Zinlaza awoke the next morning, earlier than usual. She couldn't have slept more than an hour or so. Fili was over her, shaking her awake.
"Zinla..." He whispered.
"Mmmm. Just a few moments longer...I'm having such a pleasant dream!" She in fact was. She was in Erebor, Fili by her side with the King's crown and Zinlaza beside him with the Arkenstone in hand...
"Zinlaza!" He shook her a little more.
"Aren't you supposed to have a headache or something from the festivities last night? Why are you making me wake before the sun has risen!" She grumbled and turned her head into the feather pillow.
Fili rolled his eyes but ran his fingers through her beautiful hair.
"We're leaving."
Zinlaza sat up abruptly. "Leaving?"
"Dwalin told us last night. Get your things, we have to go soon."
Zinlaza was out of bed within seconds. She didn't even light a fire to warm the cool stones of the floor. She trembled but adrenaline coursed through her veins. Fili began gathering her things and placing them into a pack for her to carry upon her back.
"Do you want any of these dresses?" He asked her as he folded up some of her riding tunics. He loved the navy one. This was what she first wore when he met her.
Zinlaza paused as she folded a few of her under garments. She looked at a few of the elven dresses that were given to her by Elrond. It was indeed quite kind of him. Maybe she should only bring one or two? She may have need of them.
"Bring that forest gown, and then that ivory colored chemise."
Fili looked to where the dresses were. He stuttered. "F...forest and ivory?"
Zinlaza chuckled. "The dark green one, that has the black and gold overcoat and bronze knobs on the overcoat and sleeves and the simple cream colored one with the billowing sleeves! I can use that for multiple things."
Fili shook his head at her. "Why couldn't you have just said that! That was much simpler."
He folded the dresses neatly as she dressed, she still had on her night skirt, and proceeded to turn her naked back to him, her tanned skin exposed to his sight. He glanced at her tattoos she had on the center of her back and stretched along along her rib cage. They reminded him of his own in some sense. But all dwarf tattoos were very unique and told a story of their own. He would ask her about hers, soon. Maybe when they get back on the road he could start their little question game again. He longed to let his hands roam over her body, over her tattoos, over her breasts. She pulled over a loose burgundy tunic, snapping him out of his thoughts. She had a light brown overcoat with rabbit fur on the shoulders and she draped it around herself. The burgundy riding tunic she wore accented the redness of her lips. Fili stopped and stared. Mahal, did he want her. He wanted her then and there. They were about to set off on their journey anyway...why not take advantage of some alone time? Hopefully Kili wouldn't interrupt. He set down her pack gently on the arm chair in the corner, and approached her as she was about to take off her night skirt and put on her khaki cloth and leather riding pants.
"Stop." He said softly.
Zinlaza shook her head and laughed, confused. "What are you talking about?..." Then she glanced up and was surprised to see how close he was. She opened her mouth to speak again, but she could just see it in his eyes. Her heart picked up pace. He was standing over her and began leaning down. She leaned back onto the bed as he put all his weight upon her. He had already removed his coat, pulled hers off and threw her coat onto the floor. He gently placed his lips on hers. The electricity seemed to spark between their lips as he hungrily brushed his tongue against her lips. She welcomed him and wrapped her legs around his waist. He began to grind on her slowly, feeling the friction between their two bodies and hearing her breathing become more shallow and quick.
"Are you sure you want to do this right now? Do we not have somewhere to be?" She whispered, unsure.
"They can leave without me for all I care. I need you. Now. And I do not see a better time than now while everyone else is occupied."
Zinlaza didn't need to hear anything else before she began unbuttoning and untying his leather jerkin. He frantically hitched her skirt up and moved his hand along her thighs. She began to feel a fire burn through her stomach.
Fili stopped a moment. "Zinla, I do not mean to be insensitive, but...have you ever?"
She blushed in embarrassment by her answer. "Yes," she said hesitantly, "you need not worry."
Fili immediately regretted asking her since he felt jealous that some other man had touched his jewel. But it did not matter. She meant so much more to him than anything but his family and he didn't need to worry himself with hurting smiled at her and she smiled back but the ache of wanting was driving her mad. She clenched her legs tight so she hitched against his groin. Fili closed his eyes and softly moaned.
It didn't take him long to continue his ministrations along her upper thighs. It felt so good to have her bare skin against his finger tips and watching her squirm beneath his touch.
He continued upward until he found the folds of her sex and she was more than ready for him. He kissed along her jaw line and down her neck, sucking as he went.
"Please, now!" She moaned.
He slowly began to rub her gently and felt her body tremble beneath him. He used his other hand to run his fingers through her hair pulling slightly at her nape. He pulled her head back, his tongue urgent, needy. His other hand that was beneath her skirt moved up and down her thigh.
"You tease." She groaned softly, and nibbled on his ear. He smirked but continued and ran his thumb softly up her thigh and then took her off guard as he reached the apex of her thighs and slipped a finger inside of her.
She arched her back pressing her chest against him. How he wished he could feel all her body but they didn't have time. The ache of want radiated from her womanhood. He let another finger glide in and she shifted beneath him. She was so wet with want for him and he felt his own arousal becoming unbearable beneath his trousers. Her burgundy riding tunic had slipped off her shoulder and he kissed down her neck line to her collar bone to her shoulder as he playfully bit her. She finally pushed him away and untied his trousers and he pulled them down further. He didn't even give her a moment to catch her breath. He leaned down and placed himself at her opening. He looked her in the eyes, searching for any sign she wasn't ready. She just leaned up and kissed him in return. He gently slid himself inside of her and opened his mouth in pure pleasure. She stifled a moan and he enjoyed the feeling of her warmth around him.
"More."
He instantly reacted and pushed inside her deeper, then back out again. He was trying to be easy, he was trying to be gentle...but the want overpowered him. Her need overpowered him. He pushed harder and out, grunting and beads of sweat pooled upon his brow. She couldn't keep quiet either.
"Fili...yes..." She shouted.
"Not yet, my love." He ground his teeth as he continued to pound into her and she was all his. He couldn't get enough of her. He would never be satiated. He moved his hand beneath her riding tunic and cupped her breasts, his fingers tightening over her nipples. She grasped his hips as she met every one of his thrusts and his strangled groan aroused her all the more. His pace began to pick up as he felt his need come close and he felt her clench around him.
"Fili!" She dug her nails into his back, gentle yet fierce and she could feel the cut muscles of his back, which only left her wanting to see the rest of him. But time was of the essence. She would have to make do.
"Oh, Zinla..." It was a half cry, half groan. Zinlaza panted as he gyrated his hips, again and again.
"Please, please!" She begged. And yet he slowed down slightly, prolonging the fullness of her pleasure for just a while longer. He did not know when the next time would be for them to be alone. And to tell the truth, he was in pure bliss. He let his tongue brush along the side of her neck and up to her ear, where he tugged at one of her many earrings ever so slightly with his teeth. She had eight, four in each ear. Yet another observation he had made about his love. Everything about her, he loved. He ran his left hand over her waist and up her torso to her small breast, teasing her all the more as he gently kneaded it. She pushed her hips back against him, taking him deeper than before. He felt his release was on the verge. "Mahal, I don't want this to end." He thought to himself. Her moans grew louder and louder as picked up his pace, knowing that daylight would soon begin to pour through the window frame.
Then he finally let her go, her body a slave to his and he joined her too, basking in the overwhelming feeling of his release and was all but spent, collapsing on top of her.
"Zinla..." He whispered, still gasping and she nuzzled her neck into his.
They lay there for only a few moments before they could hear voices begin to echo softly in the hallway. Fili and Zinla glanced at each other and she giggled. "Well, good morning." She whispered and smiled, glowing.
"You are a wonder." He shook his head, but the grin on his face told her that he was more than satisfied.
"Just you wait until we have more time." She smirked and playfully bit his lip.
Fili cursed under his breath, "Kalilal..." He called her. She looked at him incredulously but then let her intrepid fingers run over his beard and she placed a sensual kiss upon his lips, letting her tongue dance over his lips once more.
"Arzid, Khebabinh!" He pushed away from her, shaking his head.
"Aw, what ever is the matter, my Lion?" She asked coyly.
He ran his fingers through his hair.
She sat up and smoothed out her skirt so she was no longer exposed.
"I think I need to change, and quickly!" She said as she heard Bofur's voice outside the door, still very quiet.
He took her in his arms once more, hesitant to let her finish readying herself.
"I love you." He smiled down at her.
"And I you, my beloved!"
Fili let go, with regret at the absence of her warmth, but he picked up his pack he had readied earlier before he woke Zinlaza. She slid into her khaki cloth trousers and laced them up.
She shoved the last of her belongings that would be needed on the journey and placed her axes in their respected sheaths. They opened the door and joined the other dwarves, Kili looking around anxiously for Fili.
"Brother!" Fili called and Kili turned.
"There you are, I was beginning to worry!" He glanced to Zinlaza and took note of their disheveled hair and clothing and a large grin spread on his face.
"Have a pleasant morning?" He taunted.
Fili shot him a look of daggers. "Not a word, Kili."
Kili chuckled but took his brother in a bear hug. "Good for you, brother!" Zinlaza felt her face redden even more if that was even possible.
"Come, we are to meet Uncle at the edge of Rivendell. He's still in his chambers with Aunt Morayn." He was still grinning.
"Took you no time to welcome her into the family, huh?" Zinlaza said with a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone.
Fili knew that Morayn had irked Zinlaza, but he had thought they were getting along well! He dismissed her comment though and they continued along the corridor and out to the foyer.
They reached the edge of Rivendell and stood waiting for Thorin to arrive. Balin and Dwalin didn't even look at Zinlaza which worried her. Dwalin was always so welcoming and avuncular towards her. She wondered if they knew the information she had just learned about her heritage.
Her heart started pounding as she thought about what she had read the night before. Excitement pooled in her stomach. The sooner they got to Erebor, the sooner she could find the Arkenstone...no one would deny her her right. She had read clearly that if she did in fact retrieve the Arkenstone, she would weild the power to summon the Seven Kingdoms. She smirked slightly. The crown was as good as hers.
Footsteps treading heavily approached the group. Fili and Kili knew it to be Thorin and approached him.
"You ready uncle?" Fili said quietly as he looked to see the sun beginning to come over the mountains. "We must make haste."
Thorin nodded and re-positioned his gear as he began to walk to the path which they took into Rivendell. As he reached the base of the slope he heard the footsteps behind him stop and quickly found Kili beside him.
"Someone's not ready," he said placing his hand onto Thorin's shoulder. He turned around to look to see a little figure at the very end of the company, mostly in silhouette from the rising sun, but was able to make out small figure on the persons shoulder. Thorin felt his body go weak and sighed,
"Morayn," He said faint as he walked to her. The dwarves stepped aside letting him rush to her however Fili and Kili followed behind and Thorin noticed Zinlaza was here too. He shot a fiery glance at Dwalin. He had told Dwalin to tell Zinlaza that she wasn't to join in the quest the rest of the venture as he had told Morayn as well. He didn't want Fili to get caught up, knowing he loved Zinlaza. But in that moment he had to deal with Morayn before Zinlaza. "What are you doing here?" he asked as he approached her, knowing well exactly what she would try to achieve by coming. He could tell she had been crying again but was maintaining her composure for now.
"I...I wanted to see you off," her voice was shaky as she looked up into Thorin's blue eyes, "I also wanted you to take something with you." She placed her hand for her big black bird, to jump on and placed him onto Thorin's shoulder. Zinlaza scoffed. How pathetic, she thought to herself. It was evident Thorin was making Morayn stay behind. Good! Zinlaza thought, less competition.
"Please take Osse with you. He will watch over you and we can use him to communicate. If anything was to happen I would know." She said stroking the birds back and handing Thorin a small bag. "Here's some food for him. He mostly finds food for himself and will not bother you, but in places where food is scarce make sure to give him some." She forced a weak smile as Thorin slowly closed her small hand offering the bag of food,
"Morayn I can't—"
"Thorin please. If I cannot come with you please take part of me with you." She begged as Osse looked back and forth at the two confused as where to go.
"You are already with me in my heart and spirit." He said placing his strong hand on her delicate face. "But I will take good care of him." Morayn showed a slight smirk and handed him a small bag. Zinlaza rolled her eyes.
"There is parchment, ink, and a quill within the bag. We can write to ease the distance and time. Osse will watch over you and can deliver our messages." Thorin took the small leather bag and looked at her with sad eyes. His heart was breaking more and more the longer he stood looking upon her face, not knowing when he would see it again. "Please be careful. Mukhuh Mahal bakhuz murukhzu," She said to him with a blessing, and then taking slight pause whispered in a soft and painful voice, "Inikdê..." He leaned down, kissing her lips gently and then placing a kiss on her forehead.
"I will." He had to rip himself from her side as he solemnly walked back towards his company; if he was the stand there any longer he knew he would not be able to leave. He then approached Zinlaza.
"And you." He said with a slight annoyance in his voice.
"You are staying behind, too."
Zinlaza felt her stomach drop.
"Thorin..." She said with determination in her voice.
"Uncle!" Fili stepped forward, his eyes full of shock.
"I don't want to hear anything from you, Fili. I tried to keep you out of this. Dwalin, I specifically instructed you to inform Zinlaza that she was to remain behind with Morayn. Did you have to much malt-beer at the wedding last night to where you lost focus of the task I presented you?" Thorin was angry. Zinlaza felt slightly intimidated by Thorin's immediate change. Morayn sat idly back, surprised as well at his command to leave Zinlaza behind.
Dwalin cleared his throat. "No, Thorin. I did not forget, but seeing as Zinlaza was not in her chambers last night when you assigned the task, I didn't deem it wise to wander Rivendell in search of her."
Zinlaza shifted uncomfortably beneath everyone's gaze.
Thorin nodded in understanding. "Well, Zinlaza, this is where we part ways. My nephew doesn't understand the dangers quite like I do and I will not have the love of his life ripped away from him in a flash and your lack of skills be the cause, much like you almost did before we reached Rivendell." He spoke to her with no hint of regret or remorse.
Zinlaza sneered and leaned in close. The other dwarves strained to hear what she had to say.
"You and I both know very well, Thorin Oakenshield, that this has nothing to do with my skill nor Fili and I's love for each other." She said menacingly. He was perplexed. What could she possibly mean by that?
"Zinlaza, please. I'm not pleased about his decisions either. I'm having to stay behind." Morayn tried to reason with her dear friend.
"Oh, do not act all innocent, Morayn. You knew he would leave me behind, and couldn't bear the thought that I would be able to go on this quest with them and requested to your husband that he command to leave me behind. You two probably had this planned all along!"
Morayn shook her head. "No! No, Zinla, that's not it at all!" She tried to calm her down, but Zinlaza wouldn't have it.
Fili stood next to Zinlaza, rage building inside of him. She was absolutely in the right to be livid. He was conflicted. Earlier in the morning, his only concern was not having alone time with her...he didn't think he would be parted from her so suddenly.
"I'm staying." He said with assurance.
"No." She whipped around and looked at him. He took her in his arms so fiercely.
"I cannot part from you." He said as he glared at Thorin.
"You belong here, Fili. I love you, but you belong with him," she nodded her head towards Thorin with spite, " and you belong with your brother."
Her words struck a chord in his chest. She was right and he looked at Kili. Despite her temper, she was very wise at times. He couldn't abandon Kili. Dis would have his head on a spike, or his ass. He looked back down at Zinlaza and nodded, tears pooling in her eyes. He leaned in and kissed her bitter-sweetly and felt her tremble beneath his touch, her lips parting slightly. He deepened the kiss without thought of who all was watching. The withdrew from each other without a single word. She wiped away a single tear that had escaped her eye. She turned and hauled her pack upon her back. He felt his throat close up with emotion.
"This is not the last you have heard of this, Thorin." The harshness of her voice sounded like pure evil, and it took a lot out of Thorin not to shudder. She marched past Morayn and took one last look at her and spat, "Zurmaz shekinh." Thorin inhaled sharply at her words and glared at Fili, who simply turned away, his face blank.
Morayn cringed at the words. Everyone silent as Zinlaza marched back towards Rivendell with pride. Fili turned on his heel and walked the other way, he was going to be strong. He would not let his Uncle know the pain he had just inflicted on him internally. Kili continued on, side-by-side with his brother, saddened by the loss of their female comrades presence, but honored to be alongside his brother who cared so much for him. He felt a deepening connection with Zinlaza for convincing Fili to stay with him. He couldn't express what it meant to him. He had never felt true love, but surely it was difficult to part ways with one's love, yet she allowed Fili to do so for the sake of their family, and he felt a huge sense of respect towards Zinlaza. She knew the value of family, even when she had none. Well that wasn't the case now. She had gained him as a brother and from then on considered her blood of his blood.
The rest of the dwarves did not speak and watched as their king made his way up the rocks to the front of their group, not without looking back at Morayn who stood there watching. The company made their way up the slopes and steps the same way they had come down before disappearing back into the tunnel they had taken to get to Rivendell. Morayn watched until she could no longer see them and made her way back to her house where she would spend the rest of her day sulking in her bed, wishing she could have gone with her husband and wishing that Zinlaza believed her when she said that she had no part in her staying behind. Zinlaza didn't stray far from Rivendell but sat next to one of the many falls and let the mist whip her hair as she sat there the entire day, the sun bearing down on her skin. She couldn't speak. She couldn't eat. She was lost.
The company reached the top of the path as the sun was beginning to shed light upon Rivendell, "Balin you know these paths, lead on. Master Baggins! I suggest you keep up!" He said as the company moved through the crevices of the stone. He stood there looking down on the Homely House, remembering the first time he had seen the valley and despised to go any further. Now he stood there fighting the urge to run back down and embrace it, to live a life with his wife, but he knew that was not his destiny. Bilbo walked up and approached Fili, unsure of what to say, if he were to say anything at all.
"Fili?" He paused. Fili didn't turn to look at him.
"Fili, I'm..I'm so sorry." He said with sincerity. He really couldn't imagine what he was going through. Fili looked up at the Hobbit, and removed his hood that was covering his head and dawned a shadow on his face. Bilbo could clearly see the streams of tears that had poured over Fili's cheeks and in that moment Bilbo knew that Fili felt really alone, just like he had felt in the beginning, and as Zinlaza felt as well. Kili sped up a bit and placed an arm around Fili and Bilbo handed Fili Zinlaza's handkerchief she had lent him at the beginning of their journey. Fili could only smile and nod in appreciate it.
"She would want you to hold onto it now." Bilbo said assuredly, and with that they continued in silence.