Chapter two


Clang, clang, clang-clang

The hammer sound echoed around him as he worked. It was soothing as he lost himself in his craft. He turned the metal over and began to pound into it again, letting the metal take its shape. As the red heat quickly faded, Thorin thrust it back into the fire to get it hot again. He wiped the sweat from his brow, a few strands of his dark hair had come loose from the tie at the back of his neck, keeping the bulk out of his way.

Pulling the sword back out, he began the hammering again.

Clang-clang, clang.

Time passed and he was unaware, absorb as he was. It finally reached the shape he was looking for and thrust it into the water so that it would harden. A nudge in his side had him scowling at Dwalin. The bald Dwarf nodded towards a stall across the street.

"Your admire's been there all morning." He chuckled.

Thorin groaned and glanced across the way. Sure enough, the young girl was there her eyes always fixated on him while he worked. It had been that way the whole time they had been in this city, for the life of him Thorin could not recall its name. He and Dwalin had been traveling through the North Downs where there was always need of iron and swords as the area seemed to be full of Orc's, Goblin's and other foul things.

The girl seemed to notice that he had spotted her and she quickly straightened and hurried away. Thorin only shock his head resigned. There was always bound to be those who were curious about dwarves or others not of their own race. Most took one look at Dwalin and fled, or even a scowl from himself sent them running. But this one seemed to not mind in the least. Usually it was when Thorin spotted her did her courage seem to fail and she went on her way.

"Let her be Dwalin."

"Ya mean let you be." The dwarf chuckled as he went through his tools and pulled out a hammer he had been searching for. Thorin only shook his head, not minding too much. The day was early yet and they still had much to do.

The sun was setting as they started gathering their things for the day. They were paying a boy to rise early and get the small forge heated for them, and the family for the use of their smithy. They were fortunate to find such a place and the use was cheap. Usually they had to pay at least double the amount for time to use the forge as most towns and cities had their own blacksmiths; as did this one. Even though the men who worked those forges were usually glad to have a Dwarf work it and make them some extra money.

At the place they were using, the Blacksmith had passed away unexpectedly and his widow was more than happy to rent the place out to them for a few extra coins. But still, they trusted no one and would not leave their tools, even if the doors were locked. Thorin stretched his hands above his head as Dwalin cracked his neck from a long day of work. Mahal but he was starving and ready for some food and sleep. It would be another long work day tomorrow. It seemed that more people were flocking into the city for some kind of celebration. Word always spread when dwarves were at the forge, offering their services.

It was unfortunate that their place of stay was located a few streets over. The widow still lived with her children and had no spare rooms behind the forge, but the Blue Lilly was more than happy to give them rooms; seeing as the proprietor had taken a romantic interest in said widow.

Not in the mood to deal with a room full of crowded men, Thorin made his way to the back entrance; one that lead past the kitchens and towards the stairs. They had a room on the second floor and wearily made their way towards it. Thorin paused and stared down at the cloth covered basket that was sitting before their closed door. Dwalin bumped into him, before he could stop.

"What is it?" Dwalin asked as he pushed Thorin aside bending he peaked under the cloth. Grinning he looked back up at Thorin, uncovering the basket all the way. What he saw made his stomach rumble and his mouth water.

The basket was filled with all sorts of food, pies, muffins, biscuits, bread so fresh he could still smell the warmth of it, as if it had just come from out of the oven. And somewhere underneath that was the smell of beef, hot and ready. It was a small feast, better than what they would have had down below to be sure.

"I would say your admire has been busy." Dwalin drawled.

Thorin sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "Just pick it up and lets head in already." He groaned, but his stomach was looking forward to the pro-offered meal.

Dwalin did as he was told and they quickly made their way inside, setting the basket on the table and quickly digesting the contents. It had to be one of the best meals Thorin had had in a long time. The bread was indeed still warm, the pies melted in his mouth and the beef stew was thick and rich and held little vegetables, much to his liking. They were both silent as they ate, nearly wolfing the meal down. Finally, satisfied, the basket empty, they sat back and Dwalin patted his belly.

"Maybe we should hire the lass, she makes quite the meal." Thorin only glared at his friend and Dwalin chuckled. "Jus' saying we could use a good cook, your majesty."

"Knock it off Dwalin." And this time Thorin punched him hard in the arm. It only made Dwalin laugh harder.

"Don' know what them girls see in ya. Must be all that scowling and glaring ya do. Husband material." Thorin didn't hesitate to knock Dwalin off his chair onto the floor. Thorin was going to have to put a stop to this once and for all. He would have to speak to the girl before this got out of control.

When the next day came, Thorin kept an eye out for the lass but there was no sign of her. Even when noon approached and many of the city folk were taking a break from the heat of the summer sun, there had been no sign of her; nor in the evening. Thorin was slightly annoyed that for once he was actually aware of the men and women around him, keeping his eyes out for her and there had been no sign. He tried to shake off his irritation and just work, which worked until they reached their room that night and there was yet another basket of food waiting for them. This time there was a small cask of ale as well. Dwalin was getting too much entertainment out of this.

Taking his pipe, Thorin headed down to the main common room, where many of the locals were gathered, enjoying a bite of food and ale. With travelers and strangers aplenty there was much music and entertainment going on. He made his way over towards the barkeep and inquired about their room and the basket of food left before it.

"Hmmm, im' sorry ta say I don' know ewe's left it. Sorry Master Dwarf, but I can 'ep an eye out for ya."

"That would be much appreciated, thank you." Thorin told him and turned back towards the room. There was a table open and deciding he wouldn't mind a bit along took it and lit his pipe. He eyed the room, at the various groups of men. Many of them ignored him for which he was grateful for. His pipe just about smoked, Thorin was ready to retire back to his room for the evening when a conversation caught his attention.

"Are you sure this will work?"

"Of course it will. Our little thief can easily sneak in, no one will suspect him."

"And what if he refuses?"

There was a pause. "He won't. I'll make sure of it."

A burst of laugher from a nearby table drowned out the rest of their words, but there was not much Thorin could do. He was a strange dwarf, wandering and taking work were he could. Men only looked at him as a laborer, nothing more. Wanting nothing more to do with the ill will of these men, Thorin went back to his room.

"Master Dwarf."

"What can I do for you Miss Elise?" Thorin asked as he paused in his work. There had been few requests today. Yet that did not mean they had little work to do by no means.

"Just seeing if everything is in order and if you will be joining in the festivities this evening."

"Everything is fine. I'm sure there is little else we will need this evening."

"Oh." She looked a little put out. "Well, tonight is the beginning of the feast of fire and there will be a gathering in the main square to celebrate. You are most welcome to join our family if you decide to participate."

"I will consider it."

Elise blushed nodded and turned back down the lane, a basket in her hand as she headed towards the market. He glanced over at Dwalin who raised an eyebrow at him. Thorin only rolled his eyes at him and went back to work. Elise was the widow they were renting the forge from, it was only fair to be polite.

As the afternoon began to wean into evening, the trickle of people heading towards the center of the city grew. He and Dwalin decided to leave off early that night. There was no basket at their door this night and Thorin told himself he was not disappointed. It had been excellent food was all.

"Looks like you scared her off after all."

"I didn't even have a chance to." Thorin grumbled.

It looked like everyone was heading to the festival. Only a few men were gathered in the common room so Thorin and Dwalin decided to head out and see what the fuss was all about.

The sunlight faded fast but the streets stayed light by the many torches lit along the streets, along with the many mini bon fires they had going. Around each fire were groups of people, singing, laughing with pots of food and meats roasting. Mugs of ale was thrust into their hands and hands slapped their backs in good measure as they were moved through the throng. Thorin shared a look with Dwalin who only shrugged and downed his ale as another one was placed into his other hand.

Center of town held a huge water fountain, which had torches attached among the statues and figures within its falls. Dancers and performers entertained the crowds as venders sold masks and ribbons. Thorin looked around and saw that many of the town folk wore masks, colorful ones that contained ribbons and some with lace and even feathers that had been colored a plethora of colors. Bells jingled and rang; jugglers were egged on as more and more balls were added to their already dizzying circle.

A large area had been cleared to one side that contained roasting boar and pig, and next to that was one that contained several barrels of ale and beer. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, even the guards of the city were seen laughing and drinking along with the rest of them. As the night grew darker, fireworks lit up the sky in intervals causing the children to gasp in surprise and delight. Around another corner, music was played and dancing was taking place. It was indeed a very fine festival, one that Thorin hadn't seen in a long time. It both made him smile slightly and cause him some pain from days long past.

Contests were being held for strength, and endurance. Thorin sighed, drank his ale and followed his friend over towards where there was arm wrestling competitions. Bets were placed and it was no surprise when Dwalin beat all the contestants. No one seemed to hold a grudge however and just plied him with more ale. Thorin couldn't help but cheer with the rest of them. Perhaps he had had too much to drink himself.

It was then he realized that Dwalin had wandered off towards another gaming table. He rolled his eyes and decided his friend could handle himself and went to find the nearest bench. Things were beginning to spin slightly and some fresh air away from the crowds sounded just like what he needed. It was then he noticed the familiar dress and hair. The same scarf tied over her head and under her chin. It was the young lass that would watch him work.

She seemed to be moving with a purpose when a taller man grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the nearby alley. Thorin frowned and decided to go see if she was alright. He had just reached the opening when he heard the resounding slap, and saw the girl on the ground a had to her check looking up at the man with no small amount of fear.

"Please Jonatan. I'll do it, I'm sorry." The girl pleaded. The man yanked her back up to her feet, one hand encircled her throat and squeezed enough for her to struggle for breath.

"You better. Fail me again and I will get Alishar, is that understood?"

She nodded if awkwardly with his hand around her throat and small whimper escaped. Thorin hadn't even realized he had moved until his fist slammed into the man's stomach, enough to make him bend over in pain and release the girl. Thorin then punched him in the face, knocking him out cold. He panted harshly as he glared down at the piece of scum. To hit a child was unforgivable. He turned his gaze back over to the girl who had slumped back down to the ground, her brown eyes huge, and mouth slightly open in surprise.

"Are you alright?" Thorin asked her. The young lass just stared at him flicked her eyes to the unconscious man and then back to him.

"You, you hit him."

Thorin gave her a small smile and gently raised his fingers to brush against the bruise that was forming on her check. "Yes, he deserved it. Where I come from it is unforgivable to hit a child."

That seemed to startle her out of her astonishment and she jumped up to her feet, Thorin rising with her. She licked her lips and eyes darted around nervously. "Well I-I thank you, but I really must be going. Thank you for your help Master Dwarf." She all but darted away before Thorin gently caught her arm.

"Please, let me escort you, I would feel much better if you were accompanied by someone able to protect you." Thorin was amused by the blush that spread across her face as she studied her boots. White teeth bit her bottom lip and she glanced back at the unconscious man.

"Do you know him?"

"Yes." She murmured.

"Ah, have I caused you unnecessary repercussions then?"

"Nothing that I can't handle." This was said with a small smile as she glanced up at him through her black hair that hung in her eyes.

"I still feel responsible for you, if you will please accompany me I will escort you back to your home." Thorin held out his hand waiting for her to take it. She looked at his pro-offered hand then to his face where she seemed to study him a moment before sliding her own smaller hand into his. The touch sent a jolt through his arm and made him gasp and the girl to flinch and pull away but he closed his hand around hers and swallowed to get some moister back into his mouth. His hart was pounding in his chest, which he dutifully ignored. They just stared at each other, eyes locked together and for a moment it felt as if nothing else mattered in the world. Thorin took a ragged breath and mentally shook himself. "Now than, which way?"

She took a few steps and lead him out of the alley way and down some of the crowded streets. "Are you not enjoying the festival with your family?"

"I, don't have any family." It was said so quietly that he could hardly hear her over the noise.

"Then who was that scum back there who seemed to own rights to you?"

"Oh, that's just Jonatan. He's an ass if there ever was one." Thorin chuckled as she gasped and a hand flew to her mouth. "I'm sorry."

"No need. He did indeed seemed to be an ass of the worse sort." He gave her hand a comforting squeeze and was rewarded with another smile.

"Well, Jonathan was a close friend of...my family. He and Alishar are all I have left really."

"You have no other?" She only shook her head.

A silence settled over them as they walked through the streets, but it was a comfortable. They finally stopped before a building that was in desperate need of repair and a quick glance around showed Thorin that they were in a more poorer part of the city.

"Thank you for seeing me home." She told him and was about to turned around and head in when Thorin stopped her.

"Thank you for the food baskets you have left. It was very good." Her face turned a bright red.

"Y-you are welcome."

"If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to find me. I would like to make sure you have come under no ill-will because of my actions this evening." Thorin raise his hand to gently cup her bruised cheek, his thumb brushing over it softly and he felt her shiver. They both seemed to be slowly leaning in toward each other, so close their breath mingled. Her lips were right there, inviting and so, so close.

A loud bang and laughter down the street had them jumping apart. The lass stammered something and slipped into the house, leaving Thorin stunned to what had almost happened. What in the name of Mahal had come over him? He took a few shaky steps back and ran a hand over his face. Turning Thorin headed back to the inn. He would have to put a stop to this nonsense.