Chapter Twenty
Six more weeks later..
For the past several weeks Tabitha had been busy with Dis and Balin, studying dwarven culture, and learning the language. However when it came to learning the dwarves language, Thorin at times, would chime in and teach Tabitha as well, during the preparations of the Coronation and the Wedding. That same night after Tabitha finished her lessons, she meets up with Thorin in the King's chambers. To her surprise, she found him sitting at his harp, strumming the strings gently and singing softly to himself.
Shortly, Thorin felt Tabitha's presence, as he quickly stopped singing and playing. "What are you doing, love?" asked Tabitha, sitting across from him on a rug. "I'm practicing some songs for a special event that happens before the Coronation and Wedding. This ritual celebrates and honor the King's beloved. Which is often celebrate through songs. And as a descendent of our ancestor Durin I, has given the gift of music, which is passed down to every king after him. And these songs I will be performing are for you." said Thorin, smiling brightly at Tabitha.
Tabitha could feel shivers falling down her spine hearing this. "Which is why I glad I stopped playing when I did, because you cannot hear it until that day comes." Thorin added. "Oh, so you're going to leave me in suspense are you, Thorin?" asked Tabitha. "You know the old saying, Tabby, good things come to those who wait!" said Thorin, in a sing song voice. Tabitha laughed, as she sat upon the dwarf king's lap, laying her head upon Thorin's broad chest.
"You're getting sleepy, love. Lets go on to bed, now." whispered Thorin, as he picked her up, carrying her bridal style into their bedroom. They curled up together in bed, with Thorin's broad chest pressing against her. "Good night, my beloved!" whispered Thorin. "Good night, my king!" said Tabitha softly, as she dozed off in the Dwarf's arms.
Three days later..
The day came for the special event, and Tabitha hadn't seen Thorin all that morning. Thorin had been busy preparing for the event. When the evening came, it was time for the event, and it was Balin who came and escorted Tabitha to the Great Hall. As they entered, she could see Thorin sitting in front of the large crowd at his harp. Tabitha gasped, as she seen how remarkably handsome he looked that evening.
Thorin was dressed in simple formal attire of a black leather tunic, and silver mail, and a silver circlet adorned on his head. Right now, Thorin was tuning the harp, while the rest of the guests, friends and family arrive in the Great Hall for the Celebration. It didn't long for it to began, which started off with Balin making a speech, then a priest chanting a prayer.
Tabitha couldn't keep her eyes off of Thorin, as she could feel her heart racing, waiting for the music and singing begin. Tabitha also noticed Thorin's original company sitting nearby with their instruments, and some of the dwarves she took notice are playing instruments she had never seen them play before. Particularly Bofur, whom seemed to be playing an accordion type instrument. Striking the harp, the music began, as Thorin started to sing first, soon followed by all the dwarves.
The music and singing was beautiful, and the song had spoken of love, hardship, triumph, and victory. Thorin's voice rose above the others, an much stronger than she had heard him before. He make one hell of an opera singer, Tabitha thought with a chuckle. Maybe she would bring that up to him after the event. After several songs are sung, there was a reception afterwards, and everyone talked merrily as they ate dinner.
When that was done, Tabitha and Thorin retired to their chambers. And the first thing Tabitha done, as they entered, is wrapping herself in full embrace in Thorin's arms. Thorin grinned. "Wow, no soon as we step foot in our chamber, you're all over me!" said Thorin, playfully. "I can't help it, Thorin. You're too irresistible." said Tabitha. Thorin laughed, as he pulled Tabitha into his arms an kissed her. "A few more weeks is the big day." said Tabitha, after they broke the embrace.
"Yes. Several more weeks." said Thorin, and the two went to their bedroom.
Bell Air, California
Alex had just been released from jail, and in rage, he drove his truck over to the mansion where Tabitha had once stayed. By the time he pulled into the driveway, he noticed a 'For Sale' sign up in the yard. And he then realized she wasn't there at all, she moved out. "SHIT!" Alex fumed. That does it, I will find her, and I will kill her. I do believe I know someone who can help me, thought Alex, as he climbed back into his truck an pulled out.
He drove to an old abandoned Victorian home, which belonged to a a close friend of his, whom is a Warlock. His name is James Olson.
Alex approached the front door, and knocked on it. "I said NO VISITORS! How many times do I have to-!" began the man behind the door, and when he opened it, he saw it was Alex. "Alex, old buddy! What brings you over here?" asked the short, grey haired man. "I have a favor to ask you, James, its really important." said Alex, quickly. "Alex, you are not coming to me to ask for a love spell aren't you? You know that we warlocks don't do the love thing, it's not that way." said James, folding his arms.
"I'm not here for a love spell, James. I am wondering if you help me find Tabitha." snapped James. "Alex, you know you can't have her. She dumped you months ago." said James. "I don't care, she is still mine! I love her, and I will not let go of her! I will do what it takes to get her back, now you better help me, or you will regret it!" barked Alex. "Alright, alright, I will help you. You don't have to get your effing underwear in a knot. You heard she has moved out. No one knows where she had went off to." said James. "That's why I turn to you, Warlock. Maybe your magic can find her." said Alex, rather sarcastically.
James sighed. "Alright, but I cannot guarantee you anything you will find her, Alex, even if I use my magic. Follow me to my ritual chamber!" said James, as he led the man into the ritual chamber.
James held up a mirror and showed it to Alex. "This is a special mirror that can show where the individual is located no matter how far away the person is." James explained. Alex nodded, as he allowed James to begin working on the location spell. After chanting an incantation, to Alex's surprise, and image appeared on the mirror. It shown a large mountain. "No-it can't be! That place only exists in stories!" shouted Alex, angrily.
"Wait, there is more.." said James. Then another image appeared, this time it shown Tabitha walking down the halls of Erebor, hand in hand with a man no taller than she is, with long dark raven hair, with silver streaks and blue eyes, dressed in formal royal clothing. "That's the short shit that stolen her from me! I thought he was dead!" bellowed Alex. James rolled his eyes. "That does it. I will go back and take what's mine, and kill the dwarf bastard!" said Alex. "And how are you going to get there?" asked James.
"How else am I going to get there, James? You're going to help me, of course!" snapped Alex. "Alex, I don't think is really such a good idea. If I transport you to Middle Earth, you'll be stuck there, you will never return. Are you sure are you willing to do this?" asked James.
"James, I don't give a rat's ass. I'm going to do whatever it takes to get my Tabitha back." snapped Alex. This situation had put James in a tight spot, because he always had been a good friend of Tabitha's as well, and he didn't want to do anything to hurt her. "I'm sorry, Alex, but I cannot do this. Tabitha is my friend, and I don't want to see her hurt. From what I seen in the image, she seems quite happy with this chap she is with!" said James. She's better off with him, than with a possessive loser like you, James thought.
Suddenly, Alex pulled out a gun he had been carrying with him and aimed it at James' forehead. "It doesn't have to come to this, James! If you don't send me to find her, I will not hesitate to pull this trigger and kill you! Now you're going to send me to Middle Earth!" bellowed Alex. James closed his eyes and sighed. Now, he had no other choice but to help Alex. "Fine, follow me over to this portal." said James, in exasperation. Alex followed James to the portal. "Stand in here." James instructed the man. Alex nodded, and he stood in the portal.
"Are you ready?" asked James. "I'm ready." Alex replied, as he watched James pressing buttons on the portal, and Alex disappeared from sight.
Middle Earth,
Outskirts of Dale
Alex found himself in a large city. He looked around the place in amazement. Time for me to get some weapons and supplies, thought Alex. Although he didn't have any money, he would find ways of getting what he needed, by stealing-something that he had done most of his life. But then he decided he would take up work. First, I'm going to search for work, hopefully these people would need someone to help them, thought Alex. Alex soon came to a blacksmith's forge, and asked for work.
Luckily, the blacksmith needed the help and hired Alex right on the spot. Alex had set a goal once he get back on his feet, and earn some money, he will set out to find Tabitha. Four days had passed, once he had received his first pay, he began his mission, first by asking the citizens of Dale. That night, he went to a pub to have a drink, when he bumped into a man with dark hair and a mustache. It was Bard, King of Dale. Alex approached him.
"Excuse me sir. My name is Alexander Oxen. Have you seen a woman named Tabitha O Hara around here? You see, she's my sister, and I've been looking everywhere for her." said Alex.
Alex decided to lie about Tabitha being his sister, so the King of Dale wouldn't suspect anything. "I don't recall Miss O Hara having a brother. Its nice meeting you. She lives in Erebor with King Thorin." Bard replied. "Thank you, sir!" said Alex. "Anytime!" said Bard, with a nod. Alex grinned. I pulled it off! Now its off to Erebor I go, thought Alex, putting his sword he had purchased that day in its hilt.
Three hours later, Alex had reached the Mountain, and it was after midnight by the time he reached the Front Gate. There stood in front of him, several guards. "Who goes there?" called out one of the guards. "My name is Alexander Oxen, I'm here on a visit with my sister Tabitha!" announced Alex. "Very well sir, you may pass." said the guard, allowing Alex to enter the Mountain.
Erebor
Tabitha woke up with a start in bed, as she felt something in the air wasn't right. When she woke up, it startled Thorin, and he sat up. "Are you alright, Tabby?" asked Thorin. "I'm fine, love. I just have a bad dream that's all." Tabitha replied. "Go on back to sleep, love. You'll be fine!" said Thorin gently, as he ran his fingers through her hair.
Suddenly, there was a loud knock coming from the door of their chambers.
"Now who in the hell would it be at this hour?" grumbled Thorin, as he climbed out of bed, and thrown on his dressing robe, and he went to answer the door, and it was one of the guards. "Your Majesty, someone is here on a visit with Lady Tabitha. He claims that he is her brother." said the guard. "What is his name?" asked Thorin. "Alexander Oxten." the guard replied. Thorin had a bad feeling about this. He knew, and always knew Tabitha didn't have a brother, and the name Alexander sounded familiar to him. But also he realized, there could be many Alexander's in the world, and not just the one who caused quite a terror with Tabitha.
"I'll see that she sees him." said Thorin, and he turned and walked back into their bedroom. "Tabitha, someone is here to see you." said Thorin. "Who?" asked Tabitha. "Someone who is claiming to be your brother. His name is Alexander Oxen." Thorin replied. Tabitha's eyes widened in horror. Oh hell no, he didn't! thought Tabitha.