Hello Everyone!
Here is our next chapter. This one took a long while to complete mainly because of it's length. Anyways...I can't hide my happy news, I am Engaged to the love of my life! W00t! Sorry I had to share my bubble of happiness. Back to the subject of the story. *Ahem*
Myranda and Aerith will finally being staying in one place for a while (Yay!) which is nice, you guys just have to deal with my descriptions of places for now, so that afterwards I can just have all actions later. I will try to speed things up, so that characters really start interacting and slowly you all, the readers, can learn the secret stuff I have been hiding.
Disclaimers: I do Not own the Hobbit or it's characters/locations, or Aerith's name mostly. But Myranda is mine, and she will get into crazy situations soon.
A big thanks to JMac322 for editing! She is also writing her own story, so check it out!
Onward with the story!
Chapter 12:Neighbors
Thorin was seething! How dare she talk back to me? Pig-headed, am I? Why did I change my mind? I should of just declared that she spend the rest of her days in a dungeon, rotting! For Mahal's sake, I should have… have…
His thoughts wandered back to the moment he held her close by her collar. How fierce yet beautiful her eyes looked, la pool of pale green light illuminated behind those irises. It was only in that moment, he thought back, that he had lost that argument. He was just not prepared in any way for a woman to treat him like… like what? The lack of control over the situation played over his short temper. He had expected her to just accept his apology and punishment, but also be somewhat thankful for his kindness and mercy. But instead she rebuked his words! The more he thought about it, the more it frustrated him. He knew that for the longest time he'd obsessed over what she looked like, but now he just felt so angry that part of him wanted to bellow at her and the other was fascinated by how she was different. These conflicting thoughts only furthered his temper after he left.
Thorin did not notice that as he walked to the dining hall he was giving his signature glare to no one in particular, which meant everyone he passed dared not say a word to him for fear they would be subjected to the fires of his temper. He stormed passed many, without a word, and tried to focus on one goal at a time. It was only about noon, based on the placement of the sun through the sky lights. Thorin strode into the grand dining hall and almost immediately, Bifah examined her king and bellowed orders into the kitchen, then strode up to him carefully.
"Your majesty," she bowed a little. He dropped himself into the chair at the end of one of many long tables that stretched across the hall. "What would fancy yeh for today? Bombur made a delicious stew and salted pork just a wee bit ago."
"That will do just fine, with bread, and ale… make that two ales." He barely nodded to her, trying to avoid eye contact, knowing that his frustrations should not be taken out on his people.
"Right o'. Be back in a shor' bit then." She turned and as she was walking back into the kitchen, she was already yelling at her lazy workers to prepare his meal.
Thorin had not been to the dining hall in a while, when he thought about it. The last time he had gone was after his nephew had announced that he would be willing to look for a lady dwarf to court. Many dwarves were happy for the news so they had all come to the dining hall to have a small feast. That was about two months ago. With winter upon them, he had been extra busy with preparing food stores, methods to practice for warming the mountain, especially since the heating had not been restored yet. The heating, he knew, required the water pipes and pressure from steam, which also required the furnaces, many of which were damaged by Smaug. The most crucial of water pipes had been all but obliterated after they released the pressure when Smaug was in the furnace room. Smaug had also demolished the entire wall where a majority of the pipes ran through whilst chasing after Bilbo. That heated water pipe system had been a revolutionary technique his grandfather's grandfather had come up with and was only completed at Thror's birth. Thorin rubbed his forehead, the headache only slightly throbbing.
Thunk, thunk!
"Two ales; just got the shipment in yesterday too. Enjoy, your highness, food will be out in a minute." Bifah had placed the two ales at Thorin's side, and left back to the kitchen just as quickly as she appeared. Thorin grabbed the first pint and took a few big gulps of the hearty drink. He needed this, he thought to himself.
Her work is cut out for her. This kingdom needs all the help it can get, even if it is from an ungrateful woman like her.
He lifted the ale and continued to chug it down.
Myranda had Aerith by the hand and both were being led by Balin down long corridors and through twisting passages. It seemed to take forever to actually get to the Royal Family living area, but now she had come back to that area, last time being a thief, her perspective changed. Before she did not gaze much into the carved stone or the gold veins with implanted gems all along the walkway, but now it seemed more apparent than before. Aerith almost tripped on her own feet when she looked upon the splendor of the dwarves most magnificent of works.
"So beautiful!" Aerith spoke loudly in awe. "There must be millions and kajillions of crystals up there! Balin, how many are up there? As many as there are stars in the sky?"
"That I don't know, little lass, but possibly. This area is very old, but also very wonderful, a true show of the skills and vision of the dwarves of the past." Balin replied.
They continued through until the group reached a wide perpendicular hallway, with large doors along either way. The main set of doors right in the center of the T-shaped hall was the most grand, and she knew exactly to whom that room belonged: the king under the mountain. She inwardly grumbled at the very thought of their first encounter.
"Myranda, your room will be here, as specified by Thorin." He led her to the room directly on the right side. It was only a single door entrance, but just as gaudy as the king's room entrance. Balin turned the handle and opened the door to a large room. It was spacious, and to the left against the wall sat a large bed with a few furs, and only a couple feet away, at the center back wall, a fireplace. On the right hand side was a wardrobe, a small table with a wash basin, a book case with books neatly organized on it, and a small corner table with a large stone with crystals directly protruding from its cracked ore. In the center of the room was a short table with two seats on either side. The floor was entirely dark stone, with intricately woven rugs laid about before the bed and a fur rug in front of the fire place. This room was originally meant for one of the family members of the royal family, but the family right now must have been very small if they were using one as her imprisonment room. It was very comfortable…if you didn't care to see the sunlight ever, or speak to any other race, and enjoyed observing the same tapestries on the walls portraying old dwarves and events of their past (which was mainly battles or finding a new ore deposit that was exceptionally profitable).
Myranda and Aerith stepped in to the room, with Balin following behind. The few candles that were lit made the room seem like it had only recently belonged to someone, maybe a year ago. It was clear that it was only dusted and cleaned that morning; no doubt it had to be changed a bit for the use of a woman after suddenly being given this purpose.
"Like I said before," the old dwarf said pleasantly, "you will be staying here for a while, and since there is still no heating, try to keep the embers of the fireplace going throughout the day and night, so that you can keep the heat in here, otherwise it gets quite cold, especially now that it is winter. This will prevent you from freezing in your sleep. Also I will give you a copy of Aerith's key so you will have to manage her fireplace. She is your responsibility, so I expect that if there is anything you need, you do not hesitate to ask." Balin turned to Aerith. "Now let me show the little lass to her room, it is right next door."
Aerith had been staring wide-eyed at the large room that her companion had got, and the sudden news about her receiving her own room made her jaw drop.
"I get my own room, really!?" Aerith smiled, almost jumping in place as she held Myranda's hand. Balin nodded, and led them back into the hallway to the room right next door. This door though was not nearly as fancy and was not that wide either. Balin opened it right up and revealed to Aerith her own room, with almost all the same furnishings; just everything was smaller in size, like it was made for a child. There was even a small desk with paper and quills. The fireplace, unlike Myranda's room, was already ablaze and there was even a small clay pot of white flowers on a small table by the bed, which was a fraction of the size of Myranda's. This room most likely was meant for when there was a young child in the royal family.
Aerith let go of Myranda's hand and practically ran and jumped around in the room, and then flung herself onto the bed, which also had a thick fur blanket. Her happy laughter filled the room and made it feel all the more warmer.
"This room is amazing! Do I really get to keep it?" Aerith jumped off the bed again, and sprang in front of Balin.
"Until a royal child is born and needs it, the room is yours." Balin replied smiling at the little girl. Her face instantly lit up and she hugged Balin with all her tiny arms could manage.
"Thank you! I will take care of it, and I will keep it clean, and then I will have a tea party!" Aerith looked at both of them now with childish seriousness. "You both will come, right?"
"Yes, yes…" Myranda responded, unable to hide a small smile, and temporarily forgetting her frustrations from meeting the king earlier. "Just don't cause trouble for Balin, and don't be too loud after dark."
"Alright!" She replied again, and then she went back to jumping on her bed.
Myranda turned to Balin and felt she was not as weary anymore. Caring for a child, like Aerith, made being grumpy not last long.
"Thank you, Lord Balin. I have not seen her so happy in such a long time. Why can't we just share a room, though?"
"Thorin explained to me earlier this morning that if you were to ever go against orders, you would have to be placed under lock and key, and that the young girl would not have to go through that. Whether that happens or not is up to your behavior from now on. This way Aerith would not share your punishment but still be safe and close to you." Balin said, still watching the young girl, who was now rolling around on the smaller fur rug in front of the fire, which was most likely nice and toasty due to the fireplace. "I should mention though, since it is important, who has copies of which keys. You, Aerith, and I have keys to this room. You will have your own key to your room, but so will I and Thorin. There have only ever been three keys to each royal room, so do not lose yours."
"I will make sure not to," she replied. "But why is my room so close to the king? Is it not risky to have me near him?"
"Yes and no. Thorin believes he can be a proper guardsman while making sure that our people do not waste valuable time and effort watching over you consistently. With our talk about your single request, Thorin and I agreed this location would be best so the child is also not too far from you, yet not in a location where you can easily just walk out without being spotted first."
Myranda made a mental note of these facts, slightly uncomfortable with the king having a key for her room, but she couldn't argue with this fact, since they were given access to such luxurious lodgings in the first place. It was true, about the location, since there was only one route to the royal quarters, they could easily place a couple of guards in strategic locations and she would be unable to wander freely without their watchful eyes on her. This fact did not change her stance on how she felt towards Thorin though, which she could see was not going to get much better in the near future. They would basically be forced to be in close quarters, and if the king was okay with the idea of the treasure hunter who threatened his life suddenly being his neighbor, he was either very ignorant or extremely confident that he could handle her. Overall, it seemed like a bad idea to her, her being that close to the king and well…that was just it! Then she remembered something.
"I see… can I make a request?"
"If it is my power to carry out. What is it lass?"
"Across the lake on the opposite shore, beneath a willow that appears to have been struck by lightning, is a mound of soil with a single rock, which does not fit in that area, on the surface. Buried beneath that rock is a duffle pack. It is mine and Aerith's few belongings. Mostly hers, but I am sure she will be sad if she never sees those things again. You are welcome to search the bag, I promise you there are no extra weapons or poisons that I keep on hand. There is the whetstone I used for the blades, which I assume were confiscated, but other than that, a couple of old books and maps of mine, a bit of money, and clothes. Could you have it retrieved?"
"Aye, that can be done. I am not sure how soon you may get it, but perhaps within a week. I believe I know which tree you speak of. A few yards south east, along the shore from the docks, correct? It has not snowed quite yet, so the pack should still be in fine condition." Balin nodded, taking a breath. His age seemed to be catching up with him now.
"Thank you. I greatly appreciate this gesture, Lord Balin"
"Lass, there is no need to be so formal. We are but simple dwarves rebuilding our old kingdom. Mind you, there are still sections that smell of dragon."
"Ah… alright."
"Perhaps you and Aerith would like a proper tour of the kingdom?"
"A tour, is that necessary? I am supposed to be a prisoner, not a guest."
"I think having knowledge of the kingdom would be good for you, since you may very well be here for a long time. Don't want you getting lost for days in its vast halls. It's happened before; a young dwarf can wander down the wrong path and not be found for several days." Balin chuckled lightly.
"Okay, are we going to do this now?"
"Right away, of course. Aerith! It's high time I show you the more of the kingdom!" Balin called to Aerith who had been dozing on the fur rug by the fireplace.
"Huh? Oh okay," Aerith replied sluggishly rising from her comfortable position.
Myranda had wanted to explore the mysterious kingdom before, as she remembered being in awe of it even when she was on a dire quest for the stone at the time. Now she actually felt a bit happy at the thought of finally getting to explore without being an intruder.
Aerith walked up to her and grabbed her hand out of habit. Myranda, early on in their travels, constantly advised her to stay extra close when exploring a new region or town, so eventually it became normal for the little girl to hold her hand or belt strap to signify her understanding that this new area still had its dangers. This all started when she got lost in a port town for chasing a stray kitten to the piers and almost falling into the water.
"So," Myranda half-smiled to Balin. "Where first?"
Balin spent most of the day taking them to see the marketplace, which could only be described as the most complex and maze-like area of Erebor. The space for the 'marketplace' was nothing less than cathedral size, and the most spectacular part was that it had ascending and descending levels. Stairs and paths wound up and down along a steeply sloped wall that had a more than a dozen levels, each with vendors and stalls. A person could gaze upon most of the area from the opposite side of the cavernous space and be reminded of very messy bookshelves, which looked to interlace or turn into the cavernous wall. In some places, there were even small steps hewn into the rock, so that if a dwarf wanted to quickly get up or down to the next level he or she could simply climb up. Before leaving Balin had purchase food for them to eat for lunch: sandwiches with varying meats, cheeses, and a bit of lettuce. Myranda finished off her meal with an apple that she relished, since the sweet juices quenched her thirst and cleansed her palate. After they had finished visiting the market place he then took them to the "mining and guilds district", as he put it.
This area was almost like a great pit into the dark depths of the earth, where all along the walls were paths with lights and doors, or tracks for mining carts to roll by. This section was alive and moving, and one could feel it in the air. Many of the dwarves they passed carried metal scrap and tool sets, each looking tired and grimy. Balin nodded in greeting to many of them.
"Most of our resources are going to repairs. Many of the guilds, craftsman, stone masons, and such are putting the majority of their time into the repairs of unstable parts of the kingdom. Smaug did a great deal of damage to Erebor, and much of it was not discovered until after the first official survey of the kingdom," Balin said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"The area I will be working in, will I need special tools for such a project?" Myranda spoke to him after peering at some of the complex gear the dwarves carried around.
"Most likely, but I will be your main advisor for that. Whatever you need, I can make sure you borrow. If you will look here, however not too far over the edge, you will see one of our most prized mine shafts, containing the most stunning and expensive ore to process, a metal that takes years to craft into perfection: mythril."
Myranda had not felt as much wonder and awe from any other sight in a long while as she did at the sight before her. Far beneath the paths of the guilds and rooms was a great white glow. The light reflected beautifully off rivers of the silvery metal down the walls of the mine. Each imperfect piece bounced light in such a way that if she moved an inch from her place, the gleaming Mythril would make the light swim. No wonder the dwarves often were extremely wealthy, she mused, they wrought their own gold and precious metals into existence, where as other species would trade simple items like food, cloth, and various things.
"Mythril is not like any other metal. It is like a stone, in that it cannot be melted easily without near magma hot temperatures, and in the very slow rate of forming it, else it shatters, into shape with the strongest tools we own. But once it is complete, it is light as a feather and harder than a dragons scale," Balin proudly explained, and then he signaled for them to keep walking. Myranda had to practically drag Aerith from her viewing spot, since her jaw was hanging wide open.
"Next I will have you meet a good friend of mine. His name is Bofur. A good dwarf if there ever was one. He can be kind of immature and forgetful at times, but… well he is mostly dependable in the end," Balin stated.
They walked down a hall that was messy with boxes of rocks and tools, the smell of dust everywhere. At the end was an old wooden door that was half open with light spilling out, and the sound of a tinkering hammer could be heard from within. They walked through it without so much as a knock. Sitting at a desk opposite the door, his back to them, was a dwarf, still working.
"AHEM!" Balin was very obvious. The dwarf seemed to jump a foot off his stool.
"By my beard! Yeh nearly gave me a heart attack! Balin, what is the reason for you coming by? Oh." The dwarf named Bofur had already answered his own question when he looked directly at Myranda.
She felt the obvious stare, and tried her best not to glare back in discomfort. He was much younger than Balin, with a messy mustache and a silly hat that somehow curved upward on either side. His face gave the impression that he was kind of goofy while at the same time he could easily be a fatherly type.
"Well, didn' expect to see you here," Bofur said perplexed a bit.
"Myranda is here so that you can explain to her the work she needs to get done and how to use our tools. Also," Balin turned to Aerith and Myranda. "I will call for dinner to be brought here so that we can eat and then send you both back to your quarters."
"That's fine with me," Myranda replied.
"I want Bifah's stew!" Aerith said merrily. Bofur was almost shocked to see the little girl who was hiding behind the woman, since he had not noticed her at all at first.
"And who is this charming young lass?" Bofur bent down to get a closer look at the little girl, which resulted in Aerith hiding again behind Myranda. Myranda placed her hand on the little girls head to comfort her, and she poked her head around to look at the dwarf who was now smiling at her.
"My name is Aerith… pleased to meet you," Aerith muttered.
"The name is Bofur; at your service!" Now he bowed to her, which made her giggle. Then in an almost swooping motion he drew a small wooden figure from his jacket. The wooden figure had cloth delicately sewn and embroidered around its contours, a pretty face made with paint, and dark red yarn at the top of its head tied back by silver string. It was a pretty doll meant for young girls. Aerith's eyes were glued, and she took in a deep breath of surprise.
"It's so beautiful…" was all she could utter, since she was captivated by the carved wooden pieces and the painted features smiling back at her, and she carefully reached out to hold it, which Bofur let her do.
"You can keep it if you like lass." Bofur stood up straight again. "I make them on the side for the children, though the young lads usually prefer swords or axes."
"But," Aerith seemed embarrassed, "I am too old for toys."
"What? No, you are the perfect age for a doll," Bofur said, startled.
"I am 26 years old! I shouldn't be having dolls." Aerith declared, which caused Bofur and Balin to go silent, looking very confused. Myranda stiffened.
Shit...I forgot to tell her to not speak her real age.
"She thinks she is 26, but really she is only 8 years of age." Myranda said steadily, patting Aerith on her back. "8 year old girls can keep dolls."
"What? Oh… Yeah! I love the doll, I just think it is meant for younger girls, since I am a lady and cannot have such a pretty doll with soft hair, really cute clothes, and a beautiful face…" Aerith then seemed torn. "Can I really keep her?"
"Yes, of course. Your age is whatever you believe it is; that is if you want to be older so quickly. After all a young dwarf lass needs a pretty doll like yourself." Bofur rambled on. Balin blinked a couple of times and shook his head.
"Shall we get down to business then?" Balin smiled to Myranda. "Let us send a messenger to Bifah for some dinner in an hour. Come, sit down you two."
Thorin had finished his meal a long while ago, but still kept coming back to the thought of that woman. His frustration had kept going in a loop, whether it was the fact she disregarded his judgment or how she stated her position as a knight, which really confused him. She must by lying or think me a fool.
Bifah came by his table holding a large pint, gazing at him as if measuring his responsiveness.
"Give me another pint…" he paused, and only then realized it was indeed Bifah he was addressing, and continued more politely. "Please may I have another pint of ale, Bifah."
"Is that a question or command your majesty?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. She knew only a couple of times he had come to drink away rationality. The first time was when the elders first pressed that he marry and produce an heir. He drank until he passed out at the table.
"Whatever you decide it is…" he replied.
Bifah shrugged, and placed ale in front of him and took the two empty ones at his left. She made a mental note that the new one made eleven total pints so far. His most was fourteen. Bifah walked back into the kitchen, sighing.
Myranda and Aerith were led back to the rooms they would be staying in indefinitely by Balin. He gave them both their keys and walked off. Myranda first walked into Aerith's room to make sure the fireplace was lit.
"Ready for bed? This will be a first time in a long while that you will have your own room again. Do not lose your key!"
Aerith gave an elongated yawn, which reminded Myranda of just how tired she herself was.
"Yep, I am sooooo tired, but I'm excited for tomorrow! Bofur said I could help you if I wanted, as long as I wear extra safety gear," Aerith said, as Myranda helped her out of her main clothes and led Aerith, who was just in her underdress, to bed. She jumped into the bed without complaint, and burrowed into the furry blankets. She appeared so tiny compared to the size of the bed, but Aerith had a big smile on her face.
"So warm!" She laughed, wiggling her feet under the furs.
"Alright, alright lil princess, go to sleep. I will wake you in the morning." Myranda patted her head and then made sure to add another log to the fireplace, stoking the flames.
"Okay…" yawwwwn… "Good night Myr," Aerith murmured, falling fast asleep.
"Good night, Aerith." Myranda walked out of the room, locking the door in the hallway. She had made sure to leave Aerith's key on the small table near the door in the room. Myranda quickly noticed, after turning to her own room, the dwarf guards standing at the main entrance to the hallway, about twenty or so feet away. They silently watched her with suspicion. No doubt they probably disagree with my being so close to their king again.
Myranda walked into her room and locked the door behind her. Without realizing it, she leaned up against the door, and released a deep sigh. This was truly the first time in what seemed like forever, that she and Aerith slept in different rooms. They were so used to camping or paying for a room at an inn, that she almost felt uncomfortable with the separation. She picked herself up again, walked to the chairs in the middle of the room, and began to undress.
First her boots, then the belt straps that tightened her greaves and bracers and her waist belt. After taking off her leather outer layer, which was a flexible armor for easy mobility, she removed the simple metal chest plate that covered her breasts, which had a flattening effect for easy arm movement. She was finally down to her underdress, which was a simple tunic that had long sleeves, a low neck, and went to only above her knees. Then she took off her trousers, which were common for males to wear throughout Middle Earth, but also common for female fighters from her land of origin. The trousers and effect of the breast plate together must have brought the illusion to the dwarves, had they not seen her face, that she was male.
They must really not be used to women fighting in these lands. But, what then, do women do here? Stay at home with crying children and cook dinners without question? Gods…women here must be bored out of their minds!
Myranda carefully folded the only clothes she had and decided to place them on the chair, since she didn't care to organize her few bits of clothes in the room just yet.
She shivered and rubbed her arms. Myranda threw two more logs into the fireplace since there were only embers present, and then turned to the bed. She had not noticed before but there was a note on the side table by the bed along with a cup of water and what looked like a small paper envelope. Picking up the note, she read the neatly written words in the Common Tongue:
Dear Myranda,
Here is medicine for aches and pains. I will send a dose each day for the next week. Mix in water, and drink all of it before you sleep. It will make you very drowsy and cause you to sleep deeply. Rest well and consult me in a few days.
~Tolsur
Myranda opened the envelope and saw a small bit of green looking powder and mashed up plant parts mixed together. Can't be too bad, I guess. I have been feeling really tired still. Oh well, here goes nothing.
Carefully, Myranda slipped the mixture into the water and sloshed it around a bit, mixing it to the best of her ability. She sniffed it, and reeled back wrinkling her nose.
Ugh! It stinks! But it's medicine, so…
In one great motion she tilted the metal cup up completely and chugged down the liquid, without having to taste it that much.
"Wow…well time for bed then," she mumbled to herself.
Myranda sat on the bed, finally marveling at the softness of the furs. So warm, she thought, but I think I want to be closer to the fire, when it gets hotter.
Myranda crawled to the other side of the bed, closer to the fireplace, ducked under the blankets, and almost immediately felt the first wave of drowsiness. Maybe this place won't be as bad. Maybe we can finally have a home after so long…
And Myranda fell into a deep slumber.
Thorin slammed down his now empty ale and caused his other three empty pints to tremble.
"What does she know about anything!?" Thorin raged to no one in particular. "She thinks she can walk in and all… and talk like she knows what being a warrior all is about and cling to Balin she is like his newest nnnnupil…" He felt confused for a second, since he meant to say 'pupil', but could not quite get the word right. Oh…I drank too much again. Mahal…
"Your Majesty, do you need help getting back to your room?" Bifah showed up suddenly, as if she had snuck up on him(or so it seemed to Thorin). "It's quite late now."
He barely noticed that the rest of the dining hall was empty and the last dwarf had left uneasily after noticing his king was glaring at anything that moved. Now Bifah was standing without her apron on, a thick shawl around her shoulders instead.
"No… I can get back on my own." Thorin stood, with as much control as he could muster. But to Bifah it looked like a spinning top about to fall to the side. "I will go rest immediately."
"Your Majesty… you are more wobbly than most dwarves after a drinking match. Allow me to at least lead you to your room. What would my brother Bombur say if he found that I allowed his dear friend to wander drunk along walkways that have no railings? He would be upset, he would. Come now, let's get you gone."
Thorin thought about this. She talked a lot and very quickly. His head kept spinning, so he decided to avoid more talking and nodded to her. Which, to Bifah, looked like he was spinning his head in a semi-circle; she decided to interpret that as 'okay, I will do as you say.'
She grabbed his arm and carefully began leading him down the halls. At least I can walk, he thought, but if this feeling of floating is due to that new ale, I may have to send word to the elves or men of Lake-town that it is indeed fulfilling its job as good strong ale…
His thoughts were spiraling almost as much as his eyes. Time melted and suddenly he began to recognize the familiar hallway to the royal family's quarters. He heard Bifah say something to the guards about his drinking habits, to which he said something, but could not remember what it was shortly after.
"Alright, your Majesty, are you still in your old room?" Bifah spoke into his ear, but he didn't really hear it. Thorin nodded and looked at the single door room with ornate carvings. He reached into his pocket and fumbled with the keys on the metal ring, unable to focus on any features that distinguished them from each other. Bifah grabbed the keys.
"Can't say I blame you; not wanting to sleep in your grandfather's chambers yet is understandable; like sleeping in your parents bed shortly after they did."
Bifah unlocked the door carefully, and led Thorin in. He waved her out, and she left promptly leaving him to his own devices.
Thorin felt the room was much warmer, and began to undress as usual, but simply dropping his clothes onto the floor in a mess. Once down to his tunic, he finally crawled into the closest side of the bed, and covered himself with the furs. Almost as soon as he pulled close the furs, he fell asleep.
Thorin, however, never noticed the small table next to him with a small metal cup and a paper note. Nor did he notice the neat pile of folded clothes on the chair. What he did notice was the familiar feel of the mattress and the fur's warmth. Thorin surrendered to dreamless sleep, and the alcohol carried him the rest of the way.
I will not lie, I had too much fun with this idea. I have drank to this point also, so I tried incorporating what it feels like. (although I can only drink a small fraction compared to Thorin)
Until next time, thanks for reading! Reviews please!