Hi there!

I apologize for the late update. I was called out to a scene, along with my supervising forensic anthropologist, so we've been working on that case. And when I haven't, I've been in the stable isotope lab working on my research. Thus, I haven't been home much, but I wrote this chapter whenever I was awake enough to! So it's actually quite long, lol.

This week has been a tough and incredibly sleep-deprived one, so your reviews, follows, and favorites have been doubly appreciated. *squishes all of you*

PhantomXAngel: Here it is!

Anne79: Thank you! I'm glad you like the images, as I spend an inordinate amount of time searching for them, lol.

Katherine Sparrow: I'm surprised most Thorin stories lack Legolas and Thranduil; the latter elf, at least, shares quite the history with Thorin. And they're both such fun to write! I'd hoped their inclusion would appeal. :)

SnuggleErika: "...without being over the top." I'm so pleased to read that, because I have always striven to make Talaitha seem as real as possible, while still remaining likeable. Personally, the stories that resonate with me the most are the ones in which I can relate to the characters. So thank you!

wolfsdottir13: No, you're not supposed to like Dain, and the reason why is revealed in this chapter. ;)

kaia: Thank you. :) I kind of want to eat candy from Thorin's head now.

Ministrawberry: Aw, bless you for saying that. :) Your review brightened my day, too!

Nicci1234: I don't like Dain, so he's planning something fairly bad. :D

Knight's Queen: Thank you! *hugs*

yuki sawer 7: Updated!

Lift the Wings: Thank you! :) Thorin is a challenge to write; Thranduil is fun. The elf is easier to keep in character, though I'm sure if I wrote a Thranduil romance, I'd feel differently. XD

Disclaimer: I take a lot of liberties with Tolkien's characters, especially Dain. This chapter is rated M.

Enjoy!


Chapter 48: Decision

The month passed busily but pleasantly, with Thorin preparing to meet the delegations from Rhûn to set up trade again. Talaitha continued her trips to Dale and worked with Óin to expand the healing halls, creating a room in which she kept her herbs. In the flurry of activity, she had forgotten about Dain's attention towards her during the coronation.

Until he next visited, with a young dwarf maiden in tow.

Talaitha was putting Szélvész through her paces on the field outside Erebor when she saw the small dwarf assembly arrive. Resisting the urge to spur the mare into her swiftest gallop, she finished the exercises and brushed down Szélvész before returning to the mountain, an anxious curiosity steadily growing.

#

"Dain," greeted Thorin, as he strode into the hall. His brows rose in surprise when he saw the dwarf's companion. "I was unaware we had business again so soon. I fear Rhûn has monopolized my attention as of late."

"Yes, I hear you intend to renew the old trade agreements. A wise decision, even if the Easterlings are a disagreeable people," Dain replied. He inclined his head towards the female dwarf beside him. "I do not believe you have met my daughter, Nifha."

"I have not," confirmed Thorin. "For you did not yet have a daughter when I knew you."

Nifha curtseyed, her head bowing demurely, when the king's gaze fell on her.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty."

"I hope you do not mind my bringing her," Dain said apologetically. "She wished to see Erebor as it once was."

"I do not mind." Thorin regarded Nifha. "Would you like a tour?"

"Oh yes, very much," she replied with a smile. "I have heard tales of Erebor's beauty and have always longed to see it with my own eyes."

"Unfortunately, I cannot take you myself," Thorin said, glancing at the white-haired dwarf at his side, who nodded. "But you will be in quite capable hands, for Balin knows the mountain even better than I do."

When the two dwarves had gone, Dain smiled sheepishly. "I confess Nifha is the reason I came. Now that Smaug is dead, I felt it was safe enough to indulge her curiosity. She has spent most of her life shut up in the Iron Hills."

"And our women are precious," said Thorin, smiling slightly. "She should see Dale. And Lake Town, once it is rebuilt."

"We had actually just visited Dale when she got it into her head to see Erebor, too," Dain chuckled. "That is why we arrived unannounced."

"You and your daughter are always welcome." Thorin poured a goblet of wine for each of them and gestured to the table. "This treaty with the Easterlings is a precarious one. They were mostly peaceful in my grandfather's time, but now with Sauron's return..."

"You think they will join with him again?" Dain asked, sitting across from the king.

"They were allied with him in the past," Thorin replied, swishing the wine in his goblet before taking a drink. "If he continues to gain power, as Gandalf and Thranduil believe he will, it is only a matter of time before his presence becomes known to the Easterlings."

"Which is all the more reason to be on good terms with them," said Dain. "Even during the war, there were some tribes that fought with the Free Peoples."

"Aye," Thorin nodded. "And it would be prudent to keep an eye on them. If darkness stirs in Rhûn, we will be the first to see it."

"It is encouraging that the Easterlings agreed to come. Surely if they knew Sauron has returned, they would have little reason for diplomacy."

"That is my thought, as well." Thorin refilled their goblets. "But let us speak of more pleasant matters now."

"Where is that pretty healer? I hope she is still here, for my credibility with Nifha shall be shattered if she has already left." His tone was cheerful, but he seethed internally. "She did not believe me when I told her you had a fairy as a guest."

"Talaitha Borage." Thorin bristled at Dain's offhand remark but hid it well. "She is out riding. I am surprised you did not meet her on your way from Dale."

"Riding." Dain grinned. "How very elf-like a pastime."

"Fairy-like, rather," Thorin said, taking a drink of wine. "Her race, though related to the elves, is quite unique."

Dain indulged his cousin with a smile. "Indeed, though I know little of them. They hail from across the sea, do they not?"

"They do. From the Evergreen Plain."

"She is a long way from home," Dain mused aloud. "Does she not miss it?"

"You would have to ask Talaitha." Thorin was growing uneasy with this topic of conversation, for it forced him to consider things he would really rather not think about. "But she enjoys sharing her kin's remedies with the people of Middle-earth."

"An admirable way to pass one's days. Yet for a traveling healer, she seems to have settled quite well in Erebor." Dain stared at the gold-veined marble walls. "As I said, my knowledge of fairies is limited, but I do not think they live underground as we do."

Thorin shrugged. "Talaitha ventures outside daily, especially since she was reunited with her horse."

"I am glad she is content here," Dain smiled, but as he finished his wine, a plan began to form.

#

Talaitha was returning to Thorin's chambers after riding with Szélvész, when a familiar, unwelcome voice stopped her at the top of the stairs.

"Ah, Miss Borage. Just the person I wanted to see."

She turned around slowly as Dain climbed the stairs. "How can I help you, My Lord?"

"Walk with me." He offered her his arm, and she stared at it warily for a second before taking it. "You have been at Erebor for many months now. Are you enjoying your stay?"

"I am," she replied guardedly. "It is unlike any place I've seen. There are few mountains where I come from, and none of them are as grand as this one."

"Yes, it is remarkable," said Dain. "But I wonder that you feel so comfortable here."

Talaitha's brows furrowed, and a cold dread began to seep into her bones. "Pardon?"

"I just mean that our culture must be very different than yours."

They turned a corner, nearing the staircase that led to Thorin's chambers. She yearned to break into a run and lock herself safely inside.

"It is, but I enjoy it."

"I am impressed with how quickly you have integrated yourself amongst my kin." Though Dain's tone was benign, Talaitha nevertheless sensed something malignant lingering beneath.

"I have been with Thorin and his Company for nearly eighteen months," she said, choosing her words carefully. If she misspoke, the dwarf may twist her words to his advantage, whatever that might be. "Considering the trials we faced together, that is a sufficient amount of time to cultivate mutual respect."

"And mutual affection, it would seem." Dain stopped and faced Talaitha. "My cousin is very fond of you."

His easy demeanor had vanished, and he now regarded her with thinly-veiled contempt. She tried to remove her hand from his arm, but he gripped it tightly.

"A warning, Miss Borage," Dain said, brown eyes glinting in the torchlight. "Though you have somehow bewitched Thorin, you do not have a future with him. He will not taint the Line of Durin by marrying a fairy. Sever ties before it is too late."

Talaitha held her head high, refusing to show him the pain and humiliation she felt.

"Neither of us has any intention of marriage, so your advice is mistakenly given."

"Oh, I wouldn't be so certain of that," Dain smirked. "He will ask for your hand, and you will refuse."

"What I do is my decision," she said, glaring coldly at him. "You may threaten me all you like."

Dain scoffed and loosened his hold on her hand long enough for Talaitha to pull it free.

"I do not threaten. I promise, Miss Borage."

"And if I don't obey you, what will you do? Have me killed?"

"Of course not," he laughed. "Thorin is useless to my plan if he is mourning you." He took a step towards her and lifted her chin with a finger. "No, I shall take Erebor by force."

"You wouldn't dare," she spat, wrenching away from his touch.

"Wouldn't I?" Dain smiled darkly. "I have an army. What does Thorin have? Twelve dwarves and a fairy?"

"He has alliances with the men of Dale and Lake Town and the elves of Mirkwood."

"He does," the dwarf agreed. "But by the time they arrive, Erebor would be mine. They would not risk war for a dead once-king."

For the first time, Talaitha's stony expression faltered. Dain's smile grew.

"I see I have dealt the fatal blow." He stroked her face with the back of his hand, enjoying the way her jaw clenched beneath his fingers. "So smooth," came the whispered words. Then he grasped her chin and tilted it up so that their gazes met. Talaitha didn't bother struggling, though she wanted nothing more than to send her knee into his groin. "Heed my words, fairy. If you do not leave him, I will take his throne and his life. And if you tell him any of this, I will kill him in front of you."

Then he dropped his hand and stepped back. "I shall see you at dinner. There is someone I think you'll enjoy meeting."

"I doubt that," she snapped and turned on her heel, leaving the dwarf smirking at her retreating back.

Once Talaitha was inside Thorin's chambers, her legs gave way beneath her, and she sank to the floor, the tears she'd fought to contain now surging forth. She scrubbed furiously at her cheek and chin with the bottom of her tunic, but she still felt Dain's touch against her skin. Covering her mouth with a hand, she tried to muffle her sobs as she pulled up her knees and leant back against the door. Images of Thorin's lifeless body, with blood pooling from an ax wound, flashed in her mind, and she squeezed her eyes shut, as if that would blind her to the vision. Her heart ached, just like it had after her nightmare. Was it a premonition of things to come? If it was, she had only one choice. She could not save Thorin again with her gift, but she could by doing as Dain demanded.

So she wiped away her tears and stood, breathing deeply until she ceased hyperventilating. She moved to the desk, dipping a quill into the inkwell, and began to write.

Later, Talaita rode unnoticed towards Mirkwood.

#

Thorin hadn't seen Talaitha since morning, so when she entered the dining hall, wearing a forest green, silk dress, he immediately stood and took her hand, leading her to the seat beside his. But before she could sit, Dain addressed her.

"If my cousin can part with you for one night, perhaps you would like to spend the evening in the company of a woman for a change?"

She had been avoiding meeting Dain's gaze, but now she was forced to. He had his hand on the arm of a young dwarf maiden, who was smiling brightly at Talaitha. It had been years since she'd seen a female dwarf, but this one was rather pretty. Her beard was neither thick nor long, and it looked softer than the males' facial hair. Talaitha noticed the dwarf maiden had garnered quite a few appreciative glances from the men, but Thorin's attention had not left Talaitha. Her heart ached for what she had to do.

But she played along. She had little choice, and Dain knew it.

"That would be lovely," she smiled, kissing Thorin's cheek in apology as she passed him. A small thrill of satisfaction filled her when she imagined Dain's ire at the gesture. "I have had quite enough of uncouth males anyway."

That led to indignant protests, with Bofur's, Kili's, and Dori's being the loudest. Balin rolled his eyes in exasperation of his kin's reactions, while Dwalin chuckled. Even Thorin's lips twitched as he sat down.

"I think, then, you will get along well with my daughter, Nifha."

Dain was the picture of civility, but Talaitha knew he had intentionally placed emphasis on his relation to the maiden. In that moment, his plan became clear to Talaitha. He intended for Nifha to marry Thorin so that he would be father and grandfather to royalty. But if that was the alternative to Thorin's death, she would gladly take it.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Nifha," she said, taking the seat beside hers. "I am Talaitha Borage."

"The wandering healer. I know. I have wanted to make your acquaintance since Father told me about you." Nifha's excitement startled Talaitha, as did the fact that Dain had apparently spoken of her. "I have never known a fairy before, but I've read every book in our library about your kin and the Evergreen Plain." She paused to cut a piece of venison, but the fork hovered halfway to her mouth. "Is it true that the sun always shines?"

"Merely an exaggeration," Talaitha replied, her hands fiddling with the napkin in her lap. "But we are blessed with temperate weather in the south where I am from."

"Is it true that fairies live for 1000 years?" Nifha asked. "And that they only begin to show their age when three-quarters of their life has passed?"

"My dear, you are overwhelming Miss Borage with your questions," Dain scolded.

His daughter blushed and bowed her head. Talaitha felt a wave of sympathy for her. Nifha was as much of a pawn in Dain's plan as she was, but what made the maiden's situation far worse was that he was her father.

"I assure you she is not," Talaitha said. She placed a hand on Nifha's and smiled gently. "Curiosity is a good thing." Nifha returned her smile and finally took a few bites of her neglected dinner. "To answer your questions, yes fairies live to about 1000-years-old, and we appear youthful until around 750-years-old. That is because we age more slowly than dwarves and men."

"And you are descended from elves, aren't you?" Nifha saw her father's eyes narrow slightly and quickly added, "I do not hate elves. I think they're beautiful."

Talaitha laughed and was surprised to realize that she liked the dwarf girl. She had thought she would dislike her, or even hate her, for her part in Dain's plan, but she sensed no malice in her. Talaitha suspected Nifha probably had no idea just how manipulative her father's intentions were.

"The Valar created us from the first elves, yes," Talaitha answered, with a wry smile. "But I think they grew lazy, for we only possess a fraction of their qualities."

Nifha giggled, oblivious to Dain's scowl, which he quickly hid behind his goblet. But Talaitha had seen it out of the corner of her eye, and her smile widened. He clearly hadn't expected her to befriend his daughter. Though the victory was small and temporary, Talaitha reveled in it. She had little else to make her happy anymore.

#

"You seemed to like Dain's daughter," Thorin remarked, as he and Talaitha walked back to his chambers. "And she certainly liked you. Dain said she has been eager to meet a real, live fairy." He chuckled and lifted Talaitha's hand to his lips.

She savored the simple gesture of affection, though her heart ached for it, too. Throughout dinner, whenever she wasn't occupied with Nifha, her attention was on Thorin, memorizing the cornflower blue of his eyes, the graceful curve of his lips, the sharp lines of his face, the silver streaks in his hair, the deep timbre of his voice, and the way his own gaze would linger on her when he thought she wasn't looking. She would remember them all, for her memories would be all she had left.

"Nifha is a sweet girl," Talaitha replied. "I am sure Dain has already chosen a husband for her."

Thorin nodded. "And knowing him, he would not settle for a common dwarf."

How close you are to the truth, she thought, blinking back sudden tears. She could not allow Thorin to see her pain; if he did, he would act against Dain, and Talaitha feared it would end in his death. She longed for him to gather her into his arms, longed for the comfort only he could provide, but she would not risk Thorin's safety.

And she would not spend her last night with him agonizing over her misfortune.

"Come with me." She led him away from the central staircases and corridors into a dim, secluded alcove she had never seen until that moment. She'd taken such a convoluted path that she wasn't sure she could find her way back. Perhaps if they remained ensconced here, hidden from everyone, Dain's plan would fail. She smiled at the whimsical idea, though she knew it was impossible.

Thorin quirked a brow. "These are not our chambers."

"No, but no one will think to look for us here."

He was prevented from replying by her lips brushing against his. He readily returned and deepened the kiss, pressing his hands into the small of her back to draw her nearer. Her arms encircled his neck, and she willingly opened her mouth to allow his tongue entry. Their kisses were slow, sensual, passionate-a seamless reciprocation of breath and lust-tinged love.

Talaitha broke away first, but their gazes locked as she wordlessly slipped her silk gown over her shoulders, revealing pale skin that seemed to glow in the flickering torchlight. Thorin watched her, his irises quickly becoming eclipsed as his desire grew. His finger trailed a path between her breasts, along the underside, and over her belly, followed by his lips. He was on his knees now, looking up at her, his hands resting on her thighs.

She leaned back against the wall and spread her legs, shivering from both the cold marble and the kisses Thorin placed along the inside of her thighs. His beard scraped against her skin, providing a sharp contrast to his soft lips, and the two sensations together were nearly maddening. Every touch felt like a thousand, heightening her arousal like never before.

Thorin's gaze did not waver as his tongue followed the same path his mouth had just taken, and when he reached her core, he spread her labia and licked a stripe through her folds, the heady scent of her arousal making his head spin. His tongue flicked against her clit, and he felt her hands in his hair, gently encouraging his ministrations. Her breathing changed, peppered with gasps, as his mouth covered her clit and suckled it. A finger entered her, then another, stroking along the top of her walls until a moan announced that he'd found the bundle of nerves.

She pushed her hips against his mouth, seeking even more contact, so he lifted one of her thighs over his shoulder to open her up further. His fingers delved deeper, quicker, and his tongue circled her clit with increasing pressure. He felt her walls tighten, heard her breaths become pants as her release neared, until that tension finally snapped, and she cried out, her back arching off the wall. He brushed light kisses over her sensitive flesh, waiting for her waves of pleasure to pass.

Once they did, her eyes opened, and what he saw in them sucked the air from his lungs.

"Please," she breathed. "I need you."

Thorin was on his feet before she'd even finished speaking. He lifted her, one hand under her buttocks while the other unlaced and pushed down his breeches to free his straining erection. He hoisted her higher, both hands gripping her arse now, as she wrapped her thighs around his waist and grasped his cock, giving it a few strokes before positioning it at her entrance. He breached her folds and groaned at the feeling of tight, wet heat enveloping his hard flesh.

Her arms encircled around his neck, their chests flush against each other, and he began to thrust slowly, deeply, his cockhead dragging over her bundle of nerves. Gazes met, mouths opened in soft pants, hands caressed. It was more than lust, more than sex. Each movement was unhurried and sensual, the focus less on reaching completion than on feeling each other emotionally and physically. Yet there was passion, as well, reflected in their eyes, along with something else, something far more significant.

He kissed her, their lips melding together as seamlessly as their pelvises, tongues meeting in an intoxicating dance. They tasted and savored each other, their lovemaking evoking poignant emotions in both. Talaitha held onto him and leaned her forehead against Thorin's, as one of his hands cradled the back of her head.

Their pace increased, and Talaitha's eyes fluttered closed. She was nearing release once more, and Thorin needed to see it.

"Open your eyes."

She obeyed, holding his gaze as their breaths grew ragged and uneven. He began to lose his rhythm, and after a few more thrusts, he spilled inside her, his groan swallowed by Talaitha's mouth. Seconds later, she followed, her walls clamping down onto him in spasms, her own moan barely audible.

Sated and spent, with chests heaving, they remained joined for a while afterwards, content to watch each other and to share languid kisses. Only when he slipped out of her did he set her down, kissing her stomach as he bent to pick up her dress.

After nearly an hour's delay, they finally reached Thorin's chambers.

#

Talaitha laid on her side and watched him sleep for the last time. Silent tears streaked down her cheeks as she brushed a strand of hair from across his face. He looked so peaceful, so content, that despite the pain in her chest, she couldn't help but smile. She would leave him tomorrow, but she took some comfort in the knowledge that he was much happier than when she'd met him. He had achieved his dream and could now enjoy it. Her departure would not change that. Nifha would be a good wife and queen, and hopefully Dain would be satisfied with that.

The night deepened, yet still Talaitha did not sleep. Her eyes felt dry and sore from crying, and she was exhausted from the intensity of her emotions, but morning would arrive too quickly. She was restless. She wanted to scream and shout and break things. She wanted to steal away with Thorin to somewhere no one would ever find them.

She slipped out of bed, hugging her arms around her middle, and paced. Her gaze settled on her bow, then on the wardrobe. If she left now, she wouldn't have to lie to Thorin, wouldn't have to say goodbye. But as she looked towards the bed again, she remembered his panicked expression the night he'd thought she'd done exactly that. No, she couldn't-wouldn't-sneak away.

So she laid back down, snuggling into Thorin's chest, and closed her eyes.