Ch. 8~ Surprises

"Try it, just a mouthful," Dori tried to coax his younger brother to eat his lettuce.

"I don't like green foods," Ori said sadly.

Dwalin searched the bowl under his vegetables. "Where's the meat?"

Oin stuffed a napkin in his ear horn to block out the sound of the Elfish music playing behind him. They were all rather unhappy with their host's choice of lifestyle, remedied only by the fine Elfish wine. Arewen nudged the nervous girl and smiled. Talia took a small step into the light, only to have Dwalin and Balin notice as soon as she did.

"By my beard."

"In't that a sight."

All of the Dwarves turned to see their companion blushing in an Elfish gown, looking much like one of the fair fold themselves. Ori immediately pulled out his sketchbook, trying to capture the moment in charcoal and parchment. Bifur garbled in Dwarfish, to which Kili answered, "You can say that again." The Elf princess led her up to the table where her father, Gandalf, and Thorin sat. Elrond stood to pull her chair out for her. Once seated, another Elf brought her food.

"So," he started, "Gandalf tells me you are of humble beginnings."

She swallowed. "I suppose you could say that."

"I wish to convey my deepest sympathies for what has happened to you. No one should be forced to experience such things, especially one so young as yourself. I have also heard of your great act of courage and power against the Trolls."

"Please, don't ask me how I did it, because I honestly don't know. Supposedly my powers are suppressed, so I kind of did it by accident."

"Well, perhaps there may be something I could do to help you." Talia's eyes shot up to meet his.

"You can do that?"

"I am not one hundred percent certain that I can, but I could certainly look into it. However, from what I understand, mush of the issue is because of the numerous injuries you have sustained over the years, both physically and mentally. My people are great healers, but, I must warn you, such a process would be difficult. There are many things that could go wrong with a trip deep into the mind to heal great rifts."

Could she do it? Was she strong enough? Ever since the Trolls, she could feel the slightest tug of something in the back of her mind. Every time she tried to reach for it, she touched it briefly, then it would retreat even further from her grasp. That small contact was enough to make her want more. It was peaceful, joyful, almost euphoric. Could she possibly unlock that? "I'll think about it, thank you. Um, I do not wish to offend you, my lord, but…would it be alright if I went and sat with the others?"

"Of course, whatever makes you comfortable." He called one of the serving Elves to move her chair.

"Where would you like to sit, my lady?" he asked.

"Uh…" looking around, she saw Balin motioning for her to sit between him and his brother. "Over there, please." The Dwarves shifted to make room, and the Elf set the chair down, waiting for her to sit. When she did, he pushed her in. "Thank you."

"My dear," Balin took her hand, "You truly are a vision of beauty. When you walked through that door, I, personally, thought you to be an Elf-maid."

"You certainly surprised us, lassie." Dwalin thumped her gently on the back. "You look lovely."

Ori passed something down to her, a piece of parchment. Turning it over, Talia saw herself and Arewen standing at the door. "This is wonderful, Ori. Absolutely amazing." The young Dwarf's face turned red as he looked down at his bowl. Talia felt Kili watching her. "Why don't you follow Ori's lead, Kili? I'm sure he'd give you some tips." He quickly looked away. They all went back to their food, but only Talia was eating. Noticing her friends' distaste, she stood. "My lord?"

"Yes?" Elrond looked up from the swords he was examining.

"With your permission, I would like to catch some fish from your river for my companions. You see, they're not exactly used to your ways of life."

The Elf-lord sat back in his chair, watching her. "It is an unusual request. We normally do not condone the killing of innocent creatures for food. However, because you ask to do so for others, rather than yourself, I will allow it. On one condition."

"Name it." He raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

"You may fish our streams, as long as you do so without the use of hooks or nets."

She nodded. "I thank you, my lord Elrond, for your understanding."

With the help of the Elf who had moved her chair, who's name was Nimrael, she carried three buckets down to the riverbank and filled them with water. She took the edge of the gown, tied it up so it wouldn't get soaked, kicked off her slippers, and pulled her hair back. The Dwarves were all coming down the hill towards her, and Fili threw his arm around her shoulders.

"You know, you don't have to do this for us. It's impossible to catch fish without a net or fishing pole."

"It's not impossible, just a bit more difficult," she told him as she rolled up her sleeves. "You need much more patience to do it this way."

"What way?" Kili looked a bit unhappy.

"You'll see. Just stay away from the buckets." After she said this, Talia ducked out from under Fili's arm, then slowly waded out into the water. It was wonderful, so cool and refreshing, the riverbed all soft clay and silt. She walked until the water was about halfway up her thigh, then dipped her arms down into the water and waited. Those on the shore watched with interest. Elrond, Gandalf, and Thorin watched, unnoticed, from a high window.

"Amazing," Elrond murmmered.

This was something most of them had never seen before, or even heard of. It was mere moments before Talia's arms shot out of the water and a fish landed in the far left bucket. It went on like this for over an hour, until all the buckets were full. She trudged up to the them, shivering in her now wet clothes. "See, not so hard." Gemma pawed at the fish swimming in the buckets, mewling when she couldn't grab them.

"That was great." Kili put his coat over her shoulders.

"Indeed, it was most delightful," Arewen glided towards them. "However, I think it would be a good idea to get you into some dry clothes before you catch a cold, yes?"

"Go on, lass." Dwalin picked up a bucket. "We'll save you one."

"Just one?" she chuckled before leaving with the other woman.

Kili watched the women leave, then turned to pick up a bucket, only to see Gemma slip and fall in. The small cat flailed about until he grabbed her by the scruff and pulled her out. Gemma hissed at the fish for tricking her into getting wet. The Dwarf prince chuckled. How alike the two were. So quiet and subdued, so fearful. But, when angered or frightened, they hissed and spat and clawed their enemies to ribbons…even if that enemy was just a fish in a bucket. Dwalin shook his head at the pair of them.

"What?"

"Nothin', lad. Just don't go gettin' soft on us now. A word of advice," he put a hand on Kili's shoulder, "try not to get mixed up too much with the lass. We've gotta focus on Erebor."

"I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about, Dwalin. All I did was pick up the cub."

The larger Dwarf gave him a look. "Aye. Just think about it, laddie."

The dark-haired Heir of Durin was left standing there with a soaked kitten shivering in his arms. "I'm already in deep, aren't I?" Gemma mewled in response. "That's what I thought," he sighed. "What in Durin's name am I gonna do? C'mon, lass, let's get you dried off."