Thanks for all the reviews dear readers and guest readers. All your kind words are wonderful and a joy to read. As promised, things are on the stove, and the heat is turning up. The next chapter will have a reveal. Sigh, I hate it when readers drop out though, and I want to say, "No! No! The best is yet to come,' but oh well, fare thee well!


Chapter 51

"Yes, Feron, I will."

He bent his head and kissed my cold hands, and I held myself together.

"I swear you'll never regret it, Areen! I pledge my life to your happiness! When we get home, I'll ask you properly. You deserve a better setting."

"A better setting for what?"

Oh, Mahal. Lord Boron.


"Good afternoon, Lord Boron," I said, turning to face the direction of his voice. He was the last one I wanted listening in on our conversation—any conversation—but especially this one. Feron gave my hand a warning squeeze, but it was unnecessary. I felt Lord Boron's eyes on us, and I patted Feron's hand before pulling away and finding his tankard and water pitcher. Anything to keep that toad from putting his lips on my hand again. I poured a trickle into the tankard, but I couldn't keep pouring forever, and as soon as I put the pitcher down I felt Lord Boron's fingers close around mine.

"My lady," he said after another icky kiss. "Feron. I trust you are feeling better? You looked like you were knocking on the doors of Mandos last night." Feron shifted on his cot, no doubt summoning his patience and preparing for Lord Boron's subtle inquisition.

"Not at all, Lord Boron. As you see I'm much improved."

"Indeed, indeed. You always had a hearty constitution. Something to be grateful for." Ha. He didn't sound grateful, not grateful at all even though I was told that Feron had saved his life. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Nothing urgent, my lord," I said with a casual air. "We were speaking of home."

"Ah!" he replied. "I'm afraid not much has changed save new hope that a connection with Erebor will bring an end to our people's misery."

Now it was my turn. "Indeed, Lord Boron." I figured I'd toss my own "indeed" out there. It always sounded regal and mature, and it was a good way to stall while gathering my thoughts. I debated whether to tell him how things were between Kili and me. I couldn't imagine he'd be happy about it, but it hadn't affected the trade agreement. Thorin and his council had been generous, very generous. Lord Vinn was pleased to tell me what had been decided during the midday meal, and I ate an extra plate of sausages and hash browns to celebrate. Feron cleared his throat, but I didn't know what he meant by it if anything. "We've been discussing our return home and what needs to happen after we arrive." There! Not a lie, but not revealing either.

"Our return home, my lady?" He sounded surprised, but his tone quickly settled into familiar political rhythms. "That wasn't part of the original trade agreement. Has something changed?" For someone so doughy, he was remarkably sharp in picking up nuances.

"Matters have resolved themselves in such a way that I have leave to return home. The trade agreement has been signed with an extra five percent in trust for our struggling families, my lord. You need have no worries on that account."

"Indeed, my lady? Well done! Perhaps you should have negotiated the agreement from the start. Will your intended, Prince Kili, be joining us on the trip? Perhaps to meet the family?" His prodding annoyed me, but the news would come out anyway.

"Prince Kili and I aren't betrothed. We found that though we have great affection for one another, we suit better as friends."

"Is that so? Do the Durins then have other expectations of you, my lady?"

"I don't follow."

"Forgive me for not being clear, my lady. Do the other members of the royal family approve of how things stand? King Thorin had insisted on your coming, and it appeared that an announcement of a betrothal was imminent. He's been most interested in your progress with Prince Kili and appeared to have every expectation of your staying."

As usual, his words meant more than he said, but also as usual I couldn't catch his insinuation. Mahal, I loathed politics with a hearty emphasis on loathed. Feron shifted on the bed with a few muttered grumbles and loud gulping of water.

"Prince Kili informed everyone of our decision, and I'm sure Th-King Thorin has no objections. He as much allowed me equal say in the decision some time ago. Is there a problem, Lord Boron?"

"Not at all, my lady, not at all. Indeed, indeed. It's just that you seemed quite installed here at Erebor and quite attached to its inhabitants. I had thought that indicated a more permanent arrangement."

True, but as I was reminded, my priority was my people. Thorin would understand my leaving. He would do the same thing. I felt a flash of pride that I could equal him on this matter at least.

"They are most worthy dwarves, and it's been an honor to know them."

"Of course, of course, but I congratulate you, my lady. Your selflessness and courage has warmed all of our hearts."

"In what way?"

"How does one begin? Your loyalty to our people is most touching, my lady. Most would do just about anything to connect themselves to Erebor, yet you care more about your people than status or wealth or even your own comfort and ease. Don't think that I haven't noticed how happy you seem here, yet you are willing to give up considerable advantages to return to a troubled realm. I'm sure you felt no qualms and that the decision was never in doubt. A rare spirit indeed. "

"You think too highly of me, Lord Boron. I've done nothing to deserve such praise."

"Not so, my lady! You were willing to go to Erebor to save your people, and now you're willing to leave Erebor to serve your people. I've no doubt you would be welcome to stay if you wished. The royal family seems quite taken with you. Don't think their marked attentions have gone unnoticed, yet you would return without a doubt or a moment's deliberation."

With each word, I grew more ashamed of myself. I didn't know if he was testing my feelings or simply making a statement, but he was wrong. It was a struggle to make the decision, more than anyone knew, and I was ashamed that at first I did put my own happiness and desires above my people's welfare. But all wasn't lost at Erebor. I'd grown to love the Durins and company, true, but our friendship wouldn't end because I had to go home. The cries of our hungry children and sobbing mothers echoed in my head, and I felt myself flush with embarrassment thinking on my days of ease and plenty. Well, after the orc attack and cave in anyway.

Though I would miss Frerin, Kili, Thorin, oh, all of them terribly, I knew what I needed to do. Besides, I wouldn't flatter myself to think that anyone would miss me unduly after I left. I would correspond with Kili and keep up on how Frerin did. If he wasn't too busy, perhaps even Thorin and I could exchange letters. I would miss him. He had become a friend of a kind I'd never had before, but I wouldn't allow myself to blubber over what I couldn't change. I would give my life for my people without hesitation. That was what I had said in the mine, and I meant it.

"I am honored by their favor, my lord, and I owe them much for their generosity and hospitality, but since I am no longer needed here, I will return home as soon as may be."

"Let us hope then that the plague ends soon," Lord Boron said. He paused. "However, I must wonder if I am to wish you both joy for it did seem that I had interrupted a most intimate conversation." Ugh. Indeed. Quite. Marked. Most. His habit of stressing certain words plucked on my nerves, and I wanted to open his mouth and shove each one back down his throat until he gagged. He was relentless like a dog with a bone, and I knew he wouldn't let up until he had his answer or one of us put an end to it. Feron cleared his throat. I guess he decided to go first.

"Surely this is the last place anyone would pick for a proposal of marriage, wouldn't you agree?" He didn't wait for Lord Boron to answer. "I would be a fool indeed if I proposed to Princess Areen while lying on a cot in a linen gown in the middle of the infirmary. Surely this wouldn't forward my suit."

"Quite right. She deserves a better setting."

The pause was deadly. My turn next, so I prepared to pull out my haughtiest royal manner. Brushing it off and giving it an extra polish, I squared my shoulders to face Lord Boron as best as I was able, but Feron beat me to it with a tone that would freeze dragon's breath.

"Lord Boron, forgive us, but our conversation is our own concern." Lord Boron did a slow sucking in of air, and I stifled a cringe. Feron had crossed a line, or drawn a line in the sand, or whatever other metaphor fit a situation where two obstinate dwarves faced off and refused to budge. I hoped trouble didn't come from it, but now it was definitely my turn, and I changed tactics to the one thing that would make him back off.

"Lord Boron," I interjected into the charged silence, "I've had to account for myself and my actions to Father and face his misplaced ire all my life, and I'm afraid your curiosity is recalling uncomfortable memories."

I swear he actually gurgled. I wanted to slump in relief, but I didn't dare. I needed to hold my own and side with Feron even though I had softened the exchange. He coughed, but I knew he meant it as a disgruntled huff. Maybe he was unhappy that I'd played such a card, but I didn't care if it made me look weak. I just wanted Lord Boron to stop.

"Forgive me, my lady, forgive me! I am grieved that I offended you! Say no more. I will take my leave, although I hope to visit you later, Feron. Perhaps after you've rested. You look pale, and we wouldn't want to jeopardize your recovery." He bustled out the door, and we both sighed.

"Well, he certainly spoiled the moment," I said with a nod toward the door. "Why must he nose into everything?" Feron made an eager sound.

"So there was a moment?" he teased before he took my hand again and turned serious. "Areen, understand that our being together would elevate my family's status far above his. He wants power. He's always wanted power. Don't ever be alone with him."

"Otha said the same after we got here. Do you think he'd harm me?" That I couldn't see, not after he took on Father that time. Feron took a deep breath.

"Areen, trust me on this. You must trust me and swear you'll take care. The balance of power has shifted, and he's trying to secure his place. We don't know what that entails, but anything's possible at this point." I nodded.

"I'll be on my guard."


"Anything's possible at this point," Thorin said as he paced around the massive council table, "so we must prepare in case the plague enters the mountain. I want contingency plans. We can't assume we're safe even with all our efforts. All it takes is one to fall sick." Fili and Kili nodded with the rest of the company and elders.

"My lord," said Lord Sib, a dwarf renowned for his intellect, "what about our water source? Is it secure?" Thorin nodded to Balin to answer.

"Is it, aye," he said. "We've prepared the winter cisterns and will be filling them with ice from the mountain. We can't trust the river at this point, not after hearing about Lake-town."

"Oin," Thorin said, "what was done with our guests when they arrived? Are we safe there?"

"We boiled or burned everything we could get our hands on, Thorin. All clothes, all packs, all weapons."

"Was there anything you didn't get your hands on?" Fili asked. "I don't trust those guards, the ones the Lord of the Grey Mountains brought with him. Shifty lot."

"I agree," Kili said. "They lack honor to have backed her father as they did and all for influence and coin. I wouldn't put it past them to have hidden things they didn't want destroyed."

"Oin?"

"It was a panic that day, to be sure," he said with rub of his mouth. "It wouldn't hurt to have another look-see and make sure everything was disposed of properly."

"Have it done. Dwalin?"

"All exits and gates are sealed with two guards at each. All's quiet so far."

"Good. Bombur?"

"We have enough rations for three meals a day for three months. I've already told Slif to start rationing for all except our children and women with child. Thanks to the shipment of spices though, no one should complain. Everyone will eat well enough."

"Excellent. We start tomorrow, so I want everyone to have a special meal tonight. Nori?"

"I caught four dwarves stealing sugar from the main larder."

"What was done with them? We must make an example. We can't have a panic."

"They're taking their ease in the dungeon for now, and then they'll be scrubbing latrines for a couple of weeks."

"Good."

"With their toothbrushes."

"Better. Post guards at all the food stores and water cisterns. Only those authorized are to have access."

"Aye."

Thorin leaned forward and spread his hands on the table. "We have done well with our preparations, and I thank all of you. Now I want plans for what to do if the plague enters the mountain. Can we contain it? Are there protective measures we can take?" Brows lowered as everyone thought through what to do if the worst were to happen. Oin waved a finger.

"I have an idea. When we don't want filth touching us, we wear robes and gloves, and we'll even tie handkerchiefs around our faces so not to smell it. What if the plague is something like that?"

"What do you mean?" Fili asked. The others leaned forward in their seats.

"What if the plague comes through the air or skin of one who's sick? What if it's in their breath or sweat? We know that some illnesses change body humors. A stomach complaint can change the bowels. What if the plague spreads through body humors and fluids, and poor souls get sick by inhaling or touching someone sick. If that's so, we can protect ourselves by not touching someone and covering our mouths and noses, so we don't breath anything in."

Everyone's brows lowered while they thought through the problem.

"Fili?"

"Makes sense, Thorin."

"Kili?"

"I agree, aye, and it won't be any trouble to make what we need."

"I will research our records and see if I can find anything useful," Sib said. Thorin nodded and turned to Dori.

"I put you in charge of supplies. Gather whomever you need. Della can have the sewing circles work on the gowns while you gather the tailors and leather workers. Oin, give them directions on what to make."

"Thorin?" The King of Erebor turned to his oldest friend, Balin, whose face was drawn and worried. "Any more news from the Iron Hills?" Thorin shook his head.

"That's bad news in itself," Balin said. Everyone around the table nodded and shook their heads. Thorin pressed his lips together. Every moment someone was dying, and he wondered if Dain was one of the fallen. Shaking off his morbid thoughts, he straightened and turned to Ori.

"Prepare a raven and tell them what we're doing to protect ourselves. It may be in their crisis, they haven't had the time to think through these matters."

"At once, my lord!"

"Very well," Thorin said. "We will meet again same time tomorrow. Think through quarantine plans as well as what to do with the dead. May Mahal protect us and save our kinsmen. Dismissed."

Thorin walked outside and rubbed his hands over his face. Sending a silent prayer up to Mahal to spare his people, as well as those at Lake-town and the Iron Hills, he walked with heavy steps to the silver fountains to find some peace.


For the rest of the day, I wandered with Sky to the different places where members of the company worked, but everyone was too busy to visit. In fact, the whole mountain bustled with energy and purpose. I felt out of place, since everyone had an assigned task, so I made my way down the the kitchens to see if I could help Slif. I had heard that food was to be rationed, and perhaps I could suggest some ways to make the most of it.

"That's kind of you, Areen," he said, "but we have it covered here. You've had enough to go on with."

"I feel useless. Please." With a paternal chuckle and firm pat on the shoulder, he let me help him prepare recipes and organize stores. Sella joined us several hours later.

"I went to see Feron again," she said. "He looked pale."

"He's still has a few days of recovery ahead of him," I countered, "and he's had near constant visitors. I'd be tired if I were him."

"I suppose."

Soon enough it was time for the feast, and we made the most of it. The roasted pork and beef both had succulent gravy with hints of garlic and rosemary. Sourdough bread sopped up the rich sauces. Delicious. Thorin insisted that we enjoy ourselves, so we had raucous music and enough dancing to wear away my feet up to my ankles.

"Enough! Enough!" I said after Kili spun me in circles for the fifth time. "I won't lose my last good meal on the floor!" Thorin sat like a stone throughout the feast despite the efforts of everyone to get him drinking and dancing. After plopping back in my seat, I called down to him. "Don't you want to dance, Thorin?"

"No. No, thank you."

"How about a glass of wine with me?"

"I've had enough. Thank you all the same." He wasn't himself, and I felt like he was closing me off. Hmm, maybe he was withdrawing from everyone, but still, I didn't like it.

"What's wrong? No, scratch that. I know what's wrong, but won't you enjoy yourself? All's well. Everyone's here."

"For the moment."

I tried several more times, but there was no getting through to him, so I tried to enjoy myself with Bofur, Kili, and Fili. Even Dwalin asked me to dance. Finally, after stumbling around like I was drunk, I asked Kili to take me back to my chambers with Sky. I sank into my bed and into a dreamless sleep until a frantic pounding shook my door.

"What? Wait! Who is it?"

"Mebla and Sella." Scrabbling for my dressing gown, I threw it on and felt my way to the door.

"What is it?" Mebla was sobbing, and Sella was trying to calm her.

"Oh, Mahal, Areen, it's Feron."


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