Okay so there are three more chapters until the end of the first movie which I actually finished today. I actually came up with some rather interesting plot twists in my opinion. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
I felt as if I could sit with Dwalin forever wrapped up in his arms. I felt so at peace, as if nothing in the world mattered but him and me. The fire within me burned brighter and brighter with no indication that it would go out. Before long though, Dwalin loosened his grip on me and sighed heavily as he lifted his head from my shoulder before he bumped foreheads with mine.
"As much as I would love to stay here, we should head back before your idad comes looking for us," Dwlain told me in a low voice and I groaned making Dwalin chuckle.
"I guess we must," I admitted and Dwalin leaned in close and kissed me sweetly once more.
"Men lananubukhs menu, amrâlimê," Dwalin told me in a low voice, his chest rumbling and I sighed as I leaned in and kissed him once more, relishing the fact that I could.
"I love you too, Dwalin," I told my One and he squeezed me tightly once more in a hug before he released me. I reluctantly got to my feet and as soon as Dwalin stood himself, he reached for my hand, taking my smaller one in his own.
We walked hand and hand back through the elven city, our pace somewhat slow, the both of us reluctant to rejoin the Company. Moments like these would be hard to come by in the future so we were both enjoying it while it lasted. The walk was too short however and before long we came within sight of the rest of the Company. I squeezed Dwalin's hand and he looked down at me, raising one eyebrow and I quickly lifted myself up on tiptoe and gave him a quick kiss. He smiled at me softly and we headed into the throng together.
"I have an announcement to make!" Dwalin said loudly as we entered the outskirts of the group and everyone turned to us, some with knowing smiles on their faces and some like Fili and Kili with confused looks.
"Speak brother!" Thorin answered Dwalin, looking rather pleased as he caught sight of our joined hands, a knowing look on his face.
"Adaira daughter of Frerin, son of Thrain, son of Thror has accepted my courtship as I have accepted hers," Dwalin announced and we waited for a long moment, everyone staring before a cheer arose from the Company. Fili and Kili looked a bit stricken, but they were amongst the first to congratulate us. Thorin greeted us first, putting a hand on our shoulders and he then knocked foreheads with Dwalin before gently bumping foreheads with me.
"I'm glad it worked out for you," Thorin told Dwalin and Dwalin nodded in agreement before looking down at me.
"The lass asked me first," Dwalin pointed out and Thorin chuckled at that.
"Aye, I know," Thorin told him before he looked between us both. "I'm glad you both found happiness in each other," Thorin told us and he smiled at me before stepping back and allowing the others to come congratulate us.
"Is no one else going to say that Dwalin smiling is a little unsettling?" Kili asked after the last well wishes were granted.
"Watch it pup," Dwalin warned Kili as several of the others laughed at Kili's remark. "Come and sir ghivashel," Dwalin told me and he led me over to a quite spot. He sat down first before helping me to sit. I sat in the space between his legs and he pulled me back slightly so that I could recline on his chest, his arms lightly around me. Rather than making me feel trapped, I felt protected.
"I guess I should start calling you namadith," Balin commented as he sat down beside us. "I'm glad that everything worked out for the best," He added and Dwalin hummed slightly, the sound rumbling in his chest and vibrating through me.
"I'm glad it did too," I told Balin before looking up at Dwalin with a soft smile on my face and he squeezed me a little tighter.
We spent the afternoon in comfort, Dwalin and I not leaving each other's side. Since we weren't alone, Thorin was allowing it. I had a feeling that what we were doing wasn't typical, but at the same time, he seemed to realize that our situation was different. After all, we were about to leave Rivendell and step out into the Wilds once more. Crossing the Misty Mountains was going to be a lot tougher than anything we had done up until now. These little moments of finding comfort with each other were acceptable.
Tonight, was the night that the map could finally be read. I was filled with excitement and apprehension after dinner as Thorin, Balin, Bilbo, Gandalf and I followed Lord Elrond to the crystalline table out by the waterfalls and cliffs once more. Lord Elrond smoothed the map out on the table and as we looked up, the clouds covering the moon floated away, and rays of moonlight hit the crystalline table, causing light to flow through the map. I was shocked when the ancient runes became visible on the map, glowing with a silver light.
""Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole,"" Lord Elrond read aloud, translating the runes as he read.
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked me in confusion as I frowned deeply. If hidden door could only be opened on Durin's day, that didn't leave us with much time to make it to the mountain. Any delays might me that we had to wait another year to find the door and we couldn't afford to wait that long.
"It is the start of the dwarves' new year, when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together," Gandalf explained to Bilbo as I was too lost in thought to answer him.
"It's also my birthday," I remarked, and everyone turned to me and I shrugged.
"This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us," Thorin said, drawing the attention away from me, catching on to what I was considering.
"We still have time," Balin told him and I hummed in agreement. We did have time, but we would also have to avoid any delays.
"Time? For what?" Bilbo asked, still not catching on and I leaned over the map as Lord Elrond made room for me and I inspected it more closely, looking at the pointing finger that had the inscription, "Five feet high the door and three may walk abreast." This indicated that the door was rather small in the grand scheme of the whole mountain. With this new knowledge out quest just became all the more difficult.
"To find the entrance. We have to be standing at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened," Balin said behind me as I poured over the map for anything that might help us.
"So, this is your purpose, to enter the Mountain," Lord Elrond said, and I swore under my breath as I straightened up and looked at him. He had an eyebrow raised and I knew that our bullshitting had come to an end.
"What of it?" Thorin demanded as he looked between the elf and me.
"There are some who would not deem it wise," Lord Elrond remarked and Thorin snatched up the map, folded it and stuffed it back into his pocket.
"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asked Lord Elrond and I had a feeling that Gandalf was busted as much as we were.
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle earth," Lord Elrond seemed to remind Gandalf, who seemed to be thinking deeply at his words, before he looked down at me with a curious expression on his face. "There is someone who very much wishes to meet you," Lord Elrond informed me, and I frowned at this.
"We're done with this," Thorin said before reaching forward and trying to steer me away.
"Wait, idad," I told Thorin before raising my hands placatingly and trying to get him to calm down. "Yes, alright. We want to enter the mountain," I told Lord Elrond and Thorin tried to quiet me, but I shot him a look and he fell silent, letting me talk. "Smaug has laid dormant for over sixty years. Now he could be hibernating, or he could be dead, which I really don't believe he is. However, Ered Luin isn't favorable to support our people. The mining prospects for one," I explained to Lord Elrond, having been learning about our people in the Blue Mountains from Balin.
"The miners have to dig further and further and there are more cave ins because of this, risking lives. Our people are suffering because of this. Birth rates are down. None can succeed in a mountain that cannot also support them. Erebor on the other hand could support our people. We may be few in number, but we are the only ones willing to do something to help our people," I told Lord Elrond before fixing him with a look. "If it was your people, what would you do?" I asked him and he considered me for a long moment before sighing.
"Most likely the same as you," Lord Elrond finally answered me before he looked between Thorin and me. "Be that as it may, more people could suffer if the dragon is awoken," Lord Elrond told us, and I nodded in understanding.
"Yes, but Erebor is in a strategic place. Orcs already took Moria from our people. Correct me if I am mistaken, but from what I've been learning, more Orcs have been rising in these lands. If they were to claim Erebor as well, I think we would have bigger problems to deal with," I told Lord Elrond after careful consideration and he looked very thoughtful and my words.
"Your daughter is wise beyond her years, Thorin Oakenshield," Lord Elrond finally said and Thorin nodded in agreement, looking at me with a proud expression on his face.
"Indeed, she is," Thorin told him in agreement and Lord Elrond shook his head after another long moment.
"There are still those who would deem it unwise for this quest to proceed, even if I now see merit in some of what you are saying," Lord Elrond told us, and I nodded in understanding. "There is another you might convince, however. She has requested to speak to you my lady. She has much to speak to you about," Lord Elrond told me, and I nodded in understanding before I requested for a moment alone to speak with Thorin. Once we were alone in Lord Elrond's office, I began pacing the floor as Thorin regarded me.
"What is on your mind?" Thorin asked me after a long moment and I sighed deeply.
"There's been so much going on in my head about this quest. Things that could happen or have happened and now this. I've never had to make decisions before and now I am your heir. All I can do now is think about what is best for our people," I told Thorin and he nodded in understanding before getting me to stop pacing. He sat down in a chair, but I remained standing, needing to be on my feet as I thought it all out.
"It is within our best interest to convince this other person that what we say is true when it comes to Erebor," I said, and I looked to Thorin who was silently waiting for me to speak my mind. "Like it or not, the more allies we have thee better chance we have at helping our people," I told Thorin as I stepped closer to him and Thorin seemed to regard my words. "Erebor cannot flourish if we have no one to trade with and no one to come to our aid if we must go to war. While Dain could lend us aid from the Iron Hills, he can only spare so many khazad himself or risk his own people. Sometimes we must swallow our pride and put others before ourselves. The way I see it, King Thranduil is the one who broke his oath and abandoned our people. Lord Elrond swore no oath nor had any agreement with us," I told Thorin and he reached up, thoughtfully stroking his beard as he carefully considered my words.
"Indeed, he did not, but he did not come to our aid when our people were starving and homeless." Thorin told me and I nodded before frowning thoughtfully.
"Is that entirely true?" I asked Thorin and he raised an eyebrow at me, looking slightly annoyed.
"I was there. No help came from the elves," Thorin told me firmly and I nodded before deciding to push it more.
"Is it not possible that Thror refused to accept help form anyone in the end?" I asked Thorin and he stared at me with a deep frown on his face.
"He was very sick in the end, his brain addled with gold sickness.," Thorin answered me and it was my turn to frown, this time in confusion.
"Gold sickness?" I asked Thorin and he nodded before he sighed and began to explain.
"Gold sickness, dragon sickness, call it what you will, it affects the mind. Even the most mild mannered darrow becomes illogical and violent as his lust for gold consumes him," Thorin explained to me and I hummed slightly in understanding.
"That's what happened to grandfather Thror," I said more than asked and Thorin nodded in confirmation.
"I saw the changes in him even before the dragon came. He spent quite a bit of time in the treasure hold. I began to grow concerned for him. Even on the day that Smaug attacked Erebor I had to pull him away from the treasure. That was when the Arkenstone was lost. He made to go back for it, and I denied him," Thorin confessed and I sat across from him, leaning forward and placing a hand on his knee.
"You did the right thing. The Arkenstone wasn't worth either of your lives. While I don't see how a stone makes someone king, I know it is a symbol that all the Dwarven Lords will rally to. We'll find it idad," I assured Thorin and he nodded once before sighing deeply.
"Do what you will. It is not for me to decide if you wish to speak to this mysterious woman the elf mentioned," Thorin finally told me before he stood and offered me his hand. Once I was on my feet, he gripped my good shoulder and squeezed it firmly. "I can agree with the elf on one matter, you are indeed wise beyond his years. You think of our people before yourself. That is how I know you will make an excellent queen one day," Thorin told me before he bumped his forehead with mine. "Come, you may give the elf your answer," Thorin told me and we joined the others once more.
I agreed to speak to whomever it was that wanted to speak to me, and Lord Elrond informed me that when she had a moment he would come and find me. It seemed as if something was going on behind the scenes that we were not being told. I watched as Gandalf and Lord Elrond left us and I decided that a bit of eavesdropping might be in order. If what they were talking about affected us and our quest it was need-to-know information even if it was rude. I told Thorin that I wished to have a moment to myself to think and he told me that he would be waiting for me around the corner. I followed carefully behind Gandalf and Lord Elrond, keeping quiet and I was rewarded with finding an out of the way spot that was close enough to the pavilion where Gandalf and Lord Elrond were now talking.
"Of course, I was going to tell you" Gandalf told Lord Elrond, sounding a bit like a child who was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "I was waiting for this very chance. And really, I – I think you can trust that I know what I am doing."
"Do you?" Lord Elrond asked him as I drew in a little closer. "That dragon has slept for sixty years. What will happen if your plan should fail? If you wake that beast…" Lord Elrond began to say, but Gandalf cut him off.
"But if we succeed it shall be Adaira has already said. What if the dwarves take back the mountain, then our defenses in the east will be strengthened," Gandalf fought for our cause and Lord Elrond seemed to consider this for a moment before speaking once more.
"It's a dangerous move, Gandalf," Lord Elrond finally said, and I pressed myself deeper into the bushes as both men began walking closer towards where I was hiding.
"It is also dangerous to do nothing! Oh, come – the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright! What is it you fear?" Gandalf demanded of Lord Elrond and the two men stopped walking, Elrond turning to Gandalf.
"Have you forgotten; a strain of madness runs deep in that family. His grandfather lost his mind. His father succumbed to the same sickness. Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall? Or his daughter, however wise she may be?" Lord Elrond demanded of the grey wizard and my eyes flicked up to where Thorin was standing with Bilbo and I could tell by the look on Thorin's face that he had heard everything. "Gandalf, these decisions to not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to redraw the map of Middle-earth," Lord Elrond continued as the two men resumed their walk towards a balcony.
"With or without our help, these dwarves will march on the mountain. They are determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe Thorin Oakenshield feels that he's answerable to anyone. Nor for that matter am I," Gandalf was saying to Lord Elrond and I felt as if this was something Gandalf had dealt with before. It sounded as if he had been met with opposition from these guardians before.
"It is not me you must answer to," Lord Elrond said just out of earshot and I carefully crept closer, hiding next to the railings of the balcony just out of sight but within earshot.
"Lady Galadriel," Gandalf said, sounding immensely surprised and I snuck a peek and saw that this Lady Galadriel was a tall and rathe beautiful elf who was standing, framed against the moonlight. She slowly turned around and regarded the wizard before she spoke.
"Mithrandir. It has been a long time," She said, and Gandalf bowed to her as he spoke.
"Nae nin gwistant infanneth, mal ú eichia i Chíril Lorien," Gandalf said in Sindarin before he rose, and Galadriel smiled at him brightly.
"I had no idea Lord Elrond had sent for you," Gandalf said as he stepped towards Galadriel and out of the darkness a voice spoke.
"He didn't. I did," A man said, and he walked forward. He was clocked in white and he had a staff. I felt bad vibes coming from him. He wasn't an elf so that left me wondering if he was also a wizard. Gandalf bowed to him looking very surprised and also a bit worried.
"Saruman," Gandalf greeted him, and the white wizard looked at him with an air of haughtiness on his face and deep disapproval.
"You've been busy of late, my friend," Saruman said, and I quickly ducked down when he looked my way, almost as if he knew. "Come, let us talk somewhere more private," Saruman said and when I chanced another look, the lady Galadriel was smiling back at me. She bowed her head slightly and the gestured slightly with her hand for me to run along. I nodded and bowed my head back before slipping away, pondering everything that I had just heard.
It was apparent to me that Lord Elrond fear the waking of Smaug. In all honesty, so did I. We were few in number and taking on a dragon was something we didn't really consider yet. Getting to Erebor was the hardest part, taking it back was a whole different ball game, especially with only fourteen of us and a burglar. We had a wizard with us, but as of yet I hadn't seen much that made me put all my trust into Gandalf. I knew also that I needed to talk to Thorin about all this. I could tell that he was wondering the same thing when it came to the gold.
"Idad," I called for him as I rejoined him and Bilbo and Thorin turned away from me as Bilbo watched us, looking unsure. "Bilbo, can you give us a minute?" I asked the hobbit and he nodded in understanding.
"Right yes, I'll just return to the others, shall I?" Bilbo said and I mouthed my thanks to him.
"Idad, talk to me," I told Thorin as I turned him towards me once more. "I can tell that there is much on your mind. Please, allow me to help shoulder some of the burden. It doesn't have to be all on you," I told Thorin and he sighed heavily and reached up to wipe a hand down his face.
"Indeed, the mountain is my birthright. I have been raised knowing that I was to be king one day. Then I lost my grandfather and my father and had to shoulder the burdens of my people. Your imad has done all she can to help me with them, but I am who my people look to," Thorin began and I could tell that this must have been bothering him for some time.
"The Dwarven Lords refuse to give their support in reclaiming Erebor. I am but a king in exile which is really no king at all. We are but fourteen in number. We cannot hope to slay the dragon on our own. Gandalf came to me with a plan, to send a burglar into the mountain to retrieve the Arkenstone so that the Dwarven Lords will rally to our aid. So long as Smaug lives, our people cannot reclaim the mountain," Thorin continued as he looked back to me, his expression troubled.
"If Smaug should awaken before our armies arrive many will fall to his death of fire and flames. I will not see the mountain burn with fire once more. No, Smaug must be killed before he destroys the mountain," Thorin told me firmly before sighing once more. "I am not my grandfather. I am not Thror. Dragon sickness runs in our family indeed, but this is more than gold or silver, this is blood and sweat. I would give my life and all that I am to see this quest succeed," Thorin vowed and I knew it was time to tell him the truth.
"The quest will succeed idad," I told Thorin and he smiled at me in fondness and put a hand on my good shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"I hope the same," He said, and I shook my head quickly and raised my eyes to him.
"No, this isn't just an assurance or a hope. The quest will succeed, Thorin. That much I know," I told my uncle and he frowned at me in confusion, so I took a deep breath before continuing. "Since I arrived here, I have been visited by Mahal in my dreams. The first time was at Bag End in Hobbiton. Mahal has assured me that the quest will be a success. We will reclaim Erebor. It is what come s after that is shrouded in mystery. According to Mahal, I will determine the fate of Durin's line, whatever that may mean," I confessed to Thorin and he stared at me in surprise.
"You have spoke to our Maker?" Thorin asked me in a low voice and I nodded slightly. "Then truly our quest is blessed by the Stone Father. Whatever happens after we reclaim Erebor we can make ready for," Thorin assured me, but deep down I knew that it wasn't going to be as easy as that. "Nothing else matters, we put our people first," Thorin added and I frowned at him.
"I think our people need someone strong to lead them," I told Thorin and he nodded in agreement and put a hand on my shoulder once more.
"And they will, which is why you must stay behind. If indeed our quest will succeed, we must ensure that you remain safe so that you can lead our people should the worse befall us," Thorin told me and I raised an eyebrow at him as I fumed.
"You are not leaving me behind. If this quest is to succeed you need all of us," I angrily told Thorin and he shook his head at me with a firm expression on his face.
"I will not risk your life as well. It was you who said we must put the needs of our people before ourselves," Thorin said and I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose as my own words were thrown back at me.
"And how do you know that without me the quest will still succeed? Mahal made it very apparent that I was necessary to the quest's success. If don't go with you it could change everything. This, the quest, from the way Mahal speaks he means that the quest can only succeed if it is with all of us, all fifteen of us. We all have a part to play in this quest," I told Thorin firmly, knowing that I was right. "That's why I was brought back to Middle Earth. I'm here because of the quest. That's why I showed up when and where I did. The quest started at Bag End," I added and Thorin considered my words for a long moment before he sighed deeply.
"I would be lying if I said I do not see truth in your words, however much I dislike it. The road ahead is already treacherous, but now we must hope that the Orcs are no longer on our trail. With any luck the elves slayed them all," Thorin told me and I blew out a breath of relief at his words.
"That would be too lucky. Better to assume that at least one got away," I told Thorin and he nodded in agreement.
"We leave soon. We must get to the mountain before Durin's day," Thorin said and I nodded, knowing now more than ever that the pressure was on us. "You never mentioned your birthday is on Durin's day," Thorin commented as he began to lead us back to the others.
"I hadn't really thought about it," I told him truthfully. "I haven't celebrated my birthday since I lost adad," I added and Thorin sighed, knowing the pain I feel at the very least.
"This year we will have much cause to celebrate," Thorin told me simply and I smiled and nudged my shoulder into his and he chuckled. I liked that we didn't have to overly expression emotions with one another, we just knew how each other felt. When we returned to the others Thorin knocked his forehead gently with mine and then he gestured towards Dwalin. "Go, enjoy your time with him while we are still here," Thorin told me quietly and I kissed his cheek before making my way towards Dwalin.
He looked relieved to see me and I let him pull me down so that I was sitting between his legs once more, reclining on his chest. I sighed in contentment when he wrapped his arms around me, and I just enjoyed the feel of the fire both inside and without as Dwalin continued to talk to Balin. There was just so much going on, too much to think about and consider and too much too worry about. My eyes were drooping a bit, but I fought against it, wanting to enjoy this moment and commit it to memory.
"Well, seeing as we have something to celebrate, how about a little music," Bofur announced and Dwalin waved him away.
"Not now, Adaira's tired and too nice to tell yah no," Dwaling told him and Bofur shared a sly smile with Nori.
"Ah, so that is how it's gonna be," Bofur said as I fought to keep my eyes open and he waggled his eyebrows at us.
"Sleep, amrâlimê," Dwalin told me and I hummed in response before closing my eyes and letting him hold me, gently stroking my hair as I feel asleep.
When I had awoken, I was in my bed, Dwalin having most likely brought me after I had fallen asleep. It was nice to just be taken care of sometimes after having to do everything for myself for years. While I was self-sufficient it was nice to know that someone cared. It was the little things, little actions rather than words. I knew that Thorin was antsy to leave now that the map had been read, but we had to give it a day or two more and if this woman hadn't spoken to me yet, we would then need to leave. We had to at least give her a chance first.
We didn't have to wait long, however. Before the sun had even risen, I was sent for and Lord Elrond himself collected me. I went to Thorin first and reminded him why I was doing this. Lord Elrond assured him that I would be escorted back safe and then I left with the elven lord to speak to this mysterious woman. I had a feeling I knew who it was now, and I hoped that she wouldn't be mad at the fact that I was eavesdropping on their conversation the night before. I was led to a pavilion and where she was waiting, standing and looking out over the city. She turned as we entered and smiled as she saw me.
"That will be all for now," She told Lord Elrond and I was surprised by her dismissive tone and the fact that he bowed his head to her before leaving us alone together. "I knew the moment you returned to Arda, Adaira daughter of Frerin," She spoke as I walked closer to her and she gestured to the table upon which was a pitcher and a basin. "Please sit. We have much to discuss," She added, and I nodded before taking a seat at the table. She sat across from me and I looked kinda sheepish back at her.
"Forgive me for listening in on your conversation last night, my lady. I only meant to learn of what was being said about our quest behind our backs," I told the woman and she nodded, not looking mad at all.
"You are forgiven child," She told me, and I sighed in relief. "I have seen much about you my child. The blessings of the Valar have been bestowed upon you," She told me, and I frowned at that.
"I don't know about that, my lady," I told her with a shake of my head. "Um…not to be rude, but who exactly are you?" I asked and she smiled at me.
"I am Galadriel, Lady of the woods of Lothlórien," Galadriel introduced herself and I made an "ah" sound as I tried to remember Balin's lessons.
"To be honest, I'm not a hundred percent sure of where that is," I admitted, and Galadriel gave me a knowing look.
"Nor would I if I had been returned to a land I have long since forgotten. The woods of Lorien lay over the Misty Mountains near the Anduin river, further towards Rohan than your path will take you on your quest to reach the Lonely Mountain," Lady Galadriel informed me and I nodded in understanding as I could kinda place it on the map that Ori had drawn for my lessons.
"Gotcha," I told her and raised an eyebrow at her. "What do you think about our quest? Do you think like Lord Elrond that it's too dangerous to move forward with it?" I asked her and Lady Galadriel continued to look serene. I couldn't read her face which made it harder to determine what she was thinking. Instead of answering me she rose to her feet and poured the contents of the pitcher into the basin.
"Look into the water. Tell me what you see," She told me, and I frowned before looking into the basin which was clear. At first there was nothing and then as if the surface of the water was rippling, an image began to form.
"Creatures," I said as I saw orc like creatures in a dark cave. "I see creatures in a large cavern. They claw at one another," I told her before the image changed to eagles, if eagles were fucking huge. "Giant eagles. Like seriously giant eagles," I said, as Lady Galadriel watched me intently. "They're picking up things in burning trees and flying away. A white warg…with a pale orc riding on its back," I continued, seeing one of the meanest and ugliest looking orcs with some sort of metal shoved into the stump of one of its arms. "A gigantic bear. And spiders. Large fucking spiders. What is it with Middle Earth and animals being larger than possible? Is it something in the water?" I rambled as I told her what I saw.
"Barrels floating down a river. A town on a lake. The mountain, Erebor. Smaug…he is bigger than I imagined. A black arrow. The town is burning now. Then there is good, mountains of gold. A battle. I see Orcs and Dwarves, and Elves, three armies. Blood so much blood. Death. Thorin, Fili, and Kili," I said, not even noticing what I was talking about as the images flashed so quickly, tears streaming down my face as I took in the battered images of my family. "And…a ring. It's smooth and golden," I said, not noticing that I was leaning in closer to the basin as Lady Galadriel frowned in concern. "It's looking for something…searching. It's mine…my own…my precious," I said, hissing out the last word and suddenly the image disappeared as Galadriel broke the surface of the water with her hand, the image disappearing. She grabbed me by the shoulders tightly, looking both worried and assured by something I had seen in the water.
"What you have just seen has yet to happen. The Valar have chosen you to change this future that you have seen. You know now what is at stake. If Erebor falls, so too will all Middle Earth. I have felt it…a stirring in the East. You and your kin must leave her before it is too late. The White Council is soon to meet and is one who would try to stop you," Lady Galadriel told me, and I nodded as she looked at me intently. "Remember, no action is too small. One change is all that is needed to turn the tide," She told me more calmly and I inhaled deeply before nodding once more and sighing.
"Me?! If you haven't noticed I'm not exactly warrior material," I told her, and she smiled at me before leaning in and kissing my forehead.
"Not all warriors wield a sword," She told me before helping me to my feet. "Take this child," She told me before handing me a brooch that was in the shape of a green leaf. "Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall. Should you require help in the Greenwood, this should be of assistance. I name you Elf friend. You and your kin will always find shelter in my home should you require it," Lady Galadriel told me, and I nodded in understanding before bowing to her.
"As you shall find safety in our mountain halls," I vowed, and she smiled both of us knowing that such a thing would never come to pass. The offer was there, however.
"Go now child, I shall buy you some time. May the blessings of the Valar go with you," She said, and I frowned at that.
"What about Gandalf?" I asked her, knowing that Gandalf had been very distracted whiles we were here.
"I will ensure he follows you. Wait in the mountains for him," Galadriel told me, and I nodded in understanding, thanking her before I rushed away, not waiting to be escorted back. When I finally found my way back the rest of the Company. Only Thorin and Dwalin were awake, talking in low voices.
"Mizimith…," Thorin said, looking concerned as I ran in, stopping and clutching a stitch in my side as I tried to catch my breath.
"Breath lass," Dwalin told me as he hurried over to my side.
"We need to go, now!" I managed to get out and Dwalin and Thorin shared a concerned look.
"What happened?" Thorin demanded as I finally caught my breath.
"I spoke to Lady Galadriel. She is the Lady of Lothlorien. She said there is someone here who is going to try and stop us. We need to go. She said she would by us some time, but the sooner we leave the better," I told Thorin and he nodded in understanding.
"What about the wizard?" He asked me, thinking like I had.
"She said to wait for him to reach us in the mountains. She will send him to find us," I assured Thorin and he agreed that it would have to work before he sent Dwalin and I to go collect my things as he began to quietly wake the others.
"I never got to give yeh yer courting gifts," Dwalin said I packed up my things, glad to see that my new set of clothes had been washed. I reluctantly left my new dresses and my mother's dress behind, hoping that I may get to send for them once this journey was over, at least my mother's dress if nothing else.
"Nor did I," I told Dwalin as I stopped and looked up at him, frowning. "I had planned for us to have a picnic and cook for you," I said and Dwalin smiled at me fondly.
"I can wait," Dwalin assured me before he walked over to me, setting down my weapons that he was carrying. He took my hands in his and pulled me closer before he bent down and pressed his forehead to mine. "I did finish yer gifts though," Dwalin told me and I looked at him in surprise.
"You made me something?" I asked him and he nodded before smiling once more.
"Aye. Let's get back to the others and I'll give them to yeh," He told me, and I rolled my eyes before reaching up on tiptoe and kissing him quickly. When I went to pack my last set of clothes away, I noticed that there was some rougher fabric at the bottom of my bag. It was a deep blue dyed cotton and there was some grey wool underneath it. A note was pinned to it and I pulled it out, unfolding the paper and read quickly.
"For your journey, Aredhel," It read, and I felt my heart clench. I wished I could thank her before we left, but I knew that was not an option. Perhaps I could find a way to send a letter to her. I also should probably write to my aunt come to think about it. Someone needed to let her know that we were alive and well and about to start the next leg of our journey. It would be strange coming from me since she didn't know me or about my existence, but I knew Thorin and my cousins wouldn't do it.
We headed back to the others and I asked Dwalin for a moment as I went over to Ori, who was yawning as he packed up his gear. I asked for some paper and something to write with and he pulled it out, letting me borrow one of his books so I could have something to write on. I hastily wrote out a thank you letter to Aredhel, thanking her for healing me and also for everything she had done for me whilst I was in Rivendell. Then I quickly penned a letter to my aunt.
Dis, daughter of Thrain, son of Thror,
You may not know me, but I know you. My name is Adaira, daughter of Frerin. I am currently traveling with the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. I wish I could tell you more about how this came to pass, but for now I must be brief. We are in Rivendell as I write this, about to leave and start our journey through the Misty Mountains. Your sons and your brother are safe and while we have run into some danger already, no one has been seriously injured. I hope this letter finds you well. I will attempt to write you of our progress once more once we cross the mountains.
Your niece,
Adaira daughter of Frerin, son of Thrain, son of Thror
I quickly folded the letter and sealed it as Ori passed me some sealing wax and I accepted Thorin's ring from him, pushing it into the cooling wax so that my aunt would know that what I wrote was the truth. I handed Thorin back his ring and he thanked me for thinking of it. I hurried back to my room and left both letters on the dressing table, knowing that they would be found after we left and hoping that Lord Elrond would deliver them for me. Bombur and Nori had pilfered the pantries for supplies and as I was packing up, Dwalin approached me.
"Adaira," Dwalin said as I hiked up my pack onto my back. He was holding two axes and I frowned din confusion as he held them out to me. "I hope you will find these suitable courting gifts," He told me, and I took them from him, surprised at how light they were. While the edge looked dangerously sharp, I could actually raise them.
"These are beautiful," I told Dwalin as I took in the geometric patterns engraved into the metal, recognizing the symbol of the house of Durin along with Dwalin's own person sigil.
"To protect yeh when I can't. I know you'll fight even if I don't like it," Dwalin told me and I put them down gently before I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him soundly.
"They're perfect," I assured Dwalin as I pulled back as Thorin cleared his throat pointedly.
"You accept them then?" Dwalin asked me hopefully and I nodded vigorously.
"Of course, I accept them!" I assured Dwalin and he hugged me tightly, picking me up and spinning me around before he set me down on my feet once more.
"As happy as I am for you both, we need to go," Thorin told us and I rolled my eyes at him, getting in another quick kiss before I picked up my new axes once more. Dwalin helped me strap them to my back with leather straps he had made, the axe handles sliding into the pockets and I grinned like a fool the entire time. "Um Idad," I said, getting Thorin's attention as he began to lead us through the city. Apparently Thorin had sent Nori on a scouting mission to find a way out of the city and there was a back way that led out into the Misty Mountains.
"Yes?" Thorin asked as we walked, and I worried my lip between my teeth.
"I've never traveled over, under, or anywhere through mountains before," I reminded him and Thorin nodded in understanding.
"Dwalin, Gloin, stay with Adaira, help her where you can," Thorin told the two dwarves and they nodded. I knew Dwalin was already going to stay next to me the entire time, but it was nice to know that I could look to both men for help. As the sun continued to rise, we hiked along the path away from Rivendell.
"Be on your guard; we're about to step over the edge of the Wild," Thorin warned all of us before turning to Balin. "Balin, you know these paths; lead on," Thorin told the older dwarf who took the lead.
"Aye," Balin agreed and I turned around, taking one last look at Rivendell before I turned to the path ahead and followed with Dwalin in front of me and Gloin behind me as we had to walk single file through these mountain paths.
"Master Baggins, I suggest you keep up," I heard Thorin call from behind me and I took a deep breath and let it out as we continued on what was probably the most dangerous leg of our journey.
The White Council, composed of Saruman, Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf, were in the pavilion. Gandalf and Saruman sat at the table, but Elrond and Galadriel stood or walked about the room as they listened to the two wizards arguing. Dawn was slowly breaking, the day already hinting at the start of summer. All four of them had much on their minds and even more to speak about.
"Tell me, Gandalf, did you think these plans and schemes of yours would go unnoticed?" Saruman demanded of Gandalf who looked slightly flustered.
"Unnoticed? No, I'm simply doing what I feel to be right," Gandalf answered him, trying to explain himself which was never easy when Saruman was involved.
"The dragon has long been on your mind," Galadriel said, and Gandalf turned his head to look at her and nodded in agreement.
"This is true, my lady. Smaug owes allegiance to no one. But if he should side with the enemy, a dragon could be used to terrible effect," Gandalf explained, and Galadriel nodded her head minutely in agreement.
"What enemy? Gandalf, the enemy is defeated. Sauron is vanquished. He can never regain his full strength," Saruman interjected, and Gandalf turned back to him. He knew it was more than just Sauron. Adaira had picked up on what he had been worrying about himself.
"Gandalf, for four hundred years, we have lived in peace. A hard won, watchful peace," Lord Elrond added as he considered the grey wizard.
"Are we? Are we at peace? Trolls have come down from the mountains. They are raiding villages, destroying farms. Orcs have attacked us on the road. Even Adaria who has not been here for long can see it," Gandalf told them, wondering why they refused to see the truth.
"Hardly a prelude to war," Lord Elrond told them, and Gandalf huffed. He thought he might have an ally in Elrond at the very least.
"Always you must meddle, looking for trouble where none exists. As for the girl, I think we can hardly trust her opinions. Not to mention we have no proof that the Valar have any hand in anything you say," Saruman argued, and Galadriel turned to the white wizard with a serene expression on her face which masked her inner thoughts.
"Let him speak," She told Saruman and he seemed annoyed by her but allowed it. Gandalf nodded to her gratefully and turned to look at them all in turn.
"There is something at work beyond the evil of Smaug. Something far more powerful. We can remain blind, but it will not be ignoring us, that I can promise you. A sickness lies over the Greenwood. The woodsmen who live there now call it 'Mirkwood', and they say..." Gandalf began before stopping short, not know how to put this.
"Well, don't stop now. Tell us about the woodsmen say," Saruman told him, and Gandalf knew that he was waiting for any chance to repute his words.
"They speak of a Necromancer living in Dol Guldur, a sorcerer who can summon the dead," Gandalf finished, and Saruman instantly looked almost triumphant as he disreputed what Gandalf had told them.
"That's absurd. No such power exists in the world. This...Necromancer is nothing more than a mortal man. A conjurer dabbling in black magic," Saruman said, and Gandalf tried to step in once more and convince them.
"And so I thought too. But, Radagast has seen…," Gandalf agreed with him before telling them of what Radagast had found him to tell him.
"Radagast? Do not speak to me about Radagast the Brown. He is a foolish fellow," Saruman said, and Gandalf knew that he had lost some ground with having mentioned Radagast.
"Well, he's odd, I grant you. He lives a solitary life," Gandalf began, trying to work on the fall out.
"It's not that. It's his excessive consumption of mushrooms. They've addled his brain and yellowed his teeth. I warned him, it is unbefitting of the Istari to be wander in the woods...," Saruman began as he always did. He had never liked that Radagast had been sent with them to Middle Earth and he made it known whenever he got a chance. While Gandalf continued to try and ignore Saruman's rant, Gandalf heard a new voice, this time speaking through his mind.
"You carry something. It came to you from Radagast. He found it in Dol Guldur," Galadriel said, and Gandalf turned his head only slightly more in her direction.
"Yes," Gandalf told her telepathically and she drew slightly closer to where he sat.
"Show me," She ordered, and Gandalf lifted Radagast's package, which he had in his lap the whole time, and he placed it on the table, and it let out a dull thud.
"…or I'd think I was talking to myself…" Saruman said as Lord Elrond caught sight of what Gandalf had put on the table.
"What is that?" Lord Elrond asked him, and Gandalf was thankful to have proof of what he spoke of.
"A relic of Mordor," Galadriel told him and Elrond, who had been reaching out to unwrap the package, drew his hand back at her words. He then reached for it again and opened it, revealing the sword Radagast had taken from the spirit in Dol Guldur. The White Council members looked upon the blade in shock.
"A Morgul blade," Lord Elrond named it and Galadriel inspected in more closely, but without touching it.
"Made for the Witch king of Angmar, and buried with him," Galadriel said, in surprise as she identified it. "When Angmar fell, men of the North took his body and all that he possessed and sealed it within the High Fells of Rhudaur. Deep within the rock they buried them, in a tomb so dark it would never come to light."
"This is not possible. A powerful spell lies upon those tombs; they cannot be opened," Lord Elrond added, and Saruman looked unimpressed.
"What proof do we have this weapon came from Angmar's grave?" Saruman demanded and Gandalf realized that no matter what he said, Saruman would deny it.
"I have none," Gandalf admitted, knowing that whether he liked it or not Saruman had the last word.
"Because there is none. Let us examine what we know. A single Orc pack has dared to cross the Bruinen. A dagger from a bygone age has been found. And a human sorcerer, who calls himself the Necromancer, has taken up residence in a ruined fortress. It's not so very much, after all. The question of this dwarvish company, however, troubles me deeply. I'm not convinced, Gandalf; I do not feel I can condone such a quest. If they'd come to me, I might have spared them this disappointment. I do not pretend to understand your reasons for raising their hopes…" Saruman said, and Galadriel focused in on Gandalf once more.
"They are leaving," Galadriel told Gandalf, already knowing that they were since she had warned the girl.
"Yes," Gandalf told her, and Galadriel smiled slightly so as not to give anything away.
"You knew," She said conspiratorially.
"…I am afraid there is nothing else for it," Saruman finished his rant and Gandalf nodded and Galadriel smiled a bit more widely as hurried footsteps reached their ears. They all turned around as Lindir reached them and bowed.
"My Lord Elrond; the dwarves, they've gone," Lindir said and Lord Elrond and Saruman turned to Gandalf who only shrugged and acted like he had known nothing. Saruman left in anger after than and Lord Elrond went to try and see if there was any indication of which path they had used out of the city, but both Gandalf and Galadriel knew it was too late to stop them.
"You will follow them?" Galadriel asked, she and Gandalf the only two left in the pavilion.
"Yes," Gandalf answered her, and she nodded slightly.
"You are right to help Thorin Oakenshield. But I fear this quest has set in motion forces we do not yet understand. The riddle of the Morgul blade must be answered. Something moves in the shadows, unseen, hidden from our sight. It will not show itself, not yet. But every day it grows in strength. You must be careful," Galadriel warned Gandalf and he agreed with her once more. He turned and started to walk away and when he had gone but a short distance, she spoke once more. "Mithrandir? Why the Halfling?"
"I don't know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love like I have seen in Adaira. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage," Gandalf answered her, not looking at there and she suddenly appeared in front of Gandalf, and took his old, weary hands in hers.
"Do not be afraid, Mithrandir," She told him telepathically. "You are not alone," She told hum aloud this time and she tucked a loose strand of Gandalf's hair back. "Ae boe i le eliathon, im tulithon," She told him, and Gandalf bowed to her and Galadriel gently moved her hands away from his. Gandalf looked up then and found that she had disappeared.
Khuzdul
Idad- Uncle
Men lananubukhs menu- I love you
Amrâlimê- My love
Ghivashel- Treasure of treasures
Namadith- little sister
Khazad- name for the race of dwarves
Imad- Aunt
Mizimith- Little jewel
Sindarin:
Nae nin gwistant infanneth, mal ú eichia i Chíril Lorien -Age may have changed me, but not so the Lady of Lorien
Ae boe i le eliathon, im tulithon. - If you should ever need my help, I will come.