Hi there! May I present you with the 8th chapter!

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Her attention however caught a yellowed letter sitting on the mirror.

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My dearest child,

I'm writing this letter thinking I won't be there to see you growing up and that thought is almost unbearable.

I wanted to teach you so many things... but first I would like to apologize. Your life. Your life will be hard, you will face suspicion, hostility, harshness. And all that because me and your father loved each other unlike anything in the world. All that because you are different.

We have all wondered what our purpose in the world is. Why did the gods made us? Why did they sent us here? Is it something simple like fall in love? Or maybe it is something greater...that of course doesn't mean that being happy or falling in love isn't of great importance just because they happen every day. It is the small everyday acts of kindness that keep the darkness away, that is what a good friend of mine once told me.

I've lived for hundreds and hundreds of years. I have travelled all around Middle Earth, I have learnt and I have seen so many great things and I have met equally great people. For all that time, I couldn't help but feel that I wasn't where I was supposed to be. It was only when I met your father that I knew where I belonged.

That is what I wish for you. Do not be afraid when you feel that you don't belong anywhere. Do not let anyone make you believe that you are worthless. After all what does the world know?

You were born from two of the biggest contradictions in Middle Earth. On one hand the free spirit of the Elves, their constant need for nature and travel, their craving for fresh air and starry skies. Their simple eternal nature clashes with that of the dwarves. Them, safe and hidden beneath their mountains, are mesmerized by the beauty of gold, sparkling gems and excellent craftsmanship. They are often misjudged as greedy and selfish but I've come to realise how fiercely they protect the ones they love and how loyal they are to their kin.

Adding up all the above, it is understandable to feel confused. If however you have decided to discover the other half of yourself, and don't be afraid to do so, I know, my mentor and good friend Lord Elrond in Rivendell will have his doors open for you.

There are so many things I would like to tell you and teach you but I'm afraid I'll make things harder for both of us. Just one last thing. Do not be afraid to love. For, love is the most powerful force in the world. You'll know when you find it.

For my part I don't regret anything. Given a second chance I'd live exactly as I have till now.

All my love,

Naneth

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With trembling fingers Valin folded the letter back having already made her decision.

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She didn't want to stop and think her plan through. She knew she'd changed her mind if she did.

Dis and Frerin wouldn't like it at all.

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Valin was returning home from the Healing Wing late that night when she heard a soft baritone voice calling her name.

Turning around she found Thorin standing behind her having just left the Counsel room.

'' Good evening Thorin'' She said politely.

'' Good evening. I heard from my sister that you went back to your quarters yesterday'' Valin nodded slightly. '' Are you alright?''

Startled by his interest the girl nodded again. '' Y-Yes actually there is something I wanted to talk to you about.'' She stammered.

Thorin raised an eyebrow and signalled her to continue.

Steeling her nerves, she went on. '' I was searching my parent's bedchamber and I found this letter my mother wrote for me. After reading it I have decided to visit Rivendell''

It was the prince's turn to be surprised by both her words and the finality in her tone. '' Why are you telling this to me?'' he inquired.

'' Because Dis and Frerin would try to prevent me from it.''

'' And I would not?''

Valin shifted uncomfortably on her feet. '' I was hoping I would be able to make you understand... I really need this Thorin. I love my home I really do, it will always be my home but right now I can't stay here. Not when everyone is looking at me with pity or like something that needs fixing. I feel like there is something missing and I'm hoping that, going away for a while will help me find it, like my mother did.'' Although she was feeling extremely nervous, she was looking at him straight in the eyes.

'' I leave with a party for the Dunlands in two days. We'll take you as far as the High Pass. After that you'll be on you own.'' His tone was strict but his voice was soft as he gave in to the girl's request.

The smile that broke in her face took him by surprise. Her green orbs were like a forest after a rainstorm. For the first time, he noticed all the different shades of gold in her hair and the slight dimples on her cheeks.

'' Thank you.'' sincere gratitude laced her voice.

Unable to talk Thorin nodded stiffly.

Throwing a hast 'Goodnight' at the prince she turned on her heel and run in the direction of her quarters.

That night found Thorin pacing in his study troubled by the sudden attack of feelings earlier.

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Dis and Frerin learnt about Valin's decision the night before her departure and to say they were displeased was putting it lightly.

Like the girl had predicted, they tried changing her mind but it was already too late.

The morning of their departure the three siblings were waiting for her on the front gates.

The youngest Durin heirs both had sour worried expressions on their faces. Valin approached them putting her hands on her sister's shoulders.

'' Please understand that I need to do this for me. I need it. I know that worry, because you care for me...'' she paused at them both. '' but I'll be alright after all… you trained me...'' the last part she addressed it to Frerin trying to sound reassuring.

'' I know little Val. Write to us alright? And if the Elves ever mistreat you, come straight home.''

Valin smiled brightly up at him and gave him a tight hug.

She turned to Dis who had a most serious expression.'' Dis..?'' her friend's eyes met hers, ''I'll miss you Val...'' she said a few tears escaping as she tackled her friend with a hug. '' I'll miss you too. I promise to write as often as I can.'' After staying like that for a few moments, sobbing silently, Thorin cleared his throat behind them ruining the moment.

'' It is time to go.'' He said.

Valin was slightly grateful for that intrusion, for she knew that if she held a sobbing Dis for a while longer, she would never find the will to go.

'' Have you ever ridden before?'' he asked her.

'' Ridden you mean like a horse?'' she asked carefully.

He nodded '' A pony.''

'' No never. I have never been anywhere before.''

Thorin closed his eyes sighing.

'' You are riding with me then.'' he said after a moment's hesitation.

'' Are you sure? I-I mean I can ride with someone else...'' she asked suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

He shot her a look not answering as he moved towards a beautiful pony with black and white mane.

Valin approached hesitantly and stroked its nose softly. Without warning, she was lifted by the waist and lowered on the saddle letting a yelp of surprise.

'' A small warning next time would be nice...'' she told the prince trying to hide her blushing face.

He climbed on the saddle in front of her mumbling '' we don't have time...''

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