So this one is a little longer than I anticipated but I couldn't really find the right place to cut it off so...enjoy!
Indilwen walked in the middle of the group of elves who escorted her untrustingly to their palace, their hard scowls engraved on their features like stone.
"They don't seem particularly welcoming." Mirima muttered quietly although she knew there was little point. She could have shouted and they would have heard her just as easily.
"The elves of Mirkwood are far more territorial than those you find in Rivendell or even Lothlorien. They take pride in their lands and borders and do well to keep threats and enemies out." Indilwen answered softly. "But they can be reasoned with, just like any other being. They used to pay homage to Thror, King under the Mountain, before his demise. Relations between dwarves and elves are brittle at best. You would do well to hold your tongue, my little Miri." Indilwen turned her head to watch the trees, glad to see birds already beginning to return.
One landed on her shoulder, a little robin with bright red breast and sang in her ear, making her smile warmly. Indilwen reflected how different she felt. She was no longer that terrified young girl from another world, she truly felt at home here in Middle-Earth, her powers were beyond anything she could have ever imagined and the years of age and time had worn her down a little, casting her eyes in starlight and the constant movement of the universe.
The palace of King Thranduil was somewhat similar to Lothlorien. There were many raised platforms and stairs winding through the trees however it held the warm golden glow of Rivendell, the lamps shining with light and casting the shimmering droplets of the waterfall into tiny segments of fire lit topazes. It was beautiful. Mirima gazed around her in wonder as Thranduil led them silently to his audience chamber, or platform, where his great throne stood lifted so that he would sit taller than anyone who sought his audience.
Thranduil turned, flinging out his robes to then slowly sit at an angle on this throne, looking at Indilwen with a stern and heartless look in his eyes. "What brings you to my domain?"
"We seek the company of dwarves you have captured here, I would plead that you free them." Thranduil's jaw tightened and Indilwen caught the movement, her face hardening. "You did no hurt them, did you?" A long silence enveloped the trio and Mirima slowly felt her face slide into a hard glare, her fingers cracking as she clenched them into fists.
"They have escaped." Thranduil replied after a while with a delicate wave of his hand. "I no longer hold them here. They used the river to flee my clutches in empty wine barrels." Mirima burst out laughing and Thranduil shot his hard look at her, his face tightening at her insult.
Indilwen sighed but allowed Mirima to chortle with laughter before she wiped her eyes dry. "How comic." She smirked at him. "You let them escape your dungeons, how?"
"I shall not waste my time answering you, dwarf." Thranduil snapped but Mirima merely shrugged.
"You just did, pointy ears." Thranduil flew forwards swiftly, flowing like water and wind as his blade sliced through the air but Indilwen moved with equal speed and strength. Her curved blade blocked the elven king's, both hands curled around the hilt. Thranduil glanced at her, his eyes lit by the bright reflection of her sword before he looked down to read the inscription.
Slowly understanding swallowed him and he stepped back, sheathing his sword with a sliding swish. "Fainauriel the Blue. Your reputation precedes you." Thranduil touched his hand to his chest and bowed his head which Indilwen returned after sliding her blade onto the scabbard on her back.
"So the dwarves are no longer in your custody." She stated simply then sighed. "Then Mirima and I must leave."
"You have no business with the dragon, I hope." Thranduil murmured as both women bowed to him. "Or the mountain it guards."
"No." Mirima answered simply then drew her sword carefully, turning it so that he could read the inscription. "Just its king." Thranduil stiffened, eyes darkening slightly before he looked back up to Indilwen.
"There is something in that mountain that rightfully belongs to my people and I. A chest of jewels with the light of stars caught in their hearts. I tried to bargain with the King under the Mountain but his heart is turning sick, dragon fever is awakening in him, thick and powerful. It will not be long before it consumes him completely."
"You lie." Mirima hissed defiantly but Indilwen placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.
"That chest is small compared to the lives it may cost, king of Mirkwood, remember what holds true value to you. The life of your son should be dear to you greatly, as should his happiness." Thranduil's eyes widened ever so slightly before they narrowed sharply.
"My son…"
"Legolas Greenleaf has a magnificent role in the years to come, involving the destiny set before the feet of a new company that shall form." Indilwen cut him off. "Teach him well. Teach him right, or you shall have me to answer to." With that Indilwen turned and left, Thranduil blinking in shock after her. Mirima hurried to keep up with Indilwen's long, powerful strides, glancing at the guards as they moved to stop her but Thranduil's voice called out.
"Let them pass." He had not even turned to look at them. Mirima wanted to stay and admire the beauty of the palace but Thorin's safety mattered to her more at this moment, although she still planned on punching him in the face when she next saw him.
"We must hurry my love, I fear we may be too late if we do not." Indilwen whispered, walking so quickly that Mirima had to run to keep up. They passed the guards and the moment they stepped out of the front gate, Indilwen whistled.
Celestial materialised from the trees, giving a great call of welcome before waiting at the other end of the elven bridge for her rider. "I still can't understand how she does that." Mirima muttered under her breath.
"Celestial was the first in the line of Mearas. She produced the line by bearing foals from great war stallions, her children only hold a small degree of her power." Indilwen answered vaguely. "With strength such as hers, she can choose where to be and when to be there by without my needing to control her. Her foals hold traits similar to her this day still. Her intelligence, her deep sense of the world, her strength, courage…" Indilwen kissed Celestial's nose lovingly. "She has carried me through everything."
"Yes, yes, I know, the great loving bond between beast and rider, I should know." Mirima rolled her eyes. "But I thought we were in a hurry?" Indilwen laughed then threw Mirima up onto Celestial's back before mountain up behind her.
"Of course, my little impatient one." Indilwen answered then clucked her tongue. Celestial lifted her head and reared, calling out with a beautiful battle cry before springing forwards, following the river to where Mirima prayed that those imbecilic dwarves were all unharmed.
When Mirima got her hands on Thorin-stupid-Oaken-bloody-shield, she was going to throttle him until he saw stars popping before his eyes then hit him so hard, the bruise would never fade. All the way Mirima planned all kind of horrible paybacks and tantrums she was going to hurl at Thorin for being such a heartless moron but, when Celestial began to slow down, all thoughts left her head and she clung onto the mane even tighter, making Celestial twitch and snort.
"Easy." Indilwen whispered, prying Mirima's hands free. "They are just over the rise. Go to them." Mirima sat frozen in place. "Little one?"
"What if…what if he tells me to leave again?" Mirima whispered with concern and worry. "What if he meant what he said?" Indilwen rested a hand on Mirima's hair, sighing softly as she pulled her hair free then began to plait it into a new, neater, thick single braid.
"Should it matter?" Mirima thought for a moment then shrugged uselessly. "Mirima, Thorin Okaenshield is many things, many great things but he cannot become greater still without your help. He needs your support more than ever now, you'd be doing him a service as a friend if you you return to him now."
"But he told me my services were no longer required, nana, he released me."
"He'll take you back."
"How do you know?" Indilwen gave a little shrug.
"I know. It's a motherly thing, we always know." Leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on Mirima's cheek Indilwen helped her get back down from Celestial's back, who was standing patiently as her two riders conversed quietly. "Stay safe my little one, remember what I said. Only call for me in your direst need. I have other duties that need my attention also."
"I know, I know, you go save the trees or whatever it is you do." Mirima waved her hand dismissively. "Just make sure you keep yourself safe too."
"I shall. Farewell, beloved." Indilwen turned Celestial's head around and together, they cantered away as quietly as white shadows. Mirima turned and took in a deep breath of courage before striding forwards. She watched as the barrels bobbed uncontrollably in the water, the dwarves paddling to the water's edge. They were so caught up in pulling themselves from the water they did not see the angry dwarf woman as she stormed up to them.
Drawing her sword Mirima gripped it tightly, heading straight for Thorin as his barrel rolled to the side and he landed on the bank, dragging himself forwards. With a silent glare Mirima slammed the sword point down a mere inch away from Thorin's face, making him freeze in place, staring at the blade before slowly looking up.
Mirima took a couple of steps back, continuing to glower hotly at him as she breathed deeply to control her fiery rage. "Miri?" Balin frowned in confusion, bewildered completely at the young dwarf's appearance.
"Miri!" Bilbo sighed with relief and everyone stopped to watch the interaction between the woman and Thorin. He got up slowly, dripping wet from the river. It took all of Mirima's willpower not to watch the beads of silver silk drip over the toned muscle of his arms and the long raven hair but somehow she managed, keeping her eyes locked heavily on his.
Thorin's eyes lowered to the sword beside him, reaching out to curl his fingers around the hilt. He pulled it up from the ground, flexing his fingers and running his thumb over the dragonhead before turning to face Mirima. Holding the sword in both hands he stepped forwards and murmured in a low, apologetic voice. "If you could forgive me, I would be honoured to have your sword back by my side." Mirima glanced to the sword then back at him, clenching her jaw.
Her hand whipped out and smacked the sword away, the loud clatter of it hitting a pile of rocks ringing in Thorin's ears but before he knew it, Mirima had thrown her arms around his neck and was gripping him in a bear tight hug.
Blinking in shock Thorin just stood there for a moment, arms hanging limply at his side before his mind kicked into gear and he remembered what he was supposed to do. His arms slowly latched around Mirima's waist and he pulled her closer, turning his head into hers slightly as she lowered her brow to his shoulder. "You brainless…" She muttered an insult in dwarvish, making Thorin chuckle slightly as she pulled away. After a brief moment of glaring at him she punched him hard in the shoulder. "Don't you ever leave me behind again!" Thorin smiled softly, never feeling so happy to see anyone.
"It's good to have you back, Miri." He told her then nodded to the others. "We move on." Suddenly he was his usual self. Bossy, impatient and commanding. "On your feet!"
"Kili's wounded, his leg needs binding." Bofur called out, kneeling beside Kili who hissed and groaned in pain.
"Kili?" Mirima's eyes widened and she darted to his side after picking up her sword. "Kili what happened?"
"An orc pack caught us at the water gate, Kili got an arrow to his leg when he opened it back up for us to let us escape." Fili answered, kneeling protectively beside his brother.
"There's an orc pack on our tail, we need to keep moving." Thorin was saying and Mirima groaned.
"I forgot how much I did not miss his ordering us around." She muttered under her breath. Ignoring the next part of the conversation she focused on Kili, tearing up some cloth to help bind it quickly after Bofur had removed the arrow shaft. Kili cried out in pain as Mirima snapped the binding tight over the wound, murmuring in elvish to try and soothe him.
"Can you do some elvish healing? You know, like they did for you?" Fili asked desperately, helping to support his brother's weight as he struggled to stay upright.
"Do I look like a bloody elf?" Mirima shot back as she touched Kili's brow. "Alright Kili, you're going to be right as rain in no time." She promised, touching his face as he struggled to focus on her.
"Miri? Where did you come from?"
"Well you see, it's a rather interesting story. I'll tell you all about it when you're a little more awake." She smiled at him. "Bifur, hand me that stick over there…no not that one, the other one." Bifur tossed her the thick branch which Mirima stamped on to make it shorter then handed it to Kili to help him take some of the weight off of his leg for when they began walking again.
"What I wouldn't give for Fist right now." Mirima murmured then looked up as the dwarves gave a warning yell. Kili lunged for a rock and lifted it up but a well aimed arrow knocked it from his grip. Mirima had half drawn her sword when the next arrow pointed towards her. "Do it again and you're dead." He warned everyone, still aiming at Mirima who slowly released her sword.
Balin glanced behind the man, seeing his raft floating just downriver. "Excuse me but, uh, you're from Laketown, if I'm not mistaken?" He began as he walked forwards, hands lifted in the air to show that he meant no harm to the stranger. "That barge over there, it wouldn't be available for hire by any chance?" Lowering his arrow the man glanced over the dwarves carefully before returning to his barge.
"What makes you think I will help you?" He demanded simply as he began to prepare for castoff. Balin hummed thoughtfully, looking pointedly at his boots as the other dwarves all crowded around. Mirima had taken off her coat and put it around Kili's shoulders, now having to wrap her belt twice around her waist just to make it fit comfortably.
"Those boots have seen better days." As the man began to load all the empty barrels the dwarves had ridden in onto his boat Balin continued. "As has that coat, no doubt you have some hungry mouths to feed. How many bairns?" The man paused slightly then answered.
"Three. A boy and two girls."
"And your wife? I'd imagine she's a beauty."
"Aye. She was." Mirima looked away uncomfortably, feeling pity for the man as Balin's smile drastically faded.
"Come on, come on, enough of the niceties." Dwalin muttered to Thorin.
"What's your hurry?" Bard asked as he continued loading.
"What's it to you?" Dwalin shot back with a glare at the man who smirked slightly, his thick shoulder length hair held back by a string as he leaned down to pick up another barrel.
"I would like to know who you are and what you are doing in these lands." He answered back, never once batting an eyelid at Dwalin's hostility.
"We are just simple merchants from the Blue Mountains traveling to see our kin the Iron Hills." Balin answered with spread hands but the man looked up with a disbelieving look, pointedly at the sword Mirima held on her back.
"Simple merchants, you say?"
"We'll need food, supplies and weapons. Can you help us?" Turning around the man of Laketown surveyed the barrels closely, running a hand over a long scratch in the wood.
"I know where these barrels came from."
"What of it?" Thorin replied darkly with his usual charm and eloquence.
"I don't know what business you had with the elves but I don't think it ended well. No one enters Laketown but by leave of the Master. All his wealth comes from trade with the Woodland Realm. He will see you all in irons before risking the wrath of King Thranduil." With that he boarded his vessel and tossed the rope to Balin.
Thorin quickly mouthed to Balin to offer him more. "I'll wager there are ways to get into Laketown unseen?"
"Aye, but for that you'll need a smuggler." Mirima chuckled as she looked down at Bilbo.
"Too bad not a burglar." He gave her a fond smile before looking up over the dwarves' heads to listen.
"For which we'll pay double." Bard paused and looked at the dwarves suspiciously, deeply thinking everything through before nodding.
"Get on." Before he could change his mind everyone jumped on board. Mirima and Fili helped Kili on, supporting him by slinging both arms over their necks.
"We wanted to stay, Miri, we wanted to stay and help you." Kili was mumbling as he shivered. "Wanted to say goodbye as well but uncle said we had to leave. We would have protected you, kept you safe and…"
"Hush now, you're blabbering like a drunk seagull." Mirima soothed, pulling her coat more securely over his shoulders then brushed his hair from his face.
"You are not a dwarf." Bard was saying to Bilbo, looking down at the slightly different creature curiously.
"I'm a hobbit. Bilbo Baggins of Bag-End." He said with a polite bow of his head. "And you are?"
"Bard. Just Bard."
"Bard?" Bilbo repeated, frowning in thought before nodding his head and turning away. After a moment he turned back. "Thank you, for helping us."
"I don't do it for charity, Master Baggins, were it not the price could feed my children so well I would have left you all there for whatever fate would befall you." The colour drained from Bilbo's face as he gave a tight sound of worry.
"Pay him no mind, Bilbo, there's nothing to worry about for now." Through the fog Mirima could hardly see the end of the boat, let alone which dwarf was which. The only way she could name them was for how well she knew each figure.
"Watch out!" Bofur suddenly yelled and everyone yelled in shock as a massive rock suddenly loomed over them like a sentry, standing silently as Bard expertly manoeuvred around it.
"What are you trying to do, kill us?" Mirima scowled at Dwalin.
"I was born and bred on these waters, Master Dwarf, if I wanted to drown you, I would not do so here." Bard answered simply, carefully watching through the fog.
"Oh I've had enough of this lippy lakeman. I say we throw him over the side and be done with him." Dwalin muttered to Thorin but Bilbo answered with a slight tone of anger and frustration.
"Bard! His name is Bard!"
"How do you know?" Bofur asked with a frown. Bilbo moved his head sassily.
"Because I asked him." Dwalin shrugged, cracking his knuckles as he glared hotly at Bard who seemed oblivious. Either that or he was very good at listening in on conversations.
"I don't care what he calls himself, I don't trust him."
"We don't have to trust him, we simply need to pay him. Come on now, lads, turn out your pockets." Balin said as he held out his hand and the dwarves all began to place all their coins into his hands. Mirima frowned.
"So they took your clothes, your weapons and all of your supplies…but not your money?"
"If there's one thing a dwarf knows how to hide, it's their gold." Bofur grinned at her as he reached down his trousers and Mirima hastily turned away, flinching in disgust.
"Gross Bofur! I did not want to see that." She shuddered then reached into her coat pocket, murmuring an apology to Kili as she brought out the only coins she had. "I'm sorry, it's the last I have." She apologised to Balin as she tossed them up. His hand caught them expertly and he nodded.
"That's alright lass, don't fret." He told her warmly then continued to count. "Hmm…there's, um, one problem. We're ten coins short." Thorin turned an amused look to Gloin who shifted uncomfortably under his eyes.
"Come on Gloin. Give us what you have."
"Don't go looking to me. I've been bled dry by this venture and what have I seen in return for my investment? Naught but misery and grief and…" Mirima was not paying attention to a word of what he said for her eyes were locked on the shadow that was appearing through the mist.
Instantly she darted forwards, mouth hanging wide open as she pushed her way to the front then stood leaning over the edge as if to be closer to the Lonely Mountain that shaped into view. It was beautiful, so tall and strong it beckoned to her, as if the rocks were humming a deep, melancholic song just for her to bring her home. Home.
"Bless my beard." Gloin whispered then shoved a small coin purse at Balin. "Take it. Take all of it." When they heard Bard approaching, everyone but Mirima turned.
"The money, quick, give it to me."
"We'll pay you when we get our provisions. Not before." Thorin informed him sharply but Bard persisted.
"If you value your freedom, you will do as I say. There are guards ahead." After a brief pause and a look to Thorin, who nodded, Balin handed over the money. "Into the barrels, all of you." Mirima went back to Fili and helped him up as he grunted, clenching his teeth as his leg continued to cause him pain.
Together she and Fili helped him into a barrel before she looked around, there were only fourteen barrels and they numbered fifteen. "Move over a little Ori, I'm jumping in with you." Mirima informed him then lifted herself up, swinging both legs over before sliding in with Ori. Together, their small sizes allowed them to just about fit, albeit a little uncomfortably.
To make things easier Mirima took off her sword and propped it up to the side then wrapped an arm around Ori, smiling at him. "Just relax, we're going to be fine." He nodded his head but still continued to look up nervously.
"Will that man betray us?" He asked quietly but Mirima shook her head in reply.
"I don't think so."
"I'm sorry we left you Miri, I really wanted you to come with us but Thorin said that you would only slow us down and be a burden if he let you continue. He said that he couldn't protect you whilst you were sick as well as keep on leading us through the dangers…"
"I know, Ori, I know, but you need to be quiet now, we're stopping and I can hear guards close by." Mirima whispered to him then strained her ears to hear. After a few moments Ori began to sniff, wriggling his nose as he slowly began to breathe in to sneeze.
Mirima pinched his nose shut to keep him quiet. His eyes remained wide open as the two huddled close together. She could hear the other dwarves cursing but couldn't quite understand what they were saying. When a dead fish landed in the barrel and slopped down to her feet, Mirima blinked. "What the…" Suddenly dead fish poured into the barrel and Mirima bit back a yell, shuddering as their slimy bodies ran over her neck and plastered to her skin.
"I. Will. MURDER. Him."
"Who?" Ori mumbled, spitting out a fish as it almost slipped into his mouth. "Thorin or Bard?"
"Both!" Mirima whined, shaking as the fish slid down her back. "Yuck!"
"Quiet! We're approaching the toll gate." Bard hissed and Mirima muttered one last curse before falling silent. Mirima could hear Bard arguing to someone who sounded slimy but words were inaudible because she had a fish practically wedged in her ear.
After what felt like forever, the motion of the boat moving made Mirima relax slightly. "We're through." She whispered to Ori who wriggled, making the fish move.
"I have a fish up my leg." He complained quietly.
"I have several down my shirt. Both sides. Not comfortable." Mirima replied then clamped her mouth shut as a fish almost slid inside. She swore to never eat fish again after this day. As they docked Mirima heard Bard stepped along the barge and tipping over the barrels. Taking this as a sign they were good to leave, Mirima gave Ori a boost out then stood up herself.
"Where are you, sword…?" She murmured, feeling around until she had it in her grasp. Once she had it secure she stood, rolling her shoulders then shook out her shirt, letting fish slide down her body, making her shudder. "I swear, I will never eat a fish again." She muttered then looked up as Fili approached her, smirking.
"Out you come fish queen." He said, lifting his hands up to grab her under the arms then lifted her up. Her feet walked on the air as he turned and put her firmly down on the barge. He leaned in to sniff her mockingly.
"Oh shut up, it's not like you smell any better." She muttered, strapping her sword over her shoulder, securing the buckle before stomping after the others.
"Follow me." Bard said quietly, glancing around as he turned and began to lead everyone forwards. Mirima stuck at the back of the company, knowing that since she had the sword, she would be their best defence should someone or something attack from behind.
Keeping low and in the shadows, Mirima pressed her back into a net, looking back to make sure they weren't being followed. She heard a young boy's voice up front, speaking to Bard. "Da! The house, it's being watched."
What happened next was almost as bad as the fish incident. The dwarves were made to sneak under the house then climb up…through the sewage system. Mirima swore she was going to end up killing someone today. Whether it was Bard or Thorin, she didn't care. Dwalin headed up first, Bilbo behind him.
Mirima stayed with Kili who leaned on her reliantly for support, eyes closed as he breathed heavily. "Alright, pass him up." Fili said to Mirima who gently jogged Kili awake.
"Come on, I can't climb for you, you're going to have to do some of the work yourself." She told him tenderly, helping him forwards before cupping her hands together.
"Wait." Thorin interrupted and she turned to look at him. "I'll help him up." He said then gently pulled Kili's arm around his shoulder. "Hold on Kili." He said then began to make the climb, Fili pulling Kili up by his arms whilst Thorin supported him from below whenever Kili lost grip.
Mirima smiled, watching Thorin help his nephew before climbing up, the last one to go. Once the way was clear she sprung up the wall, wanting to spend as little time as possible in the chute. Thankfully it appeared to have been recently cleaned. Mirima pulled herself up the last little bit then was about to reach for the sides when two strong hands caught her arms and hauled her up.
Yelping in surprise Mirima found herself suddenly yanked up through the toilet and she scrambled her feet against the edge, trying to get a grip but she lost her balance and toppled forwards into Thorin. She landed on him, their heads knocking together with a large bang. "Ow!" They both hissed and rubbed their foreheads, trying to ease the pain a little. "You have a hard head." Mirima shot at Thorin who arched an eyebrow at her.
"I think it is you who has the thick skull around here." She blinked at him then grinned. He sounded just like he used to when it was just her and him on the road, shooting back snarky comments in a playful yet affectionate tone.
Thorin tilted his head to the side, looking up at Mirima as she simply lay there on him, forgetting to move. "You're wearing your hair differently." He noted. "It looks nice." She shrugged then blushed deeply, realising that she was still laying on top of him.
"Next time don't help me by not helping." She told him as sharply as she could but Thorin merely chuckled as she scrambled to her feet, him following her lead as they headed back up. When the girls offered to draw a bath, Mirima leaped at the chance.
"Yes! I want a bath!" She breathed a sigh of relief then jerked her thumb behind her. "You have no idea how bad these dwarves are about washing." The girls giggled then helped Mirima to make a piping hot bath. Mirima shut the door firmly behind her, drew the bolt then threw off her clothes and dropped them in a pile.
Untying her hair Mirima sank into the bath and groaned, feeling the warmth sink into her tired bones as she settled down and closed her eyes. Finally when she could not stand the grease and oil no longer, she began to wash her hair and scrub her body until she was red raw. The bath water was a slightly off colour now so Mirima drained a little then topped it up with fresh, hot water for the next one wanting a bath.
She dried herself with a towel then put on some clothes the boy, Bain, had lent to her. Some trousers that came just above her ankles and a shirt which showed the crease of her cleavage just a little but she shrugged, not really caring.
Her hair she patted dry as much as she could before picking up an old comb from the dresser and carefully began to unknot the tangled mess. She was extra careful because the comb seemed really breakable and several of the heads were missing. Once her hair was flat against her head she sighed, glancing into the cracked mirror. Ignoring the slightly thinner face that looked back at her Mirima turned then allowed someone else to take the bath. That someone just happened to be Bilbo, who was just as relieved as Mirima to have a proper bath.
"Feel better lass?" Balin asked as she walked out, boots in hand. She nodded her head then yawned.
"Where's Bard?"
"Gathering our weapons." Nori answered. "Want some of this? No idea what it be." Mirima took the offered cup, feeling its warmth spread across her fingers and took a careful sip. It tasted watery with a slight tinge of…turnip? Giving a small shrug she continued to drink it, feeling starving hungry.
Bard returned carrying a damp bundle under his arm which he dropped onto the table. All the dwarves except Mirima crowded around eagerly, watching as Bard flicked open the leather wrap. When she registered the stunned silence she picked her feet up off the stool, leaning forwards curiously with her pipe clenched between her teeth as she stepped forwards to peer over Bifur's shoulder. She laughed.
"What is this?" Thorin demanded in a low, insulted voice.
"Pike hook. Made from an old harpoon." Bard answered simply.
"And this?" Kili lifted up a heavy, vaguely hammer-like object as he stared at in in disbelief.
"We call it a crowbill, fashioned from a smith's hammer. It's heavy in hand, I grant, but in defence of your life these will serve you better than none." Mirima grinned, laughing as she kept her pipe between her teeth.
"You boys are so screwed." She teased then backed away from the filthy looks she and her sword were receiving. Gloin furrowed his brow as he leaned on the table with a heated glare at Bard.
"We paid you for weapons. Iron forged swords and axes!"
"It's a joke!" Bofur declared as he dropped the item he had been holding back down onto the table, the others hurrying to follow his example however Bard merely stood up taller above them all.
"You won't find any better outside the city armoury. All iron forged weapons are held there under lock and key." Mirima saw Thorin discreetly look to Dwalin and she sensed a really stupid plan shaping up between them.
"Thorin." Balin began but Mirima noticed Bard look up, as if recognising the name. "Why not take what's been offered to us and leave? I've made do with less and so have you. I say we leave now."
"I agree." Mirima said, surprising everyone. She never spoke out when everyone decisions were being made, she was always one to simply follow orders with little question and a lot of complaint. "We can't waste time and risk getting caught. These can protect us well enough." She lifted the crowbill, as Bard had named it and lifted it up and down, testing its weight. "This can still crack a man's skull."
"You're not going anywhere, regardless." Bard informed the dwarves and Dwalin instantly turned hostile so Mirima placed a hand on his arm to keep him in check.
"What did you say?" He hissed in a deep voice but Bard was unfazed.
"There are spies watching the house and probably every dock and wharf in the town. You must wait until nightfall." Reason allowed Dwalin to calm down and he settled on a stool, his weight making it creek. Mirima nibble on the end of her pipe, wishing she had some Old Toby or something to light. Glancing over to Kili she got up, stuffed the pipe into her belt then inspected all the herbs that the girls had neatly piled in jars, hung up in wreaths and began to pick out a few of them.
"Here, chew on this." She murmured softly to Kili, handing him a shrub which he eyed cautiously before stuffing it into his mouth. He shuddered at the harsh bitter taste. Mirima began to grind a few herbs together, glancing to his leg before mashing them in with water to make a paste. "I don't know if this will help but it may keep down any infections." She informed him as she unwrapped the wound. The moment his leg was free of the binding Mirima gagged and shuddered, sounding her disgust as the smell hit her.
The wound was red raw and pussy, the horrendous odour filling her nose as she covered her nostrils with her sleeve. "Oh Kili, why didn't you say anything?" She demanded, grabbing a knife to cut a wider tear in his trousers so that she could clean the wound properly.
"Didn't want everyone to worry." He answered simply. "Uncle might leave me behind like…like he did with you." Mirima said nothing for a moment, focusing on cleaning Kili's wound as gently as possible. He hissed and cried out softly in pain as she touched the cut with her cloth.
"Suck it down, Kili, it doesn't hurt that much." She teased him gently but made sure she was extra careful around the wound. Once it was as clean as she could possibly make it Mirima paused as she swept up the paste onto her fingers. "Deep breathe." She warned and Kili nodded, clenched his teeth together. When Mirima placed the herbs onto his leg he grunted loudly, baring his teeth as a hiss escaped him before Mirima found a fresh bandage and wound it up as tightly as she dared.
Once it was over Mirima stood then wrapped her arms around Kili, holding him against her as she tried to comfort him, soft groans of agony rumbling from his throat as he leaned back into her. Lifting a hand she began to gently comb through his hair, rocking slightly until he was sleeping against her. "How is he?" Fili asked in a quiet whisper as he joined them. Mirima sighed.
"Not good." She admitted, lifting her coat closer around Kili's shoulders as she felt his temperature begin to drop. "He's only getting worse."
"Is there nothing to be done?" Fili pressed, sitting beside his twin brother with a worried shine in his eyes.
"There is little I can do, I'm not much of a healer. I should have listened to my mother more, she was right when she told me herbs can sting as sharp as a blade and give you guard as thick as a shield." Kili mumbled in his sleep, breathing uneasily. As darkness began to fall, Thorin stood.
"Everyone up, we're leaving."
"You can't, da said…"
"Silence boy." Dwalin snapped and pushed the boy out of his way as he headed towards the door. Instantly Mirima flared up, reaching out to catch the boy as he stumbled backwards. She lifted him back onto his feet, patted his shoulder then glared at Dwalin.
"Dwalin! You come right back here and tell Bain you are sorry! You pompous oaf!" Dwalin growled and glared but she stood up straight and squared her shoulders, meeting his glare eye for eye. Slowly Dwalin's fire began to burn out whilst Mirima's remained ablaze as she defended the poor lad.
"Sorry lad, didn't mean no harm." Dwalin relented, nodding to Bain before stomping out the door.
"No, please, you can't leave." Bain tried to plead but all the dwarves were already heading out the door in single file.
"Come on, up you get." Fili was saying then helped his brother forwards, limping as he went. Mirima placed a warm hand on the boy's shoulder and gave a small smile.
"Thank you for the hospitality. I'll be sure to return and look in on you sometime." She promised, lowered her mouth to kiss him softly on the brow. "You look after your sisters, you hear me?" Blinking the boy nodded. The two girls stood in the corner, watching Mirima as she took off her boot. Tipping it up a small purse slid out and she grinned as Balin's eyes widened then filled with laughter.
"This is for you kids. Buy some nice things." She said, tossing it to the eldest girl who caught it easily then felt its weight as Mirima pulled back on her boot, her loose hair framing her face thickly as she stood back up. Striding forwards Mirima followed Bofur who was bouncing on his feet as usual, his endless cheer putting her in good spirits.
Thorin stood by the door, watching as she approached. Once she was through, he followed. After the wash, her hair was no longer the dirty blonde it had usually been before. It was bright and golden, thickly tumbling down past her shoulders as she paused by a net to cut off a length of string with a dagger from her hip to then plait it messily, her impatient fingers fumbling with the uneven pieces until she had a clumpy mess of a braid.
Rather pleased with herself Mirima tied off the plait then continued after the others as they all quietly snuck through the town towards the tall building where they assumed the armoury to be. Mirima heard two watchmen talking so she gave a warning bird whistle before diving for cover behind a boat, Thorin joining her.
Once they had passed she began to stand back up but Thorin placed his hand on her shoulder, keeping her in place. Glancing at him she remained still, feeling the warmth of his hand spread through her as he did not lift his hand away.
Thorin slowly stood, checking the surroundings before giving the order to move on. Once they had found the armoury Dori circled around to find a way in before returning. "There's a small window on the other side, it's a little small and its high up but it's the easiest and only way in." Thorin nodded.
"Alright Dori, show us the way." Dori turned and hurried to lead the way around the back. Thorin took one look at the window then turned to the others.
"Alright, pile up." He said and Mirima frowned, unsure what he meant but the others seemed to get it. They all ran forwards and several, including Bombur and Dwalin, knelt down on their hands and knees at the wall underneath the window and began to make a ladder of bodies leading up to it. Mirima stared then broke out into a grin, glancing to Bilbo and Nori who were waiting beside her.
Thorin pointed to Nori and the dwarf ran forwards, climbing up the wall easily on the backs of the dwarves then leaped through the window with a leap. "Next." Bilbo copied what Nori had done, climbing up, albeit a little slower, then leaped up into the window. He got stuck, his hips stuck to the wall as he struggled to pull himself over.
"Hobbits." Mirima sighed, rolling her eyes then grinned, flying up their backs then grabbed Bilbo by his legs. "Over you go Bilbo!" She chuckled then leaped in after him. Turning around she gave a small whistle. The dwarves all collapsed into a heap, Dwalin cursing quietly with the heavy weight underneath him.
Thorin rolled onto his back and looked up, smiling slightly as he saw Mirima leaning on the window, her cheek against her flat arms as she laughed, smiling from ear to ear. Shaking her head Mirima drew back and disappeared into the shadows.
Nori opened the door and the dwarves piled inside. Mirima ran a hand over the weapons, the swords, bows, spears and crossbows. Picking up a few things she held them in her arms then tossed them into Dwalin's arms. Glancing up she saw Kili trying to walk with a heavy armful of weapons. "Here Kili, let me take that." She tried to reach forwards but he turned away from her.
"I'm fine." He answered a little snappily but Mirima did not pay attention to his tone, knowing full well that an irritating wound that caused such pain would shorten anyone's temper. Nodding her back Mirima turned and helped Ori to reach some quivers when after a moment, she heard a loud crash and cry of pain. "Kili!" Mirima squeaked, dropping the arrows to push her way forwards but a spear was thrust at her as the guards suddenly rushed at them.
"Miri watch out!" Bofur called and grabbed her by her plait, yanking her back just in time to save her from being skewered like a boar. She fell back into his arms but he tripped in his attempt to scuffle backwards. They landed with a hard oomph, blinking as the sharp spear points focussed on them, making Mirima shrink back a little.
"Ooh dear. We're in trouble." Bofur said, stilling hugging Mirima to him. She arched an eyebrow whilst watching the spear carefully.
"You think?"
Have to admire the sarcasm :)