C7: Green-eyed monster

The long weeks of recovery for Rana were not marred with boredom as she expected. Instead of heading off to the library, books were brought to her. Instead of going for walks with Dis or shopping, Dis would bring a bundle of goods and crafts with her for Rana to look over. And if she fancied a particular pastry, of course, her friend would come through for her.

And when Rana left, Thorin would be sure to come by as well. Maybe not for as long as his sister, but Rana enjoyed his company just as much. He knew Dis would bring her gifts, but he always came by with something special: a new book from the royal library. Technically, some tomes were not allowed to leave the library but…he admitted to taking it out for 'important research'.

The affection she felt for him was undeniable and despite him saying nothing, she knew he felt the same. No words needed to be said, but they carried on as normal, happy, and content to be in one another's company. It was only awkward when their hands accidentally brushed against one another, and Rana would have to fight a blush and Thorin would forget what he was saying.

Eventually, with the doctor's help and her parents' patience, she was able to stand and walk by herself. Her scars and bruises had faded away, but she still felt a little weak and sore, specifically where her stomach had taken the brunt of the force.

Oin had examined her but could not answer some of the questions he was not trained to, so she visited Agatha, the best midwife in Erebor. Agatha listened to her, examined her over, and explained that her pain and heavy bleeding were normal. That all she had to do was rest and take the herbs she was given.

Rana thought no more of it, but before she left, Agatha did tell her she was allowed a few hours each day of light exercise. This excited her because it meant she could walk with Dis or even, go and see Thorin.

Unfortunately, when she revealed to Dis that she and Thorin were meeting up to have their own private 'book club' (as she called them), something strange began to happen…

Xx The public Library xX

"Have you got this one yet?" Dis whispered as she held aloft a green tome, the golden paintwork on the front shimmering in the light.

"No, but I believe that's the second volume in the series I want, and I haven't finished the first one yet," Rana held up an older book, the red leather looking like it'd seen better days, "do you want this one. I've read it and it's fantastic. I promise not to spoil it for you."

"Go on then," Dis put back the other book and gently fingered the spines of the one on the shelf in front of her, "fancy some pastries before dinner later? I've got a craving for some honey swirls."

"I can't sadly, Thorin is waiting for tea in the upper library," she grabbed another book for Dis and held it out, "but I can meet you after dinner. Did you want this one?...Dis?"

Rana couldn't help but notice the sudden change in Dis' demeanor.

Her friend was still looking fixedly at the books in front of her, but her lips were tight, and she could see a coldness in her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"You're spending an awful lot of time with Thorin? I thought you couldn't stand him?" Dis seemed to be talking at her through gritted teeth.

"Well, we've become…friends. He's been very hospitable since you had a word with him and of course, he was extremely attentive after the accident."

Dis turned completely to face Rana and folded her arms.

"Rana, I know when you're hiding something and I know when my brother is hiding something," she asked in an accusing tone, "are you two lovers?"

"Dis!" Rana gasped a little too loud and heard an audible 'shh' from the librarian on duty. She stepped closer to her friend and lowered her voice, making sure that what they were discussing remained private.

"Dis… I and Thorin are NOT lovers, I can promise you that. We've never even shared a kiss! We're just…well, we're-"

"Don't say friends," her friend pointed a finger at her face and raised her brows, "I know you. Come on, out with it."

"I suppose," Rana knew she couldn't lie to her best friend and truthfully, wanted to get her feelings for him off her chest, "I suppose you could say…that we do have some sort of relationship."

Dis lowered her finger and she looked in surprise at her friend as though she had just realised something huge.

"You love him, don't you?"

Rana nodded her head and felt both relieved and utterly lost.

"I do. And no, he doesn't know. I don't think…I'm not sure, I'm so," she sighed and used the shelves behind her to lean against, "I'm so confused. I'm sure he cares for me, but I don't know if he loves me the way I do him. Oh, Dis."

She covered her face in her hands and felt like crying. Her cheeks were on fire and her heart ached. She did love him and despite hoping about it, she was not sure of his feelings for her.

"Oh…oh, come on now," she felt her friend's hands lay over her own and gently pull them away, "don't be like that. I'm sure he loves you too, he's just too pig-headed to say it out loud. That's what all the boys in my family are like…maybe it's just a 'royal' thing."

Despite still feeling like death, Rana couldn't help but chuckle.

"Dis…do you hate me?"

"What? No, never!" She waved her hand around her airily but did take a moment to think, "It's just…well, you know what it's like. I don't want him to sweep you off your feet and away from me."

"I doubt that will happen…but you know, regardless of who I marry, I'm not going to immediately push you aside. You're my best friend."

"Oh, you big softie," Dis pulled her friend close to her and gave her a crushing hug, "I'm glad to hear that. And don't worry, I won't tell Thorin."

"No?" Rana pulled back, sure Dis would have gone and bullied Thorin until he admitted what he felt for her.

"No. I will be good and only pry in my subtle way. And who knows! Maybe the old goat does love you. And if you get married, it'll be because I found it out! And you can have babies," Dis's grin suddenly grew wide and devilish as she said, "and name one after me. I'll be the best aunt."

Rana couldn't help but snort and gave a little eye-roll.

"Dis, we've hardly proclaimed our love for one another. Besides, you'll probably get married and have children before me."

"Me?! And a little bunch of sprogs hanging onto my skirts?! HAHHAHAHA!"

Dis didn't pay any attention to the librarian shushing her. She just carried on cackling, absolutely dizzy with hilarity at the idea of her being a mother.

The 'little sprogs' comment had lit something in Rana's mind. What if…if Thorin and she…married? Had children?

She shook herself of those thoughts, feeling ridiculous and embarrassed. They hadn't even kissed yet and there had been no confirmation of his feelings towards her, so she couldn't possibly think he would be thinking about life with her.

Could he?