DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters or happenings of middle earth. They belong to J. R. R. Tolkien and sometimes Peter Jackson's stuff might fall in too. I only own my OC. Please, feel free to leave any comments and questions. Follow the story in which ever way you would like, but make your thoughts known. Thank you!
~~~~~~Shishi~~~~~~
CHAPTER 39
BIFUR:
I watch with deep seated anger as the woman pulls Thorin into her arms; the angst that I felt over her prediction long gone. She whispers into his ear and I clench my jaw tight enough to make it creak. 'I should be the one in her arms, not him!' I console myself in the fact that she looks slightly uncomfortable in his embrace, even as she begins to move to and fro in place. They speak softly to one another and I start to lose focus until she pulls back. The action causes her shirt to rise in the back slightly, due to the tight grip of our leaders hands keeping the upper portion in place. There is a colorful mark underneath her shirt and I can not help but wonder about it.
"You are correct." the king pulls her into his arms once more but I am focused on the mark "It is time I started trusting you."
I walk forward as the pair drifts apart. The woman takes notice of my approach but says nothing, keeping her attention on the king. I know I should not but even so I reach out and grab the corner of her shirt. Lifting the cloth, I gaze in fascination at the tantalizing mark on her skin. I have never laid eyes on the heart of the mountain, yet I immediately know that is what I am looking at. The radiant colors and alluring image are unmistakable. Without thinking, I extend my fingers and run them along the warm image, only then remembering that it sits on flesh. The spell is broken when the seer yanks her shirt out of my hands to cover the stone. She lowers her gaze and steps away from both myself and the king.
"Why do you have the king's jewel embedded in your back?" he asks in a low voice
"Please leave a message after the beep." she says, fainting on the spot
I shoot my arm out a catch the lass before she can meet the floor, quickly collecting her closely to my chest. I do not know what 'beep' we are suppose to leaving a message at but I suspect it is similar to the halfling's 'nope' in the Shire. She is warm and fits easily into my arms. I gaze into her sweet face and imagine what other secrets her body may hold.
"Give her to me, Bifur." the King orders, holding out his arms for her form "I must see that mark again."
"You will do no such thing, Thorin Oakenshield." the Wizard steps in, not that I was giving her up anyway. I have only just begun my time with her and will not relinquish it easily "She is a young unwed woman and as such, her flesh shall not be examined by you."
"I must see her back, Gandalf!" the king attempts to reason with him but I secretly hope he fails. The treasonous thought floats through my mind but I care not enough to refute it "You did not see it. She bares the king's jewel in her flesh."
A gasp is heard from the company and they all rush forward with demands see the so called jewel. I hold onto her tighter, glaring and snapping at each member who comes too close.
"Away with you!" I snarl defensively "Away!"
An argument breaks out, however I ignore it all in favor of dragging my hands over her arms. While I am lost in my fantasy of fondling her thin waist and blossomed hips, major decisions are being made. It is soon decided that the crown prince will be her guardian. 'If I had been paying attention, I would have volunteered.' He gives permission to the healer to examine the lass, and there is little I can do to keep her in my arms any longer. I watch in rage as the king carries her into the house, though I could have easily done so myself. His interference is becoming most problematic.
THORIN:
We enter the skinchanger's sleeping chambers and I hesitantly place Thia on the bed gently. It does not sit well with me to put her in his bed. Almost as disturbing as Bifur's behavior as of late. I could have easily allowed him to carry her but he has been acting strangely around her lately; stranger than usual. My suspicions were only confirmed by Mister Baggins' warning along with the damaged dwarf's actions this night.
"Fili." I call to my nephew "Watch her carefully around Bifur from now on. He seems to have developed an odd fascination with Miss Malcolmson."
"Yes, Uncle." He pauses as if thinking of how to word his next question. I allow him the time "Do you think he will try to... hurt her?"
"I do not know, but I shant risk it." at the nod of the healer, the room is emptied of all save the girl and Oin "Tell us your findings."
Although the process could not have lasted more than ten minutes it felt like hours. My mind reels with endless questions and stumbles with the lack of answers. 'Was I mistaken? Is it really the heart of the mountain? Why does she have it? What does it mean?' So many questions and not a single answer. If I were a lesser dwarf, I would be pacing. Instead I sit calm and collected, waiting for Oin to exit the room and tell us his findings. When the door finally swings open, I climb to my feet and await the results.
"It is the arkenstone." he says simply
"How can that be?" Fili asks in justified confusion "Is the heart of the mountain no longer in Erebor?"
"I assume that it still is." Oin continues impatiently "She wears the image of the stone, though not the stone itself."
"The image?" the wizard adds. I hadn't known he came with us
"Aye." the healer confirms "A mark, similar to a tattoo but much... finer. A birthmark perhaps. Though I have never seen one so intricate, humans are prone to them. I have changed the lass's clothes and put her to bed."
"But what does it mean?" Ori all but whines
The company has all gathered inside the house and speculates over the surprise occurrence. I enter a small conversation with Fili, Oin, and Gandalf to try and determine the meaning as well. Dwalin and Balin soon join in and it is deduced that Thia's mark is a sign of prosperity for our mission. The company is overjoyed at the news, especially after her solemn warning from earlier.
"Mahal has blessed us by bringing Miss Malcolmson into our midst." I announce to a chorus of agreement "We must care for this gift for she shall surely bless us with Mahal's favor to our destination!"
The company rejoices and the somber mood is lifted. They continue their party outside as to not disturb the slumbering treasure. I allow a small grin to cross face. Surely, the worst of the journey is behind us.
So if you hadn't noticed, these chapters are a little more mature than the main story. Not so mature that I would up the rating yet but... Bifur is kinda of a perv and it's just made worse by his disability. Just thought I should get that out there. Any who, be a dear and review. They make me want to write more. Leave ideas or things you would want to have expanded on our else I don't know I missed something. I like to hear from you. No reviews make me cry ( ಥـْـِـِـِـْಥ) Until next time!
