#thorin-is-a-cuddler

[1shirt2shirtredshirtdeadshirt]

***SNW SPOILER ALERTS***

This scene at the end of Lost in Translation of Uhura introducing Jim to Spock for the first time? *Chef's kiss*

The trio unite over their mutual disdain for Sam Kirk.

Jim has also been watching Spock playing chess across the room, as he reveals to Uhura:

Which reminded me of what his alternate version said in Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow:

"I used to play all the time with my first officer, till she got sick of losing. Been looking for a proper opponent ever since . . .

That old-fashioned, two-dimensional version, though, it's basically idiot's chess."

Jim was also well known for obliterating Spock at chess in TOS.

Get used to losing from now on, Spock.😂💚

[peregrination-studies]

Now I aaaam curious 🥰 Will you answer 1, 6, 11, 13, 20 for the book questions? 😇

Aloha! Indeed I will!!

6) Book you hope will be turned into a movie or TV show?

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir* and Recursion by Blake Crouch!

*Google says apparently this is gonna be made into a movie?? I DIDN’T KNOW THIS

11) Funniest book you’ve read

Oh this is TOUGH. There are a lot of AMAZING funny books out there. Honestly I think Much Ado About Nothing is probably the funniest in recent memory at least. (I have a shelf on Goodreads for my favorite funny books here!)

13) Favorite trope

Oooo maybe found family?? I don’t know this one actually. Is there a name for the trope that’s like “Character goes on odyssey and returns home so fundamentally changed so that the home they tried to return to, the home they idealized in their mind on the entire odyssey, no longer feels like home”? Bc if so, that’s my answer.

20) Last book that made you cry

Designing the Exterior Wall by Linda S. Brock, my textbook for the building envelope. I still get teary eyed if I look at the cover for too long. That book hurt me in a way no other book has ever hurt me before.

Thanks for the ask!!

[the-haiku-bot]

They are so sweet. TheY

aRe SO sWEEt. They don‘t even

know how sweet they are.

Beep boop! I look for accidental haiku posts. Sometimes I mess up.

They are so sweet. TheY aRe SO sWEEt. They don‘t even know how sweet they are.

[jaleana]

Some more bagginshield because why not 🪴👑

[basil--and--sage]

Since some of you enjoyed my Uncle Thorin headcanons, I thought I'd share some for Dwalin.

Dwalin headcanons nobody can dissuade me from, part 1:

he's a big old softie

Thorin might be his king, but he is also his best friend, and so Dwalin sees it as his duty to mock him relentlessly on a regular basis

they bicker like an old married couple

Fíli and Kíli might not normally call him uncle, but he is their uncle in every way

the main reason for his hair loss is probably the fact that Kíli more or less spent his childhood sitting on Dwalin's shoulders and holding onto his mohawk

to this day whenever Fíli looks at him with big blue eyes and calls him Uncle Dwalin, while Kíli stands next to him with a wobbly chin, he has a hard time saying no

he snores even worse than Thorin. Sometimes he startles himself awake by it

he's a crier

he might appear to be all taciturn and grumpy, but he is actually a great conversationalist and very good at giving advice

he acts like he dislikes gossip, but his ears are wide open and mentally he clutches his pearls

whenever he is worried, he goes to his big brother to talk about it

instead of singing, he shouts

during the quest he is scared of accidentally stepping on Bilbo

he likes to stare menacingly at people he doesn't like

unfortunately he also stares menacingly at people he does like. That's why he is still single

he lost part of his ear in a freak sex accident

he polishes his bald head every morning

every winter he wears a woollen hat with earflaps and a bobble Balin made for him. Nobody dares to laugh at him

he's a cuddler

he gives great hugs

he and Balin live together

whenever they have a mouse in their home, Balin has to shoo it out, while Dwalin stands on a chair armed with one of his axes

Balin pinches his cheek and tweaks his nose on a regular basis and calls him baby brother. Dwalin acts like he hates it, but he doesn't

he sighs a lot, especially when Thorin (or Kíli) pulls another one of his stupid stunts

he's a sore loser

he might have a weird crush on Nori

he might also have a weird crush on Bofur

he is very confused about it himself and continues to stare menacingly and stay single

(tbc)

[gloomwitchwrites]

Hi! Are you still taking 1K event request? I saw it now...

If yes, i would like to ask for a ThorinXHis Queen SFW headcanon if that's okay?

When you sent this request in, I was still taking requests, so you’re absolutely good! I decided to make this Thorin x Queen!reader, so afab!reader applies here. Thank you for sending this in. Enjoy!

Content & Warnings: fluff, brief suggestive themes

Word Count: 1.2k

A/N: Thank you to everyone who have sent in requests for the 1k follower event. Requests are currently closed, please do not send any further requests in. Thank you!

ao3 // taglist // main masterlist // 1k follower event masterlist

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Very affectionate but mostly in private or during a relaxed public moment. For example, if you and Thorin are in the throne room, Thorin is less likely to show affection to you during that time. Same goes for any official business. You and Thorin are ultimately there to work. Thorin would however be more affectionate during a festival, party, feast, etc. This is a more relaxed atmosphere, and he’d be more inclined to openly touch you, kiss you, and even serve you food. He is much softer with you in private than in public.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

It’s a friends to lovers situation. Thorin needs trusts and friendship to build on first before he can dive in. I suspect that you and Thorin met during a meet cute situation where the two of you had a good laugh over something and the friendship grew from there. A good foundation built on friendship is important for a lasting marriage.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Thorin is a cuddler and snuggler. You cannot change my mind about that. When it’s been a particularly long day, Thorin loves nothing more than curling up beside you and drawing you into his arms.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Wants to settle down, but isn’t the best at domestic life. And by that I mean, Thorin isn’t particularly dirty, but I wouldn’t say he’s the best at cleaning and cooking. He is a King now, so there are other people who help with that.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Thorin is never separating himself from his Queen. Ever. But if he had to break off a relationship, I can—in an unhealthy way—try to run or turn cold before you’re the one who confronts him over his behavior.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Thorin believes in commitment, and knows himself well enough that he’d know rather quickly if this is something he wants in life.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Very gentle, but has his moments. Thorin is strong-willed, and sometimes that causes him to be insensitive when he doesn’t mean to be. However, he will own up to his mistakes—with you, but maybe not others—and you can forgive in that capacity. Otherwise, Thorin is aware of you needs, and is not one to cause harm.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Doesn’t give them often, but they are some of the best.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Thorin will say it quickly if he knows his heart. He’d find a quiet, private moment to say it in the hopes you’d say it, too. (And obviously you did).

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

He’s more protective—and slightly possessive—rather than jealous. Thorin knows where he stands with you, but that doesn’t mean he likes all the attention you receive. Before you were Queen, Thorin did lean toward jealousy whenever he thought someone else was stepping over the line and making a move when they shouldn’t.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

His facial hair is always scratching your skin but you like it. Thorin will often give you absent, almost chaste kisses most of the time. He saves the more passionate ones for closed doors.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Good with kids. Endless patience for them even when he has none.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Depends. As King, he has lots of duties, and doesn’t always have time to sleep in. But when he can stay, it’s spent casually.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Again, it depends. If he’s working late, don’t expect much. You will be in bed before him, but if he has an early night, expect him to use this time for you. Might be completely innocent, might not.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Thorin isn’t one to info dump about himself. He will likely reveal small pieces of himself over time to you.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Thorin is easily angered/irritated but rarely with you. He sees you, his Queen, as a buffer to his responsibility. If anything, he’ll easily anger or grow irritated with advisors and people wasting his time.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Thorin is the kind of person to not forget anything but he’ll leave you guessing. It might seem like he’s forgotten something and then he’ll turn around and completely surprise you.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Thorin’s favorite moment is when you first kissed him. And not on the lips. Your first quick, chaste kiss on the cheek did him in.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Very protective, sometimes overly so. Thorin will go out of his way to ensure your safety before his own, and he finds it cute when you try to return the same effort.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Thorin would try, but he wouldn’t be perfect it. With his duties, Thorin might slip up in the moment but he’ll eventually remember, or even do something delayed for you. He’s very stressed.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

I’ve talked about this before in another post, but this man would absolutely leave things around, especially smithing tools and random weapons. Thorin is not organized.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Hardly. Thorin knows he’s good looking but he’s not going to flaunt it around.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Yes, but Thorin also understands the importance of duty. That duty might force him away from you for periods of time. That doesn’t mean he won’t yearn until he returns.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Whenever he’s feeling a bit tense, Thorin only needs to reach out for a quick reassuring touch to calm him.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Arrogance—which is funny since Thorin can be arrogant and prideful, and doesn’t always see it in himself. But he hates it in other people. He also wouldn’t want a Queen who didn’t love his people, but Thorin wouldn’t have married you if that were the case.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Can fall asleep almost anywhere. Life on the road drilled that into him.

taglist:

@glassgulls @childofyuggoth @foxxy-126 @km-ffluv @sweetbutpsychobutsweet

@singleteapot @glitterypirateduck @tiredmetalenthusiast @protosslady @coffeecaketornado

@miaraei @cherryofdeath @mrsdurin @ferns-fics @ninman82

@thewulf @beebeechaos @hantheconqueror

[kililvr]

BILBO : are you a cuddler?

THORIN : i'm a machine of death and destruction

BILBO :

THORIN : ...yeah, i'm a cuddler

[ironmandeficiency]

the company + helping their s/o with insomnia

characters included: thorin, fíli, kíli, dwalin, bofur

word count: 941

summary: how a few members of thorin’s company help their s/o with their insomnia

a/n: again, i wrote these at an ungodly hour even tho i had important things to do today

thorin 🪵

with his duties as king, thorin is quite the night owl

he tends to stay up late working on important documents, reading through correspondence, doing everything but resting

you keep him company on many of those nights, humming softly as you read novels or tend to your own royal duties across the room when sleep evades you (which is nearly always)

he’ll notice when you start to sink further in your armchair, taking that as his cue to put you to bed

“come, my queen, we must rest for the night” he whispers, sliding his arms under your back and behind your knees to carry you to bed

your indignant grumble is met with a soft chuckle, your husband reassuring you that he is joining you

once you’re tucked in, he slides himself under the blankets with you and hums lullabies until you both doze off

fíli 🗡️

despite how long fíli has known you, he will never understand how in mahal’s great mines you are so elusive after sundown

during the day, he knows exactly how to find you and never worries about where you happen to be. but under the light of the moon, you slip through his fingers and seemingly vanish with the breeze

he knows that you like to go on walks to burn off energy you didn’t use during the day; without your evening walks, you’re tossing and turning like mad

you’re almost never in the same place twice; he’s found you roaming the mines chatting with bofur, reading books by the light of the forges, and on one evening you were in the kitchens with bombur chowing down on midnight snacks

tonight he finds you in the royal library, drool escaping from your lips onto a book older than the both of you combined

he spots balin and the old advisor grins at the sight of you snoozing on the dusty tome

your golden prince gently slides the book from under your head, adjusting your body so he can carry you to bed without much jostling

kíli 🏹

you’ve known that kíli was a massive cuddler since you were children in the blue mountains

he had a penchant for being able to sleep nearly anywhere growing up, and since you both were glued to each other by the hip since pebblehood, you were his permanent best friend and cuddle buddy no matter where you were

the older you got, sleep began avoiding you like a plague unless you had kee by your side. it was such a problem that he lived with you in every way but by name, having his own side of the bed and a good chunk of his clothes in your dresser

when he went on the quest for erebor with his brother and uncle, your insomnia returned with a vengeance that rivaled the angriest dwarf

reuniting with kíli in erebor was what kept you energized once everyone heard the news, your body running on willpower and dís’s mothering

when he saw you for the first time in the newly reclaimed kingdom he was concerned. he told thorin in no uncertain terms that he’d be spending the next few days helping you find the rest you’ve been so desperately missing

if there were confessions of love and kisses and beads exchanged between the naps, no one needed to know

dwalin 🪓

the best way he knows how to help someone sleep is through physical exertion. as a seasoned warrior, he knows with absolute certainty that waving hefty weapons around for long enough will get anyone an immediate audience with the sandman

when he feels you tossing and turning in bed, he’ll coax you out to the training grounds and spar with you until your eyelids begin to droop and your stance gets sloppy

you’ll be dead on your feet as your husband scoops you into his arms, silently carrying you back to your rooms with a fond smile (the smile is for you, his signature glare is for the guards under his command daring them to say anything disparaging about you)

laying you on the bed, his callused hands remove your clothing piece by piece, massaging your muscles as he works your tunic over your head and trousers down your legs

a soft nightgown is eased over your head before he bundles you up in the blankets. he joins you and simply runs his hands along your skin soothingly

it doesn’t matter what time it is, if dwalin can help you find rest, he will do whatever he has to do

bofur ⛏️

either bofur doesn’t see how some of the other miners stare at him, or he simply doesn’t give a flying fuck

most nights while he works, you’ll be found in a smallish rolling bed nearby where he’s working. you’re not always sleeping, sometimes simply resting or reading a book while you wait for your dwarf

it was an idea bifur had when bofur lamented to his brother about your discomfort and lack of genuine rest, and it helped a lot

there are occasional breaks in his work, bofur always taking a moment to kiss you sweetly and relay some of the fresh miner’s gossip (honestly, they rival the midwives with how much they talk)

when bofur is free from his duties, he’ll rouse you from whatever state you’re in and guide you back home with a steady hand and a smile

as you walk, he’ll update you on all the juicy rumors and drama and only half-finish his stories as you both fall into bed for the night

nothing anyone can say will convince him to not show you how much you are loved and appreciated

[kajaono]

Post your favorite on-screen incarnations of Athos, Aramis, Porthos, D'artagnan. I start:

Athos:

The three Musketeers 2011

Aramis:

The three Musketeers 2023

Porthos:

BBC the Musketeers

D’Artagnan:

BBC or 2023 - I honestly can’t decided. Their both my idiot sons.

@enigma-the-mysterious @wingsofhcpe @eowynlyra @thorin-is-a-cuddler really eager to hear your answer. Everyone can participate btw

[lizzy-cassel-de-la-fere]

The Battle of La Rochelle

@thorin-is-a-cuddler Look our Boys ⚔

[notes-from-sarah]

Tag Game

tagged by @aragarna (ty!!❤️)

Tag game: tag 9 people you’d like to get to know better.

Last song: Great War by Taylor Swift

Currently watching: Just finished Echo on Disney+ (deffo recommend)

Three ships: Professor X/Magneto from X-Men, Kanan/Hera from Star Wars: Rebels, ... yeah that's about it, I don't tend to get super invested in one ship, I just care if it's interesting and I can see the characters getting together.

Favorite color: blue or green or yellow, I like colors, it's hard to pick a fav

Currently consuming: bread

First ship: ummmmm idk, most times I like the canon couple as presented but I'm not super invested in them as a couple so I don't "ship" them either... Maybe Luke Skywalker/Mara Jade from Star Wars EU?

Relationship status: ...

Last movie: Mean Girls: The Musical (it was okay, the original was better)

Currently working on: Spent what feels like a million years working on a mega-post about Magneto's backstory and development through the years, must have read like 1,000 comic books just to collect all the info, but the light is at the end of the tunnel and I hope to have it posted soon! Also, so many WIP fics

tagging @anoray @zipadeea @padfootagain @paddyfitz @thorin-is-a-cuddler @thegingergal @dolphelecat @madseance @donottrustsistergoldenhair

[middleearthpixie]

After the Fire ~ Chapter Forty-Nine

Summary: Following the Battle of the Five Armies, a grievously wounded Thorin is brought back to the kingdom of Erebor, which is still mostly in ruins. Although he’s survived the wounds he received at the end of Azog’s blade, his recovery is far from complete. Grief, regret, anger, all are making his journey that much more difficult and the physical recovery isn’t quite the most difficult challenge he faces.

Jasna Stoneham is no stranger to loss, as she is a survivor of Smaug’s wrath upon Esgaroth. When she is asked to help the dwarves healers of Erebor, her instinct is to say no, but she needs the job, and so agrees to it. However, no one told her that of all the patients, she would be responsible for the king himself, Thorin Oakenshield. 

Unfortunately, the road to recovery isn’t necessary a smooth one, but if there’s one thing Thorin will learn, it’s that Jasna is just as stubborn as he is and for every step back he takes, she is there to push him three steps forward. And Jasna will soon find out that there is a gentle, softer side to the dwarf king, one that very few people have ever seen and one he fights to keep hidden from her as well. But like his recovery, that is also easier said than done. 

Pairing: Thorin Oakenshield x ofc Jasna Stoneham

Characters: Jasna, Thorin, Dwalin, Thranduíl

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 3.3k

Tag List: @mrsdurin @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knittastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78 @sorisooyaa @ruthoakenshield @frosticenow @quiall321 @dianakc @buckybarnes-thorin @glassgulls @evenstaredits @heilith @asgardianhobbit98 @albionscastle @absentmindeduniverse @way-too-addicted-to-fandoms

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here. 

Mornings in Mirkwood were so much different from those in Erebor, as sunlight filtered through the canopy of leaves that made up the roof of their chambers and not only that, but as the sun rose, the birds awakened. The sweet singing found its way into Jasna’s dreams, then gently nudged her awake. 

The mornings were her favorite time, no matter where she was, and they’d become even more since that first night she spent with Thorin. For one who’d spent the majority of his life sleeping alone, Thorin was a cuddler by nature, it seemed. Night after night, she drifted off with her head tucked against his chest and an arm draped about his middle, and each morning, when she awoke, it was to find his arm tight about her, her back flush against his chest and if she tried to move, that arm would tighten about her just enough. 

He also talked in his sleep. At times, it was quite amusing, as he made little sense, and more than once, she would respond, just to see how he’d answer back. She wasn’t disappointed.

Then there were also times when his nightmares woke him and those nights were the ones she hated the most. She didn't know what he dreamed, nor did she understand him, as he would talk and sometimes even yell in khuzdul, but whatever it was, he’d thrash about, sweating as if on fire. Sometimes he roared in pain, other times those howls were primal grief. The only words she’d ever understood were Azog and Bolg and she had no idea what the latter meant. Come the morning, when she’d ask, he claimed he couldn’t recall what had haunted him only hours earlier and she knew better than to press.

But last eve, he slept peacefully and now, he lay on his side behind her, his arm draped about her hips, so she gently untangled herself and slid to the edge of the bed, leaning over to fish Thorin’s henley from the floor where he’d let it fall in his haste to strip it from his back last night, and slipped into it. It fell halfway down her thighs and she smiled as she buttoned it to keep herself from falling out of it. 

“It looks good on you, amrâlimê.”

She jerked her head up at Thorin’s unexpected words. “Did I wake you?”

“Not at all.” He yawned, then slowly sat up, shaking his hair out of his eyes. “And even if you had, this is a sight I do not mind rising to. My wife is a beautiful woman, indeed.”

A pleasant heat stung her cheeks. For one used to being the odd man out, Jasna didn't think she’d ever be used to Thorin’s finding her beautiful. “I don't think your eyes are focusing properly yet.”

“My eyes are fine.” He stretched toward her, catching her by the wrist to pull her back toward the bed.

She offered no resistance as his arms slid about her waist and he maneuvered her onto her back across the bed. “Thorin, what are you doing?”

“What? Seeing you this way gives me thoughts, and since there is no reason why I cannot act upon those thoughts…”

His voice trailed off and she smiled, winding her arms about his neck. “Thoughts, you say?”

He nodded as he bent toward her, whispering, “Thoughts,” just before his lips came down onto hers. 

His kiss was gentle and teasing, and when he drew back, Jasna murmured, “What are you about, Thorin Oakenshield?”

“Me?” His eyes went wide with a feigned innocence that had her biting back her smile. He shook his head then. “Absolutely nothing.”

“Thorin.”

“What?” He brought one hand to the buttons holding his shirt closed and gently eased the top one back through its hole, shaking his head once more. “Why would you think I am up to something?”

“Up to something?” Her smile grew more difficult to hold back when the next button slipped  slid easily through its hole, followed by the third  and the neck of his shirt widened enough to offer him a peek at her. “Not something, dwarf. One very particular thing.”

He met her gaze then, and the heat swirling in his blue eyes made her heart skip a beat. “As I said, my wife is a beautiful woman.” His lips brushed hers and he added, “And we are on our honeymoon.”

“That we are.”

“And I thought—”

“Thorin?” Dwalin rapped on the door. “Are ye awake in there?”

With a low, gusty sigh, Thorin’s head fell into the curve of her neck and he muttered, “I am leaving him somewhere between here and Rivendell.”

“Rivendell?” 

 “I promised you an adventure and places you have never been and I will give you those,” he replied, lifting his head slightly. “But—”

Dwalin knocked again. “Are ye dead in there?”

“It’s not a good time, Dwalin!” Thorin called back, and Jasna winced at the irritation he didn't trouble to keep from his voice.

“Begging yer pardon, of course, but it’s important. I wouldna bother ye if it wasn’t.”

Jasna’s gut kinked at the seriousness of Dwalin’s voice, and Thorin’s expression grew utterly serious. Glancing over his shoulder toward the door, he called, “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“I’ll wait.”

“What do you suppose he means by this?” she asked as Thorin eased off her. 

“I don't know, but I’ll wager it isn’t good.” He sighed softly as he reached for his trousers, which had been on the floor beneath his henley, and slid into them. “Let me see what the trouble is this time, and then we can decide if we risk traveling to Rivendell, or if we would be best served to return to Erebor.”

She nodded as she sat up. “I promise, I won’t pout regardless of the decision.”

He moved to the door, but offered a smile over one shoulder as he did. “I understand you’re being disappointed, mesmel, but know I will not take any chance where you are concerned.”

She did know and so bobbled her head once more. “I know. I expect no less from you, you know.”

“Good. Because it will not change any time soon.”

“And again, I expect no less.”

He winked then, and padded out to the great room, where he opened the door, growling, “What is it, Dwalin?”

Jasna settled against the woven vine headboard with a sigh. As much as she wished to visit Rivendell, she would not put up a fuss if Thorin returned and said they were to return to Erebor at once. She knew he would put her safety first regardless of how disappointed she might be. 

But at the same time, her concerns about whether or not these orcs might be laying a trap for Thorin weighed even more heavily on her mind. Or, worse still, what if it mattered not in which direction they traveled? What if a trap had been laid in both?

She winced and rubbed her forehead. Neither possibility sat well with her. Both were terrible, truth be told, and they made her wish to a certain extent that they’d just chosen to remain in Erebor.

No, that wasn't true. Not entirely, anyway. She dreamed of seeing Middle Earth beyond Esgaroth and Erebor. And she’d looked so forward to this trip, to this adventure. Truth be told, it made her angry that someone had decided once more to target Thorin. And for what? Even he didn't know exactly why Azog had hunted him to begin with, although it was plain to see why the Gundabad orcs hunted him now. 

Revenge.

And for what? Azog and Bolg—whoever he was—would still be dead. Revenge would only beget death and more death and nothing would change. It was so pointless, so infuriatingly pointless. 

She dressed and when Thorin still hadn’t returned, she left their chambers to make her way toward Mirkwood’s main hall. Thorin and Dwalin were nowhere to be found, and Jasna bit back a sigh as she sank onto a vacated bench at one of the trestle tables.

“Is something the matter?”

She looked up to see Thranduíl standing before her, which was a bit of a surprise. Even more of a surprise? His forehead was created with a concern that was echoed in his blue eyes. “I thought Thorin was with you.”

He shook his head, his shimmering, white-blonde hair skimming below his shoulders. “No. He and his second left here looking as if they meant business.”

“Left?”

“Well, they weren’t going far,” Thranduíl gestured to the bench beside her. “May I?”

“It’s your realm,” she told him, scooting over slightly. “Would I dare say no?”

“We are but equals, Miss—er… Queen Jasna. And you can absolutely say no if you wish.”

Heat stung her cheeks. “I don't think I will ever be used to being addressed as queen. It sounds too odd to me.”

That earned her a smile. “I imagine it does and yet, you’ve married a king, so, the title is accurate.”

“I kn-know, but… I’m not a queen at all. I’m only a w-w-woman from Esgaroth who somehow won the king’s heart.”

“And that is what makes you a queen.” Thranduíl told her softly. 

That conversation could only go in circles and she was already mindful enough of her stammer, so it was best to change the subject. “Why did he and Dwalin leave?”

“They took a scout pack with them. You needn’t worry. He will be back.”

“He’s wounded, Thranduíl. He took an axe to the back of his leg.”

“I know. But I sent my best warriors with him. He just wishes to make certain that the Great North Road is safe for traveling. I’ve already offered him an escort, which he has turned down, but since I think you are the more reasonable of your pairing, I shall now offer it to you.”

She hesitated. If Thorin already said no, how angry would he be if she reversed that decision? Somehow, she had the feeling he’d be more than a little angry, indeed. “Would it be possible for this escort to remain out of sight?”

Thranduíl looked somewhat taken aback by her request, his eyes wide. “Out of sight?”

“You’re wood elves. As at home in the treetops as you are on earth, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes, but along the Great North Road?” His white-blonde hair shimmered as if lit from within, as no sun shone through the canopy to dance along the strands. “There are blessed few trees there.”

A hint of heat stung her cheeks. “I b-b-beg your pardon, of course,” she managed slowly as the heat worsened. “I’ve never b-b-b-been on the Great North Road.”

“Oh, then I should be begging your pardon,” he said softly, his long-fingered hand coming to rest on hers. “I should have known that and I do understand why you’d ask. But I don't think it would be possible for them to remain with you and out of sight at the same time.”

“Perhaps they could follow behind. We’d be in a coach, so if I could keep him from peering out a window…”

Thranduíl smiled. “Why do I think that would not be a problem?”

“We are on our honeymoon, as he keeps reminding me.”

“Let me sit down with Legolas and see if we might make this work somehow. If nothing more, at least until you are closer to Rivendell’s borders. I can always send word ahead of you to Elrond to have his Guard meet you at the halfway mark.”

“I would appreciate that and I know Thorin would as well. He holds Elrond in high esteem.”

“I’ve noticed.”

The heat in her cheeks flared at the dryness of Thranduil’s voice, and she cleared her throat to add, “I know you and Thorin have a bit of history.”

“That would be one way of phrasing it,” Thranduíl replied with a grin. “But, since the captain of my guard is set to wed his nephew Kíli—is his name, isn’t it?—I see no advantage in keeping a foolish quarrel going.”

“Especially since he returned your necklace,” she said without thinking, nudging his shoulder gently.

He said nothing at first and as the silence stretched, Jasna had the horrible feeling she’d been far too teasing to an Elf she barely knew, and the king of the Woodland Realm to boot.

But then, to her relief, he smiled and a soft chuckle bubbled to his lips. “That does make me a bit more generous where the King Under the Mountain is concerned, yes.”

“Good. I was afraid I’d offended you.”

“Not in the least.” Thranduíl rose from the bench as voices grew louder and she recognized both Thorin’s and Dwalin’s at once. “If you will excuse me, I will go and speak with my son and let you know if we can find a way to watch your party without being seen.”

“Thank you so much. I do appreciate it.”

He bobbed his head as Dwalin and Thorin came into the great hall, both looking surprised to find her there. “Is everything all right, Jasna?”

She smiled as she rose from the bench and moved to slip her arm through his. “Everything is fine, Thorin. What about you? Did you see anything beyond the forest?”

“No, and before you ask, I’ve not decided whether we go forward or back, so—”

“I wasn't going to ask. But, I would like to take a walk, if we could.”

Dwalin’s bushy eyebrows shot up, but Thorin ignored it as he said, “In the forest or outside of it?”

“Whichever you think would be safest.”

He quirked an eyebrow at her. “Why do I have the feeling you are up to something?”

“I don't know. Why do you?”

“Jasna.”

“I just wish to walk somewhere. I don't care where. I just feel like a big bundle of nerves and if I’m forced to sit still, I’ll go mad.”

He didn't look as if he believed her, but slowly nodded. “Very well. But we stay in the forest.”

“Fine.”

“Dwalin, just see that our things make it into the coach. We’re leaving this morning. I just don't know which direction we’re taking yet.”

“I’ll see it done. Enjoy yer walk.”

Thorin bobbed his head and turned to steer Jasna back down the path from which he and Dwalin had come. “So, what were you and Thrandy discussing? It looked serious.”

“The upcoming wedding. He can almost say Kíli’s name without flinching.”

“He’s come a long way.” 

“I’ll wager he has.” She looked up at him, leaning her head against his arm. “You both have.”

“You would know that better than anyone.” He pressed a kiss into the top of her head as they strolled on along the path. It wound along a brackish stream, where dragonflies of varying sizes skimmed the water’s surface, their delicate wings sparkling like gossamer thread in the sunlight that filtered through canopy. A hint of honeysuckle and jasmine filled the air, sweetening it with their perfume and high above, in those vey same treetops, birds sang to one another.

“The last time I was here,” Thorin broke into her thoughts softly, “this was mostly decayed tree and dead leaves. No birds. Just spiders the size of ponies and larger tried to eat us.”

She shivered. “Sounds lovely.”

“I thought so as well. And when we thought help had arrived, Thrandy tossed us into his dungeon.”

“Well, you do have a way with people.”

His laugh rolled softly across the scented air. “I was angry for a long time, at the entire world, it seemed.”

“Thorin,” she paused, catching his hands in hers as she faced him, “you, more than most, had every reason to be angry. You’ve known loss unlike anyone I know. And yet, here you are, on friendly terms with your would-be nemesis, who has offered you his best soldiers to escort you safely to Rivendell or Erebor, if you would only take him up on his offer.”

“I am not used to accepting help,” he told her softly, “because for so long, I’ve had no one to ask, no one else to rely upon.”

“So, perhaps that’s something you can work on.”

He offered up a sheepish smile. “I suppose I can do that.”

“So, you’ll allow Thranduíl's guards to escort us to Rivendell or at least until they can hand us off to Elrond’s men?”

He sighed softly. “Jasna, I said I’d work on it. I’m not quite there yet, as you’d say.”

“Very well. I didn't think it would hurt to ask.”

He reached out to catch a wayward tendril and tucked it gently behind her ear. “It didn’t. And if it will make you happy, I will speak with him about it.”

“Thank you.”

“I promise nothing more than that. He might not even agree to it.”

“He’s already made the offer.”

His brow rose once more. “Just talking about the wedding, were you?”

“Very well, we talked about more than simply the wedding. But, he can say Kíli’s name without flinching.”

They walked on further down the path, which widened and brightened and Jasna glanced up at Thorin. “Are you certain it’s safe out here?”

Out here was that beautiful expanse of wildflowers and wheat grass that stretched as far as the eye could see, drenched in beautiful golden sunlight. A gentle breeze swept across the meadows, the flowers dancing and waving their welcome as it rippled through them.

“I would not have brought you out here if it was not safe,” he told her softly, bringing her hand to his lips. “We are not straying far from the woodland path, but I thought you might like to see something other than trees and more trees.”

“It’s so beautiful out here.” She let go of his hand to cross to where tiger lilies burst forth in a riot of orange and red, taller than the other wildflowers, but not more beautiful. They swayed on the breeze, their scent soft and teasing. 

Thorin came up behind her, easing an arm about her waist. “This was what the plains between Dale and Erebor once looked like. Before Smaug. They were lush and fragrant. Come summer, one could hardly breathe for the thick perfume of the flowers.”

“Maybe it will be that way again. You know, how a forest regrows lush and healthy after a fire.”

“Perhaps. I suppose we’ll know in time.” His arm tightened. “I didn't really have chance to appreciate all of this last time I was here. I’m trying not to make that same mistake this time.”

“Good. You should appreciate this. It’s beautiful.”

“That it is,” he murmured, slipping his other arm about her to tug her flush against him. “And the flowers are nice, too.”

“Thorin.”

“What?”

“Thorin!”

He gave her a squeeze, then let go to reach for one of the tiger lilies. “Do you know what sort of flower this is?”

“These are tiger lilies. From what I’ve heard, they simply sprout up wherever they feel like it, and they live no matter what the terrain or conditions. If a tiger lily wants to grow, it does. They’re very resilient.” She smiled up at him. “Rather like dwarves, only not as fierce.”

He grinned and stepped around her to stroll into the midst of the flowers. At first, a laugh rose to her lips, for he looked just so out of place amongst the slender lilies with their brilliant, almost gaudy color, but that urge died out as he bent toward one of the blooms. She remained where she was, just watching as he straightened up and smiled. “They smell sweet.”

“I know. They grow all along the rocks in Dale. My mother used to cut them for bouquets and would bring the extras home with her.”

He wandered through the swaying flowers and when he emerged, he held several lilies in one hand, which he held out. “Perhaps we might see about growing them in the courtyard in Erebor.”

She took them, smiling as she brought them to her nose for a sniff. “We can try. I’ll ask my mother when we return.” 

When she looked up at him again, her smile faded. He stared off into the distance, and she heard it as well.

Hoofbeats. 

“Are those horses?”

Thorin shook his head. “Wargs. We need to go back. Now, Jasna.”

He didn't wait for her to reply, but caught her by the elbow to hurry her back towards the forest. The pounding of warg paws grew louder and without thinking, she broke into a run. 

An arrow whizzed past her, just barely missing her left shoulder. Mirkwood was just over the ridge, and the urge to move faster burned through her, despite the fact that she was running literally as fast as she could. The muscles in her calves and thighs burned, her heart felt as if it was about to explode. 

As they crested the ridge, Jasna stumbled, but managed to stay on her feet even as she reeled forward, and as it seemed like they would never make it to the wood’s edge, they were greeted at the sight of arrows being shot from the forest. They arced over her and Thorin, almost graceful as  they then found their marks. 

At the forest’s edge, an overgrown root caught her foot and she went sprawling facedown along the path, knocking the breath clear from her lungs as she slammed into packed earth and scattered the tiger lilies in all directions.

Thorin fell to his knees, skidding beside her. “Jasna, were you hit? Are you all right?”

She couldn't respond. Couldn't breathe. She lay there in the dirt, the woodland elves practically spilling from the treetops as they launched their counterattack against the orc pack. Her lungs refused to inflate at first and while she tried not to panic, it wasn't easy and when she could finally draw breath, she managed to grit out, “I’m all right…”

“Thank Mahal,” he whispered before getting to his feet. “Can you stand?”

Still panting, she nodded. “I think so.”

“Good. Come,” he caught her by the arm and as he did, she let out a yelp.

An orc arrow had found its mark after all. 

[z0uz]

oooops j'avais complètement oublié de le poster

@katyastrophyqu tagged me to list 10 songs that i like with names in the titles, then tag 10 people 💛

lola - superbus

renee - sales

victoria - jukebox the ghost

come on eileen - dexys midnight runners

for elise - saint motel

jimmy - moriarty

billy brown - mika

u-turn (lili) - aaron

sappho - delian

jimmy sparks - the lumineers

i tag @freedarick @cluusheen @autodefenestracja @sloubs @thorin-is-a-cuddler @elwenn-dreaming @a33-nas @musicalyikes @nothingseemsquiteright @nvminnd

[mlabyrinth]

Thank you @marlowe-zara and @sturridges for tagging me :)

------------------------------

Were you named after anyone?

Nope.

Do you have kids?

Nope.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Yeahh, but I need tone it down a little though 😆.

What's the first thing you notice about people?

Eyes! and smile.

What's your eye color?

Brown.

Scary movie or happy endings?

I am down for any genre of movies/shows as long as it's not horror.

Any special talents?

I can play piano and acoustic guitar really well (well, at least I'd like to think I can 😆)

What are your hobbies?

hiking, traveling, reading, decorating, baking, astronomy and many more.

Have any pets?

Noooo and I want one really bad.

What sport do you play / have you played?

Football/Soccer and Ice-Hockey.

How tall are you?

5' 8" ish

Favorite subject in school?

In high school, physics. Currently (in uni.), biochem.

Dream job?

I wanted to be an astronomer so bad when I was in high school, but I got talked out of it lol and so now I want to be a doctor, specifically a Pediatrician 🤞

------------------------------

I am tagging: @miragebasicfangirl @modest-irish-goddess @thorin-is-a-cuddler @klarahimmeltheendless @melrocks21 ...and anyone else who wants to do this, please join in! :)

[burningvelvet]

Rules: Tag 10 people you want to get to know better.

I was tagged by @wherenightmaresroost @blackhyena @chaotic-history and thank you all!!! My ten tags are at the bottom of this post.

Relationship Status: Single—why else would I have a blog like this?!

Favorite Color: Green, or black if we’re counting black as a color. But really I love all colors.

Song Stuck In My Head: way too many… I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On by Robert Palmer, Oino by LA Priest, Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush, etc.

Last Song I Listened To: Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush on repeat for the past three days

Three Favorite Foods: hmmm difficult because I don’t really have favorite foods but if I had to pick: raspberries, apples, or peanut butter…

Last Thing(s) I Googled: it was an article I had clicked about the rent increases in my city, but I’m not revealing my location! Before that it was “fix backpack strap.” I promise my searches are usually more interesting than this, but I guess I’m a member of the working-class before I’m an intellectual.

Dream Trip: it’s cliché for me as a young American, but true—going to western Europe and seeing all the landmarks (artistic/literary/cultural/historical). For the past 1-3 years I’ve been most excited to travel Italy and see where the Romantics roamed, see all the art history, maybe study there formally, etc… I don’t have a solid itinerary, but some combination of those... it’s something I’ve been saving for after I graduate. But I want to see other places too, and it’s very expensive to travel there! Hopefully sometime in the next year or two. Or maybe I can just contract tuberculosis and be shipped there immediately on my deathbed like John Keats, which would be ideal. I guess we’ll see how things go.

I’m tagging: @byronfucks @aaronposting @rock-n-rollin-bitch @houppellande @1892 @amarrymeinbostonwriter @tchaikennugget @thorin-is-a-cuddler @gothiclit @madame-karenina and anyone else who’d like to participate!

[thequeerlibrarian]

Thanks for tagging me @thorin-is-a-cuddler <3

Relationship Status: taken

Favorite Colour: green

Song stuck in my head: eat your young by Hozier

Last song I listened to: Sad girl by Lana del Rey

Three favorite foods: sweet potato, pea-yogurt, dark chocolate

Last thing(s) I googled: Mittelaltermarkt Mai 2023

Dream Trip: scandinavia with a van

Tagging @0oolookitsme @princessconsuelapark @setmefreeii @fonkeloog @himboniall