Days had passed since the news reached Thorin's ears. Every time Thranduil tried to approach him the Durin snapped with wild kicks and crawled into a corner.
This is a lie to mask your sick perversion!
This is not how you treat your âzyungâl! (lover)
Thorin screamed inwardly over and over, reminding himself not to fall for Thranduil's so called 'love'. The first few days were filled with the dwarf's thrashing limbs as the Elvenking tried to subdue him with pleasure. Thranduil smiled at the dwarf's defiance and punished his pet delightedly. It was as though the Elvenking was breaking his slave in again as he did when he first conquered Erebor.
This isn't affection!
This isn't âzyung! (love)
The dwarf's anger grew as he struggled to accept it. Public displays of humiliation were not in Thorin's definition of a lover. His master still fondled him relentlessly no matter how hard he struggled.
Thorin hissed while being pinned to the bed with his master trying to thrust into him. It didn't take long before Thranduil realized his pet wasn't playing a taunting game with him.
"Get away from me!"
Thranduil's pride stung as the dwarf continued to curse at him even though he had stopped his sexual pursuit. Thorin was acting differently, almost insane in the elf's eyes. Thranduil's frustration eventually had the dwarf bound to his bed post, waiting alone as punishment for his behavior.
However, every time the Elvenking returned, his pet was still trying to claw the skin off his elven bones while cowardly hiding against the nearest wall. It didn't make any sense to him. Thorin had already been broken in and there should be no reason for him to revert now.
Unsure how to proceed and aggravated by his own lust, Thranduil dragged the dwarf to his bed by Thorin's chain. The Durin snarled and screamed as he was forced onto his stomach while his master bound his wrists and ankles at opposite bed posts. It was the only way to keep the dwarf from harming either of them.
Knowing it was pointless the Elvenking still tried to calm his pet with gentle kisses while he rutted his shaft between the dwarf's tightened cheeks. When his lust was spent over Thorin's back he laid beside his pet. Thranduil tried to fall asleep but he was kept awake by the dwarf's curses, slowly eating away at his heart.
"You keep me here against my will, you're still a monster even if you pretend to care!"
By the fourth night, Thranduil went back to his old methods of teasing the Durin's body during the day. Thorin was bound at the foot of the elf's throne with a toy secured to the ground. The dwarf was kept there for all mocking eyes to witness and Thorin snarled at each elf. Thranduil had hoped this would make his pet beg before nightfall and felt success when the dwarf laid still in bed that night.
The prince's mental battle had been raging through his body for days and was finally taking its toll. The moment he was placed on the bed was when his mind finally gave in. However, no sounds came from the dwarf as the Elvenking licked and nipped his skin. Thorin's relaxed body deceived Thranduil's perception and the elf assumed his pet was ready to take him.
The prince didn't stop his master's advances as the slender shaft entered his body. Deep breaths pushed out of his lungs but no intoxicating moans rumbled from his throat. Thorin was too lost in despair and doubt to even acknowledge any stimulation or pain.
I am the reason they suffer…
I have destroyed my family…
What is âzyung anyway?… (love)
Am I too young to understand?...
Have I been daydreaming of a heart that never existed?...
Does it take ones family away?
How do I know I am not already in love? I do not know how to even recognize it…
Thranduil is right…
I am just a naive dwarf who knows nothing…
One who sent his kingdom into ruin by his unknown âzyung … (love)
What have I done…
After that night the dwarf's struggles ceased altogether. Even when his master teased him with insulting words or played with the Durin's prostate, Thorin remained emotionless. He didn't speak nor even make the slightest whimper from his master's sexual attempts.
Thranduil grew concerned over his silent, limp, pet laying in his arms with vacant eyes. It didn't matter if he nibbled the prince's neck or stroked the dwarf's listless shaft. There was nothing that granted him a response.
There was a glint of deep frustration in Thranduil's eyes but he did not show it to his guards. He leaned down and whispered with concern secretly masqueraded as an order by his kingly pride.
"I demand to know what displeases with you."
The Elvenking turned his pet's head to look at him but Thorin's pupils remained distant.There was no answer to help his boggled mind solve this mystery. Thranduil's lips trembled ever so slightly as panic grew within him. He clenched his jaw shut and ripped his gaze away from his beloved dwarf, refusing to look weak in front of his people.
A tight grip around the dwarf's waist was the only sign the Elvenking was beginning to doubt himself. It was preposterous for a king such as him to be wrong however he was running out of ideas.
Refusing to believe he had made a mistake, the Elvenking took his pet to lunch. A piece of red meat dripped against Thorin's lips and Thranduil grinned knowing this plan could not fail. No dwarf could resist the tempting flavor meat over green leaves.
But Thorin did nothing and the bloodied juices dripped into his beard. There wasn't as much as a single lick to clean his lips. It seemed the dwarf didn't care for food anymore, regardless of his obviously empty stomach.
Thranduil swallowed dryly while his eyes scattered around the table and back to the dwarf. It didn't work, another plan from the great Elvenking had failed.
His fingers slid against themselves nervously but still he kept himself from showing his desperation. If it had been anyone else but Thorin sulking on his lap, the Elvenking would have grown bored and moved on. But this is the pet he opened his heart to.
The Elvenking didn't mean to fall for the inferior creature. His enslavement of the prince was to humiliate king Thror and the rest of the Durin bloodline. However when the dwarf cried in his arms that regrettable night he realized his growing concern for the young prince.
It was worrying to care for a savage dwarf and so the Elvenking tried to disperse his feelings, ignoring his heart's urges for Thorin. It made him angry to deny it but frustrated to accept it. It would have made him weak and disgusting (by elf's standards) to take a dwarf as a lover.
There came a moment when it seemed like Thorin would finally put the Elvenking's frustrations to an end and out the elf's true feelings. But unfortunately the dwarf turned away in silence. It was after that fight when Thranduil finally had enough of his mental torment.
That night he reacted rashly after convincing himself he had been acting rather foolish. Constantly attacking the dwarf without good reason. If his heart truly yearned for the prince, then a sacrifice of all that he holds dear would have proven it.
But the fear of being lesser than a dwarf proved stronger.
He attempted to give his body that night as a true act of his devotion but he snapped. The dwarf was pleasuring him and he unsurely enjoyed it, but Thranduil couldn't surrender his power. He mounted his pet ready to take this new pleasure that interested him without being lesser than his slave. However the prince stopped him cold.
The reason behind it was clear as fresh water, anyone would have realized it sooner. Thranduil had been too distraught with his mental arguments to think clearly. His pet, however, provided an alternative to relieve his built up lust.
It took a while for the elf to relax and realize he would not become a disreputable elf that night. Thranduil spared his pet another angry outburst, forcing it to vanish completely. Tranquility filled his mind as he sat enjoying the moon with his amusing pet.
The prince made silly comments at the moon's expense but began to ask him questions.
'What is the reason you have been so irritated lately?'
Thranduil would never admit his faults out loud. To be mistaken was a peasant's issue, not one of a king. A ruler was not rash in his decisions. He was proud, never doubting himself, and above all else he was always right.
And then Thranduil felt pain in his heart.
Thorin was angry for some reason and kept running away from the king. A premonition of a future without the dwarf by his side flooded his eyes and haunted the elf. It didn't matter why the dwarf was missing, only that is caused the fear within Thranduil's mind.
With a single word he learned when his father was still alive, the Elvenking embraced his affections for the wretched dwarf. Every muscle in his body relaxed as his frustrations were finally released.
He casted aside his troublesome thoughts of being branded as a dirty elf and the fears of losing his illustrious reputation. His heart's will was all that mattered now and he cherished its desires deeply.
However his pet denies the elf's love exists.
The feelings he struggled to accept meant nothing to the young prince. Thranduil tried harder to express his love but it did not change the dwarf's mind.
Now his pet was a lifeless puppet and Thranduil had no clue as to why.
There was a thought lingering in the back of his mind that he deeply tried to ignore. But, as he sat on his chair starring at the meat dripping down his fingers the haunting suggestion emerged.
What if he had made a mistake?
Later while sitting upon his throne Thranduil gently stroked his pet's body, not paying attention to his fingers instinctively fondling the dwarf's genitals.
There were always meeting's held in the throne room everyday but the Elvenking was distracted and hardly issued a single order. Short, irrelevant answers confused the guards and Legolas was constantly forced to intervene.
The young elf prince glared at both his father and the vacant minded dwarf. He too had noticed and hoped Thorin's mood was only a phase that would pass along with his father's irresponsible state. Unfortunately their kingdom depended on a dependable ruler and couldn't wait for a miracle to cure the dwarf's problems.
"Father!"
The young elf barked to the Elvenking who was gently stroking his beloved pet's hair. It was loud and startling enough to grasp a sliver of Thranduil's attention. His father turned to him slowly, speaking in an oddly calm voice. However, it was clear in Thranduil's silver eyes his mind was not there.
"What is it Legolas?"
"Orc's are at our borders and we need your command! Leave your slave behind and save your kingdom!"
A dazed expression claimed Thranduil's features as he glanced around his halls aimlessly. It hardly seemed as though his son's words even reached his ears. Legolas' vision narrowed and issued his father a warning that might pierce through the Elvenking's mind.
"If the orc's invade us they will kill him."
Thorin's death flashed in Thranduil's mind and the elf sprung from his seat, returning Thorin to his throne alone. He kissed the dwarf's head, parting with his pet and proceeded down the steps. A dark, treacherous rage infused his voice as he commanded his son.
"Legolas protect the main hall until I return."
An annoyed look claimed the elven prince as he knew his father only wanted him to protect the 'prized' pet. When Thranduil was gone, Legolas ordered the other nearby guards to the front of the kingdom. He returned his glare back to the fallen Durin slumped in the throne.
"What have you done to my father?"
Legolas marched up to the great wooden throne but Thorin didn't respond. There was a challenging sneer peering down on the dwarf with a bitter tone itching Legolas' throat.
"Where is that outspoken, spoiled runt of a dwarf from before?"
Thorin's eyes twitched slightly but remained staring into space. His ignored words infuriated the elven prince into an illogical slur of sentences.
"Do you know what you've done? Our kingdom is at constant war with the orcs to the south and now our king is useless. Did you poison him you pathetic creature?"
There was another twitch, only this time it was from the Durin's fingers. Thorin knew Legolas stood before him but wasn't sure what to do. Despite being enemies, the elven prince seemed to only one around that the dwarf could turn to for help.
I don't know if I can trust him…
But what else do I have to lose…
I have nothing now…
I need help…
The truth was hard to admit and Thorin spoke with a quiet and raspy voice.
"Your father loves me…"
Legolas instantly recoiled in disgust, not expecting such an absurd response.
"Your jokes are no less funny than they are vile. My father does not care for dwarves."
The emotionless eyes of the dwarf prince filled with sadness as he tried not to sob into his chest.
"He came to Erebor to claim me because he 'loved' me… He cared for nothing else in our kingdom…"
A low growl rumbled within the elven prince's chest as he tightened his fists. He paced in front of the throne, grinding his teeth as his blood boiled until he snapped at the dwarf.
"My father loved my mother! He would not replace her memory with the likes of you!"
Thorin responded with the slightest sob caught in his throat.
"Then why am I the one sitting on his throne right now…"
Legolas turned with a sharp hiss but the Durin continued to speak. The elf clenched his fists, resisting the urge to punch Thorin while he spoke.
"You look down on me for this but I did not ask for it… I did not want my kin imprisoned because my body attracts such a monster… If I knew it would have spared them I would have begged Aulë to have killed me at birth…"
The elven prince paced with deep, angering, huffs as he struggled to accept Thorin's words were true. Thranduil's actions over the past weeks ran through his mind and slowly the elven prince came to a stop. He stared in disbelief but knew something was happening to his father. After a deep breath, he calmed himself back into his rational mind.
"He has changed… It has not gone unnoticed… Now he is depressed and everyone in this kingdom can connect his feelings to your own. So why are you in this state?"
"Because I am the reason Erebor fell…"
Legolas turned around with slight confusion.
"You have known that since the beginning have you not?"
Thorin shook his head viciously with tears streaming down his cheeks.
"No! Before he was after the arkenstone! It wouldn't have mattered if I was involved or not! Now I only have myself to blame…"
Legolas hummed curiously with sarcasm filling his voice.
"Who did you blame before then?"
The elf's statement only caused the dwarf to sulk.
"Pathetic."
"Say what you will… There is nothing now…"
"You're abandoning your family so easily? Who will save them if you give up?"
How am I to save them?
Do you really think it's that simple!
The reminder of the dwarf's hopeless mission pulled him out of his sulking. He had given up on them and himself but deeply struggled to accept his own surrender.
"And you! Will you stop following your father's orders?!"
Legolas merely chuckled at the dwarf's angry retort and turned to look over the kingdom. His attitude changed now that Thorin grew back his spine.
"Maybe one day. But for now, will you continue to sulk or will you grow up? Not that your height would change, mind you."
"Bastard…"
A sharp glare pierced the elf's backside.
"I thought elves aged differently than other races. Would that not mean you are the same age as myself?"
There was a boisterous laugh towards the dwarf's comment.
"Not even a child would be as pitiful as you."
Thorin's glare slowly died as he took the comment to heart. He returned to sulking into the throne, remembering his naivety.
"If you're done mocking me please leave…"
"Father's orders. I am to stay here until he returns this time."
"Then don't talk…"
"Why haven't you run away yet?"
"Because I cannot navigate your forest… That has already been proven futile."
"Why did you not try in Erebor?"
The faces of the Durin's scorning faces flashed through the dwarf's mind the day he ran down the dungeon's steps to tell them to flee.
"What makes you think I didn't try…"
Legolas didn't respond and lost himself in thought. The smug expression on his face turned into bitter disgust but the realization was clear in his mind.
The reasons behind the attack on Erebor always drawn the elven prince's suspicions. Wealth did not demand that the elves take over the mountain's resources. They were prosperous on their own but now their futures dwindled from the lack of elves needed to secure their own borders.
Too many were being used to watch over the imprisoned dwarves while the orcs raged through their forest. It was a possible outcome that the elven prince foresaw. He trusted his king but as he watched his father's ruling descend into chaos, Legolas knew his father was wrong.
"How can my father have affections for a dwarf?…"
"I don't know… That is only what he claims though his actions suggest otherwise…"
A deep sigh left the elven prince's chest.
"The last time I saw my father drawn into depression was during my mother's funeral… He was kinder, even to myself back then. Still odd, but less deranged than he is now. I do not like the idea of it… But it is possible he may love you…"
"Impossible…"
Thorin muttered under his breath and gripped his chain tightly. He turned back to the elf jerking the jeweled chain for the prince to see along with the Elvenking's engraved name on his collar.
"How can this be âzyung?!" (love)
Legolas glanced down the dwarf's chain that unfortunately was still attached to a ring around the dwarf's shaft. The elf prince diverted his eyes and turned away awkwardly. Thorin snarled to himself, detesting his hideous body.
"This is not âzyung…" (love)
"If I could spare you a piece of advice. Don't sulk because of one unfortunate event. You will lose all hope if you continue to dwell on the past."
"Why don't we switch places and I give you that damn speech!"
Legolas sighed and turned, placing his hand on the dwarf's bare shoulder. Thorin flinched and hissed at the elf who was attempting to give him a compassionate look.
"Keep your mind clear and focus on your family. You're their only hope for freedom."
Thorin glared and swatted the elf's hand away.
"And how am I to do that?!"
Tears filled the dwarf's eyes again as he tried to wipe them away but more kept coming. It touched Legolas's biased heart and the elven prince gave the Durin a real consoling smile. The words of truth were bitter in his mouth but the sight of the teary eyed creature he'd always seen as a savage broke through to his compassion. He knew better than anyone else how difficult his father could be.
It was a treasonous plot to go against the king's command and help an enemy but Legolas saw no other way. He pitied the dwarf while worrying about his kingdom. If he could simply bring logic back to his father then it would benefit both the elves and the dwarves.
"My father must care for you… You can see it from his depression… His commands are blind and I am sure he hardly realizes he is still a king. If you truly hold that kind of power over him it may be possible to free them… Use his heart against him…"
"Against him? Why would you want me to do that?"
There was a slight flicker of hope growing in Thorin's eyes as he looked up to the smiling elven prince. Legolas noticed the dwarf's will power returning and smirked with a cocky grin. He chuckled as he turned to run down the throne's steps, leaving behind lighthearted words.
"Because I do not agree with keeping dwarves as slaves. Especially when I have to babysit them."
The playful tease in the elf's voice made the dwarf smile for the first time in days.
"You know you're a lot like your father, leaving like that. Weren't you ordered to stay here this time?"
A loud chuckle bellowed from the elven prince while he cocked his head towards the dwarf.
"I have to start my rebellion somewhere."
Thorin smiled at the exiting elf but quickly frowned soon after. Thoughts of his master's acts of 'love' ran through his mind. The guilt that weighed on his heart from Erebor's fall was lifted slightly but still his emotions stormed from his second problem.
Is this truly what âzyung is? (love)
Stubby fingers lightly glided against the dwarf's collar, feeling every engraved letter. They trailed down the jeweled chain before they left to grip Thorin's forearms. Red trails followed the prince's fingertips as he began to claw himself as the terrifying notion overwhelmed his body.
If this is love, why is it painful…
I was better off not knowing the truth…
This is…
Thorin's teeth chattered as tears filled his eyes again while he gripped his arms tightly.
I know this isn't âzyung! (love)
It doesn't matter if I have never experienced it, I know this is wrong!
You just want to use me in your mind games and Legolas is toying with me!
Echoes of footsteps crawled into Thorin's ear, making his heart stop. He glanced down the long path to see his master returning. A smile grew on the Elvenking's lips as he saw his pet's beautiful blue iris' waiting for him. As he drew closer to the dwarf a sense of pride filled his steps and he held his head high.
"My temporary absence has awoken you. Welcome back my pet."
My heart…
Thorin's to breathe as his heart raced and nerves trembled in panic. Fear of the elf's touch caressing him as if he was a lover made him shudder. Fears of the elf tricking him into giving his heart to his master caused his thoughts to scatter.
It's not âzyung… (love)
It's not âzyung… (love)
His mind raced with each step up closing in and he sat back into the wooden frame. Somewhere in his panicked thoughts Legolas' suggestion switched from lies to truths. Hopes rose and shattered over and over as Thorin imagined different scenarios. Unfortunately his desperation and fear destroyed his sense of logic and he could not put Legolas' plot to good use.
I don't know what to do…
I don't' know what love is…
Thorin jumped from the shocking touch of the elf's hand cupping his face. He hadn't realized his master was already standing in front of him. A gentle kiss to his lips made Thorin's skin crawl and his stomach churn. Instinctively he moved away and his master took notice of his frightened face.
"What's wrong my pet? Are you still unwell?"
Unwell…
He's asking if I'm unwell?….
It may have been the sound of Thranduil's cocky voice or the torment from Legolas early that caused Thorin to snap back into a rage.
"I HATE YOU!"
The sudden boom from the dwarf's voice caused the Elvenking to stagger back. Thranduil shook off his surprise and assumed his pet returned to his former ranting state. He tried again to stroke the dwarf's cheek but his hand was quickly swatted away.
"Don't touch me!"
Thranduil raised his brow with a suggestive look on this face.
"Playing games again?"
"I am not playing games you bastard!"
Fueled by rage the dwarf prince jumped off the throne and charged his master. Thranduil gasped from the unexpected attack, realizing his heels were an inch off the ledge. His eyes widened and he snatched a bundle of the dwarf's hair.
Thorin hissed and snarled as his body was forced to lean over the edge with his tip-toes grounding him slightly. He held onto his master's wrist to avoid plummeting, not that the fall would have broken his bones.
"Kill me elf! Rid me of this wretched existence!"
Thranduil's fist tightened in Thorin's hair. He glared at his defiant pet but the idea of the dwarf's death made him ill and he hissed venomously.
"Why do you insist on death?"
Thorin roared and dug his dirtied nails into the elf's skin.
"So I can get away from you!"
"What?..."
Confusion filled Thranduil's mind and he pulled Thorin back to his feet. Quickly the dwarf batted the elf's arms away and stood by the throne.
Thoughts ran through the king's mind as he stared intently into his pet's engaged eyes. His pride had returned for a moment as he believed his actions returned Thorin's mind to him. However the dwarf merely returned to his mental state before the silence came. Thranduil searched his mind for a new answer and recalled the night he first made Thorin cry.
"Do you miss your family?"
"DON'T MENTION THEM! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK OF THEM!"
Thorin hollered with his crackling voice, bearing his teeth and cursing the elf.
I hate you!
I HATE YOU!
Tears filled the corners of the seething dwarf's eyes. With one deep breath Thorin charged his master, tackling him off of the platform. There was a hard thud as Thranduil hit the ground first and hissed at the unruly attack.
There was a heavy sensation on his chest as he noticed his pet landed on top of him. He was about to shove the dwarf off until he heard the muffled sounds of Thorin sobbing into his robes. Thranduil's hand stopped cold as he eyed his pet clinging to him in tears.
"Why did you pick me?…"
The Elvenking was at a loss every time his pet cried. They tore down his pride and anger, bringing him down from his kingly rank to that of a commoner. Thranduil knew this was his fault. He didn't know how or why, but his beloved pet only ever cried after his own actions.
He didn't know how to proceed or what actions wouldn't cause more tears to fall. Instinctively he carefully stroked the dwarf's hair, giving his pet a grievous look.
"Don't lie to me and tell me you have a heart… Âzyung is… It's… It's not this!" (love)
Tears soaked the Elvenking's robes as his pet's reddened eyes squinted at him. Thranduil puzzled over the dwarf's words with a hurt-filled expression. He held Thorin tightly as he pushed himself to sit with the prince in his lap.
"My heart belongs to you my pet. Why must you say such things?..."
Liar…
The dwarf curled into a ball, shaking and clenching his fists tightly. His master's unsure hands embraced him tighter.
I'm only your sex toy…
Thranduil pressed his lips against the dwarf's head Thorin shoved himself away. He scuttled to his feet and found the strength to scream at his master again.
"No! I am only a toy! Do not confuse that with âzyung!" (love)
Frustration filled the elf's eyes as he tried to find some understanding to his pet's madness. Everything he sacrificed to his pet was rejected. It infuriated him, not knowing why. He was laying on the ground like a mongrel with dirt falling off his robes and hair. Even with his pride and dignity gone the dwarf refused the Elvenking's heart.
It pained and confused him beyond all reason. Why would the dwarf tell him his own feelings? Why must the young prince call the elf's heart a lie when it beats profusely in worry for the dwarf? He stood with his thoughts racing for a reason to this madness and stepped towards his pet.
"Have I not shown you enough affection?"
"That is not love!"
Unable to withstand the accusations any longer Thranduil launched and grabbed Thorin's arms.
"Release me!"
"My heart beats for you alone."
Thorin yelped as his master pinned him to the ground and kissed him hard. He squirmed but the Elvenking grabbed his head to keep him still. A desperate elven tongue tried to push passed the tightened dwarf's lips only to meet clenched teeth. Arms thrashed around and dirtied hands managed to rip Thranduil's crown off. The Elvenking was a mess, acting without care for his status, rolling in the dirt to prove his feelings were true.
Thranduil pinned the dwarf's wrists and began lowering his tongue down the dwarf's flailing body. He licked a pathway through the dark hair lining the Durin's stomach and Thorin attempted to kick him away.
"Get away from me elf!"
A sudden gasp slipped from the dwarf's mouth as his master's lips encased his softened cock. For a moment Thorin was paralyzed with unknown fear until he broke free with a scream.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
Thranduil ignored the sharp hisses and grunts as he attempted to arouse his pet with desperate licks around the dwarf's foreskin. Thorin cursed and continued to shout, making the elf panic from his constant failed actions. Quickly Thranduil flipped Thorin onto his back. Before the dwarf could retaliate the elf began to lick the small entrance but stopped when his pet sobbed again, trembling as he laid still.
The Elvenking's eyes widened with fear that his pet was falling back into the silent world where the elf could not reach him.
"Don't…"
"Leave me alone…"
A deep breath was released from Thranduil's chest as he was relieved to hear the dwarf still talking to him. He smiled with hopeless sadness and laid beside his pet. The Elvenking placed his arm protectively over Thorin's back, praying he wouldn't lose him again.
The Durin could feel the elf's breath pouring like ice down his spine.
This isn't how you love someone…
It's not…
The dwarf prince repeated his words over and over while his master stroked his back. He was forcibly turned and could barely see the Elvenking's face through his bloodshot eyes.
Thranduil starred frantically into Thorin's pupils, making sure his pet was still responsive. The dwarf's eyes moved over the elf's face until he received an awkward smile. The elf was lost but his beloved possession was still within in his arms. He leaned in to kiss the dwarf but Thorin's head twitched slightly back. The Elvenking paused for a moment but continued, placing his lips on the dwarf's cheek instead.
Thorin turned away and Thranduil's smile vanished.
I want to escape this place…
Without a word the dwarf slowly stood, receiving no resistance from his master. Thranduil desperately wanted to keep his pet close but feared sending Thorin back into that dreaded state. He sat, watching the Durin quietly walk away from him.
For a moment the Elvenking glanced at his tossed crown, feeling his dignity trying to return and beg him to stop loving his slave. Thorin was destroying him bit by bit. He hardly cared for his kingdoms welfare or his crown.
Without the crying dwarf in his sight the Elvenking began to think a bit clearer. As he stared at his crown with a single broken leaf he realized he was not a king anymore. But that wouldn't stop him from returning to his rightful throne.
Thranduil stood and picked up his crown, staring intently. He reminded himself of what king was. A king did not bow to his own heart and risk everything for one slave. A king does not lay on the ground or dirty himself for anyone. He sits proudly on his throne with an unwavering rule.
That was what the Elvenking told himself. He smiled and raised his head proudly, about to bury his heart's feelings back into the dark depths of his mind.
An odd sound of rocks and scuffling dirt made his ear twitch. He turned just as the sound of a splash echoed from beneath the raised platform of his throne. Thranduil's heart stopped and his eyes widened. Thorin was gone and the only water source the sound could have come from was the river down below.
Dropping his crown, he ran to the edge of the platform glancing around in a panic. Thorin surfaced in the river below, still fully conscious. The Elvenking immediately hopped down from tree root to rock, not sparing a second to question why the dwarf had fallen. Thranduil's heart was too strong to be overpowered by kingship. He was about to lose his beloved pet forever if he did not hurry.
Thorin's body was swept further downstream but Thranduil was approaching quickly as he ran and jumped from one ledge to another. Other elves' noticed their king's odd behavior and hollered for assistance.
Unknown to Thranduil, Thorin had purposely jumped in order to swim towards his favored hideaway on the river bank. He knew it wasn't going to be a secret now but he needed to find solace in familiar surroundings. The river turned around a corner, cutting off the Elvenking's sight. Meanwhile Thorin managed to cling to a root and pulled himself to shore.
Home…
The dwarf's eyes glossed over as he gazed at the large boulders and rocks that mostly covered the muddy bank. He laid down with his cheek pressed to the hard stone and lost himself as a fantasy of Erebor engulfed his mind.
I'm home…
Thranduil finally caught up to his pet with his heart racing in fear. He spotted Thorin standing alive and well and immediately dropped to his knees, regardless of the mud staining his clothes, and embraced his pet.
"No!"
Thorin's fantasy grew dark and he began to thrash, fighting off the shadow that pulled him away from his dream. He broke free from the elf's trembling fingers laid in the mud, curling around a large boulder.
"Not another nightmare!"
Thranduil gasped from the dwarf's shout and stared at Thorin's wet, shaking body, whimpering against the stone. Pain flooded through the Elvenking's nerves that had not settled from the heart-ripping fear he had just endured. Thorin called him a nightmare and the elf was lost for words.
Thorin's hands held onto the stone protectively and the Elvenking placed his trembling palm on the dwarf's shoulder. To Thranduil's surprise the prince breathed deeply until his body relaxed. A relieving yet pained look claimed the Elvenking's and he laid behind his pet, wrapping his arm around Thorin's waist. It did not appear as though he was the nightmare Thorin was shouting at.
"Don't be afraid my pet…"
A gentle hum filled the prince's fantasy with warmth. He smiled at the vision of his family welcoming him home from a hunt. Their happy faces filled him with joy and he embraced his family tightly.
Frerin, Dis, father, grandfather….
Outside of his fantasy the dwarf's hand reached for his master's arm and encouraged it to hold him closer. Thranduil smiled and slipped his hand to gently cup the dwarf's muddied cheek. Thorin stirred in his dream, welcoming the warm touch.
The Elvenking turned the dwarf's head and kissed his pet's lips. At first the prince kissed back, feeling a warm light surrounding him. However he realized that such a bright light had no place in his fantasy and he slowly opened his eyes to the dark shadow looming above him.
"Why do you keep tearing me away from them?… Can't I dream in peace…"
Thranduil's eyes stared in disbelief. He was the nightmare indeed that haunted the prince. Quietly he turned away and left the dwarf to return to his fantasy. The Elvenking stood, glancing up at his halls, questioning his decisions.
Afraid Thorin would disappear again, he turned back and starred at the still dwarf. All Thranduil wanted was to embrace his pet but he could not bear disturbing the dwarf's blissful state again. He didn't know what to do and so he starred longingly for his pet, wishing he had an answer.
Legolas managed to locate his father in the chaos of shouts from the guards running about. When he ran down the steps and noticed Thranduil covered in mud without his crown, he immediately sent the other elves away.
"Father!"
The Elvenking didn't move as he stood there gazing at his pet. Legolas walked over with a befuddled look at his father's bizarre appearance. Thranduil starred aimlessly into the dwarf's hair, contemplating his failures.
He realized his son was standing there and his voice was soft with despair.
"What did you say to him?..."
The elven prince raised his brow, unsure what had just happened. Ignoring his father's question he asked one of his own.
"What happened up there?"
Thranduil didn't answer and walked passed his son. Legolas followed Thranduil to the stairs and in seconds his back was pressed against a wall with a hand clamping around his throat.
(s)"MAN AGOREL!"(s) (What did you do!)
A venomous words spewed out of the Elvenking's mouth in his elvish tongue. He realized in an instant his son was the only one who could have caused this change in Thorin.
Legolas coughed and struggled against his father's strength but it only increased Thranduil's rage. He managed to choke out a response, praying it might quell the king's anger.
(s)" Im… naro … me lle hain…"(s) (I… told… you love it…)
A sharp hiss seethed through the king's teeth before he released his son who collapsed against the wall, struggling to breath. Legolas kept his eyes on his father, afraid of another outburst. The Elvenking merely glared while waiting for another answer. Danger loomed in the air and Legolas knew he had to continue to play out his plot to help his kingdom.
"Are you blaming me that your pitiful dwarf can't recognize our traditions? They're an inferior race father. You should stop wasting your time trying to court him when he cannot even understand the words meaning."
Despite the miscalculated attack from his father, Legolas knew how to manipulate him into accepting a challenge. Every word he spoke was a clever lie since he had always been the judgmental type. His prior biased views and complaints proved helpful in tricking his father.
"What do you mean when you say he does not understand?"
Pleased that his father fell for his tricks Legolas curled his lip in disgust to continue his act.
"Your pet believes a marriage proposal involves rolling with boars, though I suppose without those animals that mud you're covered in was merely an invitation."
The Elvenking looked at his son oddly who motioned towards his muddied clothes and dirtied face. Thranduil glanced at Thorin contemplating if it was a possible sign the dwarf was accepting his heart. Legolas could see the curiosity build in his father's eyes and laughed in his lying persona.
"But I know nothing. I would prefer you dispose of that creature before the whole kingdom reeks of his vile odor."
A haunting twist of the Elvenking's head with a freighting glare made Legolas jump back instinctively. Thranduil shook his head displeasingly at his son.
"Even you are still too young to understand."
"I know that you are wasting your time father."
"I am king and I will do as I please."
"Even if that means sacrificing your own kingdom for this trivial pursuit of a dwarf's cold heart?"
"No heart is too frozen for a fire to melt. He will change in time."
"And how do you plan to do that? More disgraceful displays that even one of his kind cringes at?"
Thranduil glanced over his pet in quiet thought. Despite his son's unknown actions that turned his pet against him, he felt his heart holding onto renewed hope. Thorin was not born into such a privileged race as the blessed elves. Who knew what bizarre rituals the dwarves had passed down through generations?
It was enough information to make the Elvenking realize he had not tried everything and there was still a chance his love would be accepted by the dwarf. A day he might no longer be considered a nightmare by the Durin prince.
"I will win him over in time…"
Legolas raised his brow to his father who returned to the dwarf's side with a gentle smile.
Thorin was pleasantly enjoyed his fantasy as his family ate a miraculous feast. However he saw that familiar shadow in the corner of his mind creeping towards him and instantly hollered back to it.
"No, get away!"
The prince thrashed again as the shadow wrapped around his body and snatched him away from his family. They disappeared from his sight and the sounds of running water returned to his ears.
"Don't take me!"
Legolas sighed at the sight of his father struggling to hold the dwarf still. He walked over and picked up a large rock.
"Just give the pitiful creature a stone to stop his wailing."
The Elvenking glanced awkwardly from his son back to his pet. Legolas shoved the rock into the Durin's hands, watching the dwarf immediately stop.
Tears filled the dwarf's eyes as he gazed down at the symbol of his family. Stroking its smooth surface with his fingertips.
This is all they are…
A memory trapped in cheap rock…
How pitiful that his is the only thing that keeps my heart close to them…
I wish I could stay in my dreams but I realize that cannot happen here…
Knowing it was time to return to his misery the dwarf held the stone tightly to his chest. The Elvenking smiled in relief when the dwarf curled into him and proceeded to carry his pet back to his chambers. A concealed look of concern glanced over the Durin as he passed by Legolas. The dwarf hid his face beneath his dark locks, knowing he had failed the elven prince.
Once inside the Elvenking's chambers they bathed and washed the mud and twigs from their hair. After they dried Thranduil changed into new clothes and brought his pet elsewhere. Thorin didn't care to notice they had entered the elf's study. He clutched the stone he brought with him tightly as he was set down between a few piles of ledgers.
Thorin kept track of his master while the elf walked around the room and flicked through old texts in search of something. Thranduil found something that might contain information on dwarves and sat in the chair beside Thorin, reading to himself.
The Durin prince laid himself down over loose and crumping paper, resting his head on a few books while he stroked the surface of his rock.
Even though you are unpolished you are still beautiful…
You do not attract the attention of an elf…
They care nothing for your beauty and only for refined gems.
I envy you.
I never was an attractive dwarf and now I know why…
I was never meant to stay in Durin's halls…
Is this hell? Was I killed in the raid and taken by a demon?
I don't know how much longer I can withstand his mind games.
Legolas is wrong. There's no one who can save us…
Incoherent thoughts continued to puzzle the dwarf while he coddled his rock in despair. Sounds of his master's irritable fingers flipping through pages were soon followed by a pitying voice.
"My dear King Thingol, those wretched dwarves and their insatiable greed…"
The sound of Thranduil's scorning tone made Thorin cringe. He also knew the history of King Thingol as well but always the elves obscured the facts in order to hide his corruption. It aggravated the dwarf enough to correct his master.
"That king was no less greedy than those of Nogrod. Why do elves continuously deny faults in their own race?"
A wide eyed Elvenking gawked with knowledgeable pet. He placed his book aside and fell to his hands and knees, hovering over the dwarf's body.
Thorin's flinched, cowering under his arms to protect his lips, expecting an unwanted kiss. But the Elvenking chuckled and merely picked the dwarf off the floor, bringing him to the chair. Thorin glared while sitting in the elf's lap with his hand covering his mouth.
The Elvenking grabbed his book and held it open with his arm around Thorin's hip.
"Read it."
The Durin snapped but kept his lips protected.
"I don't read elvish you idiot."
"Are you blaming your ignorance on me?"
"Bastard."
Thranduil rested his cheek against his pet's gentle hair and translated out loud. To Thorin's dismay it was only a biased display of how the elves rewrite their own history to purposely besmirch the dwarves.
Is he trying to piss me off?
He's doing this on purpose so I'll speak to him.
The disgruntled Durin clenched his teeth and refrained from speaking while his master finished the book. Thranduil gave a depressing sigh while he placed it aside.
"Pet."
"No."
Thorin turned away, covering his mouth but Thranduil ignored his response.
"How do dwarves court each other?"
The hell?…
There was a light yip from the prince as his master leaned him back and spread Thorin's legs apart. Delicate fingers walked down the dwarf's blue-green chain towards his limp shaft.
"It doesn't seem your race appreciates these kinds of affections, despite my best efforts."
With a final touch of the elf's fingers strutting down his cock, Thorin shuddered with bile rising in his throat.
He wants to know how he can trick me?
I'll never care for you!
"Go to hell elf!"
Another dejected sigh came from Thranduil but he tried to smile kindly to his pet.
"Is this a test to prove myself? I accept it."
Thorin stared at his master dumbfounded. His lack of response encouraged the Elvenking to steal a long kiss. When the prince realized his lips were locked against Thranduil's again he immediately pushed the elf back. There was a hint of fear in the elf's eyes as he stared at the prince.
"I will not allow you to disappear again…"
Bastard!
Our time will come and you elves will bow down to the might of the dwarves!
It will be you kneeling before my feet and begging for mercy!
Obvious threats glimmered in the dwarf's angered eyes and the Elvenking's heart dropped. He held the enraged body tightly and began whispering a chant of incoherent words. They seemed oddly familiar in the dwarf's ear but he couldn't place them.
Why do I feel tired all of a sudden…
"What did… you do…"
"Shh."
Thorin's head swayed as the room spun in his vision. Thranduil covered the dwarf's eyes until the prince passed out. He took the dwarf back to his room and summoned his son.
Legolas found his father combing the sleeping dwarf's hair. The elven prince had retrieved his father's crown before anyone took notice and placed in on a nearby dresser.
"What's wrong with him now?"
Thranduil glanced at Thorin sadly, not looking at his son.
"We do not have any texts with information about dwarves."
"And why is that my problem?"
Legolas' callous attitude received an ice glare from his king.
"Go to Erebor and retrieve all the scripts you can find."
Legolas gave his father an absurdly mocking look.
"There would be thousands written in their grotesque language. What are you looking for? You cannot read them."
"Do not question your king. That is all."
The seething prince slammed the door shut as he left. Thranduil sighed but his ears picked up the sounds of falling pebbles. He glanced around his room for its location and noticed a few more dropping from a cranny in his wall. Upon inspection of the area he noticed a bunch more stuffed into a crevice.
"Why are these here?"
There was a subtle whiff of the dwarf's sent and Thranduil smiled gently towards his pet. He placed them beside his sleeping dwarf's head.
"Do hard stones reach your heart more than my hands against your skin?"
Intrigue picked at the elf's mind as he starred at the simple objects. They were nothing of value compared to the beautiful chain of jewels he had bestowed upon his pet.
Thranduil trailed his fingertips under Thorin's chain, watching each gem sparkle.
"Perhaps I have not given ones worthy of your approval yet."