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Monday's here...and so is Thranduil!
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Oh...and this is my longest chapter so far! Enjoy.
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Chapter 26
~X~
The sun was just starting to set as they headed up the street, bathing the sky in an amazing swath of yellow and orange, nearly taking Kara's breath away at the beautiful sight. She had seen many sunsets in her life, but she couldn't recall a more stunning one than this, and for some reason she felt it had much to do with where she was…and who she was with. Being taken by these Vikings had changed her life a great deal, and not all for the bad. Kara found she appreciated the little things more now…a sunset, a sensible dress, a warm pair of boots, and good food.
But most of all, she saw how these heathens cherished family and friends, their love for each other so easily displayed, where her people were more austere. Other than her parents, she could not recall the last time anyone had ever treated her with affection, or offered her a consoling hug. Yet, today, many of the village had come running when one of their own was in danger, and even a strong warrior like Gloin had been reduced to tears in front of all, with no one chiding him for it. Perhaps these people were not quite the barbarians everyone suspected. For they were not strangers to love…and the very kind that Kara had longed for since the death of her parents.
"Is everything all right?" Fili asked, having become concerned over Kara's prolonged silence. "Are you in pain?" He reached out and gently touched her back, thinking perhaps her wound was bothering her.
"No…I was just thinking," she assured him. "I was hoping that little Gimli was better," Kara said, and while it wasn't exactly what had been on her mind, she was worried about the lad.
"I'm sure he's already bouncing around again, with Dena pulling out her hair in an effort to keep him in bed," Fili smiled, knowing his little cousin quite well. "Thorin will know more, and we can ask him when we get back to the house." And taking her hand in his, he led them through the streets until the longhouse came into sight.
Just as Fili predicted, Thorin was indeed inside, sitting in his favorite chair with Kili beside him. Dis was standing nearby, listening intently as they described what had happened with Gimli and Kara. When the door opened, her head swiveled around, a look of relief on her face as she hurried forward.
"Thank goodness you were there, Kara," she said, grasping her by the shoulders and pulling her into a warm embrace. "I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if you hadn't gone fishing."
"And it looks like I was wrong," Fili grinned, doing his best to alleviate the worry on his mother's face. "Kara did catch a big fish today, only this one went by the name of Gimli."
This had both Kili and Thorin laughing, and after a few moments, even Dis joined in, the fear in her eyes quickly washed away.
"And the lad is fine," Thorin assured everyone present. "Oin says the bump he got will be sore for a day or so, but no true damage was done."
"He must have inherited a hard head from his father," Kili joked.
"And the resilience of his mother," Dis stated, always having admired Dena's strong nature and kind spirit. "I'll go visit them tomorrow and see if they are in need of anything." She then looked over at Kara once more, giving her a warm smile. "But for now, I think a celebratory dinner is in order. One that will include that fine fish Melind dropped off. Not bad for your first try."
Kara grinned at the compliment, recalling how not long ago, such words from Dis' mouth would have been unheard of. But it was a smug smile that she gave Fili, causing him to roll his eyes at her gesture.
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So, dinner was prepared, and when it came time to sit down to eat, everyone was surprised that Dis insisted that Kara join them at the table. No one argued with her, of course, and even Thorin seemed pleased by the seating arrangement. Fili gave her a wide grin and reached under the table to squeeze her hand, making her blush just a little. And though everyone received a small bite of the fish, the majority of the meal was provided thanks to Kili's hunting skills once again. Still, Kara couldn't have been more proud of herself if she tried, for while saving Gimli had been the highlight of the day…the fish she caught was a very close second.
They had just finished their meal, and Kara had stood to clear the table, when there came a knock at the door. Kili rose and answered it, finding Gloin standing on the other side, asking for permission to enter.
"Of course, Cousin," Kili said, stepping aside and allowing the man to come in. He looked somewhat hesitant, and was carrying a large sack over his shoulder, and another smaller bundle in his other hand. "You know you are always welcome."
"How is little Gimli?" was the first question out of Dis' mouth, the mother in her coming to the fore.
"A bit shaken up, but otherwise, he's fine," the red-bearded man assured them with a relieved smile. "Oin said to keep him awake for a bit, and to watch him carefully, but so far he's been the same old Gimli…wild and rambunctious."
"That's good to hear," Fili nodded, happy over such news. "So, what brings you here tonight, shouldn't you be home helping Dena corral the lad?"
"Aye, he is a handful," Gloin agreed. "But I wanted to come and speak to your thrall," he revealed, his eyes now turning to where Kara stood, the stack of dishes still in her hand.
"To…to me?" she asked, looking over at Fili a bit nervously.
"Yes, I want to thank you for what you did today," the Viking began, stepping closer to her as he laid the sack he carried onto the table. "My lad would have drowned for sure if you hadn't jumped in like you did. My Dena wanted me to convey her gratitude as well, and asked me to bring you these." Here he handed Kara the smaller package, waiting while she set the dishes down in order to take it. Unsure what else to do, she pulled on the twine holding the cloth around the gift, folding it back to reveal not one, but two, new dresses.
"Oh…these are beautiful," Kara gasped, more than happy to have extra clothes, since her only spare still needed to be stitched up where Detlef had cut it. "Thank you very much."
"It's the least we could do, lassie," Gloin said with a smile. He then turned and opened the sack on the table, revealing what looked to be a large chunk of deer meat from a recent kill. "It's not much, but it should feed your household for a day or so."
"You didn't need to go to such trouble," Thorin told the man. "Though we appreciate the gesture nonetheless. You are very generous."
"My family means everything to me, and I will never forget what was done today to save my little Gimli's life," Gloin insisted, receiving a nod of understanding from the Jarl. Yet, then he turned his eyes on the blond warrior. "And so, in addition, Dena and I talked it over and we would like to offer to buy Kara from you, Fili. She would be treated kindly, given much more freedom and respect than a normal thrall, and I promise that she will never come to harm while she lives under our roof."
"You…you want to buy me?" Kara gasped, nearly dropping her new dresses in shock. Would Fili sell her? Would she now be living with Gloin and his family?
"I appreciate your offer, as well as your reasons for doing so, but the answer is no, Cousin," Fili was quick to state, his tone perhaps a bit harsher than he had intended.
"I'm willing to pay what you originally did for her," Gloin insisted, reaching into his coat and pulling out a bag of coins, the money inside jingling a bit as he did. "I won't see you taking a loss on the deal."
This was now getting serious, causing Kara to begin to panic. She didn't want to go live anywhere else. And while Gloin seemed genuine in his offer, and appeared to be happy with his wife, how was she to know that he wouldn't expect her to serve as a bed-slave in his house? Most of the village, as well as half the household, already thought that's what she was…so the idea was not out of the realm of possibilities. Kara, wanting to get her opinion in on the subject, approached Fili from behind, placing her hand on his shoulder gently.
"Fili…I…" she got no further, for at this he rounded on her, his face hard and firm, causing her to take a step backwards.
"UPSTAIRS NOW, WOMAN!" he ordered, pointing in the direction he wanted her to go so that there was no misunderstanding. "Get in my room and stay there, do you hear me!"
Fili had not spoken to her so harshly since the first days she had arrived, and he had not referred to her as woman since he had begun calling her Kara. She could see that the others in the room were shocked by his anger as well, yet no one said a word. Thus, without any other recourse, Kara fled, all but racing up the stairs and into the room, leaving the curtain swinging back and forth from her hasty exit.
At this, Fili turned back to Gloin, his expression still severe, yet he was able to calm his voice just a bit.
"I said, she's not for sale!" Fili reiterated through grit teeth, his manner and tone leaving no doubt about how he felt on the subject.
Yet, while all believed that Gloin might become offended by Fili's words and tone, instead…he grinned.
"I honestly didn't think you would be, lad," he chuckled, reaching out and placing a hand on his kin's shoulder. "But I had no idea you would object this strongly. Might I detect some feelings for the pretty wench brewing within you?" When Fili's mouth simply dropped open and no words came out, the burly man only laughed harder. "Don't worry, I won't be asking again, but Dena insisted that I offer to buy her from you out of gratitude for what she did. We honestly are in her debt…and yours as well for bringing her here." He then patted the bag holding the hunk of meat. "Enjoy it with our thanks." And then he left, leaving the room in deadly silence.
"Is…is this true, Fili?" Dis began, her tone oddly unreadable. "Is what Gloin said correct?"
"You know it can't be, nephew," Thorin broke in, nothing but conviction in his tone. "You are my heir, you must marry a lass of your own kind…not a foreigner. The law won't allow it."
"I KNOW!" Fili barked, turning to face his mother and uncle. "He is mistaken. Yes, it is true that I don't wish for Kara to be sold to another, but I have no designs of taking her as a wife." This was true, for no matter how much he found himself wishing to do just that, he knew it was impossible. Thorin was right. I could never be. "Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to bed."
"If you're even allowed inside the room after that little scene," Kili mumbled, not at all happy with how his brother had spoken to Kara.
"Shut your yap, Kili," Fili huffed, turning and heading up the stairs.
"If she refuses to share a bed with you, brother, you can always send her to my room," he called after him.
"I said SHUT UP!" he growled, stomping into his room without another word.
"My, my…so touchy," Kili snickered, always loving how he could rile his brother.
"That's enough," Thorin snapped, reaching out and slapping the back of Kili's head. "This is no laughing matter!"
"It certainly is not," Dis agreed, yet as she let her gaze drift to where her eldest son had just disappeared, she found she wasn't fully convinced of Fili's declaration…not by a long shot. Yet what surprised her more was the fact that she wasn't exactly opposed to the idea either, regardless of the implications. How strange.
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Kara had entered the room, tossed the dresses aside, and threw herself on the bed, burying her face in the pillow and let herself cry. It had been a very emotional day, and this last bit had been the final straw. She was so conflicted, so confused, and yet, she had realized when Gloin made his offer that she had not wanted to leave Fili's side…ever! Was that why she was now reduced to a mess of tears, because she knew that could never truly happen? That one day he would marry, that he would have to put her aside and give his devotion to another? When did it become so important that Fili loved her? And did that mean that she loved him in return? Her captor, the man who had stolen her from her former life. Kara didn't know what to do.
"Kara?" came Fili's voice from behind her, causing her to sit up and attempt to wipe the tears from her eyes before he saw. Yet, it was useless, he knew she had been crying, so she simply scooted over to sit on the edge of the bed, her hands in her lap and her head bowed.
Fili walked around and sat down beside her, their shoulders touching as he reached out and tipped her chin up so that she was looking at him. She tried to pull away, but he wasn't having any of it.
"I'm sorry I spoke to you that way, Kara…truly I am," he confessed, his voice low and sincere. "He just…well, he caught me off guard with his offer to buy you, and I didn't know what to say." Fili let his thumb graze over her cheek, wiping a tear away as it fell from her eye. "And I'm sorry I am not generous enough to let you go, even if your life would have improved considerably living with them and not me. I just couldn't let…" Here she cut him off.
"You thought I wanted to live with them?" she gasped, noticing how dejected he appeared.
"Wasn't that what you were going to say down there…that you wanted him to buy you?" Fili questioned. "Gloin and Dena are very kind, and after what you did to save Gimli, I know they would have treated you like family. I felt like a heel saying no, but I just couldn't do it, Kara…I couldn't."
"And I didn't want you to!" she blurted out, grabbing onto his arm tightly for emphasis. "I honestly don't know what I want any more, Fili…but I know for certain that I don't want to leave you."
"You don't?" he could feel his heart start to beat again, as if until now it had inexplicably stopped.
"No, and I know it makes no sense, but it's the truth," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder as she stared at the wall without seeing it. "I hated this place when I first arrived…hated the people, hated you. But now, looking back, I hated my life before even more. I know you aren't supposed to, but you offered me a voice…you listen to what I say and take my thoughts into consideration as much as is allowed. I might be your slave…but you have not treated me like one for a while now, and I truly appreciate it. I'm beginning to think I could make a life here, living and working among your people, and not miss anything I left behind."
"Do you mean it, Kara…do you truly mean it?" Fili questioned, looking down at her with shock filled eyes. "Because if so, I promise to make sure you never regret your decision. I will always take care of you, see that you are happy and safe."
"Until you marry?" she responded, glancing up at him with pain in her eyes. "Until you are required to take a wife from among your people and fulfill your destiny as the future Jarl?"
"Kara, that won't be for a long, long time," he insisted, desperate to ease her mind.
"But it will happen," Kara continued.
"I would change things if I could, you must know that," Fili promised, the truth reflecting in his eyes.
"But you cannot," she sighed, resigned to this fact. "And I cannot give myself to a man who is not my husband. I was raised differently, Fili, and I can't abandon my code of ethics so easily. I would hate myself…and then come to hate you. I don't want that, nor do you deserve it."
"So…you are saying you want to stay with me, but only as a thrall, nothing more?" This hurt Fili to the core, tearing at his insides like the claws of a bear.
"I don't see how it could ever be different," she moaned, falling back against the bed as she brought her hands up to cover her eyes. "I don't know how to fix this, Fili…I don't!"
Leaning back himself, he laid there next to her, his hands folded over his stomach, looking at the ceiling as if it might reveal the solution. Yet, no matter how long he stared…the problem remained.
"I cannot abandon my destiny…I cannot forfeit my place as heir to Thorin," Fili said with a heavy sigh.
"And I wouldn't expect you to," Kara assured him.
"I can't let you go either," he said next, his tone just as firm. "I can't just set you free and send you home."
"Again…I don't want you to," she reminded him. "Yet, I'm not sure being around you like this is healthy either. It will only torment me, being so close to something I simply cannot have."
"And you think is hasn't been uncomfortable for me as well?" he scoffed, recalling all the nights he lay there in agony, unable to find release for his desires for her.
"I don't want you to be in pain, Fili!" she gasped, sitting up as she turned to stare at him in anguish. "I never want that for you. But I don't know what to do about it!"
"Then…let's not do anything, for now," he suggested, sitting up as well and taking her hand in his. "For no matter what, there is nothing that can be accomplished before spring. The first snowfall will come soon and we will be land-locked for several long months, unable to sail west or journey far. I will not pressure you into changing your mind, or going against your moral code…yet I do ask that you give me the chance to show you just how good we could be together. I will keep my promise, I will not touch you inappropriately, but let me spoil you as I would if you were my woman, and prove to you how I truly feel. Will you let me do this, Kara…please?"
Part of her wanted to say no, to run sobbing from the room because she knew it would hurt far too much when the time came for him to put her aside. Yet, the other part, the one that couldn't stop staring into his blue eyes spoke the loudest, and it was screaming for her to say yes.
"I…I will," she nodded, feeling as if her fate had just been sealed by those two little words. Kara knew the pain of loss…but could she live through it again, with Fili? And what if she gave in? What if she lost herself in the whirlwind of emotions that was battering her on all sides and succumbed to his, and her, ultimate desire? For no matter how much she tried to deny it, Kara did desire Fili.
"Thank you, my little raven," he smiled, reaching up to cup her cheek tenderly. "You will not be sorry."
"I know," she nodded, though in her heart she already was. Not sorry she said yes, but sorry that none of her new found dreams would ever come true. Fili could never truly be hers. But for a while…she would content herself with pretending.
"May I kiss you?" he asked, desperate to feel her lips upon his. "I won't go any further, I swear."
"Because a kiss is not touching…its caressing?' she said with a sly smile, repeating his own words back to him.
"Exactly," he grinned, leaning in and covering her mouth with his own. It was a slow, soft kiss, one filled with tenderness so as not to frighten her, and yet, Fili could feel the need within him quickly growing. She was like air to him, or water…something necessary and essential to his survival. And as he pulled back and stared into her dark and dreamy eyes, he knew that giving her up had never been, and would never be, an option.
He only had to find a way to solve this whole mess…somehow.
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That night, and the following day went by with ease, not only had Fili and Kara reached an understanding, but she noticed that many in the village treated her differently as well. Instead of ignoring her, or even scowling in her direction as she passed, many now smiled, and even offer a hello to her. It would appear that news of her rescuing little Gimli had spread, and she was now regarded a bit higher than the other thralls.
"I even heard some of the shield maidens talking about you this morning…and they all had very nice things to say!" Melind told her as they sat side by side, milking the goats.
"That's nice…but it wasn't why I did it," she insisted.
"Oh, I know that, and so do a lot of others, but regardless, you are the talk of the village today," Melind grinned. "That, and Jarl Thranduil's arrival tomorrow. I think everyone is a bit on edge because of it."
"I know that Jarl Thorin is," Kara nodded, recalling how he was up and gone even before Dis had time to make him some breakfast. "Not to mention, Fili and Kili…all three of them are doing everything they can to assure that if it's a trap, they will not be caught unprepared."
"I'm not worried, for Thranduil would be a fool to attempt some kind of attack on Erebor," she stated firmly. "I've traveled to many villages with Gier, and this has to be the safest one I've ever been in. I'm just curious as to what proposition he has to offer Jarl Thorin."
"I guess we will find out soon enough," Kara said with a shrug. She couldn't help but be concerned, since the stress that radiated off of the three males in the house was infectious. Still, she trusted Fili, and he had told her not to worry.
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The following day, Kara raced through her chores, eager to have everything done before the important delegation from Mirkwood arrived. She, of course, would have to stand in the far corner of the meeting hall, if she was allowed in at all, but that was fine with her. The last thing she wanted was to draw any undue attention to herself. Kara had just been moved up a step on the social ladder, and she was not about to do anything that could jeopardize that accidentally.
She and Fili had also been getting along quite well, with soft looks exchanged throughout the day whenever they happen to run into each other. Yet, it was the nights that Kara looked forward to the most, when it was just the two of them, and their conversations were more personal. She was learning more and more about his culture, and he continually asked about her past. It felt good to have someone interested in her, not her title or the position her family lineage could offer them, but her. Fili made her feel special, something Kara hadn't experienced since the death of her mother.
She was just carrying the basket of eggs she had gathered that morning, the chickens beginning to lay less and less as the days grew shorter and colder, when there came the sound of horns.
Thranduil and his company had arrived!
Racing towards the longhouse, Kara quickly set her basket on the table and hurried back out, hoping to spot this mysterious Jarl as he entered. Melind found her among the throng of villagers, she too eager to see what was going to happen, as the two of them climbed on top of a wooden bench so they could see over the crowd. Thorin, Fili, Kili, and Dis were waiting for their guests inside the meeting house, more than likely dressed in their very best, with their many sharpened weapons on display as a sign of strength and majesty. Not that any of them needed such things to impress, for each exuded authority just as they were.
"Look…he's so tall!" Melind whispered, pointing to the man in front, his long white-blond hair flowing freely in the light breeze.
"But not half as broad shouldered as Fili," Kara pointed out, a touch of pride in her voice. "They all look to be more…more…spry, however." For indeed they were, the warriors from Mirkwood much thinner and leggy than those of Erebor. Still, she figured they would need more agility since they lived in a forest, and didn't sail the seas.
"And look at their faces! No beards!" Melind pointed out, as if she found it distasteful. "Though, I understand they favor the bow and arrow over swords, and one can't shoot very easily with long facial hair. I also hear their kind have lived among the trees so long that they spend half their time in them, so I would guess they can't be as bulky and muscular," she added with a shrug. "I wonder who that one just behind the Jarl is…they look a lot alike."
"Fili said that Thranduil has a son, but he never mentioned his name," Kara informed her. "That's probably him…don't you think?"
"I would imagine," she nodded. "It doesn't look as if they brought enough warriors to make an attack."
"I would hope not, since before they would enter the gates, Fili said they would insist on a trade of men," Kara went on to relate. "Both Balin and Dwalin would be offered up in exchange, remaining outside with the rest of Thranduil's men to ensure that nothing bad befell them while inside Erebor."
"That's smart," Melind agreed.
"And scary too," she added. "I've kind of grown fond of Balin…and Dwalin too, even if he can seem a bit gruff at times."
"Jarl Thorin would never let anything bad happen to them, I'm sure," Melind said with confidence.
"Come on, let's go see if we can find a spot where we can hear what they are saying inside the meeting house," Kara urged, jumping down off the bench and following the crowd.
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It didn't take long for Thranduil and his group to reach the longhouse, their horses being taken away to be fed and watered while the Mirkwood Jarl was escorted inside. The hall quickly filled up, with Kara and Melind only just managing to squeeze in and remain unnoticed in a back corner, standing on another bench so they could see over the tall Vikings that surrounded them.
"Welcome, Jarl Thranduil," Thorin's voice boomed out over the crowd as he greeted the visiting leader. "It has been many years since your people have dared to set foot inside Erebor…I do hope this is the beginning of a new and peaceful era."
Kara knew that their Jarl spoke the truth, he did want peace, for a leader who only desired war was not a good leader at all. She had also been witness to Thorin, Fili, and Kili, staying up late into the night discussing ways to reconcile the former hostilities with their neighbors.
"It is my wish as well, Jarl Thorin," the tall blond stated, bowing slightly at the waist. "May I present my son and heir, Legolas." Here the young man at his side bowed as well, though unlike his father, he didn't seem as eager to do so.
"And this is my sister, Lady Dis…my nephew and heir, Fili, and his brother, Kili," Thorin introduced, gesturing to his family who sat and stood at his side.
Dis gave a short nod of greeting, while Fili remained stoic, not even flinching, and Kara could see that Kili was doing his best to imitate his brother, the two of them putting up a show of solidarity.
"It is a pleasure," Thranduil stated respectfully, before turning his attention solely back to Thorin. "What has brought me here this day is a wish to lay to rest any animosity that still lingers between Erebor and Mirkwood. I am honored that you chose to meet with me, for I do hope my proposal will be beneficial to both our people."
"As do I," Thorin nodded. At this, he stood from the chair he was sitting upon, and came down the few steps to Thranduil's level, the two of them just about eye to eye. "Please, have a seat, so we can speak." Here he gestured to a long table that had been placed near the center of the room, allowing Thranduil and Legolas to take up one side, while Thorin, Fili, Kili, and Dis occupied the other.
From her vantage point, Kara noted that Thranduil was careful to keep his men at his back, not foolish enough to sit down with any from Erebor behind him. Still, she didn't think Thorin had any intentions of playing false to his word, insuring their safety no matter where they sat. She also found it intriguing that neither leader chose to sequester themselves in a private chamber to talk, instead doing so out in the open for all to hear. Once more she laughed, thinking how her Uncle Edmond would never have handled court affairs this way, feeling as if his people were too far beneath him to ever understand, or merit, such proceedings.
"Please…speak your mind," Thorin offered, gesturing for Thranduil to begin.
"As you know, Jarl Thorin, for many years your people and mine have been at odds, and most of it due to a long standing feud between your grandfather and mine," Thranduil stated.
"Aye, it is true," the dark haired man nodded, a look of sadness touching his eyes. "And while I do not pretend to know the full story behind it all, you can be assured that I am willing to overlook any former slight. Provided that you too are able to set aside any hard feelings which took place before either of us were born."
Kara was instantly curious as to what this situation might have been, and what had caused such a rift between both kingdoms. She would have to remember to ask Fili if he knew later.
"Your people, as well as mine, tend to hold on to grudges for a long time," Thranduil agreed. "Yet, eventually they must come to an end, for the good of all concerned. Times are changing, new threats have come calling upon our shores, and we can no longer afford to fight among ourselves, Thorin. Thus, with your approval, I bid that we lay aside our grievances, and form a new alliance, one built on mutual gain, combined strength, and friendship. Will you agree to this?"
"I am certainly willing to listen to your proposal," Thorin smiled, eager for this to work out, but not so foolish as to agree to anything without hearing it all spelled out first.
"We in Mirkwood have long relied on the forest to supply our needs and shelter us from attack, yet, as I said, times are changing and we can no longer sequester ourselves within its boundaries," Thranduil began. "My son and I have spoken of this at great length, and free trade with others is the only way we can continue to prosper and grow. And to do this, we will need access to the sea, as well as ships in order to ferry such goods. As non-sea faring folk, we are at a loss to how to accomplish this, as well as having no way to reach the sea except by crossing Erebor land." Here there was a murmur though the room, as many began to talk amongst themselves over this piece of news. "Of course we could go around your land, making our way to the north or south, but this would take weeks, making such travel imprudent. Thus, I am here to bargain for safe passage across your lands, as well as a small harbor in which to moor our ships."
"And where would you acquire these ships?" Thorin asked, his brows furrowing together. "You just claimed you had none."
"That is true, yet we do have plenty of timber with which to build them," Thranduil pointed out. "Thus, I offer you wood in trade to build more ships for yourself, if you are willing to teach us the skills needed to make some of our own. And for the ability to cross your lands, as well as the offer of a safe harbor, my people are prepared to come to your aid should you ever be in need. Our swords, axes and bows will be at your disposal, as our ally and friends."
"That is indeed a very tempting offer, Jarl Thranduil," Thorin said, sitting back in his chair and stroking his beard in thought. "Timber suitable for building ships is a rare commodity these days. How many of your trees are you willing to part with, and will we be able to choose them ourselves, or simply take what you are offering to give?"
"As I stated, we have no skills at boat building, thus I will offer you the choice of which trees are necessary, providing that for each one you cut, you point out the ones we should select as well," Thranduil insisted. "I will guarantee you enough lumber over the next ten years to build fifty new longboats for raiding and trade. Is this enough to tempt you into agreeing to my proposal."
Now everyone in the room was speaking, marveling at the substantial offer put before their Jarl. Enough wood to build fifty ships was more than generous… it was something Thorin could not turn down. The dozen they had now were finely crafted and sea-worthy, but each year several were lost to the unforgiving sea or age and rot. Wood to build more had become scarce, since only the straightest trees could be used, and anywhere from fifty to eighty were required to do so. Thus, everyone in the room was anxious to hear Thorin's next words.
After being silent for a good long time, apparently trying to see this offer from every angle possible, Erebor's Jarl turned and looked first at Fili, receiving a nearly imperceptible nod of agreement from him. Next, he looked over at Kili and Dis, whereupon they too signaled their agreement.
"Your offer is indeed generous, Jarl Thranduil," Thorin said at last. "And I commend you on your farsightedness in seeing that isolation is not the answer when one wishes to thrive. In exchange for your promise of wood for fifty ships, we are willing to provide you not only safe passage across our lands, but a harbor and the know-how to build your own crafts. As for your offer of swords, and warriors to wield them, should our need arise…that too I gladly accept. For as I said, it is far better to unite against a common enemy, than to battle amongst ourselves. We are Northmen above all else…we are Odin's children, and should act as such."
"I agree," Thranduil said with what could almost have been considered a smile. "Then I propose we seal this bargain with a pledge of marriage, as our ancestors have done for years, bonding our families and kingdoms together under one united goal?"
"Seal it with a bond of marriage?" Thorin questioned, cocking his head to one side in confusion. "How do you imagine to accomplish this? For I know you have only the one son, and I have no daughters to offer, having never married myself. And while my sister has provided me with two fine heirs, as you can clearly see, they are not lasses either."
"Aye, I do indeed only have the one heir, though he has proven more loyal and brave than a hundred sons," Thranduil stated, giving Legolas a look of pride. "However, the son of my mother's sister was blessed with a daughter, and upon his death, I took the child in and raised her as if she were my own. It is her hand I do offer to one of your heirs in order to seal this pact."
At this, Thranduil stood, with Legolas doing the same, and yet, anyone with eyes could see that the younger man was not pleased by this proposal, his face carved in a firm scowl. Thorin, Fili, Kili, and Dis all rose as well, with the Mirkwood Jarl gesturing for someone to come forth from the group of men who stood behind him. All watched as a cloaked figure stepped forward, reaching up with both hands as she lifted the hood from her head, revealing a stunningly beautiful maid with fire red hair, vibrant green eyes, and features that would take a man's breath away.
"This is Tauriel, and though not my own child, she is still of my bloodline and more than suitable to serve in this capacity," Thranduil continued, extending his hand and placing it gently on her back, urging her forward. "It is no small thing for me to part with one who has been like a daughter to me, yet she and I both agree upon the importance of such a union, and are willing to make the sacrifice…if you accept."
At this, the maiden raised her head, her eyes locking first with Fili's…and then Kili's, apparently knowing that with the utterance of only one word, she would soon be wed to one of them.
The only question was…which one would it be?
Hmmmmm, which one WILL it be? Only time, and Wednesday's chapter, will tell. ha ha.
So, how do we all like Thranduil so far? And Legolas?
What do you think of Thranduil's offer? Not too shabby looking by Thorin's way of thinking. Do you think he will agree to seal the deal with a marriage?
And wasn't Gloin so sweet to want to buy Kara from Fili...and wasn't Fili's reaction a bit telling? I think the cat is out of the bag now! And while Thorin flipped out a bit, oddly enough...Dis did not. ha ha.
Guest Reviews:
abc: Yep, I've been dropping hints all along that Kara was a good swimmer, having grown up by the sea, and now that skill has come in handy. And as you just read, Gloin was indeed very grateful to her...and I'm sure Gimli will be as well...when he's allowed to get out of bed. ha ha. Very true, impressing the majestic Thorin is an accomplishment indeed. I do love how silly Kili can be...but I think now, things are going to get really serious for him. I think his life is about to be turned upside down. Thanks and see you on Wednesday.
Bookwoorm18: I'm glad you think it keeps getting better. And as you can see, she wasn't exactly "rewarded" but she got to sit at the dinner table, eat her fish, and got offered to be bought by Gloin. Does that count? ha ha. Thanks.