Much to the dismay of the young people, the week went by way too fast. Especially the fresh couple, Dwalin and Alina, was quite sad because they knew they wouldn't see each other for a while now.
It was still quite early in the morning and Dwalin was still in bed. The group would leave around noon so he tried to catch at least a bit more sleep until then. He just turned around in bed as a soft knock came from the door. A warm smile curled his lips as he called her in. Alina stepped into the room with a small box in hands.
"You are already awake, that's a surprise," she said with a cheeky grin as she approached him. Dwalin sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed while he watched her amused.
"Aye, it seems I knew that you would come. Look, I even got some sleeping attire on," he chuckled and lifted the sheet a bit. Alina giggled and pinched his muscular stomach as she lowered down next to him.
"What do you have there?" he asked curiously and gestured at the wooden box.
"Oh, uhm—it is a gift for you. I made it myself so whenever you wear it you will think of me," she explained with a blush on her cheeks and handed it to him.
"As if I could ever forget about you," he chuckled but took it with a thankful smile. "Now, I am curious what my beautiful lady had made for me," he stroked her cheek and finally opened the box. His eyes grew wide in surprise as he saw what was inside.
A pair of knuckle busters made of loose metal scraps. He lifted them up and examined them carefully. He saw that each was different and yet both looked quite menacing.
"These look wonderful, Alina," he breathed and sent her a surprised and warm smile.
The young dwarf girl seemed to be relieved that he liked those and took them out of his hand. "Let me put them on," she whispered and he nodded in agreement. Carefully she took his hands and placed the knuckle buster on it.
They strapped to his wrist and his fingers which gave the impression that even his hands would be a dangerous weapon in battle. Though she hoped there would never be a battle he had to fight in.
Once she finished adjusting them she looked into his eyes and smiled even more. Dwalin lifted his hands and examined them, curled his fingers into a fist and finally cupped her cheeks to pull her into a tender kiss.
"That's the best gift I ever received in my life," he mumbled as they leaned their foreheads against each other. Her fingertips gently stroked his thick, black beard while she pressed herself closer against him.
As he wrapped his arms around her she sighed contently. "I just thought, even though I hope not, but maybe you could use them someday. Like I said, you are a warrior and a warrior needs a gift from someone he loves—as a reminder that he better stay alive and come back to her. Or to me, in precise," she explained and giggled quietly.
"I already miss you, Alina. And I feel quite ashamed that I have no gift for you—"he said but his voice faded as he looked down at her, taking in the beauty of her long, auburn hair. "You know—forget what I said," he mumbled and began running his fingertips through her hair before he parted some strands from it.
Alina gasped quietly once she was aware what he was about to do. She sat quiet and motionless until his hands stopped working. He shifted a bit and rummaged in the pocket of his coat that was lying on a chair next to the bed. Finally he let go of her hair and turned her face around.
"Here—"he handed her a small hand-mirror. With trembling hands she reached into her hair and examined the braid. At the end of it she found a beautiful silver hairclip adorned with a ruby.
"Dwalin—that—I don't know what to say," she breathed and smiled at him, well aware of her fast beating heart and the meaning of that braid. It was official now that she and Dwalin, son of Fundin, were courting.
"Now we both have a reminder of each other. I will never take these off," he gestured at the knuckle busters, "And I hope you will never open this braid."
"I won't, Dwalin. I promise to wait for your return. No matter how long it will take."
"I love you," he whispered and cupped her cheeks again.
"And I love you," she replied and sealed it with the longest, most tender kiss they had ever shared.
Balin and Thorin were already outside the fortress and tightened their bags to the saddles of their ponies. The golden cast that tinged the morning light fell upon the landscape, signaling it would soon be time to leave.
"How does Lailah feel about it?" Balin asked while he watched his friend carefully. He knew that even though the young dwelf-girl enjoyed living in Erebor, that she would miss her home a lot.
Thorin looked up and smiled. "She's already missing her family, of course. But she also said that she would visit them as much as she can, and I think that is fine. It is not that far and so she does not have to say goodbye forever."
"You know what? I am very curious what's inside that bag over there," Balin gestured towards the pile of bags lying in the grass. One was particularly big, as if it contained a massive piece of clothing.
Thorin chuckled as he picked that one up and weighed it in his hands. "She forbid me to open it, therefore I have the feeling it's my birthday present. And I have no idea what it could be."
"Well, then you will find out on Sunday," Balin patted the young princes' shoulder and helped him tightening the rest of their luggage to the saddles.
Meanwhile, inside the fortress, Lailah knocked gently against the massive wooden door of Nain's study. Upon hearing him calling her in, she entered the room and smiled brightly at him.
"It is time, right?" he said and got up from his armchair. He approached her with his arms wide open and the girl simply wrapped her arms around his waist while she enjoyed his strong embrace.
"It is—yes," she whispered and looked up at him. "I miss you so much already. But I promise to come back and visit you as often as possible," she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
"I have a gift for you, my dear," he replied and stepped away from her to open the drawer of his desk. Lailah's eyes grew wide in amazement as she saw him revealing a beautiful, golden tiara adorned with sparkling diamonds.
"This belonged to your mother. She wanted you to have it once you found someone you would share the rest of your life with. This is her trousseau for you. She would be proud to hear that you are going to live in Erebor, as Princess and soon to-be Queen under the mountain. So would your father," Nain explained and handed her the tiara carefully.
Tears started dwelling in her eyes as she took it, knowing that her mother had worn this on the day of her wedding. "I never knew this existed," she whispered and nearly choked on her tears that began falling one by one.
"Now you have the ring of your father and the tiara of your mother. You will carry them with you not only in your heart but also on your body. And not only they would be proud of you—no, Lailah, I am more than proud of you as well. I saw you growing up, I knew you from the day of your birth and I will carry you in my heart until the day of my departing from this world."
"Don't say such a thing—you are far from that day," she breathed and leaned against him, signaling to hold her tight.
"Not as far as you are. But you are right; this is not the time to speak about it. Your fiancée and your friends are waiting for you. Go and be happy, my dear Lailah," he gently stroked the back of her head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Thank you for everything," she smiled and stepped away from him.
He chuckled and ran one hand over his face, fighting to hold back his own tears. "Now go before I break down in a puddle of tears. You know I don't like saying goodbye," his voice cracked a bit and yet a smile tucked at the corner of his mouth.
She giggled and placed one last kiss on his forehead before she turned and opened the door. Before she closed it she cast another glance back at him.
"Goodbye, Pa."
"Goodbye, my love."
There was less snow the closer the trio got back to Erebor. It was already Sunday midday as they finally reached the Lonely Mountain again. Thorin helped Lailah to carry her bags while Balin and Dwalin went to bring the ponies to the stables.
Before the couple could enter the mountain, she held him back. "Thorin—now that we are safely back home I'd like to congratulate you."
He smiled at her and leaned his forehead against hers. "And I already thought you have forgotten it."
"How could I forget the twenty-fifth birthday of my prince?" she giggled and let her bags drop into the grass, ignoring the curious glances of the two guards securing the front gate, and kissed him deeply.
"Happy birthday, my love," she whispered against his lips once they broke the kiss.
"Will I get my present now or do I still have to wait until the evening?" he asked and chuckled as he saw a cheeky grin on her face.
"You will get it before we go to have dinner with your family. I'd like you to wear it."
"So it is really some piece of clothing?" he asked curiously.
Lailah chuckled and placed a quick kiss on the tip of his nose. "Don't be such an impatient dwarf," she giggled and took his hand. Together they entered the mountain and were immediately greeted by Frerin and little Dís.
"Thorin! Happy birthday!" the girl squealed and jumped into his arms.
"Oh, what a warm welcome," he chuckled and placed a soft kiss on top of his little sister's head.
"There you are! Such a relief to see you safe and sound back home," Thrain approached his son as well and embraced him tightly before he turned to Lailah.
"I hope your stay was pleasant?" he asked and pulled her into an embrace as well which took her quite off guard. She smiled and nodded as she replied,
"It was good to see my pa and brother again. And my best friend, Alina, who is now officially courting Dwalin."
"Splendid news! Now you must be tired. How about you and Thorin go and rest a bit. We are still preparing the hall for the feast tonight."
"Aye, but—if I may ask—," she lowered her voice a bit. "How is the King?"
She could see the sorrow in Thrain's eye. "He has heavy mood-changes. More than before. I fear for him, but I am certain now that you are back that he will recover a bit. He grew very fond of you, my dear."
She smiled at him and cast a glance at Thorin who was still making fun with his sister and brother. He looked at her and smiled brightly. She sensed that he was happy to be back in Erebor again, even though he had enjoyed the time in the Iron Hills. But Erebor was his home. That was where his heart belonged to.
"I am indeed quite tired," she finally said and lifted her two bags up. Thorin approached her and took one of the bags.
"Then we should take some rest," he smiled at her and waved at his siblings as they left the throne hall and moved up towards the accommodation floor.
Once they entered their bedchamber he closed the door and leaned against it with his back. She placed the bags on the bed and felt his eyes resting on her.
She cast a glance over her shoulder and watched him questioningly. He chuckled and pushed away from the door. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against him. Her back was pressed against his chest and Lailah couldn't help but sigh in contentment. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck and began moving in a very slow rhythm.
"A birthday dance?" she whispered amused and gasped as she felt his lips gently kissing the sensitive skin on the side of her neck before he began nibbling at her earlobe and breathed,
"Mmmhh—just you and me."
"How about taking a bath to relax a bit before the feast?" she suggested and turned around to face him directly. His blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at her.
"Sounds perfect to me," he said and chuckled as she led him to the bathroom. While he filled the tub with hot water, Lailah began to undress herself. Gracefully she snaked out of her tunic and pants until she only wore a white, satin singlet and panties.
He gulped as she slowly approached him and began to nestle at his attire until both were finally undressed. They lowered down in the tub, Lailah leaning her back against him while his strong arms held her protected and close against him.
"I could stay like this until the end of our days," she whispered and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the water as well as the security he gave her.
"I wish we could, but I'm certain we would starve while doing so," he replied quite sleepily. The exhaustion of the journey slowly took hold of his body.
Lailah smiled and entwined their hands with each other. "You're the greatest gift I ever received in my life."
"And you are my sun and my star. You are my One and only one. I love you, Lailah."
"And I love you, Thorin."
After a while they left the tub and dried each other up and got dressed again. They already dressed in the attire they would wear at the feast later and therefore Lailah opened the wardrobe and turned around to look at him as she said,
"Close your eyes."
He chuckled and obeyed willingly. He sat on the edge of his bed, his eyes closed and a mischievous smirk on his lips while he listened to her rummaging in the wardrobe.
"Alright, now get up," she said and Thorin got up from the bed, very curious what her present could be. He felt her lifting his left arm first, and then his right arm and he knew immediately that this must be a coat or something. "Can I open them now?"
She stepped away from him. "Aye, open them."
As he opened his eyes he looked down on himself and raised his hand to feel the soft fur and the soft, black leather of the coat. He stepped in front of the mirror and gasped.
"Lailah, that looks incredible!" he exclaimed and turned around, watching it wave smoothly with each of his movements.
"I'm glad you like it. It took a while to create it, but I thought this might suit you very well. Makes you look—majestic," she giggled and squeaked as he pulled her into his arms again, placing a deep, meaningful kiss on her lips.
"Thank you so, so much, my love," he whispered with a warm smile on his lips.
"Oh, but you haven't seen the best of it, yet," she said and signaled him to pull it off. He did and watched her turning it around. "There—I sewed something in there."
He looked closely and grinned. "Loyalty, Honor, a willing heart—", he watched her and added, "You put the names of your daggers on my coat."
"Aye, I did. Thought that is a nice idea because I know you like the names of my daggers and—it fits you as well."
He put the coat on again and offered his arm to her. "Well then, my Lady—would you accompany me to the feast?"
She giggled and linked her arm with his. "With the greatest of pleasure."
While the weather outside clouded over the later the evening became, Lailah and Thorin along with the rest of the family had the most wonderful birthday feast.
Even the King was in a lighter mood and Lailah strolled towards him while Thorin sat together with Dwalin, Balin and his brother.
"I am glad you enjoy this evening," Lailah said as she lowered down next to Thror. Even though his eyes were more clouded than the last time she had seen him, she felt the happiness radiating around him.
"It fills me with joy to see my family coming together at such a joyful day. I can't believe that my grandson already turned twenty-five, even though he is still a youngster."
She chuckled and let her gaze drift along the table. She watched Dís sitting on her mother's lap, bouncing up and down to the rhythm of the music which came from the band near the fireplace. Thrain smiled at his daughter as Dís began to sing a song though no one understood what exactly she was singing.
"It seems that a storm is coming. Look how cloudy it is," Thror mumbled as he cast a glance out of the window. Lailah nodded slowly as she replied,
"And yet there is no snow down here. Up in the Iron Hills everything is covered in a white blanket. It is wonderful."
"I am not much into snow at all," Thror chuckled. "I enjoy it warm and cozy."
She smiled at him. Once again she couldn't understand how all those rumors could've spread amongst the dwarven tribes that the King under the Mountain was a grumpy, selfish dwarf. He had always treated her with a great amount of respect and much affection. He entrusted her with all his plagued thoughts, with his feelings—even with things he never talked about to any of his direct family members. He had always treated her like one of his own and that made him the most respectable elder dwarf she ever got to know besides her father and Nain.
"You look tired, my dear," he stated and watched her concerned. "And it is really late already. I suppose I should go and retire for the night."
"You're right, I feel very tired as well," she replied and cast a glance at Thorin. He met her gaze and seemed to understand her without any words needed. He turned to his friends and wished them a good night. After saying good night to his family, the couple accompanied the King to his bedchamber.
Before Thror entered his room he turned around to face his eldest grandson and the girl.
"I know I am quite sparing with emotions sometimes, but I'd like to tell you—Thorin, I am proud of you. Proud of what you've become and even more proud when I think of what you'll become in the future. And I am relieved to know that this kingdom will one day be ruled by you and your beautiful, intelligent wife," his gaze drifted to Lailah and was aware that her eyes had become teary wet and so he took Thorin's right and Lailah's left hand in his and continued,
"You two will be King and Queen under the Mountain one day and I can't wish for a finer couple to rule over our folk. May Durin bless every step of yours."
He let go of their hands and turned away to step into his room. "Good night, Thorin. Good night, Lailah."
"Goodnight, Grandpa," Thorin whispered quietly, deeply moved by the surprisingly warm and honest words of his grandfather. Lailah sent a bright smile at Thror which he replied and finally closed the door.
"That was strange, don't you think?" Thorin said once they entered their bedchamber.
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously while getting undressed.
"Well, he had never said such things to me before," he replied and placed his leather-fur coat over the armchair and undressed as well.
They slipped under the warm blanket and cuddled up together. "I guess he was quite melancholic because he realized what a proud young dwarf you already are. He can be certain that his line will not break. And he is old—never forget that. It is normal that he thinks about such things."
"Maybe you're right," he whispered and kissed her forehead before he extinguished the candle on the nighttable.
"Thorin?" she whispered into the darkness.
"Yes?"
"Please—make love to me."
He smiled and rolled over, worshipping her body til deep in the night.
It was very early in the morning; the sun was not even very high above the horizon as Alina woke up and got dressed. Three days had passed now since Dwalin, Lailah and the rest had left the Iron Hills and she already missed them massively.
Once she left her room she went straight to the kitchen and prepared oatmeal and a goblet of milk which she took with her into the dining hall. The snow outside shone brightly in the first light of the day and she smiled as she munched her breakfast, thinking about what Dwalin might be doing at the moment.
'What a question—it's barely six in the morning. He'll be happily asleep in his warm bed' she thought and giggled.
As she took a sip from her milk she frowned as she cast another glance out of the window. She wasn't certain, but it was as if the wind had suddenly increased outside; trees were shaking violently and she decided to check what was happening. She stepped outside onto the balcony and was even more confused as the wind seemed to have stopped on instant.
"It was as if I heard a heavy storm," Nain spoke up behind her and made her wince for she had not heard him approaching. She wrapped her coat tighter around her and nodded as she replied,
"I have seen it, too. How is it possible that the weather changes so quickly?"
Suddenly it was as if a huge, black shadow swooped over them and vanished quickly. Alina stared up into the pale morning sky and gasped as a loud roar rang through the air. She grabbed the hand of the dwarf Lord and screamed as they saw the huge, scarlet dragon flying high over the Hills coming from the North and heading down to the South. It was ignoring the fortress and the Iron Hills completely.
"What—what is that?" she cried out and pressed herself closer against the other. Nain stared after the huge creature while he placed his arm around her comfortingly.
"A dragon—"he breathed in disbelief.
"Where is he heading to? My Lord—Nain, where is he heading to?" she asked desperately while fear crept up in her.
"Dragons are—are fond of gold, of treasures—"he mumbled. Suddenly his eyes grew wide in shock as he realized what this meant.
"Erebor!"he breathed and felt his heart sink on instant. "He's heading to Erebor!"
Alina stared at him with tears in her eyes. Her gaze drifted to the southern horizon where the silhouette of the dragon vanished in the distance.
"No—"she cried out loud as she broke down in his arms.
Thorin woke up early in the morning with Lailah sleeping contently in his arms, her head rested on his bare chest while he played with the braid in her hair.
He smiled down at her as he whispered, "Wake up—"
She stirred and mumbled something incoherently before her eyes fluttered open. "Mmmh—what?" she looked up and his heart leaped as he looked into her eyes, still so very sleepy.
"I just wanted to look into your eyes before I have to get up. My father is awaiting me in his study. You can stay in bed for a while longer, if you like," he said and captured her lips in a deep and tender kiss.
"Aye, I will stay here and wait for your return," she smiled and shifted to allow him to get up. He chuckled and left the bed. He vanished into the bath and returned to dress up. Once he was fully dressed he approached her again. "One last kiss," he whispered.
She chuckled and placed one hand into his neck and pulled him down into another loving kiss.
Finally he approached the door and opened it.
"Thorin?" her sleepy voice spoke up again. He cast another glance back towards her.
"Yes?"
"Don't leave me for too long," she said and smiled.
"I won't, my love," he breathed a kiss at her and vanished through the door.
Before he reached the study of his father he heard a commotion outside on the battlement. He frowned and decided to check what was going on.
He found Balin standing at the railing looking up into the sky as a great wind hit them. The sound of creaking and bending trees rang up.
"A hurricane?" Balin asked in disbelief and looked up at his friend. Telling from the high concern in the young princes eyes he knew immediately that it was something more dangerous.
"Balin, sound the alarm. Call out the guard! Do it now!" he commanded.
"What is it? Thorin?"
But the prince already turned and yelled down in the halls, "Dragon. Dragon!"
Just then a loud roar filled the air as torrents of fire rained down all over Erebor. Thorin reacted quickly and pulled Balin behind a pillar just in time to save him from being burned to death.
The screams of the citizens of Dale rang through the air as Thorin watched the dragon destroying the city, setting fire to many of the buildings and demolishing others as it smashed into them while breathing his deadly fire.
'Lailah!' he thought and was about to turn and leave as a pair of strong hands pulled him into the other direction.
"No! Let me go!" he roared as he saw his grandfather and father flanking him.
"You have to help defending the mountain, son!" Thrain called as they moved down into the throne hall.
"No! Lailah, I have to warn her! She has to—"
"I have sent a guard to get her out of here safely! She'll be fine!" Thror reassured his grandson. He could see that the young prince was torn apart. Finally Thorin stopped protesting and grabbed the sword which his father handed him. Knowing that the guards would protect the rest of the family he would do everything to prevent that dragon taking the mountain.
They reached the throne hall, standing along with many other soldiers, their weapons ready and watching the gate.
"Stand firm!" Thorin yelled while fire began bursting through the cracks in the gates as the dragon tried to smash his way in.
It didn't take long and he broke through the gate and began killing dwarves left and right, entering the mountain, trampling and burning everyone who stood in his way. Thorin's eyes widened as he saw one huge claw nearly stepping onto him. He jumped aside and rolled over, escaping the dragon's claw. With horror he saw his grandfather running to his throne and detaching the Arkenstone. Once the gem landed in his hands he ran away with it directly to the treasury. Thorin staggered back onto his feet and ran after him.
As the dragon suddenly appeared in front of Thror, the King tripped and dropped the Arkenstone. The precious gem rolled into the massive pile of gold.
"No!" Thror called and was just about to dive into the gold as Thorin wrapped his arms around him and dragged him away. They knew the mountain was lost and all they could hope now was that their family and friends were still alive.
Thorin backed his grandfather as he left the mountain. His gaze drifted along the valley, trying to spot his family—he saw his mother carrying Dís on her arms while Frerin, Balin and Dwalin helped Thrain back on his feet.
"Lailah?!" he called desperately and turned to look back at the mountain. On the slopes of the mountainside he saw Thranduil approaching with an army of Elves. Where they came from and how they knew Erebor was in need, he did not know and he did not care.
"Help us!" he called and waved at the Elf king, but Thranduil, astride his elk, turned away. Thorin could not believe what he had just witnessed. The elf King—Lailah's uncle—had turned his back at them. Left them in their dying state. He glared in anger at the retreating Elves.
"Thorin, come we have to move!" Dwalin called and grabbed him by his arm, dragging him away from the fuming mountain.
"Lailah—is she with you?" the prince asked as if in trance. Dwalin remained silent and finally shook his head.
"A guard was sent to safe her—she must be here somewhere—"Thorin mumbled and cast another glance around, searched among the group of survivors but no sign of Lailah.
"If she is not here—she is still in the mountain. And you know what that means—"Dwalin began.
"No! No she is alive! I know she is alive!" Thorin yelled angrily and pushed his friend away.
"Laddie—"Balin tried to calm him down. "She is definitely not amongst the group. It fills me with grief to tell you this—but that only means she didn't make it."
Thorin stared at him as if the other's words had reached him from a far distance, slowly reaching his ears. His eyes filled with tears as he dropped onto his knees, craning his neck to the sky and crying her name loudly into the morning sky.
Not long after Thorin had left, Lailah had decided to get up and write a letter to Alina, telling her that everything was fine and that Dwalin was missing her a lot.
She had just lowered down at the desk as a sudden commotion caught her attention. She frowned and looked out of the window. She saw the trees in the distance shaking in a heavy wind.
She shrugged and thought this might just be a normal sudden change of weather. As she turned her back to the window she suddenly heard it—a loud roar waving through the sky, and loud voices from outside of the bedchamber.
She grabbed her daggers and opened the door. "What's happening?" she called towards the approaching guard.
"A dragon! I have to—"that was as far as he came as the whole mountain shook violently, making the ceiling crumble and break partly. Lailah screamed in panic as she watched how a massive part of the marbled ceiling crashed onto the guard, killing him instantly.
She rushed out of the room, checking the other rooms just to find them all empty. She looked back towards the blocked part of the hallway—the only way she knew that would bring her down and out of the mountain. Another violent shake made her fall against the wall. She groaned and staggered back to her feet.
She realized that no one was able to rescue her. Thorin must be outside defending the mountain; she knew he or his grandfather had hoped the guard would be able to bring her to safety. Now she was on her own and the only thing that came to her mind was running and so she ran into the opposite direction, she ran without looking back, stumbling with each violent shake that came from downstairs. The dragon must be in the mountain already which filled her with even more fear.
She turned around the next corner and stared into the hallway. The carvings at the wall seemed quite familiar to her and she followed the hallway until she stopped at the end. The hallway ended abruptly and she stared into the dark hole in the ground. The hole she had found on her first day in Erebor. The hole, Balin had told her to better not enter, for no one knew what was on the other side.
She panted heavily while calculating the risk. She had no other choice and she knew it. She could stay where she was and starve to death or even suffocate from the foul fume that was slowly rising from downstairs which made her cough. Her other option was to try get the other hallway free so she could try and sneak past the dragon and out of the main gate. Or she could enter the dark hole in front of her. No matter which way she would go—death was her constant companion.
She stepped closer towards the dark hole and peeked inside. It stank muddy and humid. Another roar filled the whole mountain which made her wince and cast a glance back; afraid the head of the dragon might break through the floor and eat her or burn her to death.
Suddenly the ground shook violently again, dust and stones rained down on her as the ceiling began breaking as well. She tried to protect her head from the raining stones but got hit hard on her right temple. Stars exploded in front of her eyes as her knees gave in. She stumbled forward and fell into the depth.
A/N: What a rollercoaster, huh?
But this is NOT the end! Stay tuned for the next chapter...