and I felt you leave, and I thought I'd gone with you. I realized what it was like to survive, but not live." I laughed, a horribly wet sound since my eyes had begun to drip. "I couldn't do that either. I didn't live. I'm so bad at taking orders. Can't fulfill them even when I want to."

I felt it before I heard it. The gentle click of the lock vibrated through the handle where my fist washed out white from my death grip. It didn't move, but I took it as a sign, and immediately pulled it down and pushed the door in with all my might. It budged just enough to let me in the room and, wiping a hand across my face, I slipped inside. The sound of the door closing as I leaned back against it echoed through the chambers, then I stood in silence interrupted only by the crackling of a fire across the room. The space was everything I'd imagine a king would repose in after a hard day's work, but I didn't take the time to dwell on anything. In front of me, standing in the middle of the room on the dark red rug strewn across the stone floor, was the King Under the Mountain.

The cloak he'd had on when he entered the boy's chambers was gone, leaving him in nothing but a simple bone-white shirt, trousers, and his boots. His hair was wet and a bit disheveled, but nowhere near a bird's nest. His back was to me, arms hugging his body tightly as he stared into the flames. I took a leap, tip-toeing as quietly across the floor as I could. He was right there, so close I could smell the soap he'd used in his bath. The pine scent I'd been so enticed with was there, too, always present. His heat begged me to come closer, and the sheer thought of what it would be like to be wrapped up in it again took me back to my dreams. How could it be possible to want someone this much?

I couldn't hold back. I reached out and touched his arm, telling myself not to pull away when he flinched. But he didn't jump far, and I curved my hand around his shoulder and squeezed. Solid, as I remembered. Powerful. I stepped around him to stand at his front. His raven hair fell forward, unchecked, and I reached up to brush it back and tuck it behind his ear. His face was shadowed, tired and far away. Then he looked at me. It was almost as if he looked right through me, expecting me not to actually be there. But the moment he finally realized I was there, I could see the shift in his weary blue eyes. The spark of light I had watched dim as the portal stole him away from me. He came back to life in an instant, a rush of air leaving his chest as his lips soundlessly formed my name. I nodded, suddenly feeling like I was walking on air.

"It's me, Thorin. I'm here."

He nodded, the action growing in intensity as it struck him. He lunged forward, and I was quite literally swept off my feet as he pulled me into the most satisfying and desired embrace I'd ever gotten in my life. His breath stuttered against my neck, hands roaming everywhere they willed, and I let him. I did exactly the same, sharing his need to touch. Because how else would I know if this was another dream? But those weren't dreams, I realized. They were visions of the future, a future we could have now. I was where I belonged.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, the words brushing across my ear. We pulled away at the same time, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"What for?"

Troubled, his brow furrowed. "For putting you through that. For ever entering your life and disrupting it. You were better off with your simple path, uninterrupted by a dwarf who had no right to even receive life again. I should not have taken anything from yours. You should never have had to know me."

Each word etched a painful slit into my heart, because as I watched his face, I realized he believed it all. I clasped both hands on his cheeks, rubbing my thumbs over the edge of his beard. "I would do it all again, Thorin. Every bit. Even if I had known I would lose my life, never to regain it here, I would've still done it. You have no idea what you've done to me, you insufferable dwarf. You've shown me how good it feels to have someone there for you, to know that someone cares. I've never experienced love before, and you're the biggest idiot I know if you think I'd ever give up knowing what that's like."

I couldn't even care about the fact that I'd literally just confessed everything to him then, because his face was worth it. Happiness, relief, bewilderment, and love all combined to create the most handsome visage my wildest fantasies couldn't dream up. Then it was pressed to mine, blowing me away with a mind-numbing kiss. I sank deeply into it, and into him, and let all the longing that had festered in me these past weeks come forward in a sob.

It was so perfect. This man with all his flaws and blemishes was perfect.

"I'm sorry," were the first words out of his mouth when ours parted, his large hand slipping into my hair and threading through the locks.

"What now?" I whined, desperately wanting to go back to what we were doing.

He chuckled. "For shutting you out."

I shook my head at him, taking his hand and leading him toward the sofa next to the warm fire. "Don't be silly. I startled you."

"Don't make excuses for me. I should know better." As we sat with our legs and shoulders pressed against the other's, he played with my smaller fingers in his lap. "I truly thought you were a dream."

"Have you been walking around that way since you got back?"

He smirked. "No. I mean I thought our time in your world was a dream. It was...too good to be anything but. To have known the joy I received from meeting you, finding you, especially when I knew I didn't deserve it after the actions I performed leading up to my death, it wasn't something I could trust myself on. You know of my madness that drove me to see deceit and enemies that weren't there."

I nodded. "You defeated it."

"Did I? It consumed me, even when I knew what it was I had to resist. I was not prepared for its impact. I wasn't strong enough. Who is to say it will not take me again? I just knew it had, giving me visions of a life I want and taunting me with it just out of my reach. Fili and Kili never mentioned anything, and honestly, I wouldn't have let them continue if they did. I was prepared to accept the fate I'd been dealt since I was young: true happiness is not mine to have."

It hit me. I knew my purpose here then. I had to show this man that, no matter what he had done that he thought should be rewarded with nothing but misery, he still deserved a life full of things to be proud of. If he allowed me, I knew I could give him that. I had the power to fulfill any desire he had. That was what it meant to be his One.

I tossed myself into his lap, giving mind to his healing injuries only when it was too late. But he didn't seem to care, pulling me tightly against him and meeting my lips when I clamored for his. It was a long exchange, this one, but slow and sweet. I hoped everything I had come to realize in that moment would be conveyed to him. I sealed my silent vow in those kisses. After a time, we stopped to catch our breaths, our heads pressed together.

His thumb brushed over my fingers, and he watched the movement until the urge to look up into my eyes struck him. "You died, didn't you? To have been brought here?"

I nodded, knowing that thought would never hit me as I expected it to. In my eye, there was nothing but life ahead of me.

"Did you suffer?" he whispered, pulling my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to it.

I shook my head.

He took a deep breath. "Good." He hugged me tighter. "I do not want to be selfish—"

"Impossible."

He grinned. "I am glad you're here, even under the circumstances that brought you here."

I pecked his cheek, clutching his shoulders and clothes. "So am I." Even if it had been painful, this, this, was worth it.

**************************

Erebor took quite some time to rebuild after being pillaged by a dragon and assaulted by a war that nearly took the lives of its king and the heirs to its throne. However, the impressive flood of dwarves returning to their home after decades of being away made the process so much smoother. Some scars on the grand stone walls could not be buffed out right away, and they remained a grave reminder of what happened, but no one despaired over them. Ever optimistic, the dwarves took it as something to be proud of, a symbol of their hard work.

I met the whole Company of Thorin Oakenshield along the way, and what a group. So many unique faces and walks of life, I couldn't imagine how Thorin had coordinated all of them in their one, nearly impossible goal. But they were so welcoming after hearing my story, you'd have thought they knew me their whole lives. They became so comfortable around me, I was subjected to hearing of things I'd much rather have gone on my merry way never knowing. As far as entertainment went, I knew where I needed to go to get it. Their jolliness slacked when Bilbo left, Gandalf leaving with him to escort him back to his home many hundreds of miles away. Gandalf promised to drop in some time, and Bilbo pledged continuous communication with all of them, but I knew they'd be missed.

I got to meet Dis, Fili and Kili's mother, just as they had expressed their desire for me to. She was as lovely as they described. The strength that Thorin went on about that day was there in the way she held herself, a steadfastness against all that had faced her family. She was certainly someone to strive to be, and I could tell she influenced her sons and brother a great deal. She welcomed me as enthusiastically as the rest, thanking me for taking in her family. Through her, I learned what I needed to know about living in Middle-earth, parted from the technology I'd become dependent on. Our relationship only grew rapidly afterward.

The Lonely Mountain came first, and I expected that. So many dwarves became dependent on it. It was vital that the kingdom be revived enough to sustain itself and start repaying debts. Once that was done, Thorin and I could focus on us. Our wedding came quick because, let's be honest, there was only one way this thing could go, so why not just get a move on? On top of everything I had to get used to, I suddenly became a wife, and to a king. But its perks far outshined its pitfalls. A wonderful man in my husband could do that easily.

One day, I surprised him.

“You dreamt of me?”

He was a little confused as to why I decided to pull him out of the mountain on the anniversary of when I had dropped into Middle-earth, especially when a quick accumulation of snow had dusted the ground. So I told him about how he had taken over my dreams even before I knew he was in my heart. Every little detail came back to me clearer than any memory, and I realized that I wanted to actually make it one instead of a vision. Every single part.

“Oh, don’t give me that,” I scolded him, tugging him along by the hand at a little faster pace. Of course, he would much rather we spend this occasion in our warm, cozy chambers with a crackling fire and our bed piled high with furs. But I was determined, so I overrode his resistance. “What makes you think I would’ve told you, especially since we hadn’t gotten together when they started? Would it have made a difference?”

“Yes. I would have stayed with you, no matter how insistent you were in sending me back here. It would’ve brought validation to my own experiences and my conclusions afterward.”

I turned to him, cocking my head to the side. “Your own experiences?”

“In your dreams, I told you that you were my One. Just as you were given visions, so was I. It was our bond. I felt it immediately. As if I would’ve told you that. I had just died.”

I nodded. “That did put a wrench in a lot of things.” I suddenly smiled at him, tucking myself against his side and threading my arm through his. “And what did you dream of?”

“A few more adventurous things than having you up against a wall in a cave during a snowstorm. Now I know why you’re so fond of that.”

Heat flashed through my body. To say our marital intimacy had been influence just a tad would be an understatement. He’d made a few requests himself. Now I know why. “How salacious of you.”

“You’re one to talk.” We both knew who had control in the bedroom.

“I also dreamt of walking through Erebor with you, as we are now. Exploring its halls with you, my wife, at my side. My two greatest loves in one place. It was everything I could ever need.”

There’d been plenty of that, too, even before we were married, and they were some of the most romantic dates I’d ever been on. And what do you know? Thorin’s actually a big flirt.

“It is a reality I thank Mahal for every day.” He pressed a kiss to my temple, something he was very fond of.

I was, too. So I did to right back. “I love you.”

He grinned widely. “And I love you.”

The flakes grew larger and heavier within just a moment, and I pulled him along again. “Come on. We’ve got a good ways to go. And I have plans to accomplish.”

“And what exactly would those be?” he smirked.

I leaned toward his ear, filling him in, because I hadn’t told him every single detail of the dreams. When his eyes grew wide and his pace increased, I knew I had his attention, laughing as I became the one to be pulled along.

He smiled so much now. Judging by the reactions of his friends and kin, this was a new development, and I could believe their wonder to be genuine. I was mesmerized by the beauty behind it. Real smiles achieved wonders to a once solemn existence. I was on my way to fulfilling that vow.

Then, a year after our marriage, I told him about the little life that we had created, nestled snugly within me, and I knew I'd done it. I'd made him truly happy, and simultaneously found what I'd been looking for myself. Solitude was far in the past. I had all the joy I could ever want.