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xxbyimm · 5 years ago

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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.

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