#muse;; you will burn! (smaug)

[adventures-written]

;; Plotted starter for @orcristwielder

The notorious Smaug had struck again. This time in the Tower of London, taking the Crown Jewels themselves. How the man had swooped in almost entirely unnoticed was a question in itself. The only reason anyone had known the thievery was happening was because of some poor sod just doing his job, had caught Smaug while he was making his way out. Needless to say, it did not end well for the guard and the gunshot drew the attention of many.

Before anyone came to the scene, however, Smaug was long gone, as were the jewels, and his signature red dragon calling card was left on the victim.

Bilbo could already feel the migraine kicking in from a lack of sleep. He had been woken up just after the incident had happened, called into headquarters to be debriefed on the situation. Gandalf seemed insistent that he hurry, and the moment he heard the tone of voice from his superior, he knew it was quite serious. Of course, details could not be discussed over the phone. It was an insecure line.

Although a little reluctant, Bilbo crawled himself out of bed and got dressed. As much as he would have preferred to shower before going in, there simply was no time for that. He was groggy and clutching his traveler of fresh tea a little tightly as he headed out the door.

It was concerning how frantic everyone was when he arrived at HQ. He could not remember when this place had been so lively. He observed people running about, barking orders and trying to still hold their composure. Bilbo sipped his tea as he walked, heading for the far room at the end of the hall where he knew Gandalf would be waiting for him.

“What is it this time?” Bilbo asked, “A spy break his cover? Did one of the Royals slip in the show? Why can’t the emergencies occur during the day?” His tone was jokingly sarcastic, though the look he got from Gandalf spoke volumes. Bilbo took a sip of his tea to bite back anymore comments he wanted to make. “Worse, I’m afraid, Mr. Baggins,” Gandalf spoke up, sliding a document across the table. Bilbo looked down at the file and saw the name. Without another moment of hesitation, he opened the document and started to sift through the files. 

“How did he get in?” Bilbo asked, “How did no one see him?!” “That is a question we are currently trying to answer ourselves,” Gandalf sighed, “But, we do know he was seen heading on a flight destined to America. Where he is going from there, we are unsure. We don’t even know where he is landing...” Bilbo looked puzzled as he stared at the files, placing a hand under his chin as he stared at the blurred image from a security camera of Smaug. He was trying to think of all the places one could go with the Crown Jewels. Did he take them with him to America? Did he hand them off before fleeing? And why America?

“So we will have to seek aid from the American’s -- have we already been in contact with a branch of national security?” Bilbo asked, finally looking back at Gandalf again. “Actually...” Gandalf’s look almost fell playful, “I have already been in contact with someone. He was here in London on some...family business.” “And who might that be?” Bilbo asked, waiting to hear a familiar name he had heard of. 

They had several American’s that they dealt with on a daily or weekly basis, so he was no stranger to the usual suspects. “Thorin Durin,” Gandalf said the name with ease and Bilbo’s brows knitted up with confusion. He could not recall hearing that name before, his list of usual suspects hitting a dead stop.

“And who might that be?” he asked, a little annoyed now that Gandalf looked so amused. As if he had one over the man or something. “Well, he did enter the room just behind you a few moment ago,” Gandalf commented, watching as Bilbo turned to gaze at the one who would be a stranger to him, “Thorin Durin, this is Bilbo Baggins. I’d suggest you two become quite comfortable around each other as you will be working quite closely together.”

Bilbo was trying to piece together who this man was and why it was him. Gandalf did not just pick people based on skill alone, so there had to be something unique about Mr. Durin.

Where were his manners?

He took a moment to clear his throat and offer his hand to Thorin, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Durin.” Given the moment, perhaps such introductions should have been skipped over, but Bilbo was always a man of manners. That was just how he was raised, even if they were undeserved.

[maaaddiexo]

Birthday Encounters | Legolas Greenleaf

Mainlist | Serieslist

Pairing: Legolas Greenleaf x fem!reader

-

“Aragorn!”

Strong arms wrapped around her waist as her friend of countless years lifted her and spun her in circles.

“Y/N! It has been far too long.” The King placed Y/N back on her feet in his home.

Y/N nodded. “I agree. Thank you for the invitation.”

Aragorn gave Y/N a kind smile and gestured for them to walk. “Of course. How have you been?”

Y/N smiled. “Good. I have been helping the Ents repair their land since Saruman’s destruction of Fangorn Forest. Did you get my wedding present? I heard Arwen enjoyed jewelry-making in her spare time.”

Aragorn smiled. “Yes, she loves it.” He was upset Y/N could not make their wedding and considered postponing it just so that she could attend. But being so ill, they had no idea when she would be well enough to attend. “What else have you been doing?”

Y/N shook her head. “Traveling. Relaxing. You know that fight took more out of me than I ever got back.”

Aragorn nodded. “Somehow, I always forget you fought in the Battle of the Five Armies all those years ago. Perhaps because you never speak of it.”

Y/N smiled sadly. “Well, there’s nothing good to speak of. Perhaps if there was, I would talk more of it.”

Aragorn frowned. “Sorry. I did not mean to upset you.”

Y/N looked over the balcony they had stopped at, seeing Arwen talking to two elves she did not recognize. Not that she knew many to begin with. “It’s alright.”

“Come, Lady Y/N. I am sure you’ve missed Arwen.”

As they descended the stairs, Y/N said, “I’m not a Lady. You know that.”

“You are in my eyes. But don’t let Arwen hear that.”

Y/N laughed as they reached the bottom of the stairs, catching the attention of Aragorn’s wife, Arwen.

“Y/N!” The elf exclaimed happily, reaching forward to grab her arms. The woman had become used to the customs of men and women while married to Aragorn and moved to hug Y/N, a custom most elves did not engage in. As Arwen had put it years ago, elves did not like to touch people they were not close to.

“Arwen! I have missed you, my friend.”

Arwen, who looked like she had not aged a day, smiled in agreement. “The last time I saw you-”

“I looked horrible,” Y/N laughed. “Hopefully, I look much better now.”

Arwen smiled. “Much better.”

“Arwen? Are you not going to introduce us to your friend?” The two elves waited expectantly behind the dark-haired elf. Both were fair-skinned with braided silver hair. The one who spoken was a young girl, though it was hard to tell just how old she was.

Arwen smiled. “This is Y/N. She and Aragorn met when Sauron tried to regain power. She has been a friend ever since.”

The two elves gave short bows. “And this is Selina and Legolas. Sindar elves.”

Mirkwood elves, Y/N realized. And the name Legolas rang a bell. “You are the son of Thranduil.”

Legolas nodded but displayed a slightly sour face. “And Seline is my guard. She goes wherever I go and has become quite a close companion to Arwen and Aragorn.”

Y/N smiled at Seline, who did not talk much. Both were ethereal in their elven beauty, practically glowing. Y/N felt ugly in their presence – but that was what most non-elves felt. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”

“I assume Aragorn’s birthday brings you here as well?”

Y/N nodded. “Considering I missed their wedding, it was the least I could do.”

Aragorn sighed. “For the last time, we do not blame you. You made great sacrifices on the Lonely Mountain. It is not your fault you get sick often.”

Y/N looked away in shame.

“Oh, leave her be, Aragorn. You know how stubborn she can be. More stubborn than that red-bearded friend of yours, Gimli.”

“Seline!” A small girl appeared from the west hall, reaching the she-elf’s waist. “You’re back!”

The elf smiled and bent down, whispering something in the little girl’s ear before being towed down the hall to an unknown location. The little girl barely dodged the incoming servant, dressed in purple and gold thread.

“My Lord and Lady, the advisors need to speak with you. Urgently.”

Aragorn sighed and reached for his love. “We will be right there. Y/N? Do you mind showing Legolas around? He has not visited since the attack.”

Y/N chanced a glance at the elven prince before nodding. “Of course. Does that include the wine cellar?”

Aragorn playfully flicked his friend’s nose. “You stay out of there. You drink like a dwarf.”

“I take that as a compliment!” Y/N yelled as the duo followed after the servant. Once they were out of sight and earshot, she turned to Legolas. “Shall we start at the wine cellar?”

•••

“And that’s it,” Y/N said, stopping where they had started. She hid her pain well, casually leaning against a stone pillar to relieve some of the pressure in her lungs.

“They have expanded since I was last here,” Legolas mused, taking in the almost-elvish architecture. Then again, Aragorn had spent a lot of his live in Rivendell. Legolas looked back at Y/N, who seemed to have trouble breathing. Her chest expanded roughly, stuttering as her eyes watered. “Are you alright, My Lady?”

Y/N forced a laugh. “Why does everyone call me that? I’m not a Lady.”

“You look like one.” Legolas looked an elf caught off guard, which was a rare thing to behold. His fair cheeks flushed slightly and he looked away momentarily before speaking again, this time much faster. “You seem to have trouble breathing.”

Y/N waved him off. “It’s nothing, really. It’ll pass soon enough.”

“What is ‘it’?”

Y/N sighed. “A long time ago, I used to live in Lake-town. I lived there when Thorin Oakenshield and Bilbo Baggins woke the dragon, Smaug, and he burned my home. The smoke damaged my lungs. I have struggled to breathe since but exercise makes it worse. I don’t expect an elf like you to understand. I know your kind never tires.”

Legolas squinted at Y/N. Her ears were round and her skin was not flawless but…there was something about her. The way she carried herself. “You have elven blood in you.”

Y/N was surprised. Most people didn’t notice the drop of elf in her. “Yes. One of ancestors was elvish. Though, I inherited nothing but prolonged aging and the ability to jump.”

Legolas felt himself smile at the news. There were few of his kin left in Middle-Earth. And halfling or not, she counted.

“Do you know any elvish?”

Y/N shook her head, still trying to catch her breath and stay the pain deep in her lungs. “No. Aragorn tried to teach me but it just doesn’t sound-” Y/N couldn’t finish her sentence, interrupted by a coughing fit. She bent over the railing, coughing and trying to catch her breath. Something touched her back – Legolas, she realized. She waved him off. “Just give me a moment. This damned corset makes matters so much worse.”

“Corset?”

Y/N nodded and something was brought to her lips. Legolas’ waterjug. She drank eagerly until the rough burn in her throat was soothed. “Thank you. And, yes. My mother insisted I wear a corset because it is what women do these days.” Y/N harrumphed at that and Legolas laughed.

“Is your mother here?”

“No, she stayed with my father back home to work on our farm.”

“Then why not loosen it? Or lose it entirely?”

“You make it sound like disobeying a parent’s order is easy.”

“I know for a fact that it isn’t,” Legolas said firmly. “But doing what you desire is freeing. Even if it means just losing a corset.”

“Legolas! Y/N!” Aragorn and Arwen appeared at the end of the hallway before Y/N could say anything. “Dinner is in an hour.”

Y/N smiled and Arwen moved forward. “Let’s get you changed, my friend.”

Y/N let herself be dragged off to her friend’s chambers where Arwen searched through the wardrobe, stopping on a pale blue dress with an attached cape and gold ringlets at the shoulders.

“Perfect.”

Arwen braided Y/N’s hair in a signature elvish braid, pulling it back to reveal her perfectly round ears. “I sense Aragorn and I interrupted something between you and Legolas back in the main entryway.”

Y/N shook her head softly. “He just said something, is all.”

“You’ve got the furrow in your brow you always get when you think too hard. Did his words bother you? He is from Mirkwood. They don’t have the best manners.”

“No, not at all,” Y/N assured as they moved to the door. It was almost time for the birthday feast to begin. “He just said something…eye-opening.”

“An elf? Saying something wise? How odd.”

Y/N laughed as they approached the garden. Legolas, Seline, Aragorn, and red-bearded dwarf were waiting for them. The human and two elves had changed, and Aragorn now wore his signature crown. He looked like a king. Arwen left Y/N’s side to join her husband’s.

“What’s so funny?”

“Just your wife finally grasping human humour. She’s become quite good at it.”

Aragorn rolled his eyes. “Don’t remind me. Y/N, this is Gimli. I’ve told you about him.”

Y/N curtsied. “I have heard plenty about you. Pleasure to finally meet you.”

Gimli touched his heart like an elf would. “The pleasure is all mine, Milady.”

“Why do people keep saying that?”

Gimli stuttered. He was expecting a thank you, not an argument. “W-well…you look like a princess.”

Y/N glanced at Legolas from the corner of her eye in amusement. He was already staring at her. “People keep saying that too.”

Aragorn chuckled and the two humans shared a look. The other four looked between the two humans as their eyebrows furrowed and raised and, finally, Y/N stuck out her tongue childishly.

“Something is happening that I do not understand,” Gimli finally said.

Legolas, who did not take his eyes off the two, said, “Me neither.”

“Shall we go in?” Aragorn said. “The little ones are already inside.”

“You mean the Hobbits you always talk about in your letters? Y/N asked eagerly.

Aragorn chuckled. “Yes. I will introduce you.”

“May I escort you to our table’ Milady?”

Y/N smiled at Gimli and nodded, slipping her hand around his upper bicep. Legolas and Seline followed behind them. The vines parted to reveal a garden from a fairytale. People were chatting loudly and small children ran around their parents’ feet. Ahead, four small men were already seated at the head table and turned to see them arrive.

“Legolas! Gimli!”

Y/N moved away so that the six could rejoice, looking for her place at the table. Her name was written in beautiful Elven cursive and knew Arwen had written it. Her name was between Legolas’ and Aragorn’s and she felt comfort in that. Though she wasn’t sure why Legolas’ proximity had an effect on her. Y/N moved to walk around the garden, examining all the details that had been considered for Aragorn’s ninetieth birthday.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Y/N turned to see Legolas had approached her. She was standing by the wall of well-wishes, where guests wrote notes for the birthday boy.

“Yes. Arwen did a wonderful job of combining both human and Elvish customs. I’m sure Aragorn will be quite overjoyed when they finally come in.”

“May I escort you back to our table?”

Y/N stared at Legolas’ outreached arm, waiting for her take it as she took Gimli’s. “I was under the impression that Elves did not touch people outside their loved ones?”

“You are correct,” Legolas smiled humbly. “But humans do. Besides, I spent plenty of time with the Hobbits, Gimli, and Aragorn while fighting Sauron. I do not stick as strictly to Elven customs as I once did.”

Y/N smiled. “In that case,” she wrapped her arm around Legolas’ bicep. “I would love to be escorted. Perhaps…we could dance later too?”

“Mirkwood elves don’t really dance,” Legolas admitted. “But a few years back Gimli introduced me to drinking games. I’m quite good at those.”

Y/N laughed. “I’ll take your word for it and pass on that offer. I’ve heard elves cheat at them. But we could sit and talk.” They were at the table now. “Arwen and Aragorn have told me all about Rivendell but I know very little of Mirkwood.”

Legolas bowed. “You have an accord.”

The night was filled with laughter, spilt ale, and dancing. Pippin and Merry had been up on a random table for the past thirty minutes, singing as their mugs of ale were continuously filled.

Nyx’s stomach hurt from laughing so long and hard and was grateful her dress didn’t have a corset. Her lungs began to ache and she reached for a goblet of water in hopes of staying the oncoming coughing fit.

“You should try marshmallow root,” said Legolas suddenly. He and Y/N were the only two at the table, retelling stories of their past and laughing at their friends. “It will not heal your lungs, but it will soothe your throat.”

“Does nothing get past your eyes?”

“Well,” Legolas smiled. “Elves do have excellent eyesight.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “I see you’re catching on to human humour as well. Do you know any jokes of ours?”

Legolas smiled. “Gimli once told me one. Are you ready? Okay. What hangs at a man’s thigh and wants to poke the hole it’s poked before? And I’ll give you a hint. It is not what you think it is.”

Y/N squinted. “It’s a dwarf joke? The answer must be inappropriate somehow.”

“I can assure you it is not.”

“What is it then?”

“A key.”

Y/N laughed, though she found it be less funny and more of a riddle. She did not want to hurt Legolas’ feelings.

“Now tell me something about your culture. Humans never cease to amaze me.”

“What do you want to know?”

“You commented on how elves treat loved ones. I know Aragorn is human but he was raised in Rivendell. What are your customs?”

“My father always kisses my mother on the cheek. And whenever either of them leaves the house, they tell the other they love them. And my mother often falls asleep on my father in sitting room when he reads.”

“Was he boring?”

“What?”

“She fell asleep on him when he read. Was he boring?”

Y/N laughed. “No, not at all. He was very good at telling stories, actually. And my mother always says that falling asleep on his shoulder is when she gets the best sleep. Because she’s close to him.”

“How is that comfortable? How does that even work?” Legolas laughed. Y/N could see he was trying to imagine it in his head.

“Like this.” Carefully, so as not to cross too many of Legolas’ boundaries, she moved closer to Legolas and slouched in her seat, gently resting her head on his shoulder. “And my father would read chapter after chapter. Tell story after story. And my mother would fall asleep on his shoulder and I would fall asleep in front of the fireplace.”

Legolas smiled, watching his friends dance together as a beautiful girl rested on his shoulder. “I understand now. This is nice.”

“So nice I may not move,” Y/N joked.

Legolas touched Y/N’s hand beneath the round table. “So don’t.”

[xynchronicity]

Swap for varren. Bilbo Baggins

send “SWAP!” + a character name to see what would happen if my muse took their place in the story. || Accepting

I’ve thought of this for Varren before. However, I had them just kind plop into the story rather than take over anyone’s role. However, this....hmm. Well, we both know how powerful Varren is and can just pull a Wandavision where they take the place of Bilbo for whatever reason they want.

Y’all in for a long post >:3c

So, let’s just quickly go through some bullet points because this story would CHANGE with Varren being Main Protag.

Major events that change: Anytime the company is captured, the entirety of the mirkwood portion of the journey, the final battle, and Smaug.

Also, Varren both intuitively understands any and all languages but also can speak them when they see the written language or hears it spoken once in their presence. So, they’d learn the language of the dwarves, Khuzdul, the moment one of the dwarves curses or otherwise speaks to one another in their native tongue because “they’re an outsider, they wouldn’t understand it”...little do they know that Varren, in fact, does understand intuitively...but also now speaks the language. Thanks for helping Varren broaden their spoken languages.

They never actually speak Khuzdul until like the final battle. Which causes mixed reactions because they PROTECT their language and for someone to just speak it and they just KNOW that no one taught Varren to speak it. Sus. Varren very sus.

But y’know not really the best time to question where or how they learned the language when there’s a battle going on...I mean you could but like...really?

Also, the entirety of Mirkwood....the sickness that has befallen it and basically takes over their minds when they enter it after awhile? Has no affect on Varren. It alters people’s minds and Varren has the Mind Stone but also telepathy & telekinesis powers...ain’t nothing taking over their mind.

Also means the ring? The One Ring To Rule Them All?? Doesn’t affect Varren either. Quite the helpful tool to become invisible! Doesn’t lead them to madness nor to obsess over it. Strong willed. The ring will never return to it’s original owner lmao

[Insert Simpson meme of “I just think it’s pretty neat”]

Now you might be asking how they came to have the ring in their possession.

Because I said so. No, I’m kidding. They’re separated from the company similarly to how Bilbo is when in the goblin kingdom(?).

Bullied poor Gollum with riddles and answers to riddles. Not even to like hide that they took the ring and to like get free ‘safely’ or anything. Just straight up bullied him because they could. But also riddles are fun? Makes you think of things in ways you normally don’t think of in such ways.

During the company’s...’stay’ in Mirkwood with Thranduil....while Varren could use the ring and just hide. But like that’s not any fun. Also, Varren’s heard a lot about Thranduil at this point and wants to meet him. Words would be exchanged. Mostly unfriendly words but it’s okay. What’s the worst he could do? Lock them away forever? Varren who is able to teleport to any place they have previously been or otherwise have a visual aid to get there (someone’s memories or a photo)...so oh no they’ve teleported to the outside of their cell...oh no...now they’ve found the keys to the other cells...oh look the dwarves are freed...oh no.

Tbh I liked the barrel scene so that’s gonna stay as what happens after they’re freed from the cells.

Kili still gets hit with poison arrow v.v

But he gets help sooner

During the short battle with Azog on the cliffside while everything was burning. Varren is both baffled and amazed that Thorin goes to fight him. Like, not the most ideal place to fight but like more power to ya?

Does call him an idiot (lovingly) after the fact. Also heals his wounds (if he allows it the stubborn idiot smh).

OH when they finally get to the mountain and the dwarves like think they’re too late and shit.... Varren just stands there baffled because “y’all don’t see it???” They have true sight...so they just SEE the keyhole. Does remember for a moment that “oh right they can’t see what I do..” so they just take the key and place it in the keyhole like some goddamn seer that sees all...which tbf isn’t off... But like they had enough of the dwarves just like feeling like they’ll never get their home back. You will. Varren will make sure of it. >:c

Which leads into the part of Bilbo going in to steal the King’s Jewel from underneath Smaug’s nose.

Varren upon entering the mountain and just seeing a lot of gold just sighs bc “sure a thief is used to being light on their feet but this...this is asking a lot.”

Just floats around to find it

Sure they still make noise by using their telekinesis to move gold, jewels and whatever else is there just to find the item Thorin has requested. But like it’s...less noise. Sort of.

It does eventually wake Smaug up bc...its like a branch tapping at your window because it’s windy...eventually it’s gonna wake you up and you’re gonna likely be upset that something stupid like that woke you up.

Though what Smaug was expecting when he woke up was not....floating person. He expected an adventurer, a thief, really anything else. Cause flying people aren’t...normal. There’s being that fly, sure, but never....a human. At least not unless they’re tossed and this is not that.

Varren pays little mind to him at first because “sorry important business, mister dragon sir”

“The audacity????” - Smaug probably

“I have dealt with world ending pain in the asses. A dragon is child’s play.” - Varren internally while they just hyperfocus on finding this damn stone

Smaug mentions it and that gets their attention but y’know Smaug’s ramble about “I’m almost tempted to allow you to take it. Watch it corrupt Thorin” etc etc etc.

Though upon hearing ‘corrupt’ Varren is like “oh yeah there does seem to be a jewel that resonates that type of energy. thanks” and grabs it, promptly drops it bc the energy it holds just washes over them, picks it up with their telekinesis bc “aint touching that again, no thank you.” However, they hide it away in their little pocket dimension for safer keeping bc....Varren has no actual pockets to keep stuff safe in v.v

Cue angry dragon and the chaos that ensues.

Dwarves hear this and just kind of “hmm should we check on them?” some are like “nah they’ve done some ridiculous things, they’ll be fine”.

Cue Varren just appearing outside, “So I woke up the dragon.”

Then the usual dwarves fighting Smaug within the mountain happens

Though when Smaug goes after Laketown...uhh he’s not alone. Varren’s behind him and actually angry now bc innocents are being involved now. This is between the dwarves and Smaug not Smaug, the dwarves and Laketown.

That can end one of two ways. Smaug dying by the hands of Varren...or possibly trying to ally him to them. The latter of which is more unlikely to happen but I like the thought of it.

During the final battle, the line of Durin survives rather than dies.

It’s possible that Varren becomes an ally of the dwarves or a friend of them. At least the Company’s ally and friend.

They’re also super like not into giving the King’s Jewel to Thorin bc they’ve felt the corruption it causes. Though even without it he’s succumb to it. Which is not ideal.

That’s ideally where I see Varren using Khuzdul to get through to him...but also it’s not the most ideal time to do so. Already sees them as a thief...which isn’t untrue here but like still hurts, y’know? So them speaking the dwarven language without ever being formally taught it or anything is....well just big sus in his mind so further forcing them away.

Varren would leave the company and does give the jewel as a bargaining chip to Thranduil and Bard. Mostly Bard.

The same scene where Thorin demands Bilbo be thrown over the ramparts plays but y’know with Varren bc Thorin angy. Doesn’t work out though because Varren just teleports out of his grasp, down near Bard and Thranduil bc clearly things are out of control now.

After the final battle, they’re entirely unsure of what to do now.

Could kick start the events of Lord of The Rings but that’s likely not ideal. I mean, truthfully, Varren is the best person to have the ring because it cannot influence them...but also it just existing isn’t ideal either. This does take some stress off of Gandalf though because he doesn’t have to worry about his friend being corrupted by it.

Though....LoTRs changes entirely since...Bilbo hasn't gone on the Quest so has no reason to leave his home...so Frodo also doesn’t go on the Fellowship so.... Sam, Pippin and Mary have no real reason to join the quest because...Frodo doesn’t.

I think I’m done here...

[kibleedibleedoo]

Hero of your own Fate 2/?

Thorin x reader

Warnings - brief mention of mental illness, slow burn

A/n - sorry it's a long one

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Thorin's POV~

It had been a long detour via the Blue mountains which unfortunately had not born any fruit. All Thorin could think about was a hot meal and a place of safety to sleep tonight. He was getting far too old to be a solitary nomad. His fantasising of his next meal led thorin down his third wrong turn of the evening. The shire was full of winding roads that seemed to follow no logical order in their constuction. Thorin could see the house up on a hill, by mahal he probably could hear the company from back in Bree, but he just could not find the right path to get there and the fading like was offering him no favours.

Thorin watched confused as the heavens seemed to rip open as Bagend was aurrounded by a vrief thunder storm and depositing a girl on top of the hill. From this distance it was hard to tell but she certainly wasnt one of his kin and the clothes she was wearing made ger look out of place in this world. Maybe you were a one of a secretive kind, some even more secretive than dwarves that few even knew the existance of. He watched as you settled yourself and entered the hobbit hole. Something deep inside him was drawn to this unfamiliar woman so deep that Thorin was taken by surprise when he knew how to get to that blasted house, to get to you.

~Reader's POV~

That evening was a whirlwind so much seemed to happen in so little time. The quest was explained along with the risks and contracts were handed out to you and the other burglar Bilbo. It took many by surprise when he fainted at the thought of incineration, sure it would be a bad way to go but an instant death was far more preferable than a long drawn out one, the only one not surprised was the leader of our company Thorin oakenshield. He seemed to react to the hobbit with pure annoyance even going so far as to question him on battle experience upon entering poor Bilbo's home. You had no battle experience at least none in hand to hand combat. You cast your mind back to one of your childhood school trips where you were taught how to fire an arrow and a bit of fencing neither of which you were any good at, at the time which gave you little hope for your ability to fight on this quest. You needed training or you would be a liability and you were positive the whole company knew it.

You took the time during Bilbo's recovery to pull Gandalf aside.

"what am i doing here?" you asked rather annoyed with the wizard.

"You offered to help in the café did you not?" he quipped knowing the answer.

"Yes but there is no point me joining if i am only going to be a liability Gandalf" you huffed, you wanted to help you really did but there was no point volunteering for this quest if it was going to end in your demise or the demise of some of the dwarves before the quest is complete.

"You posess talents aside from fighting that will come in useful that I am sure something that those of middle earth lack" the wizard mused. He was almost certainly keeping something to himself about what you could contribute. Before you could respond he continued "I took the liberty of packing supplies for you, some hygiene products from your home but mainly supplies from here for the journey. They are with your pony at the stables" Your eyes grew wide as you realised the wizard had gone through your things.

"You broke into my house!" you exclaimed in a hushed tone trying to stop any of the dwarves from prying, unfortunately you could not seem to shake the handsome one's peircing gaze. "What if my roommate saw you? omg wait what did you see in my stuff!" at this point you were starting to panic, your roommate had always suffered from anxiety and happening upon a strange man riffling through your stuff wasnt exactly something they would take in their stride.

"I was not seen, and magic comes in useful in your realm too" he chucked "the essentials come to me, they seemed nicely organised so I packed the entire bag for you" mentally you were piecing together what you would be carrying. That bag contained your toothbrush, toothpaste, a few wash cloths, deoderant, conditioner, a spare pair of panties, and some everyday makeup items. Okay so no shampoo, you werent exactly sure when you would get the opportunity to wash your hair while trekking across this world but you had heard others try a no-poo style of washing their hair so that must be what you would have to do from now on. "Along with what is already packed here are a new set of clothes to help you fit in better and if you will let me I can exchange and money you have for coin you can use here." You werent sure exactly where he had stored the fresh clothes but he seemed sincere so you handed your bag over to him.

"Dont touch anything else in there, you only have permission to exchange currency" you said in a stern voice "they might not all work here but they are important to me" you finished softly. You took the clothes to a seperate room and closed the door behind you. It was dark but you still had your phone in your pocket so could use the torch for a while. You silently thanked whatever deity was up there that your parents had got you a solar powered power bank for christmas and it was in your bag, where you always kept it, your phone might run out of battery soon but you knew that you would be able to look through your photos whenever you got homesick on this quest. You turned your attention to the clothes, inspecting each item you noticed the outfit looked like something that would have been worn during the 18th century back home. Luckily your roomate was studing fashion history at the local university so you knew where all the fabric was supposed to go. Gandalf had also been nice and provided you with a corset which did up on the front, looking at them you could almost hear your roommate telling you this style was called a 'pair of bodies' and you chuckled knowing that while this outfit might be more practical than what you were wearing it was still going to be a nuisance to put on and wear all the time. You got undressed and threw the shift over your underwear, not ready to give up your modern bra and pants just yet, next you decided you still wanted to wear your leggings. If you were supposed to learn how to ride a horse tomorrow you sure as hell were going to have some fabric between your skin and the saddle plus it would preserve some of your dignity if you fell off and your skirt flew over your head. Time for the corset, the stomacher was rock hard which you thought might provide some protection, against what you werent quite sure of yet, and the corset was surprisingly easy to lace up at the front. The next item you loved, it was a shame modern women's fashion hated them so much but these bags you tied at your waist formed huge pockets which could fit most of the contents of your bag in without anyone being any the wise. The petticoat and skirt followed and a jacket tied the look together. You decided your doc martens would be far better to wear than whatever flimy shoe gandalf had provided so with your outfit complete you returned to the company.

Gandalf sat there smiling with a bag of coins in his hand. You felt you looked slightly ridiculous, especially since your bosom was more pronounced than in your oversized tee.

"Now you look like you belong here" he took a sip of wine and nodded.

"I might look like it but I have still kept some of my modern luxuries" you responded smugly waving your t-shirt a bit. He smirked handing you over the coins and your backpack back. You stuffed the tshirt in with the rest of your stuff and made a mental note to wear it as a pyjama top.

~Thorin's POV~

Y/N had disappeared off into one of the rooms shortly after her argument with gandalf. It seemed like the company had lost both of their burglars within the space of five minutes. Thorin huffed and sat back next to Balin who was always a source of comfort to him even before Erebor fell.

"We do not have time to delay Balin, if we must leave without them then that is what we must do" Thorin sighed, fewer and fewer folk were supporting this mission a band of 13 dwarves and a wizard was hardly a match for a dragon if Smaug still lived.

"I know lad, have faith this is a worthy quest and mahal would not have forsaken us" Balin smiled reassuringly at Thorin. Balin trusted Thorin like he trusted no other, he knew Thorin would give anything for his people and would do everything in his power to provide them with a place of sanctuary. The pair sat in silence for a few moments when Y/N came out of one of the rooms in a different outfit. The dress made her look like one of them, it fitted her so much better than what she had on before and Thorin found himself staring in awe at her.

"it seems she hadnt given up on us afterall" Balin nudged Thorin grabbing his attention

"aye but does a woman belong on this quest" Thorin sighed "she looks weaker than Dis and we wouldnt allow her to join us"

"she will be fine" Balin was puzzled by Thorin's sudden change in attutude until he realised Thorin was still watching the lass like a hawk. "she will have us to protect her and Im sure you wouldnt mind training her" Balin joked.

"I will not let her presence effect this quest, we will make sure she is trained" Thorin barked back. Both dwarves knew it was already too late just her sheer presence made Thorin reconsider his priorities.

[robertdowneyhiddlesbatch]

Chapter 4: Purpose

warnings: anatomy/talk of sex

Myrena was expecting an earth shattering roar to wake her, buried under the collapsed mountain. She was happily surprised to find herself awoken in bed by the sound of birds. She stared up into the abyss, listening to their twitters and tapping beaks. Myrena had no way to tell what time of day it was from deep within a mountain. After a while, she forced herself out of bed and dragged her feet to the giant basin of water. The water was unforgivingly cold on her face, but she needed that to wake up. Myrena left the room after washing up, ready to start her day. 

This round, she took her time to look around her surroundings. They were underground; the ceiling probably reaching beyond the skies if she had to guess. It was perhaps a kingdom of some race back in its day. A hundred chambers lined this way and that; ruins of stairs going all the way up and all the way down. This place was a shadow of its former glory, she'd guess. Of course, with a dragon living in it now, nothing else could. Speaking of, Myrena wondered where her host had gone to.

She picked a random room of choice, and to her joy found a great big window. Myrena ran to it and stepped out on the terrace. Oh was the morning breeze a blessing! Having closed her eyes to enjoy the cool, she opened them again to look out. In front of her was a clearing, beyond which began the forest. To its left was a lake. Myrena felt as if she were a child again. Gathering her inner strength in a deep breath, she ran and leapt to the terrace next door. 

Her landing was successful, but her wounds from yesterday punished her. Ignoring the stings, Myrna continued running and leaping till the lake was front and center. She closed her eyes again, feeling the wind blow the water gently in her face. Suddenly, the air froze and her eyes snapped open, danger looming. Myrena leaned over the railing, watching the water rumble. Then without warning, a red flash leapt out of the lake, showering her with lake water. It would have been more fun if fish weren't part of that experience.

"You're awake!" She was sure the voice boomed across the world.

"What are you doing?'' she screamed up at Smaug.

"Going. For. A dip." He answered as he twirled higher up, showering her more.

Myrena laughed and waved him off, going back in to change her clothes. 

There was a pile of clothes in another part of her room. Myrena didn't dare think where the dragon could have picked them up from. As she began to take off her soaking dress, the cloth weighed heavy on her shoulders, causing her body to ache. She grunted as she used her strength to push the sleeve down her shoulder, the wound on her oblique stinging painfully.

"Need a hand?"

Myrena yelped as she turned to face Smaug standing in the doorway, hands clasped behind his back, wearing his red coat and black leather pants again. The only sign that he'd been in the water was the curly hair on his head, sticking to his forehead.

"Um, I know this is your home, but can't a girl have some privacy?" Myrena was half serious as she covered her chest.

Smaug laughed a throaty laugh that went up the caverns of the room. 

"And who, may I ask, bound you in the first place?" He curiously pointed at her with a knuckle.

Myrena looked down herself. Her wounds had been patched and wrapped, and the dress on her shoulders was not her own. Her cheeks stung with shame. 

"You've... seen me. Naked."

"Ah, only to necessity. You seem to forget I am not man, your human hesitations do not apply to me."

"Right. Well then, Mr. Dragon. I've soaked through my dress and bandages thanks to you. So if you wouldn't mind?"

She teased him and stood up to stand toe to toe with him, suggesting he undo the strings on her torso. Smaug smirked and grabbed the top of her dress, and in one go, ripped it straight down the middle. She instinctively moved her arms to cover her chest and groin, but found it silly. Her breast wrappings from days ago was still bound tightly around her chest, and her underwear was also still on, though both were threatening to fall from the weight of the water. For a dragon, Smaug was pretty chivalrous. 

"I need to take them off." Myrena simply told him and turned away, back towards the bed. 

The end of the wrap was tucked into the binding just below her left armpit. But her right shoulder killed her as she reached to the other side to peel it off. It took the breath out of her just the first unwrapping, and she rested after it.

"Need a hand?" Smaug asked again as he came behind her.

"No! Don't rip it! I don't assume you've got more under wraps?"

"Never needed them."

Myrena laughed. 

"Great. I'll just..." she reached for it again, now hanging below her right arm, straining as she did. Smaug huffed and grabbed it instead, unwrapping it all the way. 

"Darn." Myrena exhaled instead of thanking him. "The bandages."

"I've done it before," Smaug offered.

"Thank you. But I had my wrap on then. Now I don't..." she squealed before she could finish. Smaug had grown tired and, turning her around, lifted her in his arms and placed her on the bed. 

"For the last time, and you remember it well, now. I am a dragon. I don't care for your human trivialities. Either you can shut up and let me do you, which isn't something I do for anyone else, or you can suffer in your pain and help yourself!" Smaug told her all in one breath, and Myrena watched him, too stunned to speak. 

"I'll take your silence for your consent. Now, I'll warn you. It may sting a little." 

That was his only warning as he began to redo her bandages. She hissed when he dabbed the healing potions on her wounds, but never complained. 

"Thank you," Myrena said when he was almost done.

Smaug half smiled. "I was beginning to think you were the ungrateful kind. It takes you a minute to appreciate." He stepped back when his work was done. 

Myrena stood up to put on the dress, thankful that this one didn't have strings. It did have buttons on the back of the collar, which she could no doubt ask Smaug to do for her. Smaug's kindness had reached its cap and he let her get the dress on herself. It took her longer than usual, but eventually she got it on. As she was dressing, Myrena noticed Smaug play with a bird. The little thing flittered around his head then came to sit on his offered finger.

"You don't eat birds?"

"Eat birds?" He turned her way. "Why would I eat birds? Do you think a bird would satisfy me?"

Myrena suddenly remembered the night she'd seen his dragon form. He'd eaten all her assailants, and her horse too. 

"You'd have to eat a whole forest."

"Eh, I wouldn't. Birds clean my teeth for me, eating the stuff stuck in between. Kind of a co dependent relationship."

"Interesting. Speaking of eating..." she looked guiltily at him.

"Right. Any interest in fish?" He lead her out of the room.

Myrena laughed, realizing he meant the ones that he'd 'given' her in the morning. 

"As long as it's cooked." She followed him into the terrace room.

The terrace was still wet, with a heap of fish lying about. The room had a furnace as well, on which she could cook her breakfast. Myrena collected the better looking fish and brought them into the room. She cut off their heads with the blade she'd brought with her, and fixed them on to the spit.

"Can you, light the fire?" She curiously asked him, wondering if he'd have to turn into his full form.

Thankfully, he didn't. Smaug went up to the furnace and crouched next to it. Then he took in a big breath and blew, hot streams of fire coming up from his throat and lighting the coal. Myrena sat opposite him, turning the spit. 

"Does that not burn you? In your human form?"

"Not really. It feels like it always does. A tickle in the back of the throat."

As he went on describing it, Myrena got up and brought more fish from the terrace, replacing the cooked ones with some of the raw. 

"You said I'm the only one you've ever helped."

"Hmm?" 

"Back in the room, you said I was the only person you were ever going to help. What makes me so special?"

Smaug mused. "I've been stalking your legend, ghost bride. The night you first saw me was not the first time I'd seen you."

"And you decided I was helpless?" She playfully suggested while popping a piece of fish in her mouth. 

Smaug laughed. "No, you're quite the opposite really. I decided..." he paused for effect, "that you would be my mate."

Her eyes grew ten fold. "I... Because I look like a dragon?"

"Metaphorically. You've got dragon traits; the solitude, the strength, the determination." Smaug had golfed down his second raw fish.

"When you say mate. I assume, would include... the act..." Myrena blushed.

"Yes." Smaug stated matter of factly.

"In your human form of course?" There was no possible other way.

"Initially." He stated.

"Initially?!" She choked. "You think you'd fit?" Her legs reflexively closed. 

"Hah! Mortal, I have talons longer than your arms." 

The red of her cheeks reached the tip of her ears. 

"Oh! We can't be possible! I'm afraid just thinking about it!"

"Lovely! You're just worried about the length. The barbs would be no trouble for you, yes?"

"B-barbs? There are... barbs?! They'll cut!"

"They serve their purpose. When we mate for the first time, the barbs will surely cut you, but that'll allow my seed to get into your blood." He ate. "As my mate, you'll need to be changed, my chemicals would have to bind with yours, change your chemistry. Make you turn."

His mouth made a clicking sound, releasing his fangs which startled Myrena.

"My fangs will release a venom in your blood..."

"But venom kills."

"Yes. But with my seed running in your blood as well, the two will work to match your chemistry to mine."

"What if I object?"

"You don't have the choice. It'll be easier for you to accept your fate."

"So what?" Myrena stormed up, and Smaug followed suit. "You'll force me to marry you? Subject me to you? Like, like him?"

Smaug growled and roughly pinned her next to the fireplace. 

"iiigh am not like other men! You have no master except Smaug!" He bellowed, but calmed for the next part of his dialogue, though the anger was still there. "I will only force you to be my mate, and the sire bond that will be between us. But beyond that, you'll go about as you always have: with your free will."

Angry as he was, no one had ever offered her the life this dragon currently was. It may have been his mating instinct talking, but she'd trade her whole town for this dragon. 

"What if, I don't know?" She meekly asked.

"Don't know what?"

"How to... how to mate."

Smaug laughed a deep laugh.

"You don't know how to mate?"

"Well I get the basic sense of it, but I don't know all the rituals."

"We dragons just, get it in, let it out and done." He finally let go and walked back to his seat.

Myrena laughed. "Well that's very banal! I hope that's not how humans do it."

"Your mother never taught you?"

Myrena stalled in her step, then took her seat before answering.

"My mother died before I was of age."

"I'm... sorry." Smaug said mutely. "I picked up the sentiment from watching mortals for quite some time." He explained when she gave him a puzzled look. "Who else is in your pride?"

"My family? Well, I'm the oldest of three. There's Beorn after me, then Feomer. The both of them took after our father, greedy and evil and insults to our race! But then there was Quince. Oh, little Quincy! He was born... different. The other two didn't accept him, neither did our father. But mother and I loved him. He was all I had after mother died. I took him to the monks before my wedding."

"Wedding." Smaug stated the word, but his heart burned with the thought. "You married?" He got off his seat, heading for the door. 

Myrena suddenly remembered back two minutes ago when he'd proclaimed her as his mate. She felt bad for him, for the two of them, and followed after.

"Only the ceremony. We never consummated."

"I suppose you need more of your clothes." Smaug changed the topic. "There's a town by the foot of the mountain on the other side. You're welcome to visit it if you like." He told her and turned away towards his treasury.

"I will. Thanks for letting me know." Myrena called after him, letting him go in peace.

@tschrist1

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[darnloveablecharacters]

Prove Me Wrong, Part Twenty-Seven: Burned

Series Summary:  Caithwistë, born from the only known pairing of an elf and a dwarf has spent most of her life in hiding. When an old friend, (or a certain meddling wizard) finds her in the woods, everything changes. Now, she will have the chance to prove the world wrong about her value. A ‘The Hobbit’ fanfiction based off of the following imagines from @imaginexhobbit: This One is the basis of the story, and This One and This One will be added in later. If you recognize it, it belongs to Professor Tolkien or Peter Jackson. But, as usual, the story and all of the mistakes are my own!

Prove Me Wrong - Masterlist

Chapter Notes: Super excited to post this one! This means we’re just one step closer to the battle! *squeee*

Warnings for this Chapter: mentions of burns, mostly angst

Tagged: @imaginesreblogged @chevycastiel1967 @rices4me93 @tschrist1​ If you want to be added just let me know!

Caithwistë walked through a dark passage. It seemed as if an eternity had passed since she last visited this place in her dreams. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the heavy chamber doors open to find him there. He was turned away from her, but he was there nonetheless. “I did not expect to find you here, My King.” She said, breathing a sigh of relief.

Thorin raised his head at the sound of her voice, but still did not turn. She padded toward him slowly, reaching out to touch him. As soon as her fingers wrapped around his arm, she jerked her hand back harshly as pain coursed through her. She glanced down at her hand and gasped at the marks that were spreading. The contact had burned her. “Thorin?” She asked warily, holding her burned hand tightly to ward off the pain.

Thorin turned to her slowly and she let out a shaky breath at the sight of him. His eyes were not the familiar blue that she had known, instead, they burned like fire. Glowing brightly with life and somehow appearing dead at the same time. “You should be with me, by my side.” He said slowly. His voice had even changed. Every word came out as if it were a low growl, the voice of Smaug.

Caithwistë took a small step away, shaking her head as if it would rid her of the sight. “I do not understand.” She said weakly.

Thorin sneered at her. “You abandoned me, but all will be forgiven if you return now.” He said, holding his hand out to her.

Caithwistë regarded his outstretched hand for a moment, then took another step back. “Thorin, I did not abandon you. You sent me away.”

Thorin took swift steps in her direction, bearing down on her as he would an enemy. “Lies.” He growled. Caithwistë had not realized she was still moving away until her back hit a wall. She was more frightened of him now than she had ever been. Thorin’s eyes flashed down her quivering form and he scoffed, turning to move back to his original position. “It does not matter now.” He said, facing her again from the opposite side of the room. “You are mine, and I protect all that belongs to me.”

“This is wrong. This is not you. Thorin please, tell me what is happening to you!” Caithwistë pleaded.

Thorin smiled at her and spread his arms. “I am home. The wealth of Erebor is once again mine, and I will never lose it again.”

Caithwistë’s eyes flicked to the still open doors and back to Thorin, hoping he missed the movement. “You are unwell, Thorin. Please tell me how I can help you.” She said, taking a small step away from the wall.

Thorin frowned at her. “I am the wealthiest of all, but my Queen is not by my side. I only wish for what is mine to be returned to me.”

Caithwistë frowned at his words. “I am not a treasure to be hoarded. My heart does belong to you, but I know you would never speak to me in this way.” With that, she simply gave up her façade and began to walk toward the door.

“You will abandon me again?” Thorin asked from behind her.

She stopped at the door, turning to look at the beast disguised as Thorin that stood before her. “I will never truly abandon Thorin Oakenshield.” She said brusquely. As she turned to leave again, she saw another flash of fire in in front of her and screamed while Thorin laughed sinisterly behind her.

~

Caithwistë woke up gasping for air. As she attempted to catch her breath her eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings. She was still in the small room she had found after they reached Dale. The morning light was pouring in through the gaping hole that had been left from Smaug’s first attack. She was safe.

“It was only a dream.” She muttered to herself. She moved to stand but hissed when she placed her hand on the ground and it stung. Taking another shaky breath, she slowly turned her palm up to inspect it and let out a gasp. It was burned, with the same marks she had received in her dream. “Just a coincidence.” She told herself, shaking off her fear. She quickly grabbed a clean cloth and wrapped her hand then strode out of the room hoping for something to distract her. In a moment that came as both a relief and frustration, she walked out to the sight of Thranduil and his army waiting in the courtyard as carts of food filed into the town.

She approached just as Bard was addressing Thranduil. “You have saved us. I do not know how to thank you.”

Thranduil gave him a disinterested look. “Your gratitude is misplaced. I did not come on your behalf. I came to reclaim something of mine.”

Caithwistë scoffed. “Of course, you would only show when there is a benefit to you.”

Thranduil’s eyes snapped to her at her remark. “What is That doing here?” He asked with a grimace.

Caithwistë smirked. “Thranduil, how lovely to see you again now that the dragon has been slain and the danger has passed.” She said with a mock bow.

Thranduil’s hand moved to his blade but Bard stepped in between them, shooting Caithwistë a look of warning. “She is our guest; she helped our people during and after the attack.” He said, holding his hands up.

“So be it.” Thranduil said. He turned his great elk to his army and tilted his head toward the Mountain, silently commanding them to begin their march.

Bard shared a concerned glance with Caithwistë before they took off after Thranduil. “Wait!” Bard pleaded. “Please, wait! You will go to war over a handful of gems?” He demanded.

“The heirlooms of my people are not lightly forsaken.” Thranduil said in a bored tone.

Bard shook his head. “We are allies in this. My people also have claim upon the riches in that Mountain. Let me speak with Thorin.”

Thranduil gave him a sidelong glance, eyes flicking to Caithwistë before responding. “You would try to reason with the Dwarf.”

“To avoid war? Yes.” Bard stated calmly.

Thranduil stared him down, but Bard held his ground and Thranduil eventually waved his hand in a shooing gesture. “Have it your way then.”

Bard nodded and grabbed Caithwistë’s arm. “Come with me.” He whispered.

She nodded and began to follow him until Thranduil spoke again. “No. That will stay with me.”

Caithwistë huffed and turned back to him. “You do not command me.”

“No, but I do command the lives of all in this city now.” Thranduil retorted smugly.

Caithwistë frowned, knowing what he meant. He could easily take all that he had given back and would do it simply on a whim. “Go.” She muttered with frustration to Bard.

Bard hesitated, eyes moving between the two of them nervously. “Do you promise that she will not be harmed?” He asked Thranduil.

Thranduil looked as if the question had hurt him. “I give you my word.” He said, placing his hand over his heart. “We will simply watch together from the bridge.”

Bard looked as if he wished to protest but Caithwistë shook her head, urging him to drop it. Bard nodded at her and gave one last look to Thranduil before dashing toward the gate.

“Come, half-breed.” Thranduil said, riding his great elk forward. Caithwistë had to jog to keep up with its long strides but it did not take long for them to reach the bridge and they watched in silence for a few moments as Bard rode swiftly toward the Mountain. “Impressive, how you have fooled so many into trusting you.”

Caithwistë crossed her arms. “It is no trickery. It is simply the reward that comes for caring for something other than oneself.”

“Perhaps.” Thranduil mused. “Betrayal comes in many forms though. Tell me, do you believe that Thorin will hold to his word?”

Caithwistë flexed her burned hand as her mind wandered to her dream. The image bothered her, but she still held to the hope that it was nothing more than her own fear manifesting itself in the visions of her mind. “I trust Thorin.” She said firmly.

“Oh?” Thranduil asked, amused. “Then tell me half-breed, why are you not by his side?”

“That is none of you concern.” She snapped.

“He cast you away did he not?” Thranduil continued mercilessly. “He found out what you are and deemed you unworthy.”

“That is not what happened.” Caithwistë growled, clenching her uninjured fist.

Thranduil still continued, amused at her feeble attempt to hide the truth. “I wonder, what does it feel like to be cast away by those you love most?”

“I am not certain, where is your son?” Caithwistë asked bitterly.

Thranduil’s eyes snapped to her, the edge of anger beginning to show through his calm mask. “That is none of your concern.” He said, face falling back into disinterest. “Besides, the dragon slayer returns.”

Caithwistë glanced to the approaching man and frowned. He looked upset. “What happened Bard? What did Thorin say?” She asked fearfully.

“He will give us nothing.” Bard replied with a scowl.

“Such a pity.” Thranduil said cocking his head to the side. “But still you tried.”

Bard shook his head with frustration. “I do not understand. Why?” He asked, turning to Caithwistë. “Why would he risk war?”

Caithwistë just shook her head. “Thorin is honorable.” She said meekly, mind racing.

“It is fruitless to reason with them. They understand only one thing.” Thranduil said, drawing his sword. The sound made Caithwistë jump and she glanced between the pair fearfully.

Thranduil shot her a victorious smile and turned the Great Elk back to the city. “We attack at dawn. Are you with us?” He called out to Bard.

Bard looked back to Caithwistë and sighed. “I am sorry Miss. I know you care for them, but I don’t know what else I can do.”

“I understand Bard. You must do what you feel is right for your people.” Caithwistë replied grimly.

Bard nodded, equally as disturbed and guided his horse forward to the city to ready his men for battle.

~

Caithwistë had never felt so torn in her life. She watched with a grim detachment as the fishermen who had never wielded anything deadlier than a fishing pike practiced at swords.

“If it does come to war, we will spare the Dwarves if we can.” Bard said, stepping to her side. “We only wish for what was promised. We only want to survive.”

Caithwistë smiled. “I must admit, I simply appreciate that you did not imprison me for my attachment to the Company.”

“That would not do us any good.” Bard mused. “I don’t believe there is a place to lock you up here.” He said, giving Caithwistë a sidelong glance.

Caithwistë met his gaze and he smirked, making them both dissolve into a fit of laughter. It felt good to laugh, even though everything felt so wrong.

As their laughter died down, the sound of Alfrid’s voice rang out in the courtyard. “No, no, no!”

“What is it now?” Bard groaned, walking toward the commotion.

“Oi, you! Pointy hat!” Alfrid called again.

“Pointy hat?” Caithwistë asked no one in particular, excitedly moving to follow Bard.

“Yes, you. We don’t want no tramps, beggars nor vagabonds around here. We’ve got enough trouble without the likes of you. Off you go. On your horse.” Alfrid was saying.

“Who’s in charge here?” Came the unmistakable voice of Mithrandir. At the sound, Caithwistë quickened her pace.

“Who is asking?” Bard asked warily, stopping a few paces in front of her.

“Mithrandir!” Caithwistë cried when she saw him. She dashed around Bard and slammed into the wizard who let out an ‘oof’ as she hugged him fiercely.

“Caithwistë! It is so good to see you, My Dear.” He said with a chuckle. He pushed her away slightly to examine her. “And what on Earth has happened to your hand?”

Caithwistë glanced down at her wrapped hand and grimaced. “Dragon fire.” She said waving it nonchalantly. Mithrandir narrowed his eyes at her but chose to say nothing as she took him in as well. He looked as if he had been traveling for months without ever stopping. “Where have you been?” She asked him, furrowing her eyebrows.

Mithrandir looked uncomfortable, as he does when he intends to avoid a topic. “That is a story for later, right now we must speak with those in charge.”

Caithwistë rolled her eyes at the expected dodge, but motioned to Bard nonetheless. “That would be Bard here.” Bard nodded respectfully at his name.

“Mithrandir?” Bard asked holding his hand out.

“You may call me, Gandalf.” Mithrandir said with a smile, shaking the man’s hand. He glanced around then, noting the training men and elves. “I suppose this means Thranduil is here as well?” He asked both of them.

“Yes.” Caithwistë said through gritted teeth, jerking her head toward the well-lit tent the Elven King was residing in.

“Very well.” Mithrandir said, tone growing serious. “We all have much to discuss. Lead the way, My Lady.”

Caithwistë huffed but led Mithrandir and the dubious Bard toward Thranduil’s tent, wondering what the wizard could possibly be plotting now.

~

Caithwistë remained silent while Mithrandir pleaded with Thranduil to see reason. She could hardly believe herself that what he told them could be true. Sauron, the Lord of the Rings has returned and now an army of Orcs, bred for war, was on their way to the Mountain to claim it. “So much for staying out of the politics of the world.” She muttered quietly to herself. She remained in a daze until Mithrandir raised his voice.

“Since when has my council counted for so little? What do you think I’m trying to do?” He demanded.

“I think you’re trying to save your Dwarvish friends.” Thranduil replied with a disdainful glance to Caithwistë. “And I admire your loyalty to them. But it does not dissuade me from my cause.” He stood to his full height then and bore down on Mithrandir. “You started this, Mithrandir, you will forgive me if I finish it.” He said softly before turning to the tent opening. “Are the archers in position?” He asked the Elf standing guard.

“Yes, My Lord.” The Elf replied respectfully.

“Give the order. If anything moves on that Mountain, kill it. The Dwarves are out of time.” Thranduil commanded, and the Elf bowed before leaving to give the command.

“You cannot do this!” Caithwistë cried. She leapt toward him, but Mithrandir grabbed her and held her in place.

“I already have.” Thranduil replied smugly.

Caithwistë struggled against Mithrandir’s grip but he kept a firm hold on her. “You, bowman! Do you agree with this?” Mithrandir asked Bard, who looked as if he wished he could be anywhere else in this moment. “Is gold so important to you? Would you buy it with the blood of Dwarves?”

Bard regarded Caithwistë who was now watching him with glassy eyes while she struggled against the wizard. “It will not come to that.” He said, trying to reassure her. “This is a fight they cannot win.”

“That won’t stop them.” Bilbo said from behind them. Mithrandir was so shocked that he lost his grip on Caithwistë, but she was also frozen in place at Bilbo’s sudden appearance. “You think the Dwarves will surrender? They won’t. They will fight to the death to defend their own.”

“Bilbo Baggins!” Mithrandir exclaimed.

Bilbo glanced at him and gave him a toothy grin.

“Bilbo!” Caithwistë squealed, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Kili told me he had seen you in Lake Town.” Bilbo said with a chuckle as he hugged her back. He released her and gave her the same grin. “I am so relieved to see you alive.”

“If I’m not mistaken, this is the Halfling who stole the keys to my dungeons from under the nose of my guards.” Thranduil said, glaring at the poor Hobbit.

Caithwistë could not help but smile as Bilbo shuffled his feet. “Yes. Sorry about that.” He muttered bashfully. He stepped toward Thranduil cautiously, holding out a small package and placing it on the table between them. “I came to give you this.” He unwrapped the package and revealed a gem.

This was no ordinary gem though, and Caithwistë had never seen anything more beautiful. It was smoother than a river stone, and glowed brighter than the stars. Even more impressive were the colors that danced inside it, as if a rainbow had been captured and stored inside it for safe keeping. “The Arkenstone.” Caithwistë breathed in awe.

“The Heart of the Mountain. The King’s jewel.” Thranduil said with an equal reverence in his tone.

“And worth a king’s ransom.” Bard said thoughtfully as he stepped toward the table. He furrowed his eyebrows at it and glanced at Bilbo. “How is this yours to give?”

Bilbo bounced on the balls of his feet before he answered. “I took it as my fourteenth share of the treasure.” He said proudly.

“Why would you do this? You owe us no loyalty.” Bard asked him with suspicion.

“I’m not doing it for you.” Bilbo said with a shake of his head. “I know that Dwarves can be obstinate and pigheaded and difficult. And suspicious and secretive with the worst manners you can possibly imagine, but they are also brave and kind and loyal to a fault. I’ve grown very fond of them, and I would save them if I can. But Thorin values this stone above all else.” He said, shooting Caithwistë an apologetic glance to which she simply shrugged. “In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you what you were owed. There will be no need for war.” He concluded.

“Bilbo…” Caithwistë sighed. If Thorin finds out what he had done, there is no telling what he would do.

Thranduil shared an intrigued look with Bard before addressing them all. “Have it your way. We will use this to barter with.” He said gesturing to the Arkenstone and Bilbo breathed a sigh of relief.

They bowed respectfully and Caithwistë followed Mithrandir and Bilbo out of the tent.

“Rest up tonight, Bilbo. You must leave on the morrow.” Mithrandir said as they walked through the city.

“What?” Bilbo asked, surprised.

“Get as far away from here as possible.” Mithrandir continued.

Bilbo stopped in his tracks and looked at Caithwistë for help, but she could give him none. She agreed with Mithrandir. “I… I’m not leaving.” He stammered.

Mithrandir stopped as well and turned to the hobbit. “Oh?”

Bilbo nodded. “You picked me as the burglar. I’m not about to leave the Company now.”

Gandalf let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head. “There is no Company, not anymore. And I don’t like to think what Thorin would do when he finds out what you’ve done.”

“I’m not afraid of Thorin.” Bilbo countered.

“Well, you should be. Don’t underestimate the evil of gold. Gold over which a serpent had long brooded. Dragon-sickness seeps into the hearts of all who come to this Mountain.” Mithrandir said ominously. He quirked his head to the side and smirked at Bilbo. “Almost all.”

Mithrandir turned and called Afrid to them, sharing hushed words with him.

Bilbo glanced at Caithwistë. “And you? Do you think I should leave as well?”

Caithwistë studied him for a moment, taking in the hobbit who had come so far in this journey and survived at times where it seemed impossible. “I cannot presume to make this choice for you Bilbo.” She began, and he frowned but Caithwistë put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I can only say that I do not want you to be harmed and if that means running from here then yes, I do wish that for you.”

“And what about you?” Bilbo demanded. “Why do you get to stay, and I don’t.”

“I am a fighter. And… because this is the only place I have ever felt could be home.” She said with a sad smile. Bilbo considered that and dropped his gaze in defeat. Caithwistë glanced back to the wizard who was still speaking with Alfrid before stepping closer to Bilbo and whispering in his ear. “I know you will sneak out tonight anyway, just promise me that if you are in danger you get out of there.”

She leaned back and Bilbo smiled at her, giving a conspiratorial wink. “You have my word, Miss Caithwistë.”

Author’s Note: Okay, so I watched the movie Dodgeball shortly before I wrote this chapter and…. It actually took a lot for me to not have Caithwistë tell Thranduil to “cram it down your cramhole” lol.

[xxbyimm]

Enya’s unexpected journey - Chapter 24

For other chapters of this Journey: Enya’s unexpected journey. Or check out my Masterlist!

To be honest, the task of portraying Thorin's dragon sickness felt daunting. My initial plan was to do one chapter before moving to the rest of the story, but I felt I wouldn't do him justice if I rushed this part too much, so I’ll do two parts on this instead. Thank you @fizzyxcustard​ for advising me, love you! <3

As for now, buckle up bitches! ;D xoxo

Chapter 24

Summary: Smaug is slain and Erebor is safe. Though Enya should rejoice, she can’t help but to feel an uneasiness creeping into her bones. 

Warnings: Heartache. Angst. Swearing. Physical assault.

Taglist: @soradragon​ @pistachiozombie​ @legolaslovely​ @tomisbaeholland​ @swoopswishsward​ @fizzyxcustard​ @deepestfirefun​ @ruthoakenshield​ @mariannetora​ @thequeenoferebor​ If you don’t wish to be tagged in Enya’s adventure, please let me know! Or if you’re not on the list and want to be tagged: check out my lists and I’d like to hear which list you want in on! 

‘I feel this is the beginning The beginning through the end’

‘I think she looks rather pale, what about you brother?’ A soft voice spoke. ‘Yeah.’ The second one agreed. He tried to sound stern, but one could hear the smile in his speech. ‘Honestly, I think she looks dashing. If we’re considering what she has been through.’ ‘You’re right.’ The first answered. ‘I do hope she wakes up soon.’

Enya groaned and then tried to move. Her limbs were heavy and felt restrained, tied up. Now that she mentioned that… She frowned. It did feel a bit uncomfortable. ‘Look! She’s moving!’ Someone cheered. ‘She’s a fighter, huh?!’ ‘Please, do not overcrowd her!’ A higher, more sophisticated voice that belonged to Bilbo Baggins fretted. ‘I doubt that she wants to see all of your ugly faces when she does wake up! The pure shock would send her straight to the dream realm again!’

‘Ugly?! Who did you call ugly?’ Gloín protested. ‘If he calls someone ugly in this room, it has to be you.’ Kíli laughed. Enya recognized the low chuckle of the golden haired son of Durin. ‘Since we’re Thorin’s nephews, Enya couldn’t possibly find us repulsive.’ The youngest prince of Durin added. ‘We can stay.’ ‘No you can’t!’ Oín scolded. ‘You’re awfully mouthy for someone who just has recovered himself. Besides, someone should find our king and tell him miss Blueheart is likely to wake up soon.’

There were some protests and angry muttering as the group of dwarves was shoved towards the door. ‘On that note…’ Bilbo mused. ‘Where is he?’ ‘Who?’ Oín inquired as he closed the door with a loud clank. Behind the wood, the lively chatter continued until it slowly faded away. ‘Thorin.’ The halfling said. ‘I would have expected him to stay at her side, but I haven’t seen him with her since he rushed to her when we brought her through the main gate...’

Thorin… A sharp ache stabbed her in the heart. She didn’t remember anything after her last strike. Smaug had been severely injured, but yet he had charged her with a vigor unlike any other. The thunder storm had found her and she allowed it to rage through her, but… She hadn’t been alone. Four spirits emerged. Four elements… What the hell?! Her eyelids fluttered and she managed to slightly open her eyes. Oín was standing on her right. She couldn’t see the hobbit, but she suspected he was sitting at her other side.

‘I guess he’s busy.’ Oín opted, not aware that his patient was waking up. ‘Or it’s too painful to see her like this.’ He glanced over at the halfling and heaved a sigh. ‘Please don’t look that shocked. Us dwarves aren’t used to show emotions like your kind does.’ ‘But she was badly hurt…’ Bilbo countered. ‘Wouldn’t he want to be there in case she-’ ‘If I would have thought she would die, he would have been right beside her.’ Oín grumbled. ‘Believe me.’

There was a short silence.

‘She’s healing remarkably fast.’ The physician murmured. ‘I’ve seen my fair share of burns, but she’s recovering like she’s got a mere graze. Soon she won’t need the bandages anymore. The only thing I’m worried about is that ugly scratch on her leg.’ ‘That must have to do something with her fire-witch roots, don’t you think?’ Bilbo said. ‘I mean-’ ‘Where the fuck am I?’ Enya muttered.

The halfling shot up and appeared in her view. He let out a relieved cry and grinned from ear to ear. Oín gave her one of his rare smiles and nodded. Her arms were bound in strips of cloth. She was neatly tucked in under a few blankets. Her left leg throbbed. ‘Welcome back, miss Enya.’ ‘Oh Enya, you’re back!’ Bilbo cried out, barely able to keep his excitement. ‘I was so worried about you! I didn’t dare to leave your side!’

Oh, dear Bilbo. Her heart ached again. She couldn’t wish for a better friend. After this whole journey, he had become very important to her.

‘What happened?’ she asked wearily as Oín carefully eased her up into a sitting position. She gritted her teeth when her every cell in her body screamed to leave her be. Well… she might be healing fast but she still felt like she was ran over by a truck. Like, four times. ‘Well…’ the old physician smiled. ‘Young lady, you killed the beast.’ ‘You were amazing.’ The halfling added. ‘You slayed him with a mightiest lightning bolt I’ve ever seen!’ ‘Thank you.’ She grimaced. ‘Wish it didn’t hurt this much though. How’s Bard doing?’ The hobbit and dwarf exchanged looks. ‘We do not know, miss.’ Oín replied. ‘He isn’t here, if that’s what you mean.’ Enya’s brows furrowed together. ‘I do not understand… They need shelter.’ Oín shrugged, but Bilbo looked rather anxious. Enya studied the halfling’s face. Something was up, but he didn’t want to share it in the presence of one of Thorin’s subjects.

‘Oín…’ she began while giving him her most charming smile. ‘Could you make me one of your tinctures that relieve pain? I could use some.’ The physician nodded shortly. ‘Yes, I could. I would need some strong liquor for that though. Let me see if I can find some in the kitchens.’

They watched as the dwarf walked through the door and closed it behind him. ‘Okay. So what’s really going on?!’ she hissed. Bilbo shook his head. ‘Not now, miss. You’re hurt. I’d rather have you focus on getting better first.’ She slumped back against the cushions, feeling exhausted already. ‘Fine, I yield. For now. Can you tell me how I killed that old fire-drake instead? My mind is kind of hazy from the moment I guided the lightning.’

Bilbo sat down on the stool beside her bed and began. After the thunderstorm had struck Enya, four identical figures had appeared by her side. At first, the halfling did not believe his own eyes and thought that he was hallucinating. But his vision had been clear as day. On each side of Enya two females stood proudly, looking exactly like the version in the middle. The only difference that the halfling did see, was the element each of them radiated. While the real Enya was surrounded by lightning, the other ones seemed to represent one of the four elements. Water and earth were standing on her left side, fire and air by her right. The elemental Enya’s raised their hands and mimicked their mistress’ pose. And with that, the bolt divided amongst them, thus protecting the real Enya Blueheart from the full blow.

Smaug had been badly injured, but still he seared majestically towards her. It must have been all the endorphins surging through his enormous body that gave him the strength for one last strike. Nevertheless, it only had taken a minute to finish him off when the lightning bolt hit him. Bilbo swallowed hard before telling her that the dragon’s final howl had been terrible and made the whole mountain shake on its’ foundation. Smaug himself was shuddering uncontrollably, his eyes rolling in their sockets as the electricity demolished everything in its’ way. Then, as it was nothing, the great beast fell from the sky. His body crashed on the ice. The latter gave in under al that weight, the water of the lake swallowing the fire-drake whole and pulling it towards the bottom.

As to the great fire-witch who was responsible for this death: her elemental counterparts had disappeared and miss Enya Blueheart collapsed down on the frozen lake. She did not stand up, nor did she revive when her comrades came to her aid and because Thorin wasn’t with them, Dwalin pulled her into his arms instead. The company took her to the infirmary, or that is, any place with a bed. Oín, Bofur, Fíli and Kíli had joined them hours later.

Though the corpse had sunk to the bottom of the lake, it still reeked outside of burned dragon flesh. The stench was so nauseating that everyone refused to go outside. The people of Laketown hadn’t showed up to the gates of Erebor yet, but Bilbo suspected that moment could come anytime now. There was no shelter but the lonely mountain- and these people were cold and starving.

‘Is Thorin already taking precautions for when they’ll arrive?’ Enya asked. ‘Surely we can house them all, but we have to get ready anyway…’ Bilbo shook his head and watched her face carefully, like he tried to fathom her thoughts. ‘I don’t think he will, miss.’ He shifted awkwardly on his stool. ‘He’s not…’ A dull ache spread through her spine and Enya’s mouth went dry. ‘Oh, please tell me.’ She assured her friend. ‘I know something is bothering you.’ ‘He’s not himself.’ The halfling whispered. ‘I can’t put my finger on it, but he seems different… More distant than the Thorin we know.’ ‘In what way?’ ‘I don’t know.’ Bilbo confessed. ‘We lose track of him all the time. He says our focus lies on finding the Arkenstone, so he makes us search every nook and cranny of this damned treasure room, which also reeks of dragon. When he’s not supervising our efforts, he’s wandering off to god knows where-’

The door was smashed open and they both shot up, startled. Enya winced and eased herself back into the soft pillows.

Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror was standing in the doorway. He had switched his usual attire to something more formal and majestic. The tunic had a deep blue color that complemented his eyes. Over that he wore a frock coat in a slightly darker shade. A black cloak adorned with fur in the same, dark shade hung around his shoulders. Heavy boots with steel toes and dark breeches perfected his attire. Though Thorin must have found it lying around in the mountain somewhere, everything looked like it was made just yesterday. Enya admired the golden threads that were applied in the hem of his shirt. If anything had felt ordinary about him at all, that now was gone. He looked absolutely breathtaking. ‘Love.’ The king breathed while eyeing her with a relieved expression. ‘You’re awake.’

Despite everything Enya had just heard, her heart skipped a beat and she felt a pleasant warmth spreading through her. Oh Thorin Oakenshield… He might not have been there to carry her into safety or when she woke up, but he must have come immediately after hearing the news from the others. That at least sounded like him.

‘I’ll leave you two.’ Bilbo said quickly and he jumped on his feet. He gave Thorin a respectful nod and slipped behind him through the doorway. The latter one raised a brow, but then decided to let it pass and he closed the door. ‘He’s been acting strange lately.’ He murmured at himself while taking a seat on the edge of Enya’s bed. ‘What were you talking about earlier?’ he then inquired matter-of-factly without making eye contact. Enya observed him and as she did so, a smile crept across her face. He was looking so majestic, that his presence felt a bit weird. The room, which was only filled with a wooden bed, a table, four chairs and a stool, was too simple for him. He belonged on his throne in the throne room down below, not in a hastily set up infirmary. Enya blinked slowly. But yet he was here.

‘Nothing too special, I guess.’ Enya finally murmured, her eyes falling shut. ‘Bilbo filled me in on my latest escapades.’ ‘You don’t remember?’ She shook her head. ‘Nothing after I got hold of the lightning bolt, no.’ Thorin’s hand found hers, his rough thumb caressing the bandage above her knuckles. It still was amazing to her how such thick fingers managed to handle stuff so carefully and gently at the same time. Something inside her stirred. ‘You were truly magnificent.’ Thorin confided in her. ‘I regret not trusting you earlier. You have proven to me you’re perfectly capable of handling dangerous foes on your own.’ Enya smirked. ‘I know you hate to hear this, but… I told you so.’ The king chuckled lowly. ‘I’ve never seen so much power and strength combined in someone, I’m impressed. Do you know how-’ he hesitated. ‘How I made the other Enya’s?’ she filled in.

There was a short silence. Enya opened her eyes. He was still sitting the same position, his sapphire orbs watching her intently. The strokes had stopped, though he was still holding her. She licked her lips. Never had she thought to see this day, where Thorin stop-being-so-rash-Enya Oakenshield did finally yield. Her stomach churned uncomfortably. She’d imagined to feel more satisfied than… unsettled, really.

‘I don’t.’ she then continued. ‘And I do not believe I called upon them at all. I think they knew what to do before I did.’ ‘It doesn’t matter.’ The king smiled encouragingly. ‘I can see you’re tired. You should get some sleep. Maybe it all comes back to you after a long rest.’ ‘But I’ve just woken up…’ she protested weakly, but she knew he was right. Her eyes were getting heavier with every moment. Though frustrating, it seemed she had to return to the world of imagination rather quickly. ‘You’re healing faster than we all thought you would.’ Thorin told her and she heard a layer of excitement in his low tone. ‘Which means your body needs its’ rest.’ ‘So they said.’ Enya sighed. ‘Then rest, love.’ He purred. She felt the bed move as Thorin stood up. His hand slipped away. So soon? She wanted him to stay while she slept because that made her feel so safe many times before… But he was probably too busy to do so. ‘Will you come back?’ she inquired drowsily. ‘Of course.’ He muttered and a gentle kiss was placed on her forehead. The short contact made her yearn for more, but he was already gone before she could tell him. ‘I always will come back for you.’ The king promised, sounding more far away now. ‘You know that.’

She listened to the sound of the door falling shut again. He was absolutely right. Before, she always had known that he would never leave her. But now… Something was different. A bitter aftertaste lingered in the air, like it tends to after you’ve been drinking too much and wake up the next morning with a solid hangover. The answer was on the tip of her tongue, but in her drowsy state she could not reach it yet. What she did know was that it didn’t matter how much she wanted to believe him that he still cared for her, like before.

She just couldn’t.

Enya recovered rather quickly, to much pleasure of her physician and the others. Oín was baffled by the fast pace in which her burned skin had healed. The only thing that remained was a Lichtenberg figure on her lower right arm- at least that was what they called such things on earth. A fiery red line started on her wrist and stretched up like a branch to her elbow. Though a part of her mourned for the loss of her untainted skin, she figured she earned her stripes and should wear them with pride. If it would bother her that much, she could always just cover it up.

The other thing that hadn’t healed as quickly, was the wound in her leg. Although Enya had ensured to Oín that she was fine (really!) and it didn’t hurt that much anyway, in reality it still seared with every move she made. Nevertheless, stubborn miss Enya Blueheart had enough of wasting away her time in bed, when there were far much more important things to do.

She had been wandering through one of the many corridors of Erebor for hours, unsure if getting lost in this labyrinth of passages was really an useful investment of her time. Her real goal had been to get to know at least one part of her new home, but all she really did was getting more lost by the minute. When she discovered yet another dead end, Enya sighed and crouched down on the ground. The wound in her leg was throbbing painfully and she wouldn’t be surprised if it had started to draw blood again. She didn’t dare to take a look. A faint smile crossed her face when she thought of the many times little Thorin must have gotten lost in here. Her own sense of direction was failing miserably, so she couldn’t imagine how someone with zilch skills in orientation would get by… A soft giggle escaped her.

‘Enya!’ Somewhere in the distance, Thorin’s low, distinguished tone resounded. She bit her lip to stay quiet. ‘Well my my…’ her mind mused. ‘Will this be the first day he’s actually able to FIND something?!’ ‘Yeah?’ she then called. ‘Mahal, I thought I’d never find you.’ she heard him mutter as his footsteps were nearing the place she sat.

Clapping her hands before her mouth, Enya choked back laughter. If Mahal was at it anyway, he could help her retaining a straight face….

‘Wat do you think you’re doing?’ Thorin informed sternly when he got her in sight. Oín told me you discharged yourself this morning.’ ‘I went exploring.’ She told him. ‘Needed a change of scenery.’ The king chuckled and crouched down next to her. ‘I fear I can’t agree that this particular corridor is more appealing than the view from your bed…’ ‘Oh, do not fret! I wasn’t planning on staying here.’ she replied. ‘I just needed a little break.’

His hand moved to her breeches and a sharp sting shot through her leg. Enya flinched. Even in this dimly lit corridor she knew he could see that the fabric near the wound indeed was drenched in blood.

‘Enya.’ Thorin growled. ‘You’ve been putting too much pressure on that wound for the last few hours.’ ‘Did not!’ she hissed. ‘I can look after myself. Don’t you have more useful stuff to do?’ He huffed. ‘Making sure the queen understands her duties is one of my top priorities.’ he told her before reaching out and lifting her into his arms with ease. ‘My duties?’ Enya protested. ‘Put me down! I can walk!’ ‘No, you’re not walking anywhere anymore until that wound on your leg has properly healed.’ The king insisted as he took her in what she assumed was the direction of the infirmary again. ‘Injuries like this need time and a vast amount of patience from the injured. And by that I mean it’s your duty to rest and heal.’ ‘I don’t have time for this!’ She complained, but she threw her arms around his neck anyway. ‘We have to prepare for the people of Laketown! We-’ ‘That’s none of your concern right now.’ Thorin interrupted. ‘May I remind you that you killed Smaug only yesterday?’ ‘Yeah and a whole town of people is coming this way.’ Enya snapped. ‘They need help.’ ‘I’ll deal with that.’ He grumbled. ‘You already contributed enough by killing Smaug.’ ‘But it’s also my responsibility-’ ‘Enough!’ Thorin rebuked. His grip on her tightened, his hand clasping her left thigh firmly. ‘T-Thorin.’ She whined. Her fingers dug into his neck, squeezing with equal force. ‘What!’ he barked, glaring through her. ‘You’re hurting me.’ She hissed through clenched teeth. His expression changed. The harshness from earlier disappeared and made room for a certain softness in his eyes she was more acquainted with. His mouth twisted slightly. ‘Forgive me. I did not mean to.’ He murmured. ‘I just meant to say you’ll encounter plenty of opportunities to prove your worth, but this will not be today. Today you will rest.’ ‘Prove my worth?!’ The words prickled on her tongue, leaving a bad aftertaste. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?!’ ‘Figure of speech.’ The king muttered. ‘Do not pick apart every word.’ ‘I kind of have to, when you keep speaking in riddles.’ She replied.

They already were at the infirmary’s door again. Wait what? Enya turned her head and watched the direction they came from. How the hell she could have missed that? Thorin seemed to understand her thoughts, as he heaved a sigh before he carefully put her on her feet.

‘This place is a maze.’ He informed her. ‘Next time, I might not be able to find you as fast as I did now.’ ‘So you think there will be a next time, huh?’ she said with a smirk, carelessly leaning against the doorpost. She flinched when her leg protested in the form of a sharp sting. Thorin watched her with narrowed eyes. ‘Somehow I can’t shake this feeling that it doesn’t matter how many times I bring you back there…’ he mused. ‘You will slip out the moment I turn anyway.’ Enya shrugged, knowing that she’d probably would sleep for a few hours first before doing that. ‘What would you like to hear, my king?’ ‘The truth.’ ‘Fine.’ She gave in. ‘Then, yes. I probably will.’ ‘What do I have to do to get you to listen to me?’ he grumbled. ‘I’ve heard you’re a great diplomat.’ She suggested with a wink. ‘You can work it out.’ A trace of a smile appeared on his face. ‘Are you flirting with me?’ ‘I’m always flirting with you.’ She purred. ‘Can’t seem to help it, I suppose.’ Thorin gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Then his fingers followed the soft curve of her jaw, the featherlight touch causing goosebumps all over her body. She briefly wondered how on earth he always was capable of making her feel this way, but then the thought evaporated as he leaned in and kissed her.

Though it was nothing like the long, heated making out sessions they were quite familiar with, this kiss surely did what it had to. Enya lost track of all other senses but one. She moaned when Thorin suddenly, too soon, pulled away. Sapphire burned into pale blue. Dear mahal, would she ever not be a panting mess of female hormones? She exhaled shakily. ‘Try to sleep.’ He finally spoke. ‘I’ll be back in a few hours.’ ‘Sure.’ She murmured while watching her One striding away. ‘I can try…’

After a good deal of tossing, turning and being fussed over by a particular judgmental physician, Enya managed to get some of the advised sleep. When she finally woke up, her leg wasn’t as painful as it felt a few hours ago (yay for heavy pain medication!), but Thorin still wasn’t there. She knew he’d always kept his promises, so she waited.

Patiently, at first. But after she had checked her appearance for the zillionth time, and tried to convince herself that he’d never seen her wearing eye makeup so it didn’t really matter if she thought her face looked bleak… She was fed up with the nervous tingles in her stomach. For God sakes! It wasn’t like she was going on a date with this dwarf, nor was she an helpless lady who needed to wait for her chaperone. If her fiancé had forgotten about their agreement already, then she’d…

‘Fiancé…’ she murmured to herself. ‘That does sound ridiculous, doesn’t it. I mean, I’m only… twenty-four- I mean fucking eighty-nine.’ Eighty-nine… that was still young, right.

Right?!

Enya heaved a sigh and gave herself a last look in the hand mirror Bilbo had fetched for her. She still missed her cat-eye look, but other than that she was doing fairly okay. She put the mirror on her bed and made for the door. If Thorin wasn’t coming for her, she might as well find her other favorite lads and see how they were doing. Besides, she still had not seen the enormous pile of gold and gems in Smaug’s former hoard.

Just when she grabbed the door handle, the wooden surface was pushed in her direction. ‘Fucking hell!’ she cried out while jumping backwards. The wound in her leg protested and Enya winced. Thorin was standing in the door opening, and he looked rather amused. ‘What are you up to?’ he inquired. ‘I thought I said I was coming back.’ ‘Yeah well, you’re late.’ She accused him as she gently rubbed her leg. The king merely lift a brow. ‘Did we discuss a time?’ Enya huffed. ‘Not precisely, though I’m open to debate the true meaning of the concept you stated as “a few hours”.’ ‘Just like I said.’ He answered. ‘A few hours.’ ‘Two, four, a hundred… What is time to a king anyway, eh?’ she jested. ‘Is that a new habit of yours, to keep the ladies waiting?’ Thorin smirked. ‘One of the kingly duties, I’m afraid.’ ‘You’re an ass.’ She muttered under her breath. Thorin gently pulled her into his embrace. ‘That’s no way to speak to a king…’ ‘Accept my sincerest apologies, then.’ She replied with the straightest face she could manage. ‘I did not mean to offend your highness.’ ‘Somehow I do not believe that…’ he said. ‘But no matter. Do you want to see something worthwhile?’ Enya watched him. His sapphire eyes were twinkling with joy and a boyish grin appeared. Good gracious, now she knew where Fíli and Kíli got that charm from. How was she supposed to decline when he looked at her like that?

‘Sure…’ she began, but then shrieked as he swept her from the ground and into his arms. ‘Seriously Thorin… this again?’ ‘I told you. No walking.’ He insisted. ‘Now, grab a hold of me.’ She laughed and obliged. ‘So you’re going to carry me around the mountain like a sack of potatoes?’ ‘That’s a rather unflattering comparison.’ Thorin said. ‘I’d say you look nothing like a potato.’ ‘Oh my king, you flatter me!’ she chirped. ‘Is that a compliment?!’ ‘Though potatoes are rather tasty…’ he remarked. ‘Ah, there it is!’ Enya exclaimed. ‘So on a scale of potato to fire-witch, how tasty am I?’ Thorin pondered for a while and then shrugged. ‘That depends on my mood.’ ‘You’re unbelievable.’ She sniggered. ‘It shouldn’t even be a-’ Her words got lost as he kissed her fondly. ‘I wish I had the time to show you all the secrets I discovered when I grew up here...’ Thorin whispered against her lips. ‘You mean like the hidden passage in Thraín’s library?’ Enya informed sweetly. She still hadn’t forgotten how he tried to lock her up in it. ‘I think I will pass.’ The king chuckled. ‘That wouldn’t be a surprise anymore, would it? No, since we only can do some of the highlights, we surely won’t visit my father’s library…’

Their first stop was the treasure room, former home of Smaug. Though the lair still reeked of dragon, if you’d breath through your mouth, the sight was magnificent. The vast hall was filled with an ocean of golden coins, gems and other valuables objects. ‘Oh!’ Enya gasped as she took in the immensity of the wealth beneath her, not knowing where to look. Dozens of torches were placed through the hall. The treasure glittered in the soft, yellow light. Mahal, the beauty! She wasn’t the first of her race to admire the exquisiteness of the treasure of Erebor and she surely wouldn’t be the last…

Thorin had let her down on one of the lower balconies, the one before the last flight of stairs. Still, she was way too high above the ground for her liking. She suppressed a shudder and took a step back, leaning against her One. There, for a moment in his arms, she felt home.

‘Isn’t this worth all the trouble we went through?’ he inquired softly in her ear. An hint of excitement in his tone betrayed how pleased he was. Enya glanced behind her. Thorin Oakenshield stood proudly, watching his treasure with a content expression of a dwarf who has reached his one of his most desired goals. Just like the gold before them, the flames glistered in his eyes. He looked more majestic than ever in his heavy mantle. Her heart fluttered.

‘I believe it is.’ She concluded, leaning backwards to place a kiss on his cheek. ‘Please don’t mind me asking… but what should we do with it?’ ‘Protect it, of course.’ The king replied shortly. ‘We came from too far to just let go of it again.’ She stepped away and studied his sharp profile. Something in the back of her mind prickled. ‘Protect against whom?’ ‘You know who.’ Thorin growled. ‘That’s why I gave Dwalin and a few others the task of fortifying the main entrance again. We don’t need unwanted visitors.’ ‘You mean the people of Laketown?’ she guessed. ‘Amongst others.’ Enya heaved a weary sigh. ‘Thorin, that’s not fair. They are not-’ ‘Will you be quiet-’ he said with gritted teeth. ‘-THE ENEMY-’ ‘-I SAID QUIET!’ Thorin raged. Enya put her hands on her hips and braced herself. ‘I will not remain silent if you’re going to be this unjust!’ ‘Hush!’ The king barked. ‘You know what is unfair? When a dragon takes away your home, burning everyone and everything you’ve ever known in the process! YOU KNOW WHAT’S UNJUST? ROAMING THESE LANDS, SEARCHING FOR A WAY TO SURVIVE!’ ‘Precisely my point!’ She snarled. ‘Don’t let others suffer the fate our kin was forced to. Tell me, what’s the difference between Smaug destroying Erebor compared to Laketown?’

Thorin closed and opened his eyes. His breathing was ragged, his hands balled into fists. He muttered something under his breath, but Enya couldn’t make out the words. ‘What’s that?’ she asked. ‘Do tell me.’ ‘I SAID’ he hissed. ‘That they had it coming.’

She wanted to make a sharp remark about others who should have seen their fate coming, but she knew that was below the belt. He wouldn’t forgive her if she said it. Not even for the sake of making a point. So instead she drew in a long breath and bit on her tongue. Thorin watched her, his eyes glittering with anger. ‘Where does your loyalty lie?’ he seemed to ask wordlessly.

‘As much as that may be true...’ She finally managed to say. ‘We brought it on them.’ Thorin brushed with his hands as if he was shooing an unpleasant insect. ‘That dragon would have awoken anyway.’

She watched as he paced back and forth on the balcony. ‘But all of that won’t matter unless we find the Arkenstone.’ He muttered while gesturing vaguely in a random direction. ‘There has to be a faster way to sort through our gold…’ ‘So, we know for certain…’ she treaded carefully. ‘that this is the place where it was last seen?’ The king nodded shortly. ‘According to my calculations, it still should be here… somewhere. I don’t suspect that vile beast would’ve moved it.’ ‘That seems fair.’ She agreed. ‘I don’t think Smaug ever dreamt of having to hide it anyway.’

She looked down and eyed the treasure once more. Her legs shook slightly. ‘I don’t think there’s a fast way to find this jewel… It could be anywhere.’ Thorin took a step forward and eyed the pile directly below them. ‘We have to search…’ he murmured. ‘But that will take weeks, if not months…’ ‘Do not stand near the edge.’ Enya said nervously as she tried to control her trembling limbs. ‘You have the powers of the wind.’ Thorin told her with a shrug. ‘Even if you would fall, your instincts would save you. I saw it with my own eyes. There’s nothing to be afraid of.’ ‘Easier said than done.’ She said unhappily. ‘Even fighting a-’ ‘Wind!’ The king suddenly cheered. ‘Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?’ ‘Sorry, what?!’ Enya faltered.

Thorin lunged forward and swept her from her feet. ‘You!’ he beamed. ‘You, my beautiful queen, are the solution to everything!’ ‘Everything?!’ she repeated. ‘Er- That’s a bit… too much credit isn’t it?!’ ‘Do you think you could do it?’ he said, breathlessly. He was gazing at her, beaming with joy and the biggest smile she’d ever seen on his face. She stared back, completely dumbfounded.

Hello, mister mood swings. Excuse me if I don’t follow…

‘Eh- I could try…’ she gulped. ‘I mean, I guess. Can’t promise-’ He rewarded her with a kiss that took her breath away. ‘So that’s settled then.’ He whispered against her lips. ‘When you’ve healed enough, you will find the Arkenstone for me…’

‘Mahal, Thorin! No!’

Her laugh vibrated through the room. The last stop of Thorin’s tour of highlights turned out to be the royal quarters. His outburst from earlier seemed to be long forgotten, because the king was beaming as he showed her the places in which the majority of his childhood had taken place. The walk in closet in his sister Dís’ bedroom was magnificent and Enya could not stop gawking at all the rows of beautiful dresses that still hung there on the racks. Only a layer of dust betrayed that the owner hadn’t worn them for a long time. Most of them, as Thorin informed her, turned out to be new.

Somehow the king also convinced her to try something on. She had protested at first (‘these are not mine, they probably won’t fit anyway’), but once Thorin had given her the famous puppy eyed look that Kíli obviously learned from his uncle, she obliged.

‘Oh come on.’ The king encouraged her. He was occupying the bed and waited impatiently for his One to show up. ‘Let me see.’ ‘Promise you won’t laugh.’ Enya begged. ‘Why would I possibly do that?’ She snorted. ‘Because I look absolutely ridiculous!’ ‘That’s not possible.’ ‘Oh no?’

Enya took a deep breath and twirled around the corner. She had chosen a pink, lacy dress that had looked pretty on the hanger, but on her body… The neckline was too high for her liking and was adorned with a huge, pinkish ribbon. Ruffles decorated her shoulders and parts of the skirt. Tiny ribbons were sewn all over the fabric, making the overall result a little bit… too much. ‘Well?’ she winked while planting her hands on her hips. ‘What do you think?!’ Thorin bit on his lip, but the corners of his mouth already curved into an ominous grin. ‘It’s-’

‘Don’t you dare Oakenshield!’ She warned, but it was already too late. Thorin threw his head back and burst into laughter. Enya watched as the sensations consumed him whole. It was a deep, rumbling sound that eased the tightness in her chest and she couldn’t help but smile helplessly like a total idiot.

But still… he had made a promise…

‘You promised not to make fun of me!’ she shrieked and she jumped on the bed, toppling over her One. A sharp jolt of pain surged through her leg, but she ignored it. ‘Forgive me…’ he panted between two fits. ‘I told you!’ she giggled, placing a hand on each side of his head. ‘This thing is too extra! Look at all that lace!’ ‘Uzfakuh…’ he grinned. ‘You are truly suffocating me with all that fabric. You should try another one.’ ‘And be your main source of entertainment again?!’ she mused. ‘Not before you apologize. Or… choke to death. Your choice.’ ‘The fact that the dress is a monstrosity has nothing to do with you, my queen.’ Thorin told her with a fond smile, while his hands grazed her bum. ‘You are always breathtaking.’ ‘Now, now.’ She muttered. ‘Look who’s being king charming in the flesh.’ ‘A king charming?’ he replied with a grin. ‘Technically in the fairytale he was a prince.’ She told him. ‘But you’re no prince, so…’

Her left leg throbbed. A soft hiss escaped her and Enya rolled off her king, to her right side. Thorin narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. Enya heaved a sigh and melted in his embrace.

She must have dozed off, because once she woke up again it was already getting dark. Enya woke with a shiver and soon discovered why. Thorin had disappeared. She pushed herself in an upright position and glanced through the room.

Where did he slip off to?

With a groan she got up and fiddled with the laces of the dress. Of course she should look for him, but not in this ridiculous thing. She walked into Dís’ closet and scanned the racks. Thorin had been clear that he did not like the rags (as he called it) Bard had sent her off in and her favorite pair of skinny jeans was either turned to ashes or at the bottom of the lake, so as a future queen she’d better find something more suitable. She dropped the heavy, pink fabric on the floor and went through the options. Most dresses were too chic for everyday wear, but in the back she found a simple, midnight blue dress with long, loose sleeves. A cord adorned with golden thread was tied around the waist. It was almost too Elvish to be a part of the royal wardrobe of the princess of Erebor, but Enya liked it. She carefully took it from its’ place, patted the dust away and put it on.

She whirled around and gasped when she suddenly saw Thorin leaning in the doorway. ‘Mahal!’ she cried out. ‘Where have you been?’ ‘You’d think I would let my fire-witch all alone out there?’ He replied with a faint smile. ‘After what happened yesterday?’ She shrugged. ‘That doesn’t answer my question.’ ‘I had to verify a thought.’ He gave in. ‘To be sure.’ ‘Care to tell me what it was?’ ‘A place where the Arkenstone might have slid into.’ Thorin obliged with a slightly tensed undertone in his voice. ‘You were sleeping anyway, so I didn’t think you would mind.’ She figured he did not find it, otherwise he would have been far more excited. ‘Nothing?’ He shook his head. ‘No.’ ‘It has to be somewhere in that huge pile of gold.’ Enya mused. ‘Or that ugly beast has swallowed it whole. I think I saw his belly radiate this strange, blue light when I killed him.’ In a split second, his face went from blank to horrified. Thorin surged forward and grabbed her shoulders. His fingers dug in her bones. ‘WHAT?!’ he roared. ‘YOU BETTER NOT TELL ME THAT YOU LET THAT VILE FIRE-DRAKE SINK DOWN THE LAKE WITH THE ARKENSTONE!’ ‘I was kidding, Thorin! A joke!’ She swore. ‘Stop that! You’re hurting me!’ ‘Oh.’ He said stiffly and his hands fell to his sides again. Then he took a step back. There was hurt clearly displayed his eyes. Enya sighed. ‘I’m sorry. I was just-’ ‘No matter.’ He said and he turned on his heels before pacing into the bedroom again. ‘I don’t expect you to understand what it means to me.’

Ouch. All she had wanted was to lighten the mood, but it was clear she had struck a vein instead. Enya followed him pulled him into her arms. Though he did allow the move, he didn’t embrace her back like he usually did. Her heart ached. ‘Maybe I don’t fully understand, no.’ she whispered against his chest. ‘But I meant no harm.’ ‘I know that.’ Thorin grumbled, but his jaw was set and a vein in his temple throbbed.

Did he?!

Enya kissed him on his unrelenting jaw. ‘You know.’ She began softly. ‘We’re in this together. I don’t want to you carry all the responsibility of this kingdom on your own, but then I need you to let me in.’ ‘I have told you already that this task isn’t yours to bear.’ Thorin insisted. ‘You’ve honored your part of the bargain and killed the dragon. Now I need you to rest up.’ ‘I’m doing that right now, am I not?’ ‘Barely.’ The king reiterated. ‘You’re running off to Mahal knows where every time I turn my back! I have far more important stuff to do than making sure you’re where you’re supposed to!’ ‘I know, forgive me.’ Thorin glared at her. ‘I need to forgive you a lot.’ She smiled innocently. ‘I just want to make myself useful. And lying in bed all day waiting for my leg to heal properly, doesn’t count.’ ‘You could try to search through the treasure room.’ He opted. ‘If that isn’t too tedious for you.’ ‘Of course I can do that!’ she shot back. ‘But you said that I-’ ‘No.’ he interrupted her. ‘You and opinionated self have proved to be healthy enough to roam through Erebor, so I think you can manage this unimportant task.’ ‘For God sakes’, Thorin!’ she cried out while letting him go. ‘I said I was sorry! And you’re the one who dragged me through Erebor today!’ ‘My mistake.’ He hissed. ‘I didn’t mean to bore you with my childhood background.’

Enya swallowed hard. He was standing proudly before her, arms crossed and a terrifying scowl displayed on his face. His sapphire eyes were cold and harsh. She didn’t know what had caused him to switch, but now everything that came out of her mouth seemed to set him off. She probably should tread with care, but she wanted answers. And if he was mad at her already, well… She cleared her throat.

‘I know the Arkenstone is the only thing that will give you the right to rule over all the dwarf clans, but why do we need that right now?’ ‘Why?’ he mocked and shook his head. ‘Clearly you know nothing of warfare.’ ‘Well it wasn’t a subject I got tutored in school, no.’ She shot back. ‘So enlighten me, please.’ ‘Are you really that arrogant to think that other’s aren’t eyeing the lonely mountain?’ he spat. ‘Once the word spread that Smaug’s dead, they will flock Erebor like vultures!’ ‘Only more reason to give the people of-’ ‘SHUT UP!’ ‘-PEOPLE OF LAKETOWN REFUGE BECAUSE-’ ‘-I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF THAT ACCURSED TOWN!’ he boomed. ‘How can I shut up about numerous starving humans, Thorin?’ she seethed. ‘How am I supposed to do that?’ ‘If you’re attached to them and that bowman so much, maybe you should join them.’ Thorin rebuked. ‘We will not let that filth into our home.’ ‘Filth?!’ she repeated. ‘That filth you speak of was kind enough to grant you passage over the lake and take you into hís home!’ ‘Only after demanding all of our money.’ Thorin growled. ‘He left us with no choice. There’s no honor in that.’ ‘And how about upholding your own?’ Enya sassed. ‘You gave them your word!’

There was a short silence. Thorin’s eyes now flashed with anger and Enya had to resist the urge to look away. Though he wasn’t much taller than her, his demeanor was frightening. It seemed like he towered over her, his scowl sending her in the deepest pit of shame.

They had fought many times, but she had never feared him before, for the simple reason that she knew he cared for her. It never had been his goal to hurt her -or worse- humiliate her. But now she didn’t know what he wanted. As Thorin, son of Thraín, son of Thrór, stood before her in all his might, she instinctively knew that he would do anything to keep his beloved mountain and the treasure in it to himself. He would hurt anyone who dared to get in his way. Even his queen.

For dwarves covet gold more than anything… It’s a fierce love… And theirs would not be enough…

‘Are you against me, Enya?!’ he finally hissed. ‘What kind of question is that?!’ she retorted. ‘Why would I be?’ ‘Because you refuse to see it my way.’ ‘I refuse to see anyone’s way if they stuck their head in the sand, thank you very much!’ she bit back. ‘If it’s true what we should fear incoming armies from others, then we have all the more reason to protect the people that have nothing to do with it!’ ‘And having them prance through the halls of my forefathers?’ Thorin scoffed. ‘Despicable.’ She gritted her teeth. ‘I don’t think they’re in any shape to prance.’ ‘Do not mock me, miss Blueheart.’ ‘I merely try to help you!’ she swore, throwing her hands in the air in frustration. ‘Help?!’ Thorin taunted. ‘You really think I would need help from you, you insolent girl?!’

Enya gasped for air and took a step back. Before, he’d only called her names when he reached the outmost borders of his patience, mostly followed by a passionate kiss. He never meant what he said, at least not really. But this… This was heartfelt and downright vicious.

‘That’s what you think of me?’ she breathed, but Thorin ignored her. ‘I did not need your help when I lead my kin to victory at the battle of Azalnulbizar, after I lost not only my grandfather, but also my brother.’ He said hotly. ‘I did not need YOUR HELP when I built a new life for them in the blue mountains. And I SURELY DID NOT NEED YOU ON THIS QUEST!’ ‘Thorin, that’s enough. Stop it.’ She whimpered. ‘I beg you.’ ‘No.’ he snapped. ‘I have warned you many times before. You are being disrespectful and it’s time you learn.’

Cold chills ran down her spine and her throat went dry. Her heart hammered in her chest and she swallowed hard. This wasn’t good. At all. ‘Learn what?’ she inquired carefully while taking another step backwards. She didn’t want to admit it just yet, but in the back of her mind she was thinking of safe places to run to.

‘That I am not one to be trifled with.’ The king growled as he watched her backing away from him. ‘You are scaring me.’ She said quietly.

He didn’t seem to hear her, because he already surged forward and pushed her against one of the sturdy bed poles. It creaked violently as it both of their weights crashed into it. The carved wood poked in her back and Enya whined. Thorin seemed to move mechanically. There was no love in his eyes, no tenderness. All she could see was a harsh, lustful glare as he intended to take what was his... His mouth sucked on the soft flesh of her neck before biting hard on her shoulder bone, his hands were clawing in the seams of her skirt, rucking it upwards.

But Enya was in no mood for a session of hot, angry lovemaking. He had intended to hurt her in a truly awful way and though that should be bad enough alone, he still had the audacity to make demands. Didn’t he know that the body isn’t as nearly as willing when the mind is severely occupied? If she was to be his wife, he needed to understand that there were boundaries. And king or not, fear or no fear, Enya could not accept someone behaving like a disrespectful asshole towards her. Thorin was no Jason. And if he turned out to be just like that, she’d rather be alone.

‘No.’ she told him firmly, while pushing him away. ‘Not like this.’ He immediately stumbled backwards. His expression was pained, like she had actually slapped him in the face. ‘You…’ he mumbled. ‘You’re not you! I don’t know who this person is, Thorin.’ She managed to tell him, though tears were straining her eyes and her throat was thick with emotion. ‘But this is not the dwarf I know and whom I love!’

Without waiting for his response, she turned away and broke into a run. Her leg hurt, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her heart. Tears blurred her vision and she had no idea where she was going. She dashed through stairs, hallways and rooms without noticing. She ran until she was out of breath. She ran until the pain in her leg became unbearable. Only then did she allow herself to stop long enough to lift her skirt and view the damage she had done. The wound had torn open again and thick blood gushed through the slash.

Desperately, Enya crashed down the floor and wept.

‘Miss Enya.’ A voice whispered near her ear. ‘Are you awake?’

‘Wha-?’ she murmured.

‘Miss Enya!’ the voice insisted and at the same time two hands groped her shoulders and shook her awake. ‘It’s me!’

With a shriek she shot up, knocking over something that gave a soft cry in the process. A thud followed. Her flames filled the palms of her hands and drowsily she looked around, but nothing was there.

Huh. This was strange. She remembered being absolutely exhausted from all the running and crying, and passing out somewhere in Erebor. But it seemed that she was back in the infirmary after all, safely tucked under the covers. She shifted on the soft mattress. Really, she had to stop this ridiculous habit of waking up in places and forgetting how she had ended up there. Or stop the person who dared to move her around.

A fleeting memory brushed past her consciousness. Sturdy arms, picking her up and enveloping her against a hardened chest. Soft mumbling, a kiss against her temple. The covers rushing as she was gently being tucked into bed. Lips against her cheek, a calloused hand caressing her hair. A whisper. ‘Forgive me...’

Thorin…?

‘Who’s there? What time is it?’ she groaned. ‘I swear to Mahal, if that’s you Thorin, you’d better have a long apology prepared or there’s the door.’

‘It’s me!’ Bilbo Baggins revealed. ‘Where the fuck are you?’ ‘Next to your bed.’ The halfling replied unhappily. ‘You knocked me over.’ ‘Oh shit, I’m so sorry!’ Enya whispered and she peered over the edge of the bedframe. The hobbit was lying on the wooden floor and he smiled encouragingly at her. ‘Oh fuck! I didn’t mean to hurt you!’ Enya apologized. ‘Doesn’t matter, no harm’s done.’ Bilbo hushed. ‘I was the one scaring you anyway, so I should’ve seen that one coming.’

He crawled up and took a seat next to her on the bed. Enya did bend forward and gave her friend a hug before making room for him to sit more comfortably. The fact that the halfling did not object against a cuddle from his favorite fire-witch like he usually did, told her he was in great distress. ‘Oh Bilbo…’ she murmured. ‘You’re sure you’re okay?’ ‘Fine, fine.’ He said. ‘I’ll manage. How are you?’ ‘My leg is still hurting, but that isn’t strange considered I ran through Erebor today for God knows how long.’ She answered while she stretched her legs. The wound throbbed. ‘Where did you find me?’ ‘In here, in your bed.’ Bilbo said. ‘No one has seen you after you and Thorin went upstairs to the royal quarters. What happened?’

Enya’s mind traveled back towards the events that happened earlier today. Tears prickled behind her eyes and she swallowed hard. ‘Thorin and I…’ she began. ‘One moment we were so happy, flirting and laughing… and then the next…’ ‘He changes.’ The halfling whispered. She nodded vigorously. ‘Yes. There’s this switch and I don’t know what causes him to flip it, but…’ she suppressed a shiver. ‘He changes into this vicious person I don’t know. I mean…’ she sniffled. ‘I know we quarrel sometimes-’ Bilbo let out a disbelieving snort. ‘Okay a lot- but before I always knew that he cared for me and he would never harm me in any way. But right now, he scares me! He seems to intend to hurt me in the cruelest way possible, just because I try to help him!’

‘It’s worse than I feared.’ Bilbo mumbled. ‘I’ve been watching him for quite some time now and… I noticed too that things are not well, miss.’ ‘What did you see?’ Enya asked. She knew she didn’t want to hear the answer, but it slowly daunted on her that she had to. It was the disease Thorin had told her about, the one he had feared succumbing to his entire life. It was slowly consuming him, taking over his mind. He wouldn’t be able to resist it on his own…

‘He’s down there all the time.’ The hobbit told her. ‘In the treasure room.’ She winced. ‘Since when?’ ‘It started around the time we brought you back into Erebor.’ The halfling explained. ‘Once he met us at the main entrance had made sure you were going to be alive and well, he was off.’ ‘He said he was busy.’ She mused. ‘I thought he was making plans to defend ourselves against outsiders or even how to rebuild this grand kingdom…’ ‘None of that, I’m afraid.’ Bilbo grumbled. ‘All he does is walking in circles and talking to himself. I can’t make out what he says exactly, but he seems to repeat the words gold and Arkenstone all the time.’ ‘Oh Bilbo…’ she cried. ‘What should we do?’ ‘I don’t know.’ He said as he awkwardly reached out and rubbed her arm. ‘I wish I knew.’

They sat there in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Enya thought of Thorin, surrounded by treasure and muttering nonsense under his breath. She was losing him. A crippling fear crept around her heart and she found it difficult to breathe. What if she could not save him? What if she failed? She’d never forgive herself that… What was it worth to live after killing Smaug, when she knew that the costs were Thorin’s to pay?

‘I spoke with Balin today.’ Bilbo broke the silence. ‘What?’ Enya whispered absentmindedly. ‘I found him in a rather.. desperate state. In one of the storage rooms.’ The hobbit mumbled as he stared at the wall in opposite of them. ‘We discussed a theory.’ He swallowed hard. ‘You can tell me.’ She told him. ‘What did you two talk about?’ ‘You must promise me that you won’t tell Thorin.’ Bilbo squeaked. ‘Because if he knows, I’m… He’ll…’ ‘You’d think I’d betray my friend?’ she gasped in disbelief. ‘He’s your One, your king.’ The halfling replied. ‘You’re bound to him, even more than any of us.’ ‘I think my duties as future queen are to protect the king even when it’s against himself.’ She vowed. ‘The king is not in his right mind and I know you’ll do as much to save him as I would. You’re one of my dearest friends, Bilbo. I’d never betray you.’ ‘Thank you.’ Her friend said quietly. ‘I knew you’d say that.’ ‘Then why did you ask?’ she smiled faintly. ‘To be sure.’ He confessed. ‘Because I… I have found the Arkenstone.’

‘Excuse me?!’ she gulped. ‘You did what?!’ ‘Ssssh!’ Bilbo hissed while watching the door, though it was silent on the other side. ‘Keep it down!’ ‘Sorry!’ she whispered. ‘I just… WHAT THE HELL BILBO?!’ ‘Let me explain!’ he said feverishly. ‘Right after my almost fatal encounter with Smaug, I managed to get a hold of the Arkenstone. I’ve been carrying it with me since then, but I did not know if I should tell Thorin or not…’ ‘To hell you don’t!’ Enya hissed. ‘That will only trigger him! I joked about knowing its’ whereabouts today and he went crazy!’ Bilbo flinched. ‘That’s what Balin said. I… I asked him theoretically speaking, what would happen if the king’s jewel was found.’ ‘And what did he say?’ ‘He said he feared it would make everything worse.’ Enya licked her lips. ‘I’ve got the same feeling. He must never find that wretched thing.’ ‘So what should we do with it then?!’ The halfling fretted. ‘I can’t keep it forever…’ ‘We’ll figure something out.’ She whispered. ‘Listen, what if we…’

Thank you so much for reading my humble story. Feedback is always welcome.  Next up… more gold sickness... I’m not sure if I can take more... Alas the characters have more heartbreak for us in store.

Did you love Enya? Spread the love and reblog this chapter! :) For the rest of her journey: Enya’s story or check out my Masterlist.

[smaugthcgolden]

aelernil asked:

"Air. I need air." (Hope it's okay)

   “Yes... You would need something so precious as air, wouldn’t you?” He mused with a short hissing bit of laughter, deep within his chest. There was a giddiness in his voice, something that hadn’t been seen much outside of the mountain or in. Unless he was setting aflame the surrounding towns and cities. One already lay a burnt crisp, Dale and it’s ancient stones, were now dormant with ash and death. The scent of this one reminded him of another, and kin that he’s laid low all those years ago.

Though, the dragon finally relented and pulled his head away from the other, smoke and fumes filtering up to the tops of the golden halls, far out of reach of this one. For now, he was spared of suffocation, and Smaug watched with glee in that burning gaze of his. “You poor wretch... What is this that I smell from you? A peculiar scent... Who do you come from? So familiar...”

| @aelernil​ |

[luna-redamancy]

Day 10-  Cocoa and Flames

Pairing- Smaug x Reader

Word Count: 1504- The longest so far!

If someone had told you years ago that you’d be mated to a dragon, you’d laugh and call them crazy. Being raised on a farm, you were taught stories of dragons stealing livestock, murdering them for a feast, not the traditional stories of stealing princesses and princes for kicks.

So, when you stumbled upon a dragon hoard when you were only seeking shelter from a storm, you were quite shocked when he chose you as his mate. His. Smaug The Terrible.

You never seemed to want for anything, fruit? He’ll come back with some after a hunting trip. Wine? He’ll steal some from the Elves. Comfort? He’ll transform himself into his human form and hold you as a fire roared and crackled in the background.

Taking a walk around the halls, you smiled happily when you heard his familiar loud stomps as he came back from another hunting trip. “Little one?” His husky voice called, vibrating the walls as you quickened your pace. Sensing the slight worry in his words, you were quick to announce yourself. “I’m here!” You called while waving your arm a bit as you stepped into the hoard of gold. “Just went for a walk.” You answered his confused look as he set down bags of human food from his claws to a stack of gold.

“I got something special for you.” Smaug purred, his body shifting into one of a man, the smell of a campfire filling the air as he did so. “Oh?” You questioned, walking up to the stack of gold while he walked up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. “ ‘missed you..” He mumbled into your shoulder.

Typically his hunting trips don’t take very long, however, the one he was just on took over a week. Smiling you reached up a hand to card your fingers through his hair. “I missed you too, why were you gone for so long?” You questioned as your other hand tugged open the sack, exposing a jar of brown powder, milk, and two carefully crafted tea-mugs.

“Humans, they saw me fly overhead and decided to track me down…” Smaug explained, opening his arm out to show you where he was cut. “They caught me mid-shift, not too smart of them though, they didn’t escape me.” He chuckled deep in his throat, reminding you of his somewhat psychotic tendencies.

Turning your head slightly you pressed a kiss to his jaw. “What did you bring me?” You decided to switch topics, not wanting him to go into detail about his, uh, ‘adventure’ with the humans. “I stole this off the men that came for me. I overheard them talking about a drink called ‘hot cocoa’?” Realization dawned on you, a smile growing on your face. “I’ve missed this drink so much, my mom used to make it during the winter months.” You told him, seeing a proud smile grow on his face as his chest puffed happily.

Smaug was a proud, confident, arrogant, and psychotic dragon. However, he was also your mate. And bringing a smile to your face, that was all he sought for. Not even glittering gold could compare to the way your smile lit up a room.

Turning around in his arms to face him, you grinned as he immediately pressed his forehead against yours, rubbing his nose against yours affectionately. “How about, I get the drinks ready while you go get a fire ready?” You negotiated, pressing your lips against his softly, his dragon-esque fangs still in his human form, lightly scraping your lips. Nodding, Smaug pressed another kiss to your lips before walking over to your make-shift “bedroom.”

The ‘room’ was really just a place separated from the rest of the hoard by a large wall of gold. Within it was a king bed that Smaug had found when he first captured the halls of gold. Across the bed were several blankets and pillow made out of the finest fabrics and cushions. Next to the bed was a table where you kept the books you found stacked up, and across from that was a large iron fire pit.

Setting the already prepared logs on fire, Smaug stared at the flames, losing himself to his thoughts.

It has always been a tradition between the two of you that when Smaug would return from a hunt, you would eat together, and then have the fire going while Smaug cradled you in his embrace as the two of you lay in the bed.

This was a way to remind him of your safety. Being gone for long amounts of time set worry into his soul, worry for your safety, worry for if you’d leave him or not. Being human, you weren’t tied to him the way he was tied to you. You could leave, meet a human man, have 100% human children, and Smaug would be left with a shattered heart and no hope to love ever again.

Breathing in your scent that filled the air, Smaug slowly felt his anxiety leave him. Simply being in your presence calmed him.

“Smaug?” You called out, realizing you needed him to set the wood for the cooking area on fire to prepare the milk. “Yes, my sweet?” He called back, tearing his gaze from the flames to see you holding a saucepan of milk over the iron rack above the firepit. “The flame rocks aren’t working,” you explained as he simply grinned, feeling happy to provide for his mate. Not even being asked, Smaug walked over and puffed out a small flame to the wood, it catching immediately on the twigs and small scraps of parchment.

“Thank you, my love,” you cooed, pressing a kiss to his jaw once he finished.

Soon the beverage was prepared, as you slowly filled the mugs you took a look around, seeing that Smaug was nowhere to be found. “Probably already in bed.” You amused, grabbing the two mugs and slowly walking toward the ‘bedroom.’

Smaug laid curled up in the blankets, trying to fight sleep as he was nestled in your scent. He hadn’t been able to sleep for a long time, the worry of not being able to return to you eating away at his mind, keeping sleep from pulling him into its clutches.

Hearing the shuffle of your feet against the stone ground caught his hyper sensitive ears, his golden eyes opening just as you walked in. “Tired?” You mused, offering him the steaming beverage as you carefully crawled into the bed next to him. “Very.” He responded, his voice deeper than usual as sleep almost grabbed him.

Nodding, you took a few careful sips of your mug before setting it onto the side table. “C’mere” You opened your arms, which he gladly took to, resting his head right above your heart, the heartbeat being a pleasant lullaby.

Remembering the drink you prepared for him, Smaug lifted his head, his human hair curled wildly from not being brushed in days, bringing the hand that held the drink up to his face. The drink smelled of cinnamon, chocolate, and sugar. Sniffing the drink carefully, Smaug slowly opened his eyes to see you looking at him expectantly. “Go on,” you encouraged, eager to see what he thought of the drink of your childhood.

Smiling at your eagerness, Smaug took a careful sip of the drink, not wishing to burn his human taste buds. Eyes widening, he examined the mug, looking at the delicious contents inside. “So?” You asked, curious to know his thoughts. Dragons had odd taste buds, they tasted things humans couldn’t detect in ingredients, such as underlying salty tones of sugar, or sweet tangs in bitter brussel sprouts.

“It’s unusual…,” He began swirling the drink to smell it more. “But, I like it. It reminds me of you.” Smaug explained before taking another drink of the beverage. Quirking a brow you tilted your head to the side, “How does it remind you of me?” You questioned, wondering what on Middle-Earth he could come up with.

“The drink is overall sweet, like you, the sugar reminding me of the way you try and take care of me, the cinnamon reminds me of how even though you are a sweetling, you have a bite to you, you don’t take things standing down…” He explained, his eyes seeming distant as he remembered the day that he first met you, how you hated him, the scared look in your eyes but the defiant spark of a warrior hidden behind it.

“Smaug…” You caught his attention back to you, taking away his mug and placing it on the table. “I love you.” You spoke with conviction, grasping his strong jaw in your hands, bringing him close for a kiss. With those three words you spoke, you meant a thousand.

‘I’m never leaving you,’

‘I love you with all of me,’

‘I’m here,’

‘You are enough’

‘You are perfect to me’

And so the night was filled with comfort, cuddles, hot cocoa, and the flicker of a flame.

Tags-

@lady-of-lies @storiesbycaroline @earrolien @all-things-fandomstuck @xxno-wayxx @theincaprincess  @ashleygrrrl

[babybarrie]

A Lover’s Lament

A very very long ago requested fic by @deepestfirefun

I’m so sorry I never got to this sooner! I hope you can forgive me. 😥 And I hope that what I wrote is to your tastes. I did my best to keep to your request.

Warnings: Minor angst? Some cute fluff at end.

Request: I stumbled upon this one song on YouTube and idea struck me. So Fili x reader (Dunedain) Everything was falling apart around you. Thorin had agreed to take you with them because of your experience in battles, you were one of the Dunedain race. But now Thorin has fallen into dragon sickness and is forcing everyone to search for the Arkenstone. Feeling exhausted and sad you slip away from the others and start walking through the halls of Erebor. You remember one particular song that your grandmother used to sing to you when you were little and started to sing. You don't know that Fili is slowly following you and listening to your singing. He is fallen in love with you but the sake of the quest, he has kept his feelings locked in his heart. But now when he sees your sadness and pain, he decides to tell you that you are his One. Lots of fluff 😀 song the Silmarillion "Luthien's Lament" by Eurielle

"A Dunedain you say?" Thorin slowly approaches you.

"Yes, that I am my lord." you bow

"What weapons are you proficient in? How many battles have you won? If any..." He muses. 

"Many and many master dwarf. If you don't want a woman in your company you should just say so Oakenshield..." You smirk as you lift the hood from your head.

A few chuckles go around the room and Thorin is embarrassed. 

"Oh, I like her." Dwalin remarks

"She is with us then." Gandalf states with a small smile

You weren’t always sure how to handle Thorin when he was his normal, grumpy self, but now?  Things were getting worse, second by second, hour by hour, everyone watched and feared as the noble king, Thorin became the gold-crazed fool of Durin. To you, it felt like Smaug’s greed never left the mountain with him. Instead, it took on a new appearance, one that none of the company were happy to see. You walk among the gold, gems, and stained treasures of Erebor. “Searching” for the king’s jewel in hopes that your “work” satisfied the sicken dwarf. Things were growing more and more bleak as Thorin grew more and more unhinged

"Lass you look lost and tired. Why don't you go and take a break? We'll handle it from here." Balin slowly rose from his crouched posture

“Are you sure? He’s been very...” You look to the masses of money at your feet, saddened by the reminder of what drowned the king in greed.

“We’ll be fine dear. Just go get some rest. Make sure he doesn’t see you though...I’m sorry.” Bofur tries to smile at you then goes back to rummaging through the gold.

“Ok...Please be careful friends...” 

You slowly tread across the large room, making sure that you don’t slip on anything. You head over to gold cover floor. The thought of drowning Smaug was certainly an idea but one that didn’t work in any favor. Now the town burns and the floor is covered in more gold. This isn’t what you wanted. Not your leader falling to such a state, not the town burning and humans losing their homes, not the company being in such disarray and panic of their own king, and not you fearing the on the coming war. This isn’t how you thought it would go. You know that there would be tough trials and hard times but this ending wasn’t what everyone deserved. 

“Grandmother...What will come of all this? This pain and fear.” 

You reminisce on the memories with your family. Your grandmother lying in her bed and singing to you whenever you were feeling sick or when you’ve had a tough day. Your mother rubbing your back and smiling. Your father outside smoking his pipe. and your adopted little brother curled up in your lap, slowly falling asleep to the soft voice of old song.

Oh great Mandos High among Valar I come to you in sorrow And with a broken heart

Long has been my journey That led me to these halls But now I kneel before thee As grief, my spirit calls

I seek a man named Beren Whom I bid await me here I pledged that I would find him Before he leaves this sphere

This man of whom I speak He gave his life for me But thence my soul grew weak And at last, it too broke free

So borne upon an urgent breeze I traveled to this place Where only one thing could appease The torment I now face

Oh tell me I am not too late To see my love once more For that would be too cruel a fate I beg him be restored

That we may take a little time To bid our last farewell And remember all we shared erstwhile Such joy no one could quell

For never was a greater love Than that within our hearts Once born, forever binding us E'en though through death we part

Once born, forever binding us E'en though through death we part

The voice echos in halls. Grief and an odd sense of confusion flow through your notes. Each note, another step you take, another horrid thought flashes through your mind. War, blood, agony, rage, battle cries dissipated to death, and the final blow of a horn. Clutching your arms as you hug yourself tight, nearly losing yourself in the song as each utter emotional definition splits through you.

A small choke of a gasp reverberates in the hallways, turning around you catch a glimpse of what looked like golden sunlight. Ah, your little lion has come for you to take you back to comb through those cursed coins and jewels.

“Do they need my help again little lion?”

You smile as you see Fili come out of the shadows and into the cold light that dances across the golden flooring cast by the large opening in the wall.

“No, I...I just heard someone singing and followed it...I’m sorry to disturb you.”

He’s fidgeting with his hands and feet. Looking down, embarrassed for hiding in the background like a creep.

“Don’t worry, I was just thinking back on my older days as a child. It is one of my favorite songs.” You smile thinking of your grandmother.

“For such a sad song, why do you favor it?”

His eye holds a curious look in them. But there’s more than just curiosity gracing them.

“Indeed it is sad... But it’s the memories that make it so special. My elder would sing it to us when we were young. It was her little way of telling stories. I used to enjoy them immensely.” You sigh with a breath of melancholy.

“I see. I take it that you have many fond memories like that too?” He smiles.

“Yes...Many...But not enough...”

You look down not wanting to press any further into your past. You miss her greatly but you treasure what she has given you. A gift. A blessing. A story to tell.

“I...May I hear that song again?” He gazes at you in wonder.

“Of course, sunshine.”

You sing and sing till you are near the end of the song. You feel calm, almost serene in a way. Being around him always did make you feel at peace. You wonder why...

“Wait...” He stops you before you finish.

You look at him with minute confusion.

“Please...I...I know that this may be sudden and perhaps not the right time but you must know. I have come to care for you these past times. I care for you far more than I will ever admit to anyone else. I always thought that there was something interesting about you aside from the fact that you bested uncle back in the Shire.”

You both chuckle at this recollection. He continues once you’ve calmed.

“But there is far more to you than being interesting. You...you are amazing. You make me laugh even when things are going awry and you make me feel calm even in the most crazed moments. You show kindness even when it shouldn’t be given, you hold a sharp tongue against those who wish to harm those who are important to you, you give the wisest words that even Gandalf would look on and ponder. There is so much about you that I couldn't even put into words.”

You gaze at him with adoration as he studies you with intense loving regard.

“You are everything to me...And I couldn’t hold my heart back from falling in love with you. Amralime. Please. I love you. You are my one and I would give anything and everything to be with you. I will love you even if you don’t return my feelings. I will not trap you with this but I only wish to be at your side for as long as you allow me to be. Protecting you would be an honor, even if you could take me down in one fell swoop.”

You smile and lean down to kiss his forehead and then his cheek. Resting your head against his,

“I return your feelings, love. And yes, I can take you down in one swing. But I’m sure that I could do other things to make you do as I wish.”

You both smirk at the thought and kiss one another.

“I love you, my one.”

“I love you, my little lion. Shall we get back to the company?”

Sighing he nods,

“Yes, we should. I’m sure uncle wouldn’t want us to be taking a break right now.”

Walking back to the treasury, hand in hand, you lean your head on his shoulder.

“We’ll get through this, love...I won’t leave you. I will make sure of it for both of us.”

[starxshine]

SHIPPING INFO // Answer the following for your muse(s) so people know how shipping works on your blog.

REPOST. Don’t reblog.

What’s your OTP for your Muse?

Given that Hoku is an OC, that I can squish in just about anywhere (and I do, beleive me) there can be a number of OTPs for her, depending on the canon. For Marvel, it’s Loki. For Tolkien, it’s Thranduil (though Smaug is a very, VERY close second). For Harry Potter, it’s Tom Riddle/Voldemort (deny it as he will).

What are you willing to RP when it comes to shipping?

Every goddamn thing. I like fulff all the way to abusive, unhealthy relationships. I think that’s part of the joy of role-playing, when you can explore every aspect of human nature. 

How large does the age gap have to be to make it uncomfortable?

It... really depends. Hoku (and myself by extention), have a really big daddy kink. Older men are a joy. I refuse to have my muse (or interact with a muse) who is a child. I’ve had Hoku as an older teenager with a thirty-year old man, though as fucked as that is, but I have no regrets. Really, as long as my role-play partner is cool with this type of age gap, I’m down.

Are you selective when shipping?

I think I’m mildly selective. Hoku has no set preference (I put her under pansexual, though her first lady love will always be @lilylacey), so really, it’s up to chemestry. Sometimes she clicks right away with another’s muse, and other times it’s a slow burn, which is also enjoyable. However, if it doesn’t work and they end up as friends? Hells yes, I’m so down for that too. 

How far do steamy moments have to go before they’re considered NSFW?

For myself, in my personal opinion, I think NSFW starts when touching of the genitals under clothing happens, when that type of thing starts being discribed. I love writing smut, but I also, however, have no problem with fading to black if my partner would rather do it that way.

Who are other muses you ship your muse with?

Well, shit. I can’t even begin to list them all, considering I ship with canon characters as well as OCs (I’m looking at u @o188)

Does one have to ask to ship with you?

Mn... I would prefer if they do, yes. Now, I don’t mind letting things run their course, but I tend to want to know so if Hoku does something flirty it doesn’t make my partner and their muse uncomfortable. 

How often do you like to ship?

24/7

Are you multiship?

Yes

Are you ship obsessed or ship more-or-less?

I’m a ship hoe. 

What is your favorite ship in your current fandom?

I.. have many fandoms. Uh... Loki/Hoku, Thomas Sharpe/Hoku, Rhaegar/Hoku (though they aren’t there yet), Hades/Hoku...

Finally, how does one ship with you?

The quickest way is to send Hoku an ask; something flirty and see how she responds. You can come to me directly, of course, but Hoku will always be the deciding factor. Just because I’m down with the pairing doesn’t necessarly mean she is, though I’ll try and nudge her in that direction. She can be stubborn. 

Tagged by: stole it from @kingoftheravens Tagging: all of u cowards 

[adventures-written]

@finncomet ;; Continued from here.

Another low rumble from the drake, who was quite amused by this new comer. A stranger was always welcoming, especially when they would end up a meal in the end. “And whom should come to darken my mountain? Man? Beast?” Smaug let out a booming laugh, “None have managed in the past, and one shall manage now. Now tell me, why are you here?”

[chibiyanai]

My Fated One - Prologue

Summary: Luin Elin has spent life in a hidden clearing, secluded from the rest of Middle Earth, all because of what she is, a dragon. When she is visited by one of her only friends, Gandalf the Gray, who askes her to join him with a company of dwarves, she finally leaves the safety of her home, and goes right to the reason for her seclusion...

Autor’s note: The name Luin Elin is taken from the sindarin words for ‘Blue’ and ‘Star’ making the dragon’s name ‘Blue Star’ because of her hair and eye color. This is my first fanfic (actually tried prompting another author to write it, but they convinced me to try it myself) and I’m not really sure of my abilities. I hope you like it and I’ll do my best to continue writing this, because I really want to challenge myself and actually finish a writing project!

Taglist: @welcome-to-fangirl-hell

Gandalf the gray stood in front of what would appear to be a dense forest, but to the knowing eye of the wizard it was in fact a hidden entrance to the home of a powerful creature. A creature, who some others would believe it wise not to disturb, least of all to ask them to leave their sanctuary of several thousands of years.

The wizard however knew that he was welcome to enter, but whether or not he’d succeed in convincing them to join him in the quest of the dwarves was unclear.

Going past the mirage of densely grown threes and moss he found himself in a small clearing, where in the middle was a humble cottage surrounded by patches of growing vegetables and berries and many a woodland creature wandering about minding their business, not even caring about the old gray man that just appeared.

Hearing the wind suddenly blow past and a growl from above he looked up to see the owner of the cottage, the reason no one dared enter the forest. The white dragon...

the dragon slowly glided down to land in front of him, changing mid air into a beautiful young blue eyed lady with hair the color of starlight. The lady smiled and quickly moved to smother the wizard in a hug, as per her usual greeting when he visited.

“Mithrandir! I’ve missed you, it feels like it’s been a hundred years since last time you were here” she said, still smiling and lead the way inside.

“It has only been ten years, but I’ve also missed you little dragon” he answered “though apart from the increase in animals, there hasn’t been much change around here” at that the lady chuckled.

They sat down and talked, mostly getting to know each other again. The lady served tea and snacks, mostly berries and fruit, though she did ask if she should make something more substantial if the wizard wanted it. He kindly declined, saying that soon had to be on his way to the Shire sooner rather than later. Her smile faded slightly, but she understood the the gray wizard had his duties. Noticing his friend’s change in mood, he took his chance to ask of her what he came to her for. “There is something I was wondering my dear... would you like to come with me this time?”

The lady could not answer, she was stunned. Never had he ever asked her to come along and leave her little sanctuary away from the feast of Middle Earth. He knew perfectly well why she stayed in seclusion, even though she herself was starting to lose her resolve out of loneliness. Sensing her inner struggle the wizard added “it’s been four and a half millennia... I know you wouldn’t even come out to assist in defeating Sauron, but he has been gone for almost as long as you have. So please, I can see that you’re sad at the thought of being alone again when I go this time, come with me to the Shire and help me with the dwarven quest to Erebor?”

At hearing the last word her head snapped up. “You want me to come to Erebor, where Smaug lays slumbering?”

“Yes... and I’m sure you’re aware of the road we will need to take to get there by foot. Unless you’d like to fly us there?”

She looked away, knowing exactly the place he was referring to. If she joined she’d have to go to the place she feared most, to the person she feared.

“You cannot avoid him for the rest of eternity, you two are connected in a way that can never be broken. Eru knows the chance of him even realizing what you are is low, if we manage to avoid being caught by the guards.” The wise wizard mused. Though as intuitive as he was he knew that those dwarves raised the risk quite high.

He also knew that the lady in front of him had an aching heart. Being what she was, she had one weakness, a dragons love of treasure. Even if her definition of treasure wasn’t that for gold or gems, this quest would test her self-control. Hearing her sigh, he was expecting a refusal, but was pleasantly surprised and grinned when she answered.

“I won’t fly them there, but I will join you and the dwarves. Just let me make preparations here first.” She sighted, she had to escalate harvest of her crops. Using some of her special powers, it wouldn’t be a problem and would greatly benefit the adventure she’d be joining.

“I will lead the company across the entrance of your lands in about a weeks time. Will that be sufficient time my little dragon?” All he got as a response was a hug. And then he headed to the Shire to acquire the 14th member of the company. Leaving the dragon lady to her own thinking.

She had lived her life avoiding going to the place she would find the one she was linked to, the one whose hair and eyes that matched her own and the one who hated the very race that she was with burning rage.

The Elvenking, Thranduil.

[special-agent-fiction]

The Promise - Chapter Seven

Pairing: Reader x Thorin Oakenshield (Slow Burn aka Friends First)

Summary: Taken in by the Durin’s when she was a child, Eleonóra has lived through it all; the glory of Erebor, Smaug, the journey to Erid Luin and now a Quest to reclaim the hallowed halls stolen from them so many years ago. With a promise to a dying princess to fulfill she will do anything to keep her boys, all of them, safe from whatever lies ahead on the road to their lost homeland.

Warnings: Allusions to Post-Natal Depression, Childbirth, Labour Complications and Major Character Death. 

Chapter Seven - Mahal Giveth and Mahal Taketh Away

The scene unfolding in front of Thorin’s eyes was one he would undoubtedly treasure forever; the fireplace in his home was blazing as the last moon of Autumn slid into place high above their under-mountain home, their table was almost full and the air was full of laughter as members of his family filled their living room.

“If you’re going to take up space in my kitchen, you’d better plan on making yourself useful.” He tore his eyes from the sight of Fili practically glued to Balin’s side as the dwarf read to him from whatever tome the boy had decided on from their small collection, to the woman at his side holding a masher in her outstretched hand as she stirred a pot.

“It wouldn’t be Durin’s Day without my famous potatoes.” He laughed, taking the implement from her hand and moving to the pot of freshly boiled potatoes cooling on the worktop.

“Your famous potatoes.” She scoffed at the statement. “Funny how they only became famous after I told you to add cheese.”

His retort died in his throat and was replaced by a grin as the final member of their small family signalled his arrival with two hard bangs on their front door.

“I won’t hesitate to bill you for a new door.” Ellie called out as he opened the rickety piece of wood that he’d been meaning to replace for years now and revealed the waiting Dwarf.

“And a happy Durin’s Day to you too, Ellie.” Thorin simply laughed at Dwalin’s deadpan reply to the woman who was a full head shorter than him but no less fierce.

“Welcome, brother.” Thorin greeted the man, the pair reaching out to each other in sync as they clasped the backs of their necks and pulled them close; foreheads touching with a force he knew made Ellie wince, before stepping back and allowing the bulky man in.

“Uncle Dwalin!” The dwarf barely had time to remove his furs before a small blonde blur launched himself at the warrior.

“Just when I thought he was starting to get sleepy.” Balin sighed, shutting the book and standing. “Evening brother.”

“Evening brother.” Dwalin replied, meeting the man in the same embrace as Thorin. “Am I late?”

“Not at all.” Thorin told him as Balin moved back to his seat on the sofa, Fili in hand as the lad was promised a more exciting tale after dinner. “We’re still preparing.” He held up the masher with a grin.

“Your famous potatoes!” The warrior laughed. “I knew this would be worth travelling for.”

“Ah, I’d travel from the ends of the world for Ellie’s cooking – that girl knows how to operate a kitchen.” Thorin laughed at Dwalin’s compliment, the man rubbing his full stomach with joy as he leant back in his chair at the now empty table. “You’re a lucky man.”

“That I am.” He smiled, his eyes instinctively flitting over to the woman in question as she sat side-by-side with Dis, the pair whispering about something as Fili slept between them; his head on Ellie’s lap as she absentmindedly stroked his hair.

“And a happy one too, by the looks of things.” Balin added, stealing back Thorin’s attention with a sly smile.

He liked this part of Durin’s Day the best; the part where the celebrations start to die down and blind merriness is replaced with true conversation. It had become a tradition of sorts now; they would all converge on this house, with Dwalin travelling in from whatever far flung place he’d wandered too in the months past, and would celebrate their most holy of holidays together, as a family.

When the meal was over and done with, Ellie and Dis would retire to the living room to relax while the three men cleared up and then filled their tankards to the brim with whatever Thorin had been hoarding for this exact day, and just be.

“Aye.” He agreed. “But why wouldn’t I be? My family are all here and Mahal gifted us with a full table.”

“Fili’s growing into quite the young lad.” Dwalin observed. “Now might be a good time to hand over that sword you’ve been working on since he was born, turn him into a real git khuzi.”

“Not yet. When he’s a little more balanced with the wooden one I’ll take him up top – out of harm’s way.” Thorin smiled at the thought. “Besides, he’ll be far too preoccupied with a new friend soon.”

“New friend?” Balin asked with a frown.

“Aye.” Thorin lifted his tankard. “We’ve a new Durin on the way.”

There was moment of silence before Dwalin reacted to the news.

“About dammed time!” The victorious slap on the back from the large dwarf all but choked him as he took a drink of his ale.

“I knew that happiness in your eyes was different, Thorin.” Balin grinned as Throin tried to cough out the ale that had stuck in his lung. “I’m so pleased for you; both of you.”

“Like I said; about time!” The dwarven brothers knocked their tankards together in a sort of toast before drinking heavily and giving Thorin the time he needed to decipher their strange reaction to the news.

“I’m just glad…” Balin started, wiping at his chin as he lowered his tankard. “…that you’ve moved past all those burdens you’ve lumped on your shoulders for all these years and are ready to accept Erid Luin as not just your home for now, but your family’s home for the foreseeable future.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You and Ellie of course.” Dwalin rolled his eyes. “Damn baby’s already got his mind in a twist.”

His eyes snapped back to Ellie and he suddenly saw all that they did when they entered his home: the pair of dwarves with their lives so closely intertwined both working to bring the family together for an important celebration. He saw how at home Ellie was with Fili asleep on her lap and how the three men sat together drinking could be seen as his way of trying to announce something of vital importance.

“Dis is pregnant.” He said, his eyes moving back to them just in time to see their smiles fade slightly and them share a look as realisation dawned.

“Ah.”

It was firmly winter now, the cold chill in the air was present even deep with their mountain community. But despite the cold it was a good day; the market was bustling with every cart packed full of commodities and spirits were high as celebrations from Durin’s Day continued to occur despite the date having passed.

That’s the thing about losing so much, Ellie mused as a group of children rushed past her, you cling onto the important stuff so much more. And Durin’s Day was important, it was the start of a new year for them; for this group of people who thought their first winter out of Erebor would be their last on this Earth as the snows descended on their ramshackle camps in the wilds.

But today was good for far more reasons too; firstly, she’d finally made her decision about what she wanted to do with her life. She’d assumed that the merchant knocking at their door late into the night had been bearing bad news so it had been more than a surprise for him to sit at their table and offer a business deal instead. She had been shocked, Thorin apparently, hadn’t. the man insisted that he’d been waiting for someone to actually offer her money for one fo her drawings for some time now, especially as they’d gotten larger and more elaborate following the ready availability of paints courtesy of Dis’ husband.

“I told you having a merchant in the family would be a good thing.” Thorin had said as she squealed in delight over a new shade of green. She’d merely elbowed him in the stomach, deciding to forgo a reminder of his stubbornness all those years earlier, and thanked the merchant for his kindness before re-wrapping the paint and storing it away for future use.

“Looks like a certain stall is getting quite the crowd.” Dis teased, nudging her as they rounded a corner and were met with the sight of a rather busy cart; it’s owner exchanging coins for landscape drawings with ease.

“They’re likely doing it out of some misplaced loyalty.” She said, turning from the stall. “Why would these people, who have received a simple sketch as a present for years, buy more of my work?”

Dis rolled her eyes. “Because you’re talented.” She told her, looping her arm through her own. “Isn’t that right, mim razdith?” She asked, smiling down at the five-year-old holding onto Ellie’s free hand as he nodded eagerly.

That was the other reason for her happiness; Dis. Though only just beginning to show, her pregnancy was clear to see as she walked everywhere with hand protecting her growing bump and grinning to everyone who stopped to ask how she was.

The dark cloud that had surrounded the princess for the past few years seemed to be losing its hold on her. She wasn’t sure if it was the excitement of a new baby or the fact that her husband had promised to reduce his travels after coming home to find that his son barely knew him. Not that Fili lacked male role models though, Thorin was rarely from the boy and Balin was a huge part of his life too. Between them they’d started the lessons that all members of the royal family had once received at young ages in Erebor and it warmed her heart every time she saw a glimpse of a true prince in the boy’s eyes. One that promptly faded whenever Dwalin showed up with a new tale of adventure and a mini weapon to re-enact it with.

But everything seemed to be falling into place for Dis and she was confident that she’d not be needed as much anymore: Fili was older, they weren’t living pay-check to pay-check anymore and Dis was far more prepared for a baby this time around.

It’s why she’d said yes to selling her work and judging by how much money the man had delivered to her from his last outing into the lands of Men, she wouldn’t be scrabbling for grocery money anytime soon either.

Things were falling into place for her too, she supposed. Less time with Dis meant more time at home and more time at home, meant more time with Thorin. Thorin. She’d be a fool to say that she hadn’t noticed how close they were; how comfortable they were together especially when it was just the two of them and a small child. They’d never spoken about how easily they’d fallen into a routine together and now, with Dis firmly building her own life, maybe they’d finally have the chance to explore what they could be if left alone.

Thorin made her happy. He made her feel warm and safe and she knew that if they were ever going to get back onto the track they’d been heading towards back in Erebor, it would be now. she knew that he thought himself unworthy these days; that his forge was no replacement for the crown he’d lost but she was desperate to show him that the throne had never been the reason she spent time with him. That she filled her days with him because of who he was, not who he would have been.

If riches and parties had been her plan, she’d have married long ago to all the men who wrote to her when they’d settled here. Thorin had never seen the inked promises of silks and jewels and he never would; they’d become ash as soon as she reached the end of the page and her replies, though courteous, had been simple: No.

They continued to wander through the maze of stalls, stopping now and then to finger at something that took their eye until the sound of a hammer moulding steel filled their ears. Fili instantly perked up, whether at the promise of warmth from the forge or just the prospect of seeing his beloved uncle. Dis smiled too as they neared the familiar forge and called out a greeting to the only man in Erid Luin who wasn’t bundled up against the cold: sweat running down his forehead, Thorin pushed his loose hair from his eyes and grinned at the approaching party.

Yes, today was a good day, she decided, glancing once more at the busy market square before stepping into the warmth of the smithy.

“We told him not to.” The dwarf wrung his hat between his hands as he spoke, never daring to meet their eyes. “Told him that in those winds it would impossible.” Ellie’s hand tightened around Dis’ as he continued. “But he went anyway emulhekh. We couldn’t stop him and then the snow shifted and…” He trailed off, his eyes moving from his hands to Thorin’s as Dis’ sobs intensified. “We dug through the night.” He told him, eyes watering at the memory as Thorin nodded solemnly. “Knew we had to bring him home.”

“And we will never be able to thank you enough for that.” Thorin’s voice sounded too loud in the smallness of their living room.

“No thanks needed, thanu men.” The dwarf insisted. “He was one of us.”

Any further words of apology and sympathy were lost to Ellie as Dis let out another sob and she pulled the Princess close. They’d been in this position once before, she remembered; the memory of Dis sobbing into her as news of Frerin, Thrain and Thror was recounted to them. Thorin had had to be the strong one then as he was now; leading the dwarf back out of the house and no doubt making the first arrangements for the body to be prepared.

“He promised he’d come back to me.” Dis cried, her words muffled slightly by Ellie’s shoulder. “Promised he wouldn’t go so far anymore and we could be a proper family.” Ellie glanced down the protruding stomach that separated them from being any closer. “Why was he so stupid?”

She had no answer for her and instead resorted to shhing her and rubbing her back as the woman emptied her eyes.

She supposed that he’d attempted the crossing for the simple reason of it would be his last chance too. From what she’d heard, the narrow strip separating Edoras from Erech was treacherous even in the height of summer but now, with the winds so fast and the snow so blinding, trying to follow the rivers path had been deadly.

“How will I tell Fili?” Dis asked, her sobs receding as the initial wave of grief began to subside into plain worry. “How do I tell him his father is dead?”

“Dis...” She sighed, not knowing what to say to her as the Princess sat up.

“And what will I say to this one?” She asked, one hand on her stomach. “At least Fili will have some memory of his father, this one will never know him.”

“They won’t need to.” She hadn’t heard Thorin re-enter the room. “We’ve enough stories of him between us; it’ll be as though he is here.”

“But he won’t be.” Dis refused to look up at him as he rested a hand on her shoulder. “He won’t be here.”

“No, he won’t.” Ellie agreed. “But neither is Frerin, or your father and grandfather and Fili knows of them; knows who they are and what they did.” She sat forward on the sofa and took Dis’ hands in her own. “People aren’t lost if their memory lives on.”

“Will you help me?” She asked, voice cracking as she glanced between Thorin and Ellie. “I can’t do this alone.”

“Of course we will.” Ellie’s voice was soft as she met Thorin’s eyes above Dis’ head. With a sad smile, she turned from him and stared into their blazing fireplace where all her dreams of their future were now residing.

Everything was different this time; there had been no urgent knock at the door telling them that Dis was in labour because they had been with her, as they had been now practically everyday since the funeral; Thorin wasn’t downstairs waiting for any sound of new life because he far above them on the mountains’ surface distracting Fili; and there were no shared smiles between the labouring princess and her midwives because the older dwarves had already told them that something was wrong.

It had started yesterday when Dis had all but collapsed in her kitchen. Thorin had caught her before she hit the floor but things hadn’t been right since; heart pounding, breath clipped and a sudden gasp as pain seared through her stomach had seen her confined to bed within the hour. Then the vomiting had started and just when Ellie was convinced things couldn’t get worse; her waters broke.

Now she was red-faced and panting even as the contractions subsided and the damp cloth that had been laid over her eyes was apparently doing little to quell her crippling headache.

“What can I do?” She whispered to the midwives as they shared another grim look. “Please, let me help her.”

“There’s nothing that can be done, azbadu men.” The female dwarf took her hand as Dis let out another groan. “It’s going to be a long night.”

The baby was a handful of minutes old when the tides turned on them again; the last hour had gone smoothly and Dis’ headache had started to subside as the promise of a new baby had kept her going.

They’d barely had chance to tell her that she was the mother to another son when the convulsions had started. She’d turned with the bundle in her arms and almost dropped them as the princess’ eyes rolled backwards in her head and she started to fit.

She’d been useless, absolutely useless as the midwives tried to hold Dis down and stop the jerky movements her limbs were making. The baby safely tucked up in its waiting bassinet, Ellie had practically thrown herself down the stairs and out into the street, she’d latched onto the first dwarf she’d seen and somehow they’d been able to understand her rushed beg for help.

Thorin arrived barely twenty minutes later, almost as red-faced as his now conscious sister, with Fili in his arms.

“Let me see her.” His voice had been deathly low and she envied the bravery the midwife clearly had as she once again refused him entry into the bedroom, promising that once she was decent and comfortable she’d let them in.

“Ellie.” Dis’ voice, by comparison, had been shaky as she held out a hand to her brushing away the midwife trying to listen to her chest with a cone-shaped instrument.

“It’s okay, Dis.” She shushed the woman, perching on the edge of the mattress, the princess’ freezing hand between her own as she tried to keep tears at bay.

“No.” She took as deep a breath as she could. “No, it’s not.” She forced a smile. “But I’m okay with it; the curse of Durin women, remember?”

“I’m not going to let you die.” She promised, squeezing her hand as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I promised to keep you safe.”

“And you have.” She lifted a shaky hand to wipe away the tear and Ellie wondered when exactly did the small girl she’d played with become this pillar of strength even as she lay here dying. “Now I need you to do the same for my boys. Bring him to me.” She nodded to the bassinet at the foot of the bed and Ellie rose to lift the bundle and place him in his mother’s arms. “He’s beautiful.” She murmured as he nestled into her. “With true Durin hair.” She fingered the wisps of black covering his head before pressing a kiss to it and whispering to him softly. “Men lananubukhs me, bunnanunê.” Feeling a fresh wave of tear coming, Ellie stepped back to allow the waiting midwife to take the baby before reclaiming her space and Dis’ hand.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Dis asked. “You have given me so much, Ellie; from the moment you stepped into my nursery you have been my sister and I will never be able to thank you enough for that…and so much more.” She pushed herself up slightly, her breath straining slightly at the action. “You saved us.” She squeezed her hand. “All of us.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“And that’s what makes you family.” She smiled softly, taking another deep breath as she delivered what Ellie knew would be her most important message. "Promise me you'll look after them." Her hold was tight despite the life fading from her. "Promise me."

"I promise." Ellie said, squeezing back.

"All of them." Dis added, her eyes darting to the door and the two who waited outside.

Ellie simply nodded, her understanding clear. She pressed a kiss to the princess' hand and gestured for the door to be opened. A whirlwind of blonde hair with a nose so like Frerin's burst into the room and clambered onto the bed with a cry of 'Mama'. Ellie wiped a tear from her eye and stood, giving the princeling room.

"I promise." She repeated, whispering to herself as a hand guided her by the shoulder into the waiting broad chest.

“Mim razdith.” Dis breathed as Fili cuddled up to his mother. “You must be strong now, Sanûrzud.” She insisted, stroking the blonde hair that was the source of all his nicknames. “I need you to be a good big brother.” She nodded once again to the bassinet as Fili peered at it. “He needs you: Kili needs you.”

“I promise, Amad.”

“Good.” She pressed a kiss to his head. “You should go now.” She told him, hushing his cries. “But remember Fili, you and Kili…” She smiled at the bassinet. “…Menu tessu, uzfakuh.”

She’d waited until the small prince left to say more; watching as Fili took Ellie’s hand, the woman brushing away the tears that were free-flowing now, and smiling softly at them as they left with the midwives carrying Kili’s bassinet behind them.

“Nadad.”

“Namadith.” He breathed, taking the space Ellie had previously occupied on the mattress edge.

“I don’t know what to say.” She wheezed, her lips lifting in a smile. “I never thought-”

“You don’t have to say anything, Dis.” He told her, taking her hand.

“I made Ellie promise to look after them.” She told him, her eyes straying to the closed door as if trying to get one last look at her children. “Not that I doubted she would anyway but…it’s comforting to hear it out loud.”

“We’ll look after them.” He promised, unable to say more as his throat tightened at her paling face and fading grip.

“I know.” She sighed. “But look after her too.”

“Don’t worry about any of that.” He reached out to smooth back her hair. “Just relax.”

“I wish I could have seen it again.” She murmured, her eyes fluttering closed. “Erebor.” She clarified and his hold tightened at the name. “Perhaps my boys will, one day.” He let his own eyes close at the hope lifting her voice a little. “What will I say to her, Thorin? Will she like me?”

“Who, Dis?”

“Amad.” She breathed the word. “I’ve waited my whole life to meet her and now I will, in the digondamaar.”

“She’ll love you, Dis.” He told her, pressing a kiss to her hand. “As we all have.”

She smiled at the thought; at the prospect of reuniting with their lost family in Mahal’s halls. Thorin watched as peace crossed her features and felt his tears fall now she couldn’t see them. He held her hand until the chill of her skin started to cool his own and then, with a kiss to her forehead he left.

Khuzdul to English translations:

Git khuzi – little warrior Mim razdith – little sun Emulhekh – majesty Thanu men – my king Azbadu men – my lady Men lananubukhs me, bunnanunê – I love you, my tiny treasure Sanûrzud – perfect sun Amad - mother Menu tessu, uzfakuh – you mean everything to me, my greatest joy Nadad – brother Namadith – little sister Digondamaar – Golden halls of Mahal

[onlymiddleground]

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send me “#” for cell phone headcanons about our muses including:

     what your muse’s name is in mine’s phone: Big Bear     what your muse’s picture is in mine’s phone: Picture of Matt with the boys      what your muse’s ringtone is in mine’s phone: When Canada Rules the World      my muse’s last text to your muse: hey do you know where I can get cheap area rugs? Smaug sneezed and burned a hole through the one in the living room, again

[adventures-written]

“ did you kill innocent people? ” (for Smaug? 👀)

The Last Of Us

The question made the fire drake laugh. A low rumble starting in his chest, which seems to grow louder as it traveled. The glowing beneath the scales in his chest grew intensely for a moment, but no fire would come "Have you not heard of dragons before? What they do, what they eat...." Smaug stretched out his wings, as if making a show of himself. "Of course I've killed the innocent. There are no exceptions against my might!" His voice boomed, echoing the surrounding chamber.