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Chapter ten: The tale of the pledge

"Del has to leave, Thorin. The other Dwarves are getting nervous and uncomfortable with him around. He is not bound to us and his influence on you seems to be quite high..." Dwalin was walking next to Thorin who was inspecting the progress down in the mines of the Ered Luin.

"And what is that supposed to mean? That I am not able to think anymore on my own and that I need Del for that? I invited him to come here, he has been of great help to us ever since. He does the hunting, because of him Kili finally found his courage and stands up for himself. Fili can match you by now because of Del's training. Are you by any means jealous, Dwalin?" Thorin stopped and glared at his friend. Of course he had heard the rumors. He knew the other Dwarves were talking, but he could not help it. He would not send Del away. He could not.

"Why do you spend so much time with him, Thorin? You still do not know him. And you share one room. That is no good. What if he tries to stab you at night?" Thorin froze. He stared at his friend and tried hard to find any sign on his face that this was a joke, but he found none. Dwalin really had not figured they were in love. He deeply mistrusted Del, he did not care for them being mates... He was worried for his safety. He would have thought that Dwalin would be the first to suspect a romantic relationship between them and to be amongst the first to loudly protest against it. But this... startled him.

"Dwalin, you cannot be earnest with this, can you now? This is nonsense, and you know that. If Del had wanted to kill me, he would have just let the men take care of me the night he freed me. And saved my life. Remember that, I told you... He has been loyal and trustworthy ever since, he has done no wrong. He has no home, Dwalin. Like us. You know how it feels. Additionally, he has no family. He is all alone. Dis and the boys like him. Kili adores him. They treat him like part of our family..."

"But he is not, Thorin! He is dangerous. You are the only one to beat him in combat, he could move against us. His skill with the blade is frightening. You may see him as family, but he does not see you like that." Oh, that was just so true..."He will turn against you and I will not let you run into your doom with seeing eyes!" Thorin lifted a warning hand.

"This is none of your concern, Dwalin. You're overstepping boundaries. I know what I am doing and I know I can put my trust in Del. He will not disappoint me. And I will hear nothing more of it. You misjudge the whole situation. Del is here because I want him to. End of discussion." Dwalin cursed in khuzdûl and turned on his heels, leaving Thorin alone. The prince furred his brows and wiped his face with his hand. Still, Dwalin had a point. Even if he was mistaken the situation, even if he completely misjudged Del's motifs, he was right that something had to be done. It was no good that the other Dwarves opposed to his friend. But he should have known, he should have listened earlier. He would talk to Del in the evening to figure out what to do. To do together...

Dwalin fumed on his way out of the mines. All other Dwarves that came to pass hurriedly walked out of his way. Dwalin was known for his short temper and nobody wanted to be at the receiving end. He came home and smashed the door shut, causing a rather small Dwarf to jump at the stove. The startled Dwarf turned round to face the warrior, caution and worry displayed on his face.

"Are you alright, Dwalin...love?" Dwalin glared at the Dwarf, but his features calmed and he nodded. Only Ori had this effect on him. No matter how angry he was, Ori managed to calm him within seconds. The young Dwarf smiled and gestured toward a chair. "Have a seat, I'll get you something to eat and then you tell me what angered you so much. Agreed?" Dwalin barely nodded and let himself slump down on the chair while Ori arranged the food. His woolen clothes were all covered with flour, he had been baking. He clearly was no warrior, his hands were too soft and his face much too childlike. He was a scholar and a quite peaceful soul. And he loved Dwalin dearly. They had not told anybody except Balin, and he was just much too happy for his brother to complain. Balin was a good man, loyal and trustworthy. And open-minded. His brother loving another male did not trouble him as long as they were enjoying the time together. And Balin recognized things as they were, he saw movements, gestures and looks. And he knew how to take them. Ori placed a plate of meat in front of Dwalin, affectionately squeezed his shoulder and sat down next to him. "So, care to tell me?"

"I told Thorin to make Del leave. The boy is no good for him, he will betray him. He will betray us all. I will not have that. I told him about my apprehensions, but he did not listen. He is blind when it comes to Del. The boy will be his doom..." at these words Ori started to smile, which, in turn started to anger Dwalin. "Do you think that is funny, love?" Ori shook his head.

"No, I just think you look at the situation from the wrong perspective, Dwalin. I'm sure Thorin told you he completely trusted in Del. And you have to admit, he has done no wrong... except being no Dwarf. And he cannot help that, can he?" Dwalin snarled but did not say something. "Have you ever bothered to wonder why Thorin trusts Del like this? Why he is so sure of him?" Dwalin shook his head. "Well, then try it now..." the big Dwarf narrowed his eyes, thinking hard. After some minutes Ori saw that Dwalin had managed to put the pieces together.

"No." he exclaimed, looking bewildered and confused.

"Oh yes." Ori smiled gently. "And you should be happy for him... as am I."

"He truly fell in love with the Dunedain? And you think he loves him, too?" but Dwalin did not really require to be told. Now everything made sense. Now he understood. He had been a fool... "He lost the fight on purpose, then. I should have known better... I hope I have not ruined anything..." Ori looked up, alarmed.

"What have you done?"

"Maybe I nourished the rumors a bit... I really did not think they were in love! I'm such a giant oaf!" Ori could not help but smile.

"Well, yes, that you are sometimes. But still I love you... We should try to get things straight nonetheless, it is no use you know you were wrong when the other Dwarves still want to kick Del out..." at that the door opened an in came Balin, a confident smile on his face and a bright spark of joy in his eyes.

"I knew you would do something unreasonable, brother. But don't you worry. Luckily, I have always been the smart one." he grinned wickedly. "And Del is quite smart for that matter, too. He came up with a solution even you would see fit. He is quite desperate and does not want to loose Thorin. He asked me to gather all Dwarves for a meeting tonight, he has an announcement to make. That will turn the tides in his favor, I'd say..."

"He is not going to tell them, is he?" Dwalin asked alarmed. "That would cause Thorin to give up his station..."

"I told you, don't you worry. Del knows what is at stake, he knows the consequences would be severe. He is fully well aware what all of this means for Thorin and he is not going to make him choose between him and the throne, as it is. He is devoted to Thorin and he will make the others see reason. And it would be helpful to have your support... I mean, you of all people should understand what it is like... to cover up something that should not need to be covered up..." Dwalin knew his brother was right. He was right far too often for his liking. He would have given everything in the world to be able to tell all others that he loved Ori. But he was a warrior, he was not supposed to love another male Dwarf. But there was no other, nor would there ever be. Ori had stirred his heart and he had to keep it secret that he had found his one. He still did not like Del. But if he was to Thorin what Ori was to him, he would speak in his favor. So slowly he nodded.

"What is he going to do?"

"You will find out later, dear brother. You will be pleasantly surprised..."

Thorin was nervous. He did not have the opportunity to talk to Del after Balin had informed him about the meeting and the announcement this friend had to make. He trusted in Del, he would do nothing that would endanger his station among his people nor would he do something to embarrass him. But he feared he would do something stupid nonetheless. Leave him, for example. Surrender to gossip and go back to the Shire... Yes, he was worried. Balin had seemed quite happy when he had told him about the gathering earlier today. He inhaled deeply and opened the doors to the great hall, all Dwarves were already present and turned to look at their prince as he entered. Del was waiting for him on the other side, his blade in his hand. Did he want to fight him again? He was not prepared for that... Balin stood next to Del, his hand resting on the man's shoulder. The elderly Dwarf smiled genuinely and waved at him to come closer. Del did not meet his eyes as he approached and Thorin saw his ears flaming red again which caused him to chuckle. It was an easy task to make Del blush. Thorin took his place in the high chair and wondered what was going to come. All others seemed to be as curious as himself, only his nephews smiled knowingly to themselves. He should have known they had their share in the affair. Balin stepped forth and cleared his throat.

"We have all gathered tonight because of a matter of great importance to all of us... You all know Del, son of Dhal, ranger of the Dunedain of the north. He has been living with us for quite some time now and though he is bound to us by friendship..." shouts in khuzdûl erupted in the hall, some Dwarves rose from their seats. Balin lifted his arms to calm them down. "As I said, though he is bound to us by friendship he thought it about time to fasten this bond." he nodded to Del who faced Thorin, moved forward and got down to one knee. Thorin stared at his friend, taken aback as he lifted his sword in front of him, holding it up for Thorin.

"Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, heir of Durin, I offer you my sword. I, Del, descendant of Dhal, hereby pledge my alliance to you. My loyalties, friendship and honour are with you until you release me or death takes me. If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. I will fight by your side and do as you command me. I will follow you if you let me." everybody stared at Del, his sword still high in front of Thorin, nobody dared to speak a word until Thorin rose to his feet. With a shaking hand he took Del's sword in one hand.

"Rise, Del, son of Dhal, my friend." Del got to his feet as well, his head bowed and his hands trembling. "I gladly accept your sword, for there is no man more capable of wielding it than you. I take your pledge and will hold you true to your word. Welcome to our family, Del!" at that Del looked up and saw Thorin beaming at him. He took his shoulders and knocked his forehead against Del's.

"Thank you..." the Dunedain whispered and smiled. Thorin remained with his head pressed against Del's for a moment and squeezed his shoulders affectionately.

"No, I thank you." from behind they heard the Dwarves cheer loudly, Fili and Kili hugged them tightly around the waists. Del suddenly felt a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"That was a wise move, lad" Dwalin said.

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