AN: I do NOT own anything belonging to JRR Tolkien or Peter Jackson. I only own my original character! I hope that you enjoy this story. Please leave a review! The song is by Christina Perri and I do not own anything to do with the song.
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The company of Thorin Oakenshield had been in Rivendell a few days and were slowly becoming more comfortable in their unfamiliar surroundings. The most inquisitive of their lot, Fili and Kili, were the most comfortable and spent their time exploring the hidden recesses of the valley. It was on the fourth day of their residence that while they were exploring they found the archery yard. Before they could burst through the trees surrounding the yard they heard pure, clear voice singing a melody. As they paused to listen, the owner of the voice came into view. She was slightly shorter than the elves they had met, maybe five foot eight inches total. Her hair glistened like spun gold in the early morning sun falling in gentle waves down her back as she drew her bow taught and released an arrow that flew true to the bullseye. The haunting melody hung about her as she drew another arrow and Fili and Kili remained enraptured by her voice unable to move for fear of breaking the spell.
Little did they know that she had sensed the intruders before they had noticed her, but as they remained silent and still she saw no reason to acknowledge them. Finishing with her practice, the elf maid replaced the bow on her back and went to draw her arrows from the target. At this, Fili and Kili finally made it into the clearing stepping forward together and called out to her, "You have an amazing voice my lady and your aim is true as well." Smiling to herself, she turned to thank her observers, but it caught in her throat at the sight of them.
Dwarves! It couldn't be, not here in Imladris and if she wasn't mistaken, those of the line of Durin. They stared at each other so long that Kili finally spoke, "My lady?" She mentally shook herself. "My apologies. I have not seen any dwarves in what feels like an age and I did not expect them here. I thank you for your compliments and I admire your stealth. Tell me, what are you doing in Imladris? I have been away a while and had not heard any news." Both dwarves smiled brightly and began speaking at once, "We are with a company..' "We travel with our companions to.." She held up a hand to stop them as she smiled. She had forgotten the mannerisms of dwarves and how much she had missed them. "Please, I will not be able to hear unless you go one at a time." Fili spoke up first and stepped forward, "Come back with us and you can meet the company with which we travel."
It had been a very long time since she had kept company with dwarves and she could not pass up the opportunity no matter the bittersweet feelings that it brought to the surface. These two reminded her of a time long past, but not forgotten and deeply treasured. Nodding she gestured for them to lead, " I would love to join you." Along the way, she learned the names of the dwarves that were with her, Fili and Kili and she had introduced herself as Mireth. They chatted amiably and soon arrived where the other dwarves were roasting things over an open fire made up of random bits of furniture. Mireth hid a smile and wondered what the other elves were thinking about the behavior of the dwarves.
Kili was first to speak this time and nearly shouted, "Look who we found at the archery yard! Her name is Mireth and she is part of the guard here in Rivendell!" Mireth winced at the shout, but smiled as the attention of the dwarves focused on her. Then another shock sent her reeling for the second time that day. She noticed two particular dwarves off to the side staring at her in disbelief, "Balin? Dwalin?" she asked hesitantly. They broke into smiles and jogged to her arms extended laughing. Mireth stooped down and gathered them both in a tight hug. "What are you two doing here? I thought you in the Blue Mountains?" Before either could answer, Fili and Kili were dancing around them asking questions, "How do you know each other? Where did you meet?"
Balin chuckled stepping back, "Enough lads. Mireth, I doubt that you recognize these two, do you?" Mireth looked again at Fili and Kili and they looked back at her confused at the way this meeting had taken place. "I do not Balin. Should I?" Balin nodded his head, "You never met them, but you were there the day their mother married their father." Mireths' eyes went wide and she smiled looking to Balin. "Don't tell me these are the sons of Dis?!" Fili spoke up now intrigued, "How do you know our mother?" Merith was about to answer when Dwalin answered for her, "She sang at your mother's' wedding as a blessing from the elves of the Greenwood." All the dwarves had gathered close now. "You sang at our mothers' wedding? What did you sing?" asked Fili. Kili then chimed in as well, "Yes, sing it for us!" Mireth smiled and looked to Balin and Dwalin, they both nodded their heads and she closed her eyes remembering the tune and the night she had first met dwarves.
"Heart beats fast, Colors and promises, How to be brave, How can I love when I'm afraid to fall, But watching you stand alone, All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow
One step closer
I have died everyday, waiting for you, Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more
Time stands still, Beauty in all she is,I will be brave, I will not let anything, take away, What's standing in front of me, Every breath, every hour has come to this
One step closer
I have died everyday, waiting for you, Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed, I would find you, Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more
One step closer
One step closer
I have died everyday, waiting for you, Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more, And all along I believed, I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more"
As she sang, the dwarves had gone back to the places they had been sitting before her arrival and she stood alone in the archway, eyes closed letting the music flow through her. She began to open her eyes as the dwarves applause became an uproar. Smiling brightly, she inclined her head to them all until she saw him in the doorway opposite hadn't noticed him enter, wondered how long he had been there. He stood, proud as ever, regarding her with those blue eyes she knew all too well. The room became silent around her as the other dwarves noticed him as well. Fili jumped up and called to him, "Uncle! Have you met Mireth? Balin says she sang at mothers wedding!" Balin grabbed the youths arm and pulled him back down sharply, silencing him. The tension in the air grew thick until Mireth couldn't bear it any longer. Turning sharply she fled the pavillion as quickly as her feet would carry her.
Thorin watched her go, unable to move to stop her, not knowing if he even wanted her to stop. He'd never expected to see her here. Her family was in the Greenwood many leagues from here and he had made it a point to stay away from any place they might meet. She had abandoned him all those years ago when her family had turned their backs on his people. The dwarves watched Thorin slowly retreat and looked to Balin and Dwalin for answers. The two dwarves looked to each other and slowly nodded in acceptance. They would tell what they knew of the story, for they did not know all the parts. "To answer your question, yes Thorin and Mireth have met. They met the day your mother and father were married."
The day dawned bright and clear, a good sign for the impending marriage of Dis daughter of Thrain son of Thror, King Under the Mountain. Balin, captain of the guard stood on the ramparts watching the sun rise as tents were raised in the valley below. There were to be many guests from Dale, the Greenwood and all seven kingdoms of dwarves and they would not all fit in the halls. The day passed quickly with last minute preparations keeping the residents of the hall busy. As the event drew near and guests began to arrive, Balin took up his place by the King and his son Thrain on the makeshift dias that had been built. As guests arrived, they were presented to the King and then took their seats.
It was almost time for the wedding to begin when the royal party from the Greenwood arrived. Thranduil bowed before Thror, "Greetings King Thror and many blessings on this day." Thror nodded in acknowledgement, "Welcome King Thranduil. You know my son Thrain. My grandsons are greeting other guests." Thranduil nodded, "May I introduce my son Legolas and my daughter Mireth." The two siblings stepped forward and bowed to the King. Thror nodded, "A pleasure. Take your seats and enjoy yourselves."
When all the guests had taken their places the music began and the ceremony commenced. The guests told tales for years about the splendor of the bride and the ceremony and the party that lasted until the next morning. Balin remembered it well. When the ceremony had ended and the party was about to begin, Thranduil stepped onto the platform reserved for the musicians that would be playing and addressed the crowds. "My lords and ladies, King Thror and Prince Thrain. Among other gifts, I would like to give the bride a song for her first dance." The crowd applauded and Dis smiled as her husband took her hand and led her to the floor. Balin watched as the Princess Mireth ascended the stage and took a deep breath. As she sang the beautiful melody he noticed that she kept staring at a particular spot towards the back of the crowd. Turning to see whom she was watching, he was surprised to see Thorin staring back at her with the same intense look, as if she were singing directly to him. When she had finished and left the stage, Balin noticed Thorin making his way toward her as she stood with her father and brother. Balin intercepted Thorin before he could reach her, "Where are you going Thorin?" Thorin barely looked at Balin as he answered, "Who is she?" Balin stepped completely in front of Thorin and made him look him in the eye, "She is Princess Mireth, daughter of King Thranduil." This seemed to make Thorin pause, but then he looked over Balins' shoulder and she was looking straight back at him. Any doubts were erased and he stepped around Balin and continued to her.
Mireth had been shocked since she had arrived in Erebor. Never having left the Greenwood before she had never been exposed to other cultures or people. Everything was new to her and a bit frightening. Braving the stage alone had almost been her undoing until she had seen him. Standing alone towards the back of the crowd, his eyes had found hers and locked into place. His gaze was warm and kind, his eyes expressing both his intelligence and his compassion. She was fascinated and couldn't stop staring. As she left the stage she saw him make his way across the floor and had to fight back the excitement that threatened to bubble up in her. Her father wouldn't approve of such behavior in public. He was stopped by another dwarf for a moment, but then stepped around him and continued toward her. Her father spoke first, "Thorin, how good to see you." Thorin bowed to the King, "You as well King Thranduil. I hope that you are enjoying yourself." Thorin said this last part to Mireth and it did not escape the notice of Thranduil. "We are. May I present my son Legolas and my daughter Mireth?" Thorin inclined his head to Legolas then took Mireths' hand, brushing his lips over the backs of her knuckles as he said, "My pleasure." Her hand tightened in his slightly, but he noticed. When he stood back up Mireth saw that he was not much shorter than herself for she was short for an elf standing only five feet eight inches. Thorin stood at five feet five inches, taller than most dwarves. "I was wondering, with your permission King Thranduil, if I might ask your daughter to dance?" Thorin bowed again to Thranduil hoping the elven King would grant his request. Mireth inhaled sharply, desperately hoping her father would agree. Thranduil looked at them both and finally gave his consent. As Thorin offered Mireth his arm she gracefully lay her hand atop and smiled at him. The sight of her smile shifted something deep in his chest though he knew not what.
As the music began anew, Thorin swept her up in the steps and before she knew it, it was over. Curtsying deep, Mireth said, "Thank you Prince Thorin that was wonderful." Thorin bowed to her, "Thank you Princess it was unforgettable." Neither wanted to move and end the short conversation and so they stayed rooted to the spot until Thorin spoke, "Would you like to see Erebor?" Mireth smiled, "I would love to see Erebor." That was the last Balin saw of them until dawn. They disappeared within Erebor and emerged just as the sun was rising. Balin was hurrying towards them and caught only the last part of their conversation their heads bent close, "... a month from now." Their respective fathers then descended upon them, each gathering his child and heading in opposite directions. Only Balin saw the two looking back at each other, smiling.
The dwarves sat in silence a moment, contemplating everything they had heard. Kili was the first to break the silence, "So they were in love once?" Balin shook his head sadly, not just love my boy, the truest form of love." Fili spoke next, "Wait if they had the truest of love, then what happened? Why aren't they together now? They can't even speak to one another!" Dwalin looked at his brother and gave the only explanation that he could, "Smaug."