Memories Of Gold.
Chapter 4 : A Looming Figure.
Location : Erebor, The Lonely Mountain.
Thorin stared hard at the broken throne where the Arkenstone was once displayed, as if it would appear by his determination alone. 'It is in these halls...I know it.' he growled. They had been looking for the Arkenstone for days now and Thorin was losing patience. Dwalin spoke up. 'We have searched and searched-' 'Not well enough!' 'Thorin...' Bella warned half-heartedly.
'We all want the stone returned.' assured Dwalin. He was wary of his King's growing frustration. 'And yet it is still not found!' barked Throin savagely. Bella and Dwalin quietened in shock as his vicious words carried through the dark halls of his city. '...Do you doubt the loyalty of anyone here?' challenged Balin calmly. Thorin's head jerked as he turned sharply to settle his scowl on the old dwarf. 'The Arkenstone,' continued Balin, 'is the birthright of our people.' The tension rose to breaking point in the room as Thorin walked forward. Bella became fascinated with the stone floor and Dwalin's face reddened but Balin stood his ground. 'It is the King's Jewel...' said Thorin, his voice dangerously soft. 'AM I NOT THE KING?!'
The sudden roar made Bella jump. He looked at them each in turn, blue eyes blazing and slowly began to walk away. 'Know this...if anyone should find it and withhold it from me...I will be avenged.' Bella's blood ran cold at his words and she had to remind herself to breathe after his exit. Balin immediately fled but Dwalin remained, staring at the throne, scratching the intricate tattoos on his scalp. Finally he sighed and shook his head at the hobbit before following his brother from the hall. Bella touched the cool gem in her pocket before slowly going to find the others.
The plop of stew falling into her bowl did nothing for Bella's lack of appetite, but Bombur was watching her closely so she began eating. 'That's right lass, get a bit o' meat on em' bones.' She forced a smile at the heavy dwarf and sat beside the others as they ate their supper in silence. Thorin's noticeable absence from dinner for the eighth time that week did nothing to lift their mood.
Bofur, tired of the tension, got up. 'Right, how 'bout a song lads?' The dwarfs simply stared at him. 'Give it a rest, Bofur, it ain't the time.' Gloin frowned but Bofur was persistent. 'C'mon Kili, Fili!' The young brothers, usually so full of mischief and merriment, sat far from the group. The madness that ran in their blood was taking effect and soon, Bella feared they would fully succumb to their new found lust for gold. Bofur stood there foolishly as everyone glowered at him.
Bella pitied her friend, after all the times his kindness and reassurance had helped her back on her hairy feet, she felt that she owed him this much. 'Good idea, Bofur!' Bella jumped up and flounced over to him. Bofur smiled at her gratefully and stood to the side. Bella ignored the many eyes that stared and tried to think of a song. She took a deep breath and began.
As a lilting voice echoed through the halls, Thorin's head shot up at the sudden noise. He wandered from his treasure hoard through the mountain, captivated by it's sweetness, until he came to the open doors of a dining hall. He halted in the shadows when he saw who was in the room.
There was his burglar, her soft curling hair like a river of bronze, molten brown eyes shining as she sang in a voice as rich and smooth as honey. Thorin smiled as he watched her delicate hands play with the thread of her pocket, a funny habit he noticed her doing often. He never really noticed how beautiful she was until now. He stayed watching as she ended her song. The company said nothing but simply looked on in wonder. She blushed, her porcelain skin turning pink and hurried to the exit. As she ran from the room, she didn't notice the dark king standing behind the doors.
A/N : I don't own the Hobbit and yes, I know this is cheesy.