Chapter 53
Over the next three days, Thorin prepared for the wedding and I prepared Balin and those going with him for their journey. Fili had requested that Balin and those who would be leaving to be present at the time, so we instantly started scrambling. Thane helped his father in the wedding preparations, and I was free to make sure that the food was stocked up and they had the weapons they'd need and more. I didn't want to have them missing anything.
Balin was with me to over see those preparations, and he chuckled a little at me. "Lass, I think we'll be just fine."
"Not too long ago you were complaining about being old, and now you are possibly going into Orc infested territory," I said sourly. "Let me be."
"You worry too much," he muttered.
"Don't make me make you feel bad," I grunted, glancing at him.
Giving him a narrowed look again when he laughed, I finally finished with what I was doing. Satisfied, I left them and went to find Thorin, who was speaking with Fili in the Gallery of the Kings. I had to take in how much they had changed in the last ten years, and I paused for a moment so that I could just look at them both. The boys were no longer just boys, and now were married dwarves, wanting to start families of their own.
Walking forward finally, I came into sight and joined them where they stood. Fili turned to me with a smile and I hugged him tightly. He seemed nervous, and I knew he had good reason to be. Weddings could be terrifying.
"With how much you like to show off, this should be no trouble," I chuckled, leaning back.
"I'm going to take that as a comfort," he rumbled, and I laughed.
Moving over to Thorin, I wrapped my arm around his and glanced at him fondly. "Where is our troublemaker?"
"Annoying Dwalin," Thorin answered, his voice heavy with amusement. "He grew bored in here, so I sent him with Dwalin when he was leaving."
I chuckled softly and raised up to press a kiss to his cheek. "I am going to get some fresh air. Is there anything else we need to do?"
"No, I think we are as prepared as we are going to get," the king rumbled.
Nodding my head, I left them and walked up the stairs and up to the ramparts. The sun was shining, and the warm spring air was just as refreshing as I was hoping. Balin and his company would be leaving tonight. Ori and Oin were joining them, and it was going to be a sad good bye. Letting out a sigh, I watched as a raven flew into sight, coming from the south. He glided down smoothly, and landed on the stone a few feet from me. Ruffling his feathers, he hopped over and I reached into a small pack I had to offer him some bread.
"My Lady," he greeted after eating. "I come bearing news."
"News?" I asked, looking at him.
"I come from the south, close to Mordor," he answered, clicking his beak.
"You have my attention."
"Mount Doom has become active again. The gates have been stationed with guards, and Orcs from all over Middle Earth are traveling there," the raven answered, his feathers fluffing up. "They are also gathering somewhere else, but I have not found it, and nor have my kin."
I adjusted the dress I had on, and looked out over the green fields that were blooming with flowers and trees. "If what you say is true, which I am sure it is, I need a message sent to Lord Elrond."
"Of course," he nodded.
"You can eat and rest if you need to. You've done very well. Thank you," I sighed.
"I am making Rorac proud, that is all I need," he hummed, his chest puffing out. "I shall leave at once."
"Are you sure?" I looked at him.
"Aye, my lady."
"Tell him Balin is coming his way, on a journey to Moria," I said with a nod. "He'll understand the rest."
The raven nodded, and took flight immediately. I watched him fly until I couldn't see him anymore, before I turned and quickly made my way back into Erebor. If Orcs were moving, that meant Rohan would be in their path. We had been on very good terms with Thengel, and our trade had been steady over the last seven years. Finding Balin again, I gave him a look that had him walking away from what he was doing.
"Walk with me," I said softly.
"What is it, lass?" he questioned.
"I have just received news that Mordor has become active again," I answered gravely. "I've sent a raven to Rivendell, so that Lord Elrond is aware that you are traveling."
"Aye, we'll be careful," he nodded.
"I will tell Thorin after the wedding," I nodded.
"I have no doubt that you both will take care of this mountain," Balin smiled.
"I expect you to take care of yourself."
"Oh aye, we will," he chuckled.
I gave him another smile, and left him when he was taken off by Ori. Walking down some stairs, I went to find Thane. He was still annoying Dwalin in the armory, and I tried not to laugh. The warmaster was handling everything he was talking about with ease. Those who knew Dwalin, knew him as a rough dwarf, a warrior. It was what he was good at. But those who really knew him, knew that he could take on kids easily, just like he wielded a sword. Thane was talking away, and Dwalin answered each and every question he had as they went through and checked the weapons. His usual gruff voice was gentle, and it warmed my heart to see him so soft. Finally, I walked into the armory and cleared my throat to announce my presence.
"It's amazing seeing you with kids," I smiled.
Dwalin turned around, arching his brow. "He is just like his cousins."
Thane turned and grinned to me, and ran over to give me a hug. "He's been telling me all about the weapons in here. He said you used to come here often."
"Only to annoy your father," I chuckled.
"He was telling me about the Battle of The Five Armies," he grinned. "He said that was the first time you turned into a dragon."
"It was," I nodded. "It was a very dark time."
"Will you tell me more?" he asked.
I sighed, "You are too curious for your own good."
"I know," Thane laughed.
I looked at Dwalin for a moment, and I sighed a little. "It's a long story. It starts with the Quest to Erebor."
"Well Adad has already told me that. He stopped talking when they got to the mountain," Thane sighed, following me out.
"Aye, and for good reason," Dwalin rumbled. "We took on the dragon that hoarded the gold here, and sent him from the mountain."
"Is it true that when a dragon hoards gold that he can put a curse on it?" Thane asked.
"It is," I nodded. "It's a powerful magic, and it can corrupt even the strongest mind."
"What happened?" Thane pressed, looking at me hopefully.
Dwalin and I looked at one another, and as we walked through the halls, we started telling the story. We spoke about what happened when Smaug attacked Lake-town, and about what had happened to Thorin when he fell to the sickness. I hated speaking of it, because it had been a dark time. There had been so much at stake during the quest and the battle. So many lives had been lost, and several had almost been lost forever.
We went over it all, and during the whole story he was silent, and listening intently. His expression remained quiet as we went over the battle, going over it all when Thorin had faced off with Azog. We made sure to tell him about the great eagles when they had arrived, and now Beorn had aided us in the fight. Dwalin went over the ending, telling him that when it was finished we had all gathered around a fire to sleep the night off. By that time, we had found Thorin in the Gallery of the Kings. Thane looked at me for a moment, and I knelt so that I could look at him in the eye.
"What your father overcame, was a powerful curse. He is one of the mightiest dwarves I have ever met," I said softly.
"Adad always saves the day," Thane said, his young voice proud.
"Yes," I chuckled. "He usually does."
"I want to be just like him, when I get older," he grinned.
"I'm sure you will be mighty," I chuckled, kissing his forehead.
I let him hug me around my neck, before Thane ran off to go tell Thorin about what we had told him. Getting to my feet, I watched them fondly for a moment before Dwalin caught my attention.
"He is going to be a fine lad one day," he rumbled. "He's extremely talented, and so smart."
"He is," I agreed. "Thank you for amusing him."
"Aye," he nodded. "He is welcome with me at any time."
"I appreciate that, Dwalin. More than you know."
He gave me a rare smile, and walked off to go take care of something. The next few hours flew by after that, and soon the hall was filled with about thirty dwarves and men. Sigrid had invited those who had been important to her, and Fili had done the same. Bombur had gone and cooked everything for the small party they were going to have after the ceremony. Thorin was the one marrying them, and Thane stood silently with me while they went through the motions.
Fili's gaze found mine before Sigrid walked out, and I took an obvious breath. He cracked a smile, and turned back to watch the woman he loved walk down the aisle. I worried for him, knowing that she would die long before him. Fili had been wise beyond his years though. He had said it would be better to love her, and have her for a little while, rather than never her at all.
I smiled as the ceremony took place, and watched as two beings who loved each other shared their first kiss. Bard met my eyes, and I saw tears in his own. Tilda was crying like a baby beside him, and my grin widened. The party that took place after was exactly what they had wanted. I greeted everyone, and spoke with Bard for a while. Thane had gone to bed half way through the party, and Dwalin took him. I knew that Thane had the warmaster wrapped around his finger. Thorin pulled me to him, and I laughed as he tugged me into a dance. Pressing our foreheads together, I closed my eyes for the dance and enjoyed the moment.
"It is amazing how much I love you," I teased softly.
"Is it now?" he rumbled, a smile on his face.
I looked at him as he pulled me close, and I pressed a kiss to his lips. A soft hum rumbled in his chest, and his fingers briefly touched my cheek. When I pulled away, I found him smiling again.
"Mahal has blessed us," he sighed.
"You are getting soft," I smiled.
"Only for you, love," Thorin chuckled.
Pressing my lips to his, I enjoyed the moment for what it was. We danced together for a short while, before I finally made my way over to Fili and Sigrid. Both of them couldn't stop smiling, and I was sure that they were wanting to slip away for the evening. Going to Fili, I hugged him tightly.
"You are wise, beyond your years," I said softly. "I hope you are happy."
"I am," he murmured, touching foreheads. "Thank you."
I knew he was thanking me for much more than just the wedding, so I gave him a knowing look. I kissed his cheek, and then went over to hug Sigrid. She gave me a joyful laugh, and returned the gesture.
"You look beautiful. I wish you both the best," I smiled.
"My lady," she bowed slightly.
"Please, just Arina," I laughed. "I am no different than the lady you met all those years ago."
She smiled at me again, and I squeezed her hands gently before moving off as Thorin came to congratulate her. I gave Fili another look and turned my head to see Bard coming over.
"To many happy years," I smiled, letting him hug me.
"Aye," he agreed.
Once I bid the others good night, I joined Thorin in saying good bye to Balin, Ori and Oin. I hesitated as we got closer, and my steps faltered for a moment. Thorin looked at me, his hard gaze softening slightly. Giving a slight tug, he pulled me forward and we approached the older dwarf.
"You have been my adviser for as long as I can remember," he sighed. "I will never be able to repay you for what you have done for me, Balin."
"Ah, laddie," Balin smiled. "You already have. You've given me quiet the life, and you've become such a wonderful King. Your father would have been very proud."
"Thank you," Thorin nodded, his gaze filling with emotion.
Balin patted him on the shoulder before he glanced at me. I gave him the best smile I could, as he reached out to take my hand.
"It is a blessing," he began, "that you were able to come back to us when you did. That you did at all. You've grown into a fine woman, and a wonderful Queen. You take care of them. We'll be in touch. You'll see."
I gave him a soft laugh, and leaned in and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for all you did for us."
"You are mistaken. You both did it mostly on your own," he answered, his eyes twinkling. "I will miss you both."
"And we you," I murmured, reaching forward to give him another hug.
Watching them leave was harder than I thought it would be. I didn't know what they'd find in Moria, and I prayed that they were successful in their travels. Thorin kept his expression neutral, and I couldn't read how he felt. Pressing my cheek against his arm, I let out a soft breath. Dwalin had said his farewells earlier, and had stood with us as they left. The brothers were used to being apart, but I knew Dwalin would miss him.
"Mordor has become active again," I said finally, as we stood in silence. "Orcs are traveling there, moving across Rohan."
"Thengel may need assistance," Thorin rumbled unhappily. "I will be alerted should that happen. You have sent word to Elrond?"
"I did," I nodded. "For their sake, so that they may be safe in their travels."
"Good," Thorin sighed. "It does make sense. Sauron pretty much announced his return three years ago."
"Yes," I sighed. "I don't exactly know what to expect from that. From what I remember being told, he will never hold power over Middle Earth so long as the Ring stays lost."
"Pray it stays lost," Dwalin grumbled.
"One can only hope," I answered. "But I think that he is hunting for it already."
"What makes you say that?" Thorin questioned, turning his attention to me.
"It's just a feeling," I hummed. "Gandalf has spoken of Sauron before. Thirteen years ago. He made a move for this mountain. The fact that the volcano has become active just screams danger. Sauron isn't done."
"Tomorrow, go for a flight," the King suggested. "See if there is anything to find."
I nodded my head quietly. "I can do that if you can keep our son out of trouble."
He snorted. "That's a task I'd gladly take on."
I smiled at him, and looked at Dwalin with an arch of my brow. The dwarf chuckled lightly and left us both after bidding us good night. Watching him walk off, I tucked my arm in Thorin's and tugged him into walking.
"Are you worried?" Thorin asked.
"I am," I admitted. "I have no idea what to expect. Sauron was always a terrible story. Elrond spoke of him, and of the war but I didn't press. I would like to know more. Maybe I'll ask Elrond to send me what he has on Sauron, or get a message to Gandalf. He's gone missing these last ten years. I'm curious to know what he's been doing."
"We can probably take it as a good thing that he has gone missing for this long. It usually means no trouble is coming," Thorin grunted, making me laugh.
"Depends on how you look at it," I chuckled. "Usually they are extremely handy to have around. In your case he seemed to have brought such foul luck."
He glanced at me, and a fond look crossed his expression. His arm wrapped around my waist and he pulled me close, making me wrap my own arm around him.
"He did bring one good thing along," he smiled, then frowned slightly. "But you still proved to be a pain."
"Oh, I am so sorry," I sighed dramatically. "I didn't mean to cause such a fuss."
Thorin smiled, and as we passed Thane's room he checked on the young boy before shutting the door. I went with him to our chambers and he turned me to him and pressed his lips to mine softly. I hummed quietly, reaching up to touch his cheek as our lips moved together.
"That doesn't get old," he smiled.
"No," I murmured. "It does not."
Moving from him, I got ready for bed quietly and he followed my actions. I watched him move across the room, and I tilted my head. How lucky was I, to be blessed with the one I loved. Thorin caught my look, and his blue eyes softened a bit. He joined me in bed, and pressed a kiss to my lips again, pushing me into the covers. We went to bed that night, our bodies satisfied.
When I woke in the morning, I was alone. Sitting up slowly, I blinked the sleep from my eyes and reached out with my senses. Thorin wasn't in the room, so I swung out of bed and quickly got ready for the day. Going to the balcony, I looked out over the valley briefly and was happy to see that it was quiet. Walking back inside, I left our chambers and headed down to find something to eat. Once I finished that, I headed out to find my husband.
I found him speaking with Kili in one of his main offices that was close to the front gates. Tauriel was with him as well, and from the look on Kili's face, it was serious. Walking into the room, I cleared my throat to announce my presence, and smiled when Thane hurried over to hug me.
"How about I take Thane outside," Tauriel suggested.
"That would be wise," Thorin nodded.
Once we were alone, I turned my attention back to Thorin and Kili. They seemed upset about something, and I wasn't liking the way Thorin was crossing his arms.
"What?" I asked.
"We were returning home from our travels," Kili sighed. "And it's been brought to our attention that Dol Goldur has been taken over again. There was a magic that was hiding it, Tauriel says. So, we stopped and spoke with Thranduil. That's why we didn't return yesterday."
I blinked at him, and my body stiffened. "What did Thranduil say?"
"He said you might know of the place," Kili said, sitting in a chair.
"It is where Gandalf had been captured," I nodded. "Shortly before the battle, Galadriel and the White Council had gone to rescue him. It was when Sauron was banished to Mordor. The fortress had been destroyed though."
"Apparently not anymore," Kili said quietly. "It even makes Thranduil uneasy. He says that from what he could gather in the short amount of time, that three Nazgul have taken the fortress."
My eyes shot to the prince immediately upon his words, and I fell silent. The Nazgul were back?! Wracking my brain, I went through all my reading I had done while in Rivendell.
"Then Sauron is searching for the Ring," I muttered.
"Arina, what are Nazgul?" Kili asked, as Thorin was still silent.
I looked at my husband, and then slowly took the chair he was standing behind when he gestured. Sitting down, I let out a breath.
"The Nazgul are the nine men who were gifted with Rings of Power," I said slowly. "Men are easily corrupt, and when Sauron made the one Ring, he enslaved the men. There were twenty rings in total, and Sauron's purpose was to seduce all of the rulers of Middle Earth to evil. It did not exactly go to his plan, but the devastation after was immense. Eventually, the men were turned into Ringwraiths, or Nazgul. Under his command forever. If they are back..."
"We need to double the guards at the gate," Thorin rumbled.
"No," I said sharply. "We cannot let him change our way of living right now. If we do, he might think we have the Ring. Which we do not. We cannot risk a battle right now, and I don't want to bring attention to Erebor. I will go and scout the area from the sky, and report back what I've seen."
Getting to my feet, I gave him a kiss and left the room and walked out the front gates. Walking up to Thane and Tauriel, I hugged him tightly and looked at the boy seriously.
"Stay out of trouble today," I said firmly.
"Yes, Amad," he answered.
Satisfied with the answer, I turned and pushed a transformation into a hawk and flew off. I made my way as quickly as I could toward Dol Goldur to see if what they had found out was true. If they did take over the fortress, the Lorien and Mirkwood were going to be in danger. We'd have to prepare for war sooner or later.
As I got closer to the fortress, I changed my flight pattern so that I would not draw attention to myself. Soaring in large circles, I slowly made my way over toward the fortress, scanning the area around it. There was no activity on the outside, but as I got closer I could feel the dark energy from within. As I continued my circling, I heard a screech, unlike anything I had ever heard before. It hurt my ears, and took me from my path.
A fell beast came into sight, and I was forced to flee in the other direction as it was coming in closer than I'd like. It's roar wasn't the screech I had heard. That sound had come from the being on its back. I had never seen a Nazgul before, but the evil that came off of him was unmistakable. Hastily, I landed in a tree by the woods and watched as the large creature came in for a landing.
The beast had the appearance of a small dragon, but there were differences in it that made it obvious. The long neck was almost snake like, and the jaws were short and round. It didn't seem like they had much to offer beside their wings and any strength they possessed. The rider on its back however sent shivers through my body. He was wearing a black cloak that covered his body, and I couldn't see his face if he had one.
The fingers were covered in sharp armor, and so was his feet from what I could see. Death reeked from where they were, and I fluffed my feathers a little. From what I could see, there were few Orcs around, but two other beasts roared from somewhere nearby. Something shuddered inside me, and I suddenly took flight from where I was. I needed to get home. As I lifted into the air, a fell beast came up from the trees making me screech in surprise and fear.
"Slave," the Nazgul hissed, his voice a foul rasp. "You belong in chains."
It had been over thirteen years since I had taken the form of a dragon to fight with, and as the fell beast gained I pictured what I wanted to become. It happened quickly, and soon, I was spinning around with a mighty pump of my wings. The beast croaked out his roar, and I let one of my own escape from my parted jaws. While I was well over a hundred feet long, the fell beast was only fifty. I was much larger than my attacker. The screech that the Nazgul gave off had my ears ringing and my red eyes narrowed.
A darkness swirled in my mind for a long moment, and I felt something pull me toward it. Growling softly my body moved toward the Nazgul without my permission. For a moment, I almost gave in to the evil that called to me. I was shown destruction, mainly the destruction of Erebor. Through the flame a huge beast rose, and I saw that it was I who had burned the mountain. Screams echoed in my head, and the cry of a dwarf I knew well. Even hearing the screams, the beast rumbled in enjoyment, savoring the destruction. Welcoming it.
As a dragon, it was harder to control the darkness. They were usually drawn to it, and in this form, I was no different. I felt my great body tremble, and I forced myself to see clearly. I thought of my son, and Thorin and for a moment I was able to see clearly. Wasting no time, I opened my mouth as the Nazgul beckoned me closer so that he could touch me. A vicious roar from deep in my gut was released, and instead I engulfed them both in flames.
The fell beast screeched with its rider, and I pushed myself backwards and flew. It was easy to gain enough distance before I was able to turn into a bird. Instead of flying back to Erebor, I turned toward Thranduil's palace and sought refuge there. Landing, I pushed myself to human from and collected myself quietly.
A guard nodded to me, and not speaking a word he turned and led me inside. Dol Goldur was not far from here, so I knew that they had heard the encounter. Thranduil walked out from where he had been when I was escorted into the throne room.
"A rare visit," he commented.
"I apologize for any inconvenience," I answered, tilting my head down in slight respect.
"You come to my halls looking a little pale, Queen Arina," the elf acknowledged.
"How long have the Nazgul been occupying Dol Goldur?" I asked.
"A few months," he shrugged. "Possibly longer. I have been keeping my eye on it. They have not done anything to my knowledge. I am not the only one watching it."
"If they build their forces from that fortress, Mirkwood and Lorien will be in danger," I said quietly.
"I am aware of that," Thranduil replied gravely. "I either risk war now, against Nazgul who will not die, or I wait and build an army to better protect my home."
"We came to the same conclusion," I muttered.
"You encountered something. Is that why you appear shaken?" he asked, tilting his head.
"I think a dragon may be useless against our enemies," I admitted. "The Nazgul tried to draw me in, and for a moment it almost worked. A dragon is a dark creature, so it only is natural for it to be drawn to evil. I am no exception."
"For you to use the dragon in the fight that will come, you must learn to use your human mind instead of the dragon's."
I looked at the elf in surprise, taking in what he had just said. "You've known other shifters."
"Believe it or not yes, I have," he grunted. "I am much older than you think. I was around when shifters were plentiful."
I gave him a narrowed glance. "Information you could have enlightened me with."
"You never asked," he mused, arching a perfect brow. "And I don't like you much."
"That part is obvious," I grunted. "Is it my lack of manners?"
Thranduil didn't answer, so I took that as a yes. I sighed quietly, and then shrugged my shoulders.
"I don't want to be used against those I care for," I shared quietly. "I saw their destruction at my hands."
"You escaped," he pointed out. "Tell me, what did you think of that cleared your head?"
"My son," I offered automatically. "And Thorin...those I loved."
"That is your key to defeating the darkness," he nodded. "I have noticed that if your kind continues to think of those they love, they can overcome most minds of what they become. In a time like this, love can be more powerful than darkness. Mithrandir thinks it is true."
"It's the little things..." I murmured, mostly to myself.
"Things one would not usually think could be so powerful," Thranduil rumbled.
I bowed to him then, grateful for the council he had given me. "Thank you, My Lord," I said sincerely. "I appreciate your help. If the forces move forward, do not hesitate to call for aide."
"I will remember that," he nodded.
Leaving the hall, I left Mirkwood and quietly made my way back home as a hawk. Part of me was still terrified about what I'd encounter later, but I knew that for now I was safe. I had to work on mastering the dragon form I took. Their mind was a powerful tool, and if I could control that, nothing could touch me or those I cared for. Clicking my beak together, I flew straight to the mountain and landed on the balcony that led to my chambers. I needed to collect myself before I approached Thorin. The guards had already alerted the others that I had returned, so I gave a strict order to a maid to tell them to let me be till I came down.
It took me a while, but see...see what I was working on for you guys?! lol
I really enjoyed this chapter, but it was also very difficult to write. I do not know what part Arina will play in LOTR or what part Thane will play, but slowly it is all coming together. Of course, ideas are welcome. I am hitting some writers block, so it might be a bit before this next chapter.
ENJOY! Thank you for all the reviews and the new favorites and follows, many many thanks! As always, i love them.
