I don't own any of Tolkien's character's - I only own Aleiki (if she'll let me). I'd appreciate some feedback on this story as I've not felt like writing in a very long time.
An Unexpected Alliance - Chapter 1
Aleiki was late and unsure whether she would arrive in time to catch the company at Bag End. It was way way past midnight and she was loathe to arrive at such an unsocial hour. Dwarves didn't appear to trust those who arrived in the night. The Lady Dis said she had missed most of the company by two whole days as they had headed out from Ered Luin and its surrounding settlements. She had followed on behind them as soon as dawn broke riding as fast as she could not stopping for anything - food or rest.
News of the quest had taken time to reach them on the storm blown island of Anlashocc. It was miles out from the Grey Havens and the news had come via the ravens. Only the ravens brought them news these days. No-one externally troubled their island in any way. They were almost forgotten by the outside world. Internally was another matter. The near constant stream of demon spawn from the great rift was enough to keep their warriors sharp.
However, this isolation had begun to be a problem. A new generation was needed and for that they intended to use their very old and nearly forgotten allies - the dwarves. Her mother queen had instructed her in detail on their needs in this respect. She had also been instructed on how to remain pure of the corrupting influence of the paternalistic cultures of the mainlanders.
The Lady Dis had appeared shocked at her identity but pleased that the dwarves had allies for once. Lady Dis' female adviser had urged her to send the little nymph after the company as soon as possible and had seemed pleased she had come. At least she hoped that was the case it had been a bit difficult to tell through the beards. Mainlanders were cruel! Fancy making females wear beards. The Lady Dis and the adviser had been most knowledgeable about her kind which was unexpected. Her mother queen had only sent Aleiki to them. Aleiki had feared the dwarrow may be insulted by this but to the Lady Dis she was sent by Mahal himself. The Lady Dis had asked Aleiki to help keep her sons safe. Aleiki had sworn she would try and silently thought to herself that if they were worthy she might try and persuade them to return home with her for a time. They were sons of Durin after all and their seed must be fairly strong!
After following the poorly lit paths of the Shire lands she finally believed she had arrived at her destination. The numerous ponies in the garden of the shire-lander's home implied she had arrived in time to meet up with her soon to be allies. Halflings lived here and Aleiki was interested to see what they looked like. She had only ever met demon spawn and dwarves besides her own people so this would be a first for her.
This trip had already had so many "firsts" since she left the island that she already worried about whether she could hope to prevent bringing any sort of corruption home with her. Her mother queen would not allow her back if she did. She would not worry about it for now. She would carry out the purification rituals she had been instructed in and hope for the best. Her only true purpose was to serve as commanded.
The decision whether to wait until morning or to knock and potentially wake the whole household was a tough one. Her reception at Ered Luin had been interesting to say the least. Their reaction to a lone female arriving at their gates in the middle of the night was laughable. They had assumed there must have been trouble as she was unescorted. The whole of the barracks had been woken and armed before she'd even been allowed to speak a word. She'd been hustled in side and fussed over. No-one had ever fussed over her so much since she was a tiny nymphling.
The speed that a patrol had been put together had been impressive. The concern they showed for her and her supposedly missing escort was endearing. Their assumption that because she was female she was not a threat was scary but could prove useful in future. Life was very different here than on the island. No-one would have opened the gates for her there if she'd arrived unexpectedly and she would only have been let in after the necessary tests had been completed despite whom she appeared to be. They wouldn't risk an entire hive being destroyed for anyone especially one considered as unworthy and unproven as her. It didn't matter who her mother was.
It had been nearly an hour before she had been given the chance to explain her arrival and another hour after that before the Lady Dis had been summoned. The dwarves seemed to like creating a whole drama out of her arrival. They also liked to stare at her a lot but that was ok as they were unusual to her too and she was happy to stare right back at them. They were so different to her people in looks and actions.
The custom of welcome here seemed to be to kiss the hand of the person arriving and each dwarf insisted on doing so. She'd allowed it but rather wished they would act a bit more like her own kin. They also liked to offer their service and name their families. These things were unheard of risks on her island. You never offered service unless you were absolutely positive who you were talking to. The fewer people who knew who you were spawned to the less likely you were to die. You were identified by rune marks and only then if absolutely necessary.
Aleiki decided that a purification ritual would kill the time before dawn. She would meet the dwarrow company then and hopefully prevent any more dramas. After tying her pony to the rope with the other ponies, she sat down on the roof of the Halfling's home above the front door. Searching in her bag for the necessary herbs and finding them, she then lit a small fire. She threw the herbs on the fire and began to chant quietly to herself. The words of the ritual had been drilled into her head upon pain of death or exile. In this instance they calmed her mind of worries and reminded her of home.
Finally the sun made its appearance and Aleiki waited for the dwarves to appear to collect their ponies. She didn't have to wait too long as the door opened and two dwarves exited the premises. They hadn't noticed her sat on the ground above the door and slowly. They walked around to the ponies obviously planning on saddling them up ready for the journey. They were young these dwarves and to her eyes quite delightful. One was blonde and the other dark. They appeared to be making a bet about whether a burglar would join them or not. She licked her lips. Things were looking up. Maybe this quest wouldn't be as painful as she'd initially believed after meeting the dwarves of Ered Luin.
She turned her thoughts back from where they'd drifted off too and studied the two again. She wondered how long it would take them to spot the additional pony. A few minutes only as they worked along the line feeding and saddling the ponies. They were about halfway along when they noticed her. They said nothing but looked at each, frowned and looked at the pony again confused.
It was clearly time to make them aware of her presence and to be her most charming self. She didn't want to frighten them - not really. She raised her head and spoke in a soft, gentle voice, "The pony's name is Clover and I'm sure she'd appreciate some feed if you have any spare" referring to the dappled grey pony in front of the two dwarves.
She was pleased to see that they had good reactions as they spun around to gape at her. Weapons were drawn which gave her slightly more confidence that she wasn't going on a quest with a bunch of idiots. The older blonde one stepped slightly in front of the younger one which surprised her slightly. Maybe they were kin or possibly lovers? She'd study them further before she decided.
However, it was finally show time and time to perform. She smiled widely at the two shocked dwarves and in her most innocent voice spoke again, "Might one of you be Thorin Oakenshield - King under the mountain?" The two dwarves continued to stare at her not saying a word.
"Twas not a trick question. I need to speak with him and I've travelled a long way to do so". The two dwarves continued to stare and she rolled her eyes. Finally the younger of the two - the cute one with the dark hair, dimples and wild looking stubble opened his mouth and yelled, "UNCLE..."
-—-
Dawn was just showing over the horizon and Thorin was sitting finishing his breakfast at the kitchen table in Bag End. Dwalin, Frerin and Balin were there too chatting about their route for the day. The others were packing their few belongings or tidying the smial after their messy party last night. They'd left a contract on the table just in case the hobbit decided to join them. Although it wasn't looking likely and it appeared that the trip there had been a complete waste of time. Gandalf hadn't shown his face yet that morning and already Thorin wasn't in the best of moods.
He hadn't been in the best of moods since the previous day. He'd arrived at Bag End to find his brother Frerin in residence with the rest of the company. Frerin was supposed to be back in Ered Luin ruling in his absence. However, apparently councilor Lork had got a bit too vocal about Frerin marrying his daughter following their recent love affair. The daughter was a widow who had no interest in marrying again and the arrangement between her and Frerin had suited them well but apparently Lork wanted to take advantage to further his own interests. His brother had got so fed up with it that he'd left Dis in charge and decided to join the quest. Now all of the sons of Durin were on the quest and they were risking everything to ensure it was achieved.
The quiet of the early morning was suddenly broken by Kili's voice shouting for him. He sounded...Thorin wasn't sure how he sounded - amazed, disturbed or upset? Kili knew better than yelling at this time of the morning. They didn't want to upset the locals. He looked over at Balin and sighed, "What now? Balin make sure the others are ready to go." He sighed, "Frerin - let's go - apparently our nephew needs our attention". Frerin smirked, "I warned you about taking him along. Everything is just too damned exciting to him".
Thorin and Frerin followed by Dwalin walked out of the big round green front door of Bag End. Initially they couldn't see either of the lads but after turning to where the ponies had been tied the night before they saw them with weapons drawn staring at something they couldn't see. Thorin swore under his breath and drew his blade. Dwalin behind pulled out one of his axes and Frerin pulled out one of his blades. The Shire was supposed to be safe. As they came nearer to the ponies and Fili and Kili they still couldn't see what the problem was. Kili looked back at him, "She asked for you uncle by name". "She? Who's she?" Thorin queried. Fili indicated with his head where he needed to be looking for the cause of the commotion.
There on the top of the Halfling's home above the front door they'd just walked through sat a very young looking and very beautiful creature. Thorin couldn't immediately recognize her race but she was definitely not a hobbit, a dwarf or one of the locals. By his side he heard his brother gasp in surprise. She was taller than a hobbit but shorter than a dwarf. Her hair was a golden color, short and curled around her heart shaped face. Her large eyes were also a golden brown color. She was clearly female and rounded in all of the right places but so slender and delicate that it looked like she'd snap in half if she so much as sneezed. She sat cross-legged on the grass and was smiling at them.
At their arrival she gracefully got to her feet and now it was her outfit that took their breath away. Thorin didn't think he'd ever seen a female dressed so provocatively before. This was not to say she was dressed like the whores he'd occasionally encountered in the towns of men. She was fully clothed from head to foot but in leather armor only a warrior would normally wear. However, they fit her like a second skin and hugged all of the right places enticingly. What was even more surprising was that she was armed to the teeth. Two swords were strapped to her back, along with a bow and the necessary quiver and arrows. She had two long knives strapped to hips and thighs and he could see weapons tucked in her boots too. He was quite sure there were more weapons that he couldn't see!
She tilted her head to the side and smirked as she watched the males give her the once over. She didn't appear at all intimidated by them all staring at her. The creature walked forward with her hands and palms open & facing them to indicate she meant them no harm and that she came in peace. Thorin watched her approaching carefully. He could feel Dwalin and Frerin at his side poised to intervene if trouble arose. However, when the little female was about six feet from him she dropped to one knee and bowed her head to him. She kept her eyes on his feet as she addressed him, "I didn't mean to alarm you. You don't need your weapons. I come in peace. I assume you are his majesty Thorin son of Thrain, son of Thror King under the mountain?" He said nothing and she looked up quickly and at her questioning gaze he nodded. She returned to looking at his feet and continued, "My people were once allies of the dwarves of Erebor. We heard too late of the disaster that befell you. I come at my mother queen's request to make recompense and to answer your call for service upon your quest. I am at your service in any way you see fit, your majesty, until the quest to kill Smaug is over".
Thorin stared at the creature before him dumb struck. He turned to Dwalin and Frerin for their opinion. Dwalin looked as mystified as he felt but was never one to keep quiet, "Who are you lass?" They all stared at the female in front of them awaiting an answer. Kili and Fili continued to watch proceedings too and none of them put their weapons away. She didn't respond as they hoped, "Do you accept my service your majesty?" She looked up and very purposefully caught his eyes with hers and then kept his eyes on her when she noticed that their weapons were still out. Thorin, almost mesmerized by the beauty he saw in those eyes almost against his will made a decision and felt compelled to answer; "Yes" Thorin continued to stare into the golden eyes and couldn't seem to stop staring. She responded quickly, breaking eye contact, put her closed fist to her heart, "By the love of my people I Aleiki pledge my love, loyalty and willing heart to the sons of Durin for the length of this quest and no longer". Before any of them could move she prostrated herself on the ground and kissed his feet.
Thorin winced and stepped back. This was not how dwarves made their pledges. He understood that other cultures were different but he'd never hear the end of this when Dwalin and Frerin told the others what had occurred. He put his sword away, knelt down to the girl on the floor and took her hands and helped her to rise. His nephews looked on in silent surprise putting their weapons away too. Thorin had agreed to have a female come on the quest without arguing. Thorin could almost feel Dwalin's smirk from his position behind him, "Now answer me properly who are you?"
The lass looked down again and not at him but answered in a soft voice, "I am Aleiki of Anlashocc - youngest daughter of mother queen and pledged to Thorin Oakenshield and his kin and his kin's kin until Smaug is dead and Erebor is returned to the sons of Durin once more. Command me and I'll obey unless death take me".
Thorin sighed. Aleiki's answer didn't get down to what he wanted to know and he looked around at his kin again. The expression on his brother's face was a sight to behold and caught his attention. He didn't think he'd ever seen Frerin look quite so dumb struck by a female before "Aleiki, look at me". Golden eyes flashed to blue ones. He nearly lost himself again in those eyes but managed to get the question out, "what race are you from and what is Anlashocc?"
However, before she could answer an annoyed voice from behind him spoke, "She's a nymph from the island of Anlashocc off the Gray Havens. Ensure you and your kin use her service wisely dwarf King or you will surely regret it. Nymphs can be nearly as dangerous as dragons if they put their purpose to a task". At these words and not wanting to appear threatening in any way Aleiki fell to her knees again at Thorin's feet submissively "I'm yours to command my King".
Behind them stood Gandalf with Balin and the other dwarves too - all staring at the newcomer, "Did you look her in the eye? Has she pledged you her service?" Thorin nodded nervously. Gandalf sighed, "Under what terms?" Fili piped up at this point, "Her service until Smaug was dead - what's wrong with that?"
Gandalf rubbed his hands over his face, "what did you offer her for her service? She's a nymph and her service will not be free. They don't let their children off that island without a very good reason". Thorin turned to look down at the nymph frowning at her. He'd heard a lot of stories of nymphs and the trouble they could cause. He didn't need those types of distractions on his quest. He felt the need to fend off trouble before it could start. He reached down and gently took Aleiki's hand in his, "Look at me nymph and tell me what you expect in payment. If we succeed there will be gold. Will this be sufficient for you - an equal share in the gold?"
The nymph looked up at him and in a determined yet gentle voice spoke, "No! Unfortunately not! We have no need for gold my King. That isn't what my mother queen wishes for me or my services". She had sworn herself into his service now and couldn't lie to him. She sighed dramatically once again refusing to look any of them in the eye. "My mother queen wishes for seed and a seeding. She'll accept no substitute". They all stared down at the little female at Thorin's feet but it was Kili's innocent aside to his brother that broke the silence, "No problem then. This is the Shire. They should have plenty of plant seeds here or are we talking about an exotic one?"
Aleiki sighed dramatically. The wizard had ruined everything. She had been charming them quite well until Gandalf got involved. She was quite sure she could have got her mother queen's wishes fulfilled easily with minimum fuss if she'd been allowed to get to know them. Mother Queen had always said her innocence and charm would get her all her heart desired if she worked at it. Of course mother queen had lied about that. Aleiki didn't want to be here among the infidel humiliating herself but she knew this was a paternalistic society and the easiest way to get what she needed was to be innocent looking and submissive. She had been prepared to make the most of her time here. The sons of Durin were easy on the eye and could have made the whole experience of being away from home fun to the maximum. Now everything would be difficult and awkward because the dwarves would be on their guard.
Mother Queen wouldn't let her come home without the seed or a seeding. She would have to come up with a new plan. Around her the dwarves were reacting to her payment demand. The King was watching her again with a deep frown on his face. How she wished she could hear his thoughts. Finally, he broke his silence, "We will discuss payment again when we rest tonight. Now we need to get moving ". Thorin once again took her hand and pulled her to her feet, "Aleiki, you will ride in the middle of the company with Dwalin and Nori. Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Ori, Dori, Oin and Gloin take rear guard. Fili and Kili you will scout ahead. Balin, Frerin and Gandalf will ride with me at the front". The company very quickly got back to the task at hand. She quickly mounted her little pony and waited for them to be ready.
As they rode it was very clear to Aleiki that up ahead Thorin, Gandalf and Balin were discussing her even if she couldn't hear the words. They kept looking back towards her as if they had a live demon spawn in their midst. She sat on Clover and tried to look as innocent and harmless as she could. Dwalin and Nori were watching her like hawks. She was not sure what they expected her to do. She had not been asked to disarm or remove her weapons so she was trying to think of that as a bonus. She was seriously trying to look on the bright side of the occasion. However, there was no conversation between her escorts and her and that was a problem. She quickly became bored with worrying about it all and the situation. Mother Queen always said she had the attention span of a gnat.
The Shire was very different from the island. She'd never seen so much greenery in her life and there were butterflies fluttering around everywhere. She reached out and one sat on the top of my fingers. It was so delicate and pretty. She wondered mindlessly if they ate insects here. During her training she'd learned that in some cultures it was taboo. She let the butterfly go despite her hunger. She'd not eaten in days but she knew this was probably not the right time to test the taboos of dwarves.
Aleiki finally got to see what Halflings looked like too. They were even smaller than her with big hairy feet. Later in the day a Halfling joined the company. This she quickly realized was the burglar Thorin's nephews had been betting on earlier. She was not allowed to talk to him. Dwalin and Nori kept themselves between him and her. What did they think she was going to do? Did they seriously think she'd seduce him whilst sitting on a pony? She would just keep quiet and learn as much as she could about them. If she kept it up long enough they might relent a little in her treatment. However, being quiet was so boring and she hoped her guards would crack soon as she knew if they didn't she would.
However, she was in luck as her guard Nori broke the silence, "How did you know where to find us nymph?" Dwalin threw him a sharp glance as the question was asked. Had they not considered this? Aleiki had assumed that would be one of the first questions left for later. This was her opportunity to be friendly, helpful and approachable. She wanted them to talk to her. "My name is Aleiki master." Dwalin snorted at her response but she ignored him and continued, "l asked your kin at Ered Luin of course. They were most helpful. The guards at the gates were very well trained and impressive. I've rarely seen a patrol put together so fast and such concern for my well being". She smirked suggestively, "I very much enjoyed my time there. I should compliment my King on their efficiency".
Now both dwarves stared at her in surprise so she continued. How long would it take to get a rise out of them? "Of course, they don't listen very well ". She frowned slightly as if this really concerned her "But their armor was nice and shiny. Our King would like to know that wouldn't he?" She gave them the most empty headed smile that she could manage without bursting into laughter at their expressions.
She continued, "The differences between our peoples were much in evidence and I learned loads. Nobody back on the island will believe how friendly dwarves are in offering services to me and all that kissing! That was completely unexpected but so welcoming. Although..." She deliberately trailed off and gave them a casual glance to see if they would rise to the bait.
Both dwarves looked slightly pink now. She couldn't believe she'd made them blush. She wondered exactly what they imagined had happened. Dwalin made a choking sound in the back of his throat and asked the inevitable question, "Although what?" She didn't answer for a few seconds, "The kisses were a bit sloppy. Maybe as part of my service I could give you all lessons. I'm sure your lady folk would appreciate it, don't you think? Lady Dis was very kind and l'd like to do something nice for her. Shall I speak to my Lord Thorin?" Dwalin currently was extremely red in the face and let out a rather strangled "No!" She looked to Nori but he was grinning at her and enjoying the expression on Dwalin's face.
Nori smiled at her and patted my arm, "It may be better if you keep quiet for a bit little one. Dwalin here has led a very sheltered life and we don't want him to suffer a seizure". She smirked back at him but as requested didn't speak any more that afternoon. She was starting to get tired anyway. She'd not slept or eaten since departing Ered Luin in her effort to catch up with the company so she just concentrated on staying awake.
They had been travelling for nearly three hours before Thorin started the conversation with Gandalf, Frerin and Balin. He'd been watching their new nymph ally surreptitiously during that time. She'd looked nervous and unsure at first but very quickly began to take note of the surroundings and her nerves were replaced with a look of wonder. A butterfly landed on her fingers and just for a moment her mask seemed to slip and a look of intense hunger spread across her face. However, it was only for a moment before her previous look of wonder returned.
He motioned them nearer and asked, "What do we know of nymphs besides the old fairy tales?" He glanced at them all, "She spoke of an old alliance between dwarves and her kind. Was she lying?"
Balin glanced behind him, "No. She's not lying. It was in your great, great grandfather's time - Nain II the alliance was signed. I think in the later histories the authors were slightly embarrassed that females helped saved us from Orcs as they started referring to them as the warriors of the island instead." He flinched slightly as he continued, "They also mentioned that one of the warriors was given to our King as a sacrifice. Nothing further was mentioned of the sacrifice which always surprised me when I was studying. But coincidentally at the same time your great great grandmother had a very un-dwarven name and appeared out of no-where with no history of her family or clan". Thorin and Frerin looked at Balin in shock. They had never heard even a hint that the line of Durin had some foreign blood in it. They'd always assumed their blood line was completely pure. "There is more. The line of Durin was struggling to continue but at this point in history they suddenly started to produce multiple heirs".
Thorin slowly absorbed this hidden facet of his family history. "What do we know about nymphs and how they live? Why would they insist on obtaining seed and a seeding? I'm assuming that this isn't plant seed as Kili's suggested but l want to make sure I understand exactly what their queen wants?" Thorin blushed slightly. He hadn't been expecting to have such a conversation when he woke up this morning.
Gandalf huffed to himself but spoke, "Nymphs are all female. Their overall ruler is called the mother queen and they live on the island of Anlashocc. I've never had much to do with them before this. I know they previously had a kingdom in southern Gondor but they all moved to their island over 2000 years ago. They need male seed to reproduce and apparently they haven't needed any since Nain's time but they now want some and for that reason you now have a nymph in your service".
Thorin groaned and once again looked at the little nymph behind them. "How can she help us? Look at her! It looks like a stiff breeze would knock her over." Gandalf glared at Thorin, "Stop judging others by their appearance. Her people were and are fierce warriors and they saved Nain's reign and your line. Those weapons of hers aren't just for show. I'd bet you a share in the treasure that she's an expert. Do you really think she could have made it this far from her home without running into any trouble? Really look at her. How long would someone as beautiful as her last here if she couldn't look after herself. There would be too many wishing to take advantage plus she got you to agree to her coming along without any sort of argument. She can be pretty damn persuasive too!"
Frerin chuckled, "He's got you there brother. You didn't put up any fight whatsoever!"
Thorin glared at his brother and looked around to study her again and realized the wizard was right, "At least I managed to string a sentence together. You just put on a fish face".
Frerin's smile faded slightly, "But just look at her brother, she's the most stunning thing I've seen in my life".
Thorin eyed his brother warily now. He knew his brother was a womanizer but the look on Frerin's face wasn't his usual one when he'd found a new skirt to chase.
They continued to chat about the problem but without more information they were going in circles. "We will question her when we make camp about her home, this seeding business and her skills. We need more information". Thorin turned in his saddle and yelled backwards, "Gloin catch the lads up and tell them to go find us a camp site". He turned to Balin and Gandalf "Are the fairy tales true? Can she lie to me if she's sworn her service to me?" They both looked thoughtful at this question. They would surely find out soon.
The company soon caught up with Fili and Kili who had found a campsite on a cliff's edge. They had lit a fire and each company member quickly carried out their chores. Aleiki's pony was taken from her and tied up with others. Quickly there was a stew cooking over the fire thanks to Bombur. Initially Aleiki hadn't known what to do but Dwalin had indicated she should sit in the middle of the camp with her back to the cliff. He sat down next to her. They obviously didn't want her wandering off. But it wasn't a problem as she was so tired and so very hungry. It was easier and more comfortable not to move. She hadn't eaten or slept in over three days and she could feel herself start to doze off. Her head came to rest finally on Dwalin's shoulder. The effort needed to meet the company at Bag End finally catching up with her.
Aleiki woke to hunger pangs, a star strewn sky and a camp lit only by the fire. The sun had set whilst she slept. Dwalin was no longer by her side and now her head rested on Prince Frerin's shoulder. He smiled down at her. She blinked blearily at him as he passed her a bowl of stew to eat. She looked at the food desperately wanting to eat it. She looked up at him through her eye lashes shyly, "Do I have your permission to eat?" Frerin frowned at this but nodded. Aleiki smiled happily and was about to eat her first spoonful of the stew but stopped and clarified, "And this is all for me or are we to share it?"
From her other side Nori now spoke and answered the question, "it's all yours we saved it for you". He smiled at her. Frerin and discretely the whole company watched her in astonishment as she wolfed down the food and then licked the bowl. As she was eating Balin, Gandalf and Thorin sat down on a log in front of her. Dwalin stood behind Thorin. Aleiki frowned suddenly realizing she was surrounded. They better not want her food back! She glanced at Frerin and spoke warily and sulkily her hand going to one of her daggers. It was hard to be happy and smiley when she had just woken up and her stomachs were threatening to dissolve themselves from hunger, "Prince Frerin said the food was all mine and gave me permission to eat it. What have I done wrong my King?"
Frerin swore under his breath when he spotted her going for her knife, jammed his hand down over her hand and pushed the knife back in the sheath. He moved behind her to ensure she didn't try to reach any of her other weapons. He kept his hand over hers.
The company stared silently for a moment at this unexpected reaction. Balin spoke gently to her, "We don't want your food lass. Put the knife away. You won't need it. We just want to ask you some questions". The girl glanced around the group assessing them and slowly pulled her hand out from under Frerin's and grasped the other one in her lap.
Thorin hadn't expected that reaction from the nymph. Suddenly Gandalf's warnings held weight. What life had this girl lived that she'd feel threatened over a bowl of stew. She'd not even been afraid to try and pull a knife as surrounded as she was by males bigger and stronger than her. As he watched the wary look disappeared and the happy friendly face reappeared. How much was that particular face a mask to hide her true feelings and thoughts? Was the happy friendly facade a defence mechanism? This creature never reacted how he expected and that was dangerous for them. They needed to understand her and how she would react in any given situation. For that they needed more information on her, her people and her life.
"Dwalin tells me you've been to Ered Luin and met my sister and she sent you on to Bag End?" Thorin asked her an open question to try to get her to talk.
Aleiki smiled widely, "Yes, the Lady Dis was very kind and gave me directions to the Shire". Before he could ask more Aleiki spoke again glancing at Dwalin now, "Should I mention the kissing now or shall we discuss that later?" She heard a loud snort from Nori's direction but continued to smile as sweetly as she could.
Thorin looked up at Dwalin standing behind him with a frown, "What kissing?" Dwalin winced, ran his hand over his face and opened his mouth to speak but Aleiki beat him to it, "Your guards' kisses were very sloppy and I offered to Dwalin to give them lessons to help them improve when we return. I'm your ally after all and it's my job to help with these things. I'm sure your ladies would appreciate the improvement. No-one enjoys a sloppy kiss, do they?" She looked around smiling at them, silently amused at their expressions of horror. Nori, however, appeared to be having a laughing fit in the background. Nori was fun Aleiki decided. At least one of them got the joke. The others took everything so seriously. Nori could see she was just winding them up.
Gandalf decided it was time to intervene as they were getting nowhere fast. He cleared his throat to get the attention of the nymph. She turned to face him her smile dropping slightly, "Yes wizard?"
"Don't think I can't see what you are doing young lady. We don't want your distractions! We need you to answer our questions. Tell us of the seed your queen requires."
However, Aleiki resisted, "We don't need to talk of that now do we? There's a dragon to kill first. Why discuss boring stuff when there's no need?" Thorin, however, wasn't losing control of the conversation again. He took her food bowl from her, now empty, and placed it on the ground. He swiftly took both of her fore-arms in his and pulled her onto her knees in front of him. "Ow! That hurt my King" glared at Thorin now. "Stop this nymph and answer the question".
"What more is there to say that I haven't said?" She continued to glare at him, "Mother Queen wants seed and a seeding to take place?" Thorin shook her this time. She looked at Thorin in confusion and hurt, "I don't understand why you're angry at me?" She spoke in a sulky voice and looked down and away from them.
Thorin rolled his eyes and glanced at Balin. Balin patted him on the arm and then reached over and took Aleiki's chin in his hand and turned her head to looks to him, "Lass, you've sworn your services to Thorin haven't you?" She nodded huffily. "Then you need to answer his questions to the best of your abilities. He doesn't fully understand what this seed is, what it's for and why you want it. Explain yourself fully and assume nothing". He released her chin and sat back again.
The nymph stared at them in surprise now. Thorin continued to hold her in front of him so she couldn't evade him anymore. It was hard for Aleiki to believe they knew nothing but if they wanted her to treat them like dwarflings she could do that.
Studying her feet she started, "Mother Queen says we need to have a full spawning. All of the old and new queens must spawn". This was the private business of her people but she would explain if she had to. She looked around at their blank looks, rolled her eyes and tried again, "All of the nymph queens need to have babies". She spoke slowly and then suddenly glared at them "You all know where babies come from, don't you or do I have to explain that too?"
Balin smiled this time, "No lass, we understand that bit". She gave him a quick grin in return before continuing, "Naturally, when you make babies the male supplies the seed to kick things off so to speak - do we understand each other now? Mother Queen wants some volunteers to supply the seed. A dozen of you for 6 months would be plenty but we could make do with 3 months if you send more volunteers."
She looked around at the company hopefully, "We'd take the best care of the volunteers too, they'd stay in our safest hives and want for nothing in our care and our queens would make the seeding very pleasurable. I'm sure the volunteers would enjoy the experience..." Her words were starting to flow faster and faster as she watched the expressions of the company but she couldn't quite tell if she was selling the idea to them or not. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for you and as I said they'd be very safe in our hives and our best warriors would guard them from the moment they landed until they departed"
Many of the company had started to grin and say they were sure there would be volunteers. Bofur piped up from the back, "Sounds like a fair and reasonable deal to me. I can't see a flaw?" They all turned and stared at him, "What? You were all thinking it!" Aleiki beamed happily at him but was forced to return her attention to Thorin by him squeezing her hands.
"What aren't you telling us? Why would they need guards or to be in a hive?" Thorin had noticed the emphasis on the safety of the volunteers. Aleiki sighed again, "There is no need for concern. We've been protecting you mainlanders from the dangers of our island for centuries." She looked around them expecting to see their appreciation on their faces but instead there were blank faces again. By the rift were these people really so stupid and ignorant? "By the strength of our warriors, are your lands kept safe. We can easily protect a few males for a few months".
Her attention was once again drawn back to Thorin as he squeezed her wrists painfully, "Stop doing that. It's mean!" Balin grabbed her chin again, "You are trying his patience again nymph! Explain yourself"
She glared at Balin and Thorin both, "I can't believe the level of ignorance of you mainlanders. Didn't anyone educate you about the world?" She glanced up at Gandalf, "Is that what the Istari do now? Keep everyone ignorant." She huffed to herself again, "My people would keep you safe from the demon spawn that come out of the great rift on the island". She spoke slowly, carefully enunciating each word, "No harm would befall your kin under our warrior's care. No guest has ever been harmed on our island whilst under our care. Our warriors would fall upon their swords if that would keep you safe". She looked Thorin straight in the eye, "I swear on my life's blood your males would not be hurt. The demon spawn infestation is well managed. They will not spawn freely again for another century. We will spawn as soon as your volunteers come. Our new generation will be grown and trained by then if you help us."
Thorin let her go and sat back in absolute horror, "There are demon spawn on your island?" Before he could say anything else Aleiki rose from sitting on her haunches and rose to her knees between his legs. She caught his face between her hands, "Do not fear my King" and gently pushed a strand of his hair behind his ear, "No harm would come to your kin, we would hoard them as as a dragon hoards its gold. Our future depends on you helping us. Please trust me." She gently stroked his face and then carefully pulled back as the wizard cleared his throat.
"Aleiki is there anything else we need to know about the seeding?" Balin asked, "Thorin will be angry if you bring up anything later about your payment which we've not discussed now". He glanced at Thorin and Thorin nodded back both turning to her.
"One small minor item to be considered" Aleiki spoke up after watching their faces and realizing how serious they were, "Under the terms of our treaty contract my people will provide ambassadors for Erebor..." She stopped as if she wasn't sure of their reaction to her next statement and in a rush of words she finished, "You or one of the heirs of Durin...", Frerin, Fili and Kili's head popped up at being mentioned, "Will seed me so I can spawn them. I will make it easy for whoever is assigned the task. I have all the necessary knowledge and I'm sure we could have it all done and dusted in 5 minutes flat. It would not be a time consuming trial for you."
She fell silent and waited for their reaction. It was Nori sniggering that broke the amazed silence amongst the company, "You'd only need five minutes! Maybe with Fili and Kili..." Dori smacked his brother on the back of the head and he stopped talking. The next few minutes broke into chaos as insults flew from Thorin's nephews in Nori's direction.
"Go and rest Aleiki", Thorin spoke in a pained voice, "I will consider your request but you should know that if I seed you..." He rolled his eyes at the term and cast a smirking glance around his company, "It will take much longer than five minutes". He glared around at the whole company with that statement before the company broke up seeking their bed rolls.
"Are you sure brother, its been a long time since your sword saw any of that type of action." Frerin grinned at him before heading off.
Aleiki was confused about Thorin's reaction but glad to be free from the interrogation so she grabbed her blanket and covered herself up in the spot previously assigned to her. In minutes she was asleep again.
Thorin left her proximity and indicated for the others to join him. He watched her from a distance not sure what to think of all the revelations he'd just heard. Aleiki's world was clearly completely different from his own. Was it possible to fit her into his company or should he send her back to Dis for safekeeping. She was clearly as confused by him as they were by her. Cultural misunderstandings were flying everywhere. For now she was safely asleep between his nephews who were watching her with curiosity. He'd already discussed the nymph with them and how to act appropriately with her. Thorin had also stated that they were not to lay a hand on her. He'd tasked them with keeping an eye on her. He probably was going to need to talk to Frerin too but it could wait until morning.
He called Balin, Frerin, Dwalin, Gloin and Gandalf away from the main group to discuss the situation. "So what do we think of what we've learned?" Thorin looked at Gandalf in particular, "Did you know there were demon spawn on that island?"
"No! No-one but the nymphs seemed to be aware of that. If they ever get off that island the Shire, the Gray Havens and Ered Luin would be at catastrophic risk. The elves need to be warned for when they sail west. The potential danger makes getting rid of Smaug seem easy".
Gloin spoke up now, "But the nymph queen feels she's got the situation under control for at least another 100 years. We've got time to fix the problem and if we help them with this..." he winced slightly at the word, "spawning business we might not have to worry at all".
"With the new information Aleiki provided, their request doesn't appear unreasonable and could hardly be considered a chore if Aleiki's kin all look like her" Balin pointed out. "They've not asked for any of us to risk our lives fighting. In the towns of the south men would pay good money for what those volunteers would be getting for free". My suggestion would be we supply the volunteers, the best and the brightest, so that we have the opportunity to learn as much as we can about the nymphs and the demon spawn both".
Thorin thought about this quietly, "I agree but if anything happens on this quest - Gandalf needs to make sure someone else steps in to help them if we can't".
Gandalf nodded, "and what will you do about her other request? Do you want her spawning little ambassadors for you?" Thorin's companions smirked at this.
Thorin turned to Balin, "Do you think the copies of the treaty are in the library at Erebor still? I'd prefer to read it first before I agree to anything". He sighed in frustration, "We need to consider the implications to the succession carefully before agreeing to anything. One thing she's definitely got right is that there is a lot to do before any of this becomes an issue so I propose we sleep on it for now and see what happens".
With that the small group broke up and headed to their bed rolls for the night. Gloin remained on first watch keeping a close eye on the campsite.
The night passed without any major incidents although orcs were heard in the far distance. The story of the battle of Anulzibar was recounted and Bilbo learned more about their leader. Aleiki, still exhausted, slept through it all.