Hey guys! Back again with a new chapter and probably the last one till the new year unless I find any time to get back on my laptop! I've got a super busy week planned and I donno when I'm going to get a chance to write again! I was kind of hoping my chapters would line up with Christmas so I could do a seasonal bit - but they're still a way off, so it's a no go!
I saw DoS The other week, like I said I was going to XD And, I don't want to be the unpopular one because i really DID enjoy it, but it was a bit disappointing to me. They didn't spend enough time in Beorn's house, nor Mirkwood in my opinion - it all moved a bit fast and they added in a lot of things that weren't in the book while missing out bits from the book that I actually would have quite liked to have seen... idk. But yeah, it was good, just not what I was expecting.
Thank you sooooooo much to all my lovely new followers and favourites! And of course all my love to the reviewers, you really do make my writing worth while and I do this because YOU are all so lovely and I want you to enjoy my story.
ilovemedia18: Ah well you'll have to wait and see! (You've made a pretty good guess though!) I think Rúin will be keeping the book situation well under her hat and never, ever letting Dwalin know if she can help it!
OfMiceAndMen: KEEP WAITING! You'll get one eventually!
Sam0728: I'm really glad you like the way they're getting to know each other, I don't really see Thorin as being the type of person to jump straight in! My views on the film are mixed, but I'd definitely recommend going to see it.
Evil People's Underwear: Here's an update just for you ;) I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far and I hope I can update quick enough for you (the next week or so not included I'm afraid!)
Silentsister: Yes, you'll be getting a look at Dis in a few chapters - when Durin's day rolls around! Keep your eyes peeled.
Chapter 13
There is a lot of activity in the opening hall of Erebor this morning, which makes it annoyingly hard to spot my siblings in amongst the crowd. I have been waiting here for twenty minutes already – pack over one shoulder and eager to go – but neither of them have made an appearance yet.
It is Trúin's fault, though I suppose I cannot blame her really.
Last night Brúin suggested that the two of us go hunting for a few days, since he has finally grown tired of training and wanted to get out of the mountain for a while. I agreed, more than happy to wander the wilds as we often have over the years.
It was while we were making these plans that my father proposed that my sister might like to come along with us. I had assumed that she would not want to come, as had my brother, but to our collective surprise she decided that yes, she would quite like to join us.
That was fine, not a problem at all – in fact I suspected it might lead to some extra amusement for myself, since Trúin has never been what one might call outdoorsy – until it became woefully clear that my eldest sibling had absolutely no equipment for a hunting trip, only a bed roll left over from our trip to Erebor.
I provided clothing for her - some comfortable trousers, a shirt and over tunic and a pair of slightly worn boots which I hoped would fit her smaller feet. None of these items seemed to please her, but she finally saw the sense of not wearing one of her fancy dresses out into the world.
Brúin and Trúin disappeared early this morning to visit the market and pick up the last of her supplies, which shouldn't have taken too long. Yet they still hadn't arrived.
I huff and tug on my own jacket, growing impatient. I shouldn't be surprised really. Brúin is notoriously bad at not being where he needs to be on time, and Trúin has the ability to string out a thirty minute shopping trip into a several hour long one. In hindsight I should probably have gone alone.
While silently berating myself for letting both of them go instead of myself I spot two familiar figures coming towards me – though not the two I had been expecting.
"Good morning Princes." I say, smiling as Fili and Kili come to a stop in front of me, both wearing their own coats, with weapons strapped firmly into place. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Uncle is going to visit Dale," Fili tells me. "So we're going too."
"Why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?" Kili asks me in a vaguely accusing tone, the start of a frown creasing his forehead.
I look down at myself, clad in my thick soled boots, my neutral coloured clothing with an hand axe on one hip, a sword on the other and a quiver of arrows on my back. I thought it had been obvious, but apparently not.
"I'm going back to Nordinbad. Erebor is too fancy for me." I say, smiling because I can't keep a straight face. I thought you would be able to spot my lie, but Fili's eyes widen and his younger brothers jaw all but hits the floor.
"What!" Fili shouts, louder than I think even he was expecting. "Why?"
"But you can't!" Kili protests right over his brother's complaints. "Rúin!"
"Calm down," I say quickly, not wanting them to get too wound up and start drawing attention to us – there really are a lot of people around."I'm joking!"
"That's not funny!" Kili tells me, folding his arms across his chest with a fierce pout. "You worried me! Why would you say that?"
"Foolishly I thought that the two of you could take a joke," I say, rolling my eyes at them. "Apparently I was mistaken – you can stop looking at me like that Kili, I have learned my lesson, I shan't try to be funny again."
"Well if you aren't leaving then where are you going?" Fili asks, returning to the previous question while his brother grumps moodily beside him.
"I'm going hunting with my brother and sister, if they ever decide to turn up." I tell them, glancing around as I speak, looking for my missing siblings.
"You're going hunting?" Kili asks, pour gone and replaced by a grin. "Where?"
"Somewhere along the river I suspect," I say, shrugging. "Brúin wanted to try some spear fishing."
"Spear fishing?" Fili repeats curiously.
I nod, but don't elaborate as I see Brúin weaving his way between the people in the hall, my sister trailing behind and looking extremely uncomfortable in her borrowed trousers. I can't remember the last time I saw her wearing anything but a dress – she even wore one on our journey here.
"Mahal's beard, finally!" I say once they too come and join me. "What took you so long?"
"Trúin was searching for the perfect hunting coat." My brother tells me with a grin. I frown and look over my sister, who I see now is donning a very expensive looking over coat which is entirely inappropriate for its purpose.
"Oh, well as long as it was important," I grumble, turning and heading for the wide doors that will lead us out of the mountain. "Come on, let's go."
Fili and Kili walk along with me, chattering quietly to each other – no doubt trying to scheme up a way to get me back for telling them I was leaving earlier.
"Wait a moment, Rúin. Why is His Majesty here?" Trúin asks, neck straining to watch Thorin Oakenshield as he converses with the guards at Erebor's gate. I follow her gaze and shrug.
"We're going down to Dale." Kili says, answering my sister question.
Trúin hesitates for a moment, looking between me and Brúin and the King under the Mountain – I can almost see the cogs turning in her mind, knowing she is going to miss out on time spent with his Majesty if she comes with us.
We draw up beside the King and at that moment an annoyingly familiar voice pipes up with – "Trúin, dear is that you?"
Turning with a barely concealed groan my sister smiles warmly as Amrlin strolls up to us, wearing a brilliant forest green dress which makes even me feel shabby. And as if things couldn't get any worse the King under the Mountain turns around to join us, nodding to each of us in turn.
There is a round of awkward bowing and curtseying which I could really do without – all I wanted to do was go hunting!
"Amrlin, how lovely to see you," Trúin says. Brúin snorts and I elbow him with a frown as Amrlin regards the two of us coolly. "I trust you are well?"
"Much better than you I should say!" Amrlin says with a high laugh, her attention back on my sister. "Why, whatever are you wearing my dear? Surely money isn't so scarce that you're down to rags."
Since Trúin is wearing my clothes I am mildly offended by this, and am in half a mind to point out that while they might not be as expensive as Amrlin's stupid dress they are still of good quality – but Trúin answers before I do.
"Not at all dear," Trúin smiles. "I was going hunting with my siblings – they both assure me that a dress is not quite the right attire for such things."
"You're going hunting?" King Thorin questions, looking from Brúin, to me, to my sister with a creased brow. I nod, unsure as to whom he was addressing.
"That was our original plan, though..," Trúin trails off, eyeing Amrlin.
"You're welcome to stay here, if you wish." Brúin says, inclining his head to our sister who is visibly torn between coming with us – like she said she would – and going to Dale with His Majesty as Amrlin is doing.
"Can we come?" Fili asks, looking at me with big eyes that are mirrored even more effectively by his brother.
"I'd much rather go hunting than shopping!" Kili adds quickly, sliding his eyes to Thorin who is full on frowning.
"I do not care who comes and who doesn't," I say, exhaling loudly in annoyance. "Only decide now so that we might actually leave before darkness falls."
.-
Several minutes later and no headway has been made on who is going where and doing what – if anything things have gotten worse. Thorin is grumbling quietly with his nephews off to the side, evidently against them running off into the wilderness with Brúin and I – while the boys are stubbornly against any other course of action. Trúin is changing her mind every other moment, unsure where to go while Amrlin is subtly trying to undermine everyone else.
I have had enough, and Brúin is looking just as tired of waiting around. He catches my eye, shrugs and takes a step backwards and out of the conversation – I follow.
"Well that was more trouble than it was worth." I grumble, sidestepping around his Majesty and the Princes as my brother and I head out.
"Isn't it always?" Brúin questions, chuckling out loud. "I knew we should have just snuck out at first light."
I huff and shake my head, glad to be moving. Though we only manage to get a few steps before the stately voice of Thorin Oakenshield calls out: "Lord Brúin, Lady Rúin."
"Oh Mahal," I turn, sighing dramatically, just loud enough for Brúin to hear. "I knew it was too good to be true."
Brúin laughs and we are both awarded with a stern glare from his Majesty as he comes to a stop in front of us, nephews a step behind.
"My apologies, was I boring you?" Thorin asks with an icy tone and I feel like I'm being lectured by my old school tutor again. Brúin and I keep quiet, because the honest answer would probably get both of us in trouble – unfortunately this course of action makes our feelings equally as obvious.
"Not as such, your Highness," I say, seeing that he expects an answer. "But I have already waited an hour to leave and would rather not delay longer."
"I see," His Majesty says, looking between my brother and I for a moment. "Fili, Kili, tell the guard that we're leaving."
"Yes Uncle." The older of the two boys says, turning away back through the gates with his brother a step behind.
"I suppose I should go and see what Trúin is doing." Brúin says with a sigh, rubbing his beard. He bows to the King. "Go on ahead, I'll meet you there."
"Try not to get lost." I tell him with a roll of my eyes as he disappears back the way we came. For a brief moment I wonder why none of my plans ever turn out how I want them to – then I remember that I am still in the company of the King under the Mountain. "Ah, well then, your Highness, if you'll excuse me!"
I make to curtsey but Thorin cuts me off before I can move.
"Walk with me." He commands, striding off towards Dale without waiting for me to agree. I frown after his back, but he doesn't turn to see if I am following – here is a dwarf very used to having his orders obeyed- for a brief moment I debate crossing my arms over my chest and ignoring him. I think better of it and catch up a second later.
Despite the order to walk with him, Thorin waits a few beats to start talking.
"My nephews still wish to accompany you," He tells me, as if there had been any chance of either boys changing their minds. "I have my reservations for there are many dangers that would seek to harm the heirs of Durin but I cannot command them to remain here."
I frown slightly, watching the King under the Mountain out of the corner of my eye. He keeps his face turned forward, eyes straight ahead.
"I suspect you could, being the King and all." I put in, unsure of where this is going.
"Do you really think, having met my nephews, that my word alone will keep them from doing something if they really want to do it?" Thorin asks, raising an eyebrow at me. I smirk despite myself.
"I should think not – not for long, anyway," I say, Thorin nods his head. "Though I hardly think they will make too much trouble out in the low lands. We will only be gone a few days."
"Ha!" Thorin lets out a bark of laughter which startles me more than I'd care to admit. "A few days is more than enough time for them to wreak havoc – Kili alone could set the whole of Mirkwood ablaze in half the time – not that that would be such a great loss."
It is probably rude to roll your eyes at the King, but I do it anyway.
"Did the elves of the Greenwood not save your life?" I question. That is the story I was told – after the Battle of The Five Armies it was the Elven King who offered the healing supplies and know how to keep the line of Durin alive.
Thorin rumbles quietly to himself for a few moments. He mutters something in Khuzdul which sounds suspiciously like "Zurm anjajálh!" which earns him another eye roll. "Be that as it may, my line is not without its enemies and I would not see my nephews injured."
"Of that I have no doubt but if you are hoping I will promise that they will come to no harm then I'm afraid I must disappoint you," I tell him. "While it is extremely unlikely, there are accidents – Brúin once stabbed himself in the leg when deer hunting from horseback – though he need not know that I told you that."
"And your brother wishes to become part of my personal guard?" The King muses. I panic for a moment before I see the slight curve of his lip, indicating that perhaps he is joking, something I am still unused to from his usual grumpy demeanour. "I only wish to make you aware."
"Consider me aware, your Highness," I say. "Though I daresay there is nothing out there that would trouble your lads."
"I hope you are right." Thorin says, sombrely.
We walk in silence for a while longer, the city of Dale coming closer and closer. Behind me I can see Fili and Kili trying to catch up without actually sprinting – probably wondering if their Uncle intends to allow them to leave the Mountain – and behind them the collective group of guards and following ladies.
"You did not mention you were leaving, when last we spoke." Thorin says a moment later.
"I did not know until last night," I say shrugging. "Brúin is nothing is not spontaneous."
"I see." The King under the Mountain says. We reach the outskirts of Dale and stop, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Fili and Kili reach us within the minute, grinning like fools.
"Lady Rúin has agreed to let the two of you join her," Thorin says, his voice a low rumble. "I trust you will behave in a manner fitting of the Princes of Erebor."
"Yes Uncle!" The two younger dwarves say, grinning widely at the news – though I doubt any of us expect them to actually follow through with it. His Majesty nods. I watch with a smile as the two boys chat excitedly.
Brúin appears next strolling at a leisurely pace as if he has all the time in the world, with the ladies and guards following a few steps behind.
"Well better late than never!" Brúin says jovially as he comes to a stop beside us. "And I take it from the looks on our Princes faces that they too are coming!"
"Observant as ever, brother," I say with a smile. "And what is your decision, Trúin?"
"I should be interested to hear about your trip, when you return" Thorin says to her, before my sister can answer. She pauses, re-assessing her original comment.
"Yes, well I suppose.." Trúin says after a moment. "Certainly, your Highness."
"Excellent, shall we go?" I question. Fili and Kili give a cheer and the five of us finally leave – after the boys receive one last stern talking to from Captain Dwalin, who is none too happy to have them running off without their own guard.
.
.
The rest of the first day is spent walking to our destination, with no complaints from the lads but plenty of grumbling from my sister, who has never had to walk so far without the assistance of a pony before.
By the time we have found a suitable place to camp, eaten the supplies I bought with me and sorted out bedding for the Princes – who came along with nothing but their weapons – there is little else to do but sleep.
Brúin builds a fire with Kili's help while Fili and I decide on who will take first watch – Trúin is already asleep. With that sorted I sit down to watch the flames as the others settle down to sleep around me.
.
The next morning I wake up to the sound of Brúin whistling quietly as he stokes the fire. I sit up, feeling groggy and annoyed at the sunlight coming through the trees above, straight into my eyes.
It isn't an overly warm morning, we are almost at the end of Autumn and Durin's Day will soon be upon us, but the slight heat of the sun takes the edge off.
"Ah, good morning sister," Brúin greets, raising a hand as I heave to my feet and stumble over to warm my hands on the fire. "Looking as radiant as ever."
"Lukham tharák!" I grumble, running a hand through my dishevelled hair which I have to unbraid and re-plait to get it under control. "How long have you been awake?"
"I took Trúin's shift," Brúin tells me, chuckling. "A little walking and she's exhausted."
"And the Princes?" I question, looking over at the light hair of Fili and the dark head of Kili that are the only visible part of the two younger dwarves who have burrowed deep into their covers.
"Not a peep since I took over from Fili." Brúin says.
I nod, yawn and push to my feet with a satisfying stretch at the end. Returning to my bedroll I snatch up my bow and quiver, then head towards the trees that form a protective curve around our campsite.
Brúin doesn't ask where I'm going. It is customary for me to search out breakfast while he provides dinner and since we no longer have any supplies – I packed for three people, not five – I will need to bring back enough to feed everyone.
Before I go searching for breakfast I take care of my needs, then wash my face in the river. It's a small un-named tributary from a larger body that flows down from the Grey mountains and deposits into a little lake a half day's walk from Erebor. This is where Brúin hopes to try his spear fishing.
I leave the shelter of the trees and head onto the flatlands that stretch out to the foot of the Greys. There are small pockets of trees that survived Smaug's reign, but most of it is scrub land, hardy plants and long grasses interspersed with large rock formations – the perfect place for rabbits and deer to hide.
It doesn't take long for me to spot movement in the grass, the rabbits have had ten years since the dragon was killed and they haven't wasted time taking their territory back.
I sneak forward with my bow, an arrow loosely fitted and ready to be drawn. I squat down, trying to be as quiet as I can as I get the hare in my sights. I pull the bow string taut and let it fly at the same time Kili appears in the corner of my visions.
My rabbit is gone a second before the arrow can find its mark, zipping away into hidden holes as the boy approaches. The young dwarf crashes through the undergrowth, bow clutched in his hand and a broad grin on his face.
"Rúin!" He calls, as if I haven't spotted him already. I sigh, raise my hand in greeting then go hunting for my lost arrow. "What are you doing?"
"Looking for my arrow," I say, feeling around in the shrubbery for the projectile. I find it a moment later with a dented head where it impacted a rock. "Mahal turs darun!"
"Did you miss?" Kili asks curiously, leaning over to inspect my imperfect arrow. I sigh.
"Yes, it would appear so." I say, knowing I can't tell him that had he not burst in I would already have a rabbit on my belt by now. He grins again.
"I bet I can catch a rabbit before you!" He proclaims as he pulls an arrow from his own quiver, looking around for a target. I huff and stand, replacing my dented arrow and drawing a new one.
"Okay." I agree, moving away from the excitable dwarf so he doesn't scare off all the creatures within a hundred miles.
It takes a few minutes for me to find something else to shoot - because Kili's arrival sent them all running – but I finally manage to hit a rabbit. It's not unusual for small creatures such a rabbits and pheasants to die from the impact of an arrow, or shock, instead of actually being hit somewhere vital, but I always snap the neck just to make sure.
Kili is still casting about looking for his kill, so I perch myself on one of the larger rocks sticking from the ground and wait for him to finish. He does so shortly, leaping forward to collect his prize before spinning round to show me. I smile and hold my own rabbit aloft, wiggling it in the air to make sure he sees – I can practically see the pout from all the way over here.
"Let me try again!" Kili calls as I stand up, picking my way through the scrub.
"We don't need any more," I say, walking past and motioning for him to follow. "No point killing what we won't eat."
"I'd eat it." Kili grumbles but plods on after me.
When we arrive everyone is awake though Trúin is looking a little tired despite the fact that she slept the longest – I have a feeling it's because she's never really done this before.
I toss both mine and Kili's rabbits to Brúin who just managed to snatch them out of the air before they smack him in the face. My brother sets to work on skinning the bunnies so I sit down beside Fili and accept the cup of tea he offers me.
"Brúin was showing me how we're going to make spears for fishing!" Fili tells me, holding up a long branch that has been fashioned to a point at one end. Kili looks at it as if it's the most amazing weapon he's ever seen.
"I want one," He says a moment later, springing to his feet. "Will any stick do?"
"Straight as you can find lad," Brúin tells him, skewering the pieces of rabbit on splinters of wood to put over the fire. "Strong, no thicker than your wrist, got it?"
"Aye!" Kili cheers, disappearing into the trees. A few minutes later I hear the sound of wood snapping, then he re-appears dragging half a tree with him. "Will this do?"
"You might have to trim it, brother." Fili snorts, watching as Kili attempts to wrestle one of the branches away from the whole. The rest of us watch him struggle until I decide to take pity on him and lend him my hand axe.
Very soon Kili is sitting down on Brúin's other side, knife in hand as he whittles away at the end, turning it into a deadly point. My brother attempts to show Trúin how it's done, but she is too busy staring at the sizzle rabbit skewers.
.
"Durin's mighty arse cheek!" Brúin curses as his spear splashes into the water, missing the fish he'd been aiming for by at least a foot. Kili and Fili – who are a little further upstream, start to laugh.
"You're losing to children Brúin." I call from the safety of the bank where I am keeping Trúin company.
"Not everything is a competition, sister." He grumbles, reclaiming his makeshift spear from the river to try again.
"Which is just as well for you," I grin, receiving a glare. "We'll have to rely on our young princes to provide dinner!"
"Fili already has two!" Kili lets us know as his brother takes a bow. "And I've got one!"
"You think you can do better?" Brúin grumbles, throwing his hands up in the air as he misses another fish. I smirk and shrug one shoulder.
"I think even Trúin could do better!" I tell him, grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh aye?" Brúin asks, stomping out of the water and up the bank, throwing himself down on the back beside Trúin.
"Aye." I chuckle.
"Fifty gold pieces says you're wrong!" Brúin huffs. I sit up. We may be of noble birth but even I wouldn't turn down a bet like that. Trúin blinks, looking between the two of us with a confused expression.
"Done!" I exclaim, pushing to my feet and hauling my elder sister up with me. "Come on Trúin, you've got a fish to catch!"
"Oh Rúin, no, no I don't think so!" Trúin says, pulling back slightly. I grin, snatching up Brúin's fishing spear and moving down to the bank.
"Come along Trúin, you never know till you try," I say, holding my hand out to her. "Besides, we can both get fifty gold pieces out of this!"
"H-hold on!" Brúin protests. "I didn't say that! I didn't say fifty gold pieces each!"
"Well you can't just give it to me when Trúin's catching the fish!" I say, raising me eyebrows. "It's got to be fifty each… unless you're worried that Trúin will catch a fish when you couldn't!"
"Of course not!" Brúin denies, pouting at me defiantly. "Fine, fine, fifty each, if she can catch one."
"Now you must at least try Trúin, if not for your own sense of pride then for mine!" I say, coaxing her towards me. My sister hesitates, watching me with a frown before looking to Brúin.
"Well I suppose," She says after a moment, coming to join me. "What do I need to do?"
So! I have an option for you guys! Do you want someone to get injured on the hunting trip - a major orc attack! Bitten by a fish! Falling down a rabbit hole! I don't know if it would be interesting to have one of the Princes or maybe Rúin injured and see how Thorin reacts? So yeah, something you'd like to see or not?
There are a few bits of improvised Khuzdul thrown in here which may or may not mean what I think they mean - I use the Dwarrow Scholar website , but, for those of you that are interested: Zurm anjajálh (Which Thorin says) I think vaguely means Tree Humpers, haha!
Lukham tharák (which Rúin says when she wakes up) Is roughly Bite Rocks or Eat rocks. Anndd (When Rúin dents her arrow) Mahal turs darun is Mahal burn me.
Once again I really appreciate all the feedback and support I've gotten for you guys - all your reviews really inspire me to write and I love getting new follows to my story! Honestly you're all amazing! Keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter and Happy Holidays to you all! Much love.