"It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations if you live near him"

- J.R.R. Tolkien


Another two days of riding had passed since Thorin had last met Eerika, the company still had a half a day's ride ahead of them before they reached the edges of the forest. Gandalf, who still rode at the front of the group, called for Thorin. Thorin spurred his pony on, leaving his previous conversation with his nephews to meet the wizard at the head of the company.

"It would be wise to make camp soon" The wizard said, slowing his horse into a comfortable trot.

"The sun is still high Gandalf, there are still hours of day light remaining. We should continue on, we cannot afford to lose any time, Durin's day is approaching." Thorin replied with a hoarse voice.

"If what people are saying is true Thorin, the journey through Mirkwood will not be without its challenges, you should take this time to rest before we reach the forest." Gandalf threw his gaze back to the rest of the company who were trailing behind the pair. "The others could use the rest also."

Thorin knew the wizards words were true, his own gaze venturing towards his companions and then to his nephews, both had smiles on their faces as they spoke with one another but their smiles were weathered from the long days of riding. Each member of the company looks worse for were. Turning his head back to Gandalf, he gave a small curd nod to him to stop when he found an ideal spot. Pulling on his reigns to slow his pony, Thorin dropped back and settled into step next to Balin for the remainder of the days ride.


Deeps sobs echoed through the stone halls of the Lonely Mountain as Eerika ran deeper into the dwarven kingdom. Smaug's words of ridicule regarding her feeling toward Thorin had struck her hard in the chest, like hot iron against flesh. She continued running, taking random lefts and rights as they were necessary until she tripped. Eerika fell to the ground, the momentum from her running causing her to roll a few times upon impact. Pain shot through her knees and she cried harder. Gathering herself into a small ball she laid in the same spot until her tears ran dry.

She didn't dare move until she felt the stone around her beginning to cool. Eerika opened her eyes realising that the cooling rock meant it was well into the evening. Collecting herself and wiping her face, Eerika stood to look around her surroundings. The room had grown dark as the sunlight was no longer available to light the halls of Erebor. An old torch and flint was laying a few steps from where Eerika stood. Gathering the two items and striking the flint against a loose stone she had also found, she light the torch.

Flames danced on the end of the torch as Eerika held it out to investigate the room she was in. She first inspected her knees that still ached dully. There were a few cuts and minor bruising but nothing that wouldn't heel on its own, much to Eerika's relief. Her relief though was short lived as she took note of her dress, it was ruined. Where she had fallen on her knees had shredded the bottom half of the white gown. Sadness flooded her heart as she fingered one of the holes. It had been a gift from Thror, on the anniversary of him finding her, her 'birthday' as he would call it. Her face pulled into frown as she remember her only friend, she was about to fall into tears again when something sparkled in the corner of her eye.

Taking a few hesitant steps forward, Eerika raised the torch higher. The light of the fire hit the wall and thousands of little lights burst from the stone. Eerika was in one of the diamond mines. The diamonds that still rested in the mountain walls, threw the torch's light off in all directions and colours. Eerika stared in wonder at the beauty that a little light and uncut and imperfect gemstones could create.

The sparkling lights brought back memories from the times of old, when the sound of chisels and hammers echoed throughout the mountain as a sign of life and prosperity. The silence that now graced the kingdom was unnerving and almost unnatural for a place that used to be filled with life. A new fierce determination overcame Eerika as she thought of seeing those days returned. Thorin and his company were somewhere on their way to the mountain on a quest to reclaim their homeland completely unaware that Smaug still drew breath.

'They must be warned' Eerika thought, ignoring the dragons previous threats against her. She spun on her heels and walked out of the mines and back towards the treasure room to find another of her dress before finding a safe spot to contact Thorin.


Thorin stood once again in the throne room of his forefathers, facing his grandfather's throne, still unable to claim it as his own. As the quest to reclaim Erebor brought him and the company closer to the mountain, Thorin felt the weight of the kingdom setting on his shoulders. He felt the doubt of those who did not believe in his quest, the other races of Middle Earth as well as his own kin.

Soft footsteps echoed throughout the stone carved chamber shaking the dwarf from his thoughts.

"You again." Thorin sighed, exasperation drenching his voice.

"I apologise, my King, for my forwardness and interrupting your dreams so soon after our last encounter, but things have happened and I felt that you should be informed." Eerika curtsied before the dwarf and spoke quickly.

Thorin raised an eyebrow at the young woman, in their earlier conversations she had been timid and submissive, but now she stood before him confident and self-assured. He gave a give nod for her to continue.

"I am afraid I have not been forthcoming with the answers you requested last time we met." Eerika admitted whilst studying Thorin very carefully.

Thorin felt a wave of betrayal wash through him at Eerika's words. His face contorted into a scowl as he opened his mouth to yell a string of dwarvish insults at her, but Eerika raise her hand to cut him off.

"My apologies again, your highness but this would be easier if you let me finish without interrupting or coming to premature conclusions." Eerika spoke in a sweet yet stern tone.

Thorin snapped his mouth shut, shocked by the demands by the girl. Who was she to order around a king? Thorin sneered at her causing Eerika's previously confident face to fall. She gave a quick shake of her head and straightened herself once more before presenting her arm to the king.

He stared at her like she had just offered to shave his beard for him. Eerika moved her arm closer to him, a small smile on her face, "Humour me, my King, it has been sometime since I have seen Erebor in this fine state, even if it is only dream, I would still wish to walk through the beauty of its halls."

Sceptically and slowly he took her arm, placing her hand in the crook of his elbow and they started to walk down the left sided bridge that lead to the indoor gardens. As they walked Thorin waited patiently for Eerika to resume her side of their conversation but much to his chagrin she didn't, instead remaining silent as she gazed in wonder at the carved walls of the hallway. He watched as her face lit up in wonder as they reached the gardens. The greenhouse was surprisingly well light considering it was deep within the mountain. Polished steel plates had been strategically placed throughout the mountain to direct sunlight and moonlight into this space, allowing the various fruits and vegetables to grow.

They continued to walk up and down the rows of plant life until Thorin's patience ran dry. "Eerika, I believe you had a purpose for invading my sleep." He said gruffly, coming to a halt at a bench in the edge of the gardens.

"Yes, my King, apologies once more, it's just the last time I was in the gardens it was with your grandfather. I have many fond memories of him here." Eerika replied warmly as she sat on the bench and gesture for Thorin to join her, which he obliged.

Eerika looked tenderly at Thorin before speaking once more, "I came to tell you that Smaug is not dead, he is still in the mountain and very much alive."

Thorin froze, very much caught off guard by Eerika's statement. Regaining his thoughts he asked Eerika in a hoarse whisper, "How did you come across this information?"

Eerika hesitated in her response, nibbling her lower lip slightly before answering, "You were right in your assumption that I am still in the mountain my King, Smaug took me captive the same day he took Erebor."

Thorin again felt betrayal course through his body, his first thoughts on the girl came back to mind, 'Spy! A spy for the fire drake.' He balled his fists on his knees and stared at the ground, burning an invisible hole in the rock.

"I told you not to draw conclusions until I finished what I have to say." Eerika stated noting the dwarf King's response. She place her hand on top of his fist and gave a small, reassuring squeeze. "I am and always have been loyal to the line of Durin. You needn't question where my allegiances lay my King, I am at your service."

Eerika offered a small smile to Thorin, who did not return her gesture. Instead he turned his gaze back to the floor mulling the young woman's words over in his head. Trust was very scarcely given by dwarves, Durinsfolk even more so. His vison once more turned back to Eerika, who continued to look at him sweetly. He saw no deceit in her big blue eyes, only admiration. Much to Thorin's discontent, he could not bring himself to declare the girls words as lies, her soft face was honest and pure, and a sight that Thorin welcomed after his hard years.

"There is more my Lord, he knows of your quest to take back the mountain."

Thorin felt his blood run cold and his heart start to race. His pulse pounded against his head, giving the dwarf an instant headache. 'How?!' He thought, first the Orcs and now the dragon knew of their journey to reclaim their homeland. Again, evil thoughts entered his mind about Eerika, who remained innocently watching his reaction.

"I did not inform him of your quest my King, he knew before we met. Dragons are powerful beasts, who have their own type of magic. Premonition being one aspect of that magic. He was the one who told me of your coming, before I first contacted you. That is how I knew to try, you must believe me, my King. I speak the truth." Eerika pleaded, her hand still on top of Thorin's.

"How can I trust you? How do I know you aren't a spy for Smaug, after all I assume he is the one you referred to as Master?" Thorin's words came out venomously and fast.

Eerika went to answer, however before any words left her mouth she was thrown violently onto the ground, Thorin immediately stood and moved toward Eerika. Placing her two hands on the ground to lift herself up, she quickly looked at Thorin, his filled with concern. An invisible force slammed her back into the ground before she vanished completely leaving a stunned Thorin behind.

"Eerika?!" Thorin called eyes scanning the gardens for any sign of the alabaster haired woman.

After his short search finding nothing, Thorin sat back down where he remained few moments, processing everything that had transpired. Finally after realising that any understanding he had hope to gain of the current situation and the young girl who vanished would not come easily, he grumbled, stood and began to walk down the path towards the exit of the gardens.


Eerika flew across the floor and crashed into a stone carved wall. The impact knocked the air out of her lungs and from what she could feel, cracked a few ribs as well. She laid in a crumpled heap against the wall, pain shooting through her body as she tried to understand what had happened. A terrifying roar interrupted her thoughts and she knew right away what had happened.

'Smaug.' She thought as she attempted to lift herself up. More pain ran through her body like lightning strikes as she put weight on her arms. The floor began to shake as Smaug stalked towards Eerika, who was still trying to stand.

"You stupid, impotent little girl"

A/N: OMG I feel like that was a marathon chapter. My biggest one so far YAY. I loved being able to write some Thorin/Eerika interaction in this chapter I can't wait to write more of them together. Especially since it is only going to get angsty from here on in.

A special thanks to Waca for her lovely words regarding Chapter 6, honestly it made my day. And also to Holly2115 who also left a lovely comment and everyone else who favourited/followed.

We are currently sitting at a massive 4,033 views, which is much more that I could have expected from my first fanfiction. You guys are amazing.

Anywho, until next time.

Ciao!