Disclaimer: I don't own any familiar characters, and or anything pertaining to the world of the Hobbit. All, but my ocs, are owned by J.R.R Tolkien (who probably hates us for doing this to his work).
Chapter 26
Durin's Day pt. 2
Neither Magdalen or Thorin spoke on the way back to the apartment, enjoying the peacefulness of the early morning in the mountain. Halfway back to the royal quarters a maid appeared from one of the halls sighing in relief at the sight of Magdalen. She threw her hands in the air saying a prayer to Mahal that she had found the girl.
"There you are. I've been looking all over for you. Lady Dis wants to see you right away." Hirian, Dis's chief maid, grabbed her wrist.
Magdalen looked back at Thorin for some help only to find him smiling, bowing to Magdalen as she was dragged toward Dis apartment.
Smug Bastard.
Dis's apartment was buzzing with activity as maids and other servants flitted through her space carrying various items. Hirian ushered Magdalen into a Dis's bathing room as a few maids followed in their head maid's wake holding boxes and bottles of shimmer colors. Hirian instructed Magdalen to strip and get into the steaming water. Magdalen would never get used to bathing in front of people. She thought it would be better not to try to fight the maid as the craziness of Durin's Day was happening around her. Dipping behind a screen she quickly stripped, Hirian spoke to the other maids in Khuduzl quietly. When she resurfaced from behind the screen she found the maids looking away from her nakedness. Thankful, Magdalen took the opportunity to step into the warmth of the bath water.
Hearing the sloshing of water the maids descended on her and began scrubbing her clean. Hirian was much gentler than Mysdora had been, carefully unknotting her stubborn hair with precision. Oils of floral smells dipped into the water and were massaged into her skin. Magdalen wanted to relax, she really did. But she couldn't find it in herself to enjoy the luxuries, her mind wandered. Magdalen dipped underneath the water. The memories of her and her sister laughing after their grandfather had scared off an awful date of Susan's flashed in her mind. Fond memories of her life passed by her, she would never relive the pleasure of those moments. She would never hear Emma's snorts or Felicity's god awful singing voice. She breached the water, letting Hirian finish her business staring blankly at the wall in front of her.
Magdalen dried quickly wrapping the towel around her body as one of maid's guided her into Dis's room. The girl rubbed in creams into Magdalen's skin, leaving it soft and dewy. Magdalen batted away the maid's hand as she brushed by her hip. No one looked upon her scars, they were always concealed and away from people prying eyes. Even those she was closest with. She was laced in an underslip before Magdalen stepped into the gown Dis had commissioned for her. The fine silk felt fresh and welcoming on her moisturized skin. The maid sat her in front of a vanity brushing through her blonde locks. She felt like a doll.
Magdalen stared at the girl in the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself. Her short cropped hair now dangled in curled tendrils at the tops of her shoulders. The stubborn baby fat that had clung to her face had melted away, making away for prominent cheeks and a sharp jawline. Her freckles had faded, still lingering but ever fading. She looked older, Magdalen wasn't the same careless girl she once was.
It felt like hours passed at the maid worked on her hair, midafternoon had passed and a tray of fruit had been brought to her.
When the maid was finished with her hair, she bowed giving Magdalen a moment to herself. Magdalen smiled softly at herself looking down to study her dress. It really was beautiful. The top corset part was a deep red color highlighted by patterns of gold that sat along the low neckline and shoulders. The fabric was tight a clung to her like a second skin flaring into a full skirt at the narrows of her waist. Her sleeves were loose around her arms, tightening at her wrist by golden ribbons.
"A vision of beauty." Dis entered the room.
Magdalen twisted to greet the princess. While she always looked elegant, today she exuded poise and grace. A circlet of silver rested over her raven hair, shimmer in the lights. Two matching earrings hung from out of her dark hair. The dress of blues and silver clung to her womanly curves, dwarven patterns woven in her full skirt.
Dis grinned at Magdalen placing her hands on her shoulders, giving them a light squeeze.
"I would ask how you are, but I can't imagine well." She spoke combining her fingers through the blonde locks pinning the sides of her hair back loosely with pearl pins.
Magdalen dropped her eyes, playing with her fingers. She had cried enough for one lifetime, she wasn't a useless child. She had survived for this long, and she was going to keep surviving.
"Magdalen, I hope you know how deeply I care for you. Dwarves are a very possessive bunch, we covet our children like our treasures. And in my eyes, you're like a daughter to me."
Magdalen closed her eyes shut relishing of Dis's word. She felt Dis move behind her pressed her lips into Magdalen's hair.
"I could never replace your family, my dear. But I can promise to love you just as they did." Her voice was soft.
Magdalen sighed turning in to wrap her arms around Dis's middle, squeezing her tightly. Dis hesitated before patting Magdalen's back gently. Reaching down she caught Magdalen's chin making her look up at her.
"You will always miss them, but you cannot stop living life because of that. That's not what your grandfather would have wanted."
Magdalen inhaled deeply letting all of the pain she had felt over the past months go. Letting herself enjoy that moment with Dis. Releasing Dis she turned back to the mirror, sitting up straight then she had before. She had let her anger cloud mind, she had taken for granted what she had around her.
"Now no more sadness, it is Durin's Day. We dwarves love a good party."
Dis grinned calling for Hirian, who appeared in the doorway with a small chest.
"You do look extravagant, my dear. But I have one more thing and it will be perfect."
Hirian opened the small chest as Dis reached for the content of the box. In the mirror, Magdalen watched as she brought a small golden crown to her head. She froze as the tiara was fitted into the curls and braids of her hair.
"I wore it on my eighth Durin's Day. I never had a daughter to hand it down to." She fitted the clips to her hair resting something on the dome of her hair.
Magdalen looked up at the headpiece gaping at the fine jewelry. On the top of her hair sat a small tiara. It wasn't like the plastic tiara Magdalen wore as a child. No, this crown was a full rounded wall of gold, dwarven patterns carved into the metal. At the very peak of the tiara were tiny shining diamonds. It was reserved in its beauty, not too showy. But still had an air of elegance to it. A transparent veil sat around the back of her hair connected with the crown. Small diamonds weaved into the fabric.
Dis placed her hands on Magdalen's shoulder giving them a soft squeeze. "My father made it for my birthday." She quiet still staring at the headpiece fondly.
Magdalen reached up, her fingers carefully taking in the cool metal. "Dis I can't wear this, it's important to you."
Dis laughed tapping Magdalen's check. "That's why you can. You are important to me, and I want to show all of Erebor that."
A smile grew across Magdalen's face. "Now we must go, can't be late to my own party."
XXX
Durin's Day was unlike any other celebration she had attended in Erebor. The halls of the mountain bounced with music and joy. She had been escorted into the hallway on Dis's arm taking her place next to the Ur family in the royal procession that would march through Erebor. Dis had placed another kiss on her cheek telling her to come and find her once they arrived in the grand hall.
"Maggie!" The Ur children called burying themselves in her full skirt.
Magdalen grinned falling to her knees gathering them in her arms, kissing their faces. Rampur giggled jumping up and down in excitement.
"Maggie, Maggie I thought you left?" He questioned.
Magdalen smiled sadly brushing her hand over his check.
"I just couldn't leave you all." She lied.
The truth would be far too complicated to explain. The children suddenly cheered tackling Magdalen. She laughed patting their backs. Daisy littered her face with kisses.
"I knew you wouldn't leave us!" Bomfur cheered.
"We love you, Maggie!" Rampur said pushing himself into her side, nuzzling his face against her arm.
"Please don't leave us again!"
Magdalen looked up to see Poppy and Bofur, both dressed in their finest garbs. Marigold wiggling in her father's arms reaching up at him. Poppy stared at her, she had thought she would have been long gone by now. But here she was the very image of strength. Magdalen stood up taking Poppy into her embrace.
"Magdalen, what are you doing here?" Poppy said looking up at the girl.
Bofur leaned in too, intrigued by the girl's sudden appearance. Magdalen gave them a small smile taking Marigold into her arms.
"It looks like I will be in Erebor for the foreseeable future. Would you still have me in the Ur clan?" She didn't look up from the babe in her arms, too afraid of the rejection she could face.
Poppy sighed happily tugging on Bofur's arms. "Oh don't be silly Magdalen! Of course, we would still have you. You are our family." She reached up on the balls of her feet tapping Magdalen's shoulder.
Magdalen bowed her head, thankful that she had such wonderful people in her very strange life.
The guards around them flocked to the sides of the long procession, beginning to walk alongside the royal parade. Bofur slightly pulled on Magdalen's elbow dragging her along with the Ur children. Bouncing Marigold in her arms, Magdalen paid no mind to the route or the dwarves that cheered at them as they passed by. Throwing flowers and small handkerchiefs at them. She could see the front of the line as Thorin Stonehelm picked up one of the handkerchiefs winking at one of the women who had thrown it. She nearly fainted. Magdalen rolled her eyes, she searched the front of the line. She could see the top of Kili's head, and Thorin's back. But she couldn't see Fili or Dis. She turned dropping her gaze back onto the baby girl in her arms.
Marigold was fascinated by her necklace picking up the chain and letting it fall against her skin. She laughed clapping as the necklace dropped again. Magdalen grinned, at least she would get to watch Marigold grow up. She would get to tell her stories, maybe even teach her to fight. Magdalen pressed her cheek into Marigold's head, cradling the baby tight.
After a very long walk, the parade finally arrived in the grand hall guarded by huge stone warriors. Soft lights of gemmed chandeliers glowed above them giving the room an ethereal aura. Blue silk banisters holding the symbol of Durin hanged from the wall. The rest of Erebor stood along the edge of the hall watching in complete silence as Thorin, his family, and the other noble dwarves took their place among the high table. Magdalen stood at her place beside Poppy at the first table below the high table looking up at Thorin. Dis sat next to Thorin and Bilbo next to her. Gandalf sat at the end of the table in a bigger chair holding up a goblet to cheer the king.
"WELCOME MY KIN AS WE CELEBRATE DURIN'S DAY!" His voice boomed over the eerie silence.
Her eyes caught on Fili as he stood beside his uncle. He looked as regal as ever, draped in a coat that was customary of dwarven nobles. Rich dark fur covered his shoulders, a blue and white long tunic peeking from under his coat. A golden pointed circlet was hidden in his wild hair.
She had wondered many nights if she would return to her world if she would write off her days in the Lonely Mountain as dreams. The idea of forgetting his face was hard to fathom. All of the dwarves had grown dear to her heart. Even Fili, he had been true to his word and had taken strides to become her friend. While they were not as friendly as her and Kili, he still tried. He still listened and that was all she could ask for. Plus she would hate to forget such a handsome face such as Fili's. He must have felt her gaze as he looked down at her, his face soft and kind. Her heart skipped a beat when he sent her a wink. She quickly looked away feeling her face burn. Poppy took Marigold from her hands giving her an odd look as she did so. Magdalen weaved her off listening to the end of Thorin's speech.
"Mukhuh Mahal bakhuz murukhzu!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as music broke out. Barrels of ale were opened and the smell of sweet wine filled the air. The tables of honored guests were served their foods first. Magdalen picked at the meats finding herself unable to stomach anything at the moment. She sat quickly listening to the waves of conversation around her. Her eyes drifted to the high table once again, this time settling on Lord Amrus. He had not spoken to her since the Forge Festival, and for that she was thankful. She hadn't trusted him the moment they met. The way he whispered in her ear or held her close, sent unwelcomed shivers down her spine.
Now looking at him she felt nothing but hate. He had ruined her grandfather's life. Torn his home away from him, all because Harion did his duty. The vision of them fighting on the bridge echoed in her mind. What was he going to do with the stone anyway? There weren't many entries in the journal after the attack on the bridge. Amrus looked away from the lord he had been speaking with, Landing his eyes on her. She couldn't decipher his look before he raised his goblet in her direction. He looked all too smug. She spun around in her seat and began picking at her plate.
She felt a tap on her shoulder. Turned to face a short fat dwarf.
"The King would like to see you, Lady Magdalen." He reported.
Magdalen stood up nodding at the Ur family as she made her leave. Following the servant toward his king. Thorin was in an animated conversation with Dis when he caught sight of her. He stood from his chair ushering her to his side. Dis grinned up at her wickedly.
With his arm locked around her shoulder, Thorin turned to face his people. He held up with his hand making the music die down. Oh no. Magdalen felt the eye of everyone in Erebor on her. From the height of the table, everyone looked so small. The grand hall was huge and held most of Erebor in its walls. A mild panic set in as everyone looked to her.
What was Thorin doing?
"People of Erebor six months ago my nephews found a human girl, alone and with no memory to call on. In those six months, she had grown dear to the hearts of my family and company. She is as brave and any soldier and as kind as any mother. And I am proud to say she will call Erebor home."
She felt her heart stutter, his words were kind. Yet they still rang with the reminder she wasn't going home. Magdalen smiled at him nevertheless. He raised his cup.
"To Lady Magdalen Kathan, Granddaughter to Harion. And claim of the Ur Clan!"
The dwarves all cheered smashing their cups together letting amber liquid spill over the sides. Dis took Magdalen into her arms, squeezing her tight. Kili bounded from his sister kissing her brow. She spun in hopes Fili would come up to her only to find Lord Amrus's eye on her once again. Another dwarf came up to her in congratulations, she tried to speak with him but her eyes were trained on him. A look of sudden recognition registered in his eyes. While he did not narrow his eyes, she could see a dark look swirling in his soul. She quickly ended her conversation with the noble, turning to scurry off.
She made her way along the edge of the crowd in hopes to bury herself away from any prying eyes. The look of Lord Amrus still haunting her. He wasn't going to do anything, she tried to reassure herself maybe he had forgotten about Harion. That's unlikely. She tried to shake off the auspicious feeling. Magdalen wandered aimlessly around the edge of the party stumbling upon a certain wizard and hobbit smoking their pipes.
Bilbo greeted her "I guess congratulations are in order, Lady Magdalen."
She bowed her in thanks. Glaring at the wizard as he continued to smoke.
"I believe that we are relations, in an odd way." Bilbo poked her with his elbow.
She grinned. In the month since his arrival, he and Magdalen had grown to be good friends. She enjoyed his civility and good manners. She loved the dwarves, but they were a wild bunch.
"It seems so, what should I call you a second cousin once removed." She teased.
Bilbo let out a laugh. "I think Bilbo will be fine."
Bilbo offered her his seat, which she took gratefully. She adjusted in her seat, letting the worry melt away.
"How are you faring, my dear?" Gandalf asked speaking to her for the first time.
She bit her cheek, restraining from the bad words she had for the wizard.
"As good as someone can do when all their hopes are taken away by a useless wizard." She snapped.
Bilbo chocked on his smoke, banging his chest to clear his airway. A flush of embarrassment graced his face.
"Magdalen." He warned.
She upturned her nose looking away from the men. Gandalf, much to her chagrin, let out a hardy laugh patting Bilbo back.
"That's quite alright Bilbo, why don't you do fetch Lady Magdalen a drink."
Bilbo looked between Gandalf and Magdalen, worried that she would attack the wizard at any moment. Not one to argue, Bilbo nodded disappearing into the crowd of dwarves. Tension filled the space between them, once the hobbit left.
"The Valar work in strange ways, their will is a mystery to even me," Gandalf spoke to her.
She only glared at him, letting her anger fester.
"You know you're not as great as everyone makes you out to be." She said bitterly.
Gandalf chuckled at the girl. "I am sorry to disappoint you, my dear."
Magdalen sighed resting into her seat.
"That was mean of me to say. I know you can't control what the Valar do. Forgive me Gandalf."
He raised a hand, the brim of his famous hat covered his face.
"There is nothing to forgive, Lady Magdalen. I know it cannot be easy letting go of your home."
Magdalen noises dropping her gaze onto the festivities. The pair listened to the crowd cheer drunkenly as the clutter of music began again.
"You said you had not seen my necklace in a long time. What did you mean?" She held the pendant in her hand self consciously.
Gandalf peered at her from the edge of his hat giving her a warm smile.
"I met your grandfather in the wilds of Middle Earth once. We shared our company on a long journey, he acted as my guide. He showed me that necklace, told me it served as a reminder of his never fading loyalty to his king and people."
Magdalen clenched the trinket in the palm of her hand, her eyes searching over the crowd.
"I don't think they believe his innocence." She whispered to the wizard.
Gandalf pointed his finger at her as he puffed from his long pipe.
"Dwarves are a prideful people, and often get stuck in their ways. Maybe it is you that needs to open their eyes." A sparkle of mystery rang in his wise eyes.
She hummed not hearing the approach of another. A dwarf from the Iron Hills appeared in front of her. He was young and built like unite. His brown shaggy hair tucked back by a hair tie. His beard took up much of his face. He grinned showing off his golden tooth.
"Would you honor me with a dance, my lady." He bowed holding out his hand.
Magdalen sighed, she knew she'd have to dance at some point in the night. Perhaps if she danced now she could find an opportunity to sneak away at some point. She placed her hand in his as he swept to the dance floor. Lagard was a sweet dwarf, she learned, a perfect gentlemen as he led her through the foreign dance. She changed partners a few time, each time getting more and more distant. Her mind wandering toward thoughts of home. She tried to seem present with her partners, as they tried to woo her with impressive stories of their crafts or war stories. Magdalen would offer them a warm smile, or a fake laugh when they said something funny. But her mind was worlds away.
She bowed to a stocky dwarf as the music change and she twirled into the next set of hands. Ice ran through her blood as she came face to face with Lord Amrus. He grinned down at her as he led her through the dance.
"Hello, Maggie." He said with all the familiarity of a friend.
She felt his hand tighten painfully around her hand.
She swallowed feeling the storm raging in her stomach. "Lord Amrus."
His eyes burned into her face as he pushed her away at the sound of the music, pulling her back into him.
"Your beauty shines brighter than any diamond in the treasury tonight." He offered a sweet compliment.
A wolf in sheep's clothing. She thought.
She said nothing staring at the dwarves that circled around them, in hopes someone would come and steal her away. Amrus pushed her against him hard, causing her to look at him.
"How a traitor, such as Harion, made something so beautiful is beyond me." He grinned.
A grin that reminded her of the warg that nearly took her life. She narrowed her eyes, digging her nails into his skin. Amrus followed into the steps of the other dwarrows dancing around Magdalen pulling her back into his front.
"Tell me, will you be as much of a problem as that welp of a dwarf." His hot breath licked her neck.
"Or will I have to put you in your place, as I did with your grandfather."
Magdalen couldn't contain her anger, pushing her sharp elbow into his large gut. Amrus howled in pain releasing Magdalen from her chains. Other dwarves stared at the couple. Not wanting to make much more of a scene, she stalked away toward one of the balconies that lined the room. She left the cool air of the outside world hit her lungs. She closed her eyes curling her hand around the rail, waves of rage crashing over her.
She heard someone clear their throat beside her. Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with the sight of Balin. She sighed in relief, afraid that Amrus had followed. Magdalen stood up straight, dusting off her skirt.
"Hello Balin," she greeted.
The kind dwarf smiled stepping against the rail beside her. He stared out at the beauty of Middle Earth below. The sun had begun to set and the moon began to climb the sky bringing with it the stars. Balin looped his fingers through his belt, letting peace settle over the balcony. Magdalen traced over the rough stone, her mind riddled with guilt at how she had treated his brother this morning. Yes, she had been angry, but right now she was angry with everybody,
"Who is Freya, Balin?"
The look of Dwalin's face in her mind as he called her to stop. Pain written in his eyes as he called her Freya.
The elder dwarf's eyebrow shot up, staring at Magdalen.
"I haven't heard that name in a long time." He stroked his luscious white beard.
"Dwalin called me Freya the other day... who was she to him?" She asked.
Balin stared out into the horizon of the valley below, watching the trees dance along the wind. Remembering a distant memory, painful and yet a happier time in his family.
"She was our sister..." She turned to Balin.
"You had a sister?" She was shocked.
She had never imagined Dwalin having a sister.
Balin nodded smiling faintly. "Aye, she was the youngest of all of us."
He continued, "She was his pride and joy. It was rare that she wasn't seen without him." Balin chuckled.
Balin eyed the girl beside him, "Like you, she thought with her heart first,"
He paused, dropping his gaze. "That's how we lost her."
Magdalen sucked in a breath, she could tell it was a touchy subject for the dwarf. She wanted to tell him that he didn't have to speak about it, but he seemed to determine to finish his thought.
"Freya was a warrior like Dwalin. She was just as fierce as any warrior and would challenge anyone how thought otherwise. When we lost our home she vowed to protect all in her caravan. But the track to our new home was a long one, and we lost many along the way. One night there was an orc raid, she and Dwalin protected as many as they could but no one could protect her." He stopped tears welling in his eyes.
Magdalen reached out rubbing his arm, he smiled at her. "Dwalin hasn't been the same since then... until you came along."
She blinked. Her heart swelled, he protected her because he loved her. In his own weird way, and she had yelled at him.
"Excuse me, I have to go do something." Balin patted her hand, which was still on his arm.
Magdalen departed from the balcony searching the grand hall for the captain. Her search took what felt like hours, he had seemingly disappeared from the high table mixing in with the common folk. Which didn't surprise Magdalen, Dwalin didn't care too much for nobility. She spotted his bald head at one of the exits, she pushed her way to him. He leaned against the doorway scowling at people as they passed. She ran to him, he didn't see her as she jumped into his body.
She threw her arms around Dwalin's neck, clinging to him.
"I'm sorry, Dwalin." She whispered in his good ear.
He stood in his place for a moment, unmoving under her embrace. She was about to let go when, much to her surprise, he lifted her spinning her around. She giggled holding tightly onto his person. He sat her down taking her shoulders in his hands, making her meet his gaze.
"I'm sorry, girlie. I got angry this morning, and I didn't know how to handle you being sad."
He looked down at the ground rubbing his neck.
Magdalen held up a hand. She swallowed her pride. "You are my friend, Dwalin. I know you think Harion betrayed your trust, but he didn't. I know you don't see that now, but you will. One day. Just trust me, Dwalin, please?" She pleaded
He stared up her, a smile growing across his usually grumpy face. It was odd seeing him smile, but she liked it.
"I do." Was all he said.
And that was all she needed. She spent the rest of the evening by his side, neither one speaking about past loved ones again. But knowing their stories would one day be told.
XXX
Fili hadn't taken his eyes off her all night. He couldn't. The moment she had emerged in the hall with his mother, he was enamored by her. She had lost everything in a single night. And here she was the every standing tall, not a single tear in sight. While he admired her beauty, it was the strength of her soul that drew him in. She had faced many trials in her months in the mountain, never once backing down from a challenge. He was mortified when his cousin had revealed his description of her, but it was the truth. Her natural beauty was only enhanced in the light of her fire. The fire he wanted to touch, very badly.
She had stalked off after Thorin's declaration, looking spooked by something he did not know. He had only heard rumors of her grandfather's banishment. A loyal guard of the crown found with dragon stone, and a failed assassination plan. He knew Magdalen wouldn't rest well with the information of her grandfather's betrayal. She was such a loving soul, the thought of her grandfather's evil would hurt her deeply.
Fili wanted to chase after her but was stuck dancing with dwarrowdams Thorin had set him up with. Fili was, after all, the crowned prince. One day he was expected to marry and produce an heir for his throne. He never really wanted to marry, when he was a dwarfling he wanted to be like his uncle and be a bachelor for the rest of his days. Kili had ruined that plan when he fell in love with Tauriel. Fili was truly happy for the two, he was. But should they pair ever produce a child, it could never inherit his throne. No matter how much he wished for it too. And so he had been stuck in an everlasting game of engagement as dwarrowdams threw themselves at him, in hopes of becoming his queen.
"It is a lovely night, isn't Prince Fili?" Narsa, a dwarrowdam from Erebor, asked.
She was the daughter of a noble, and he had known her for many years. She was ten years his junior, and quite the beauty. She was skilled in pottery and had produced many fine pieces for the Erebor. On paper, she was the perfect candidate for his wife.
"Yes, Amad did a wonderful job this year."
She nodded, a bored look glazing in her eyes. That was the problem, neither one wanted to be dancing. They were wrangled into it by their families. Nasra had her eyes set on another and wished only to be in his was understandable. When a dwarf figured out they were in love, their minds were consumed with that person. Fili had never been in love, and he never thought he would be. Fili smiled politely at her as they finished out their dance in silence. As they spun his eyes caught the sight of golden hair. Magdalen stood against the doorway speaking to Dwalin, she kissed the captain's cheek before disappearing into the hall Dwalin was guarding.
As the music ended Fili quickly bowed, making his way over to Dwalin. Dwalin eyed the prince carefully stepping between the hall and himself.
"Hello, Dwalin." Fili greeted.
Dwalin only grunted his response. Fili looked around Dwalin down the dimly lite hall, no sign of Magdalen anywhere.
"She needed a moment to herself," Dwalin answered his unasked question.
Fili stared at Dwalin. He felt as if he should ask permission to follow her, which was ridiculous. He was a prince and he could do whatever he pleased. Still, he found himself looking at his friend for permission. Dwalin sighed stepping aside.
"Don't hurt her, she has gone through enough." Dwalin threated as Fili passed him.
Fili froze looking back. He just wanted to speak to her, make sure she was doing okay. He would never hurt her, not on purpose.
"I would never hurt her, Dwalin." He said with sincerity.
Dwalin, satisfied by the prince's answer, turned back to the party. Fili followed the curve the hall the sounds of the lively part becoming more distant with every step. The sounds of running water overtaking the space. He soon found himself in front of a waterfall. The open cavern had a few golden lights hanging from the ceiling, giving the room a dim but warm light. Boulders sat under the waterfall, which tumbled through an opening the rock wall. Railing guarded the splashing water and the pool which collected it. Magdalen, not hearing his approached, stared out at the rapid moving water.
He couldn't help himself as he reached out resting his hand on her shoulder. She whipped around, wide eyes staring at him. He held up his hands in innocence.
"No need to punch me, I come in peace. " He teased.
Magdalen let out a soft laugh shaking her head, Fili joined her side.
"The party boring you?" He questioned lightly, not wanting to push her.
"No, it's just-just a bit much right now." She said quietly not meeting his gaze.
He nodded in understanding. He could see the worry fill her eyes as she mindless trace over the stone railing. Without thinking he captured her hand in his, gently squeezing it. She looked down at their joined hands.
"Magdalen, it's okay to be sad. No one would fault you for that. I know you wanted to go home." The words hurt to say, but he knew it was the truth.
Magdalen's thumb rubbed over his palm, sending thrilling sparkles up his arm. He ignored it focusing on her.
"I going to miss them, Fili. I just want to see them on last time, you know. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye." Her voice quivered.
"I know, nothing will fill the space they have left you with." He reassured her.
"When my father died, I was only a boy. But I was so angry with him for never coming home. But uncle told me, that I had to live on to honor him. That I had to become the dwarf he always knew I could be. I know your grandfather would be proud of you." He pulled her hand between both of his.
She looked up at him turning to face him fully.
"I just want a home," Magdalen whispered
Fili stepped closer his hands gripping her arms.
"Here, under the mountain, you will always have a home."
He let out a breath reach to cup her face in his hands. Magdalen stared up at the prince in wonder, feeling the warmth of his palm searing into her face.
"You will always have us, Magdalen." The pad of his thumb traced her cheek.
The path of her tears glistened in the light. She looked up at him with watery eyes. She buried her face in the fur of his coat. She needed to feel her pain, she needed to let go. Magdalen found that in Fili's grip it was easier to let the sadness drain from her.
Fili held her rubbing into the back of her dress trying to soothe her soft cries. After a while, her cries died out, though she never backed from his embrace. She sighed staring up at Fili.
"Thank you, Fili." Her voice hit his ears like sweet music.
In a moment of weakness, he stared down at her inviting lips. Feeling an invisible force pull them together. Her wide eyes stared at him with wonder. He wanted to see in them the same fire he felt burning at him. He could have sworn she pulled closer to him.
This is wrong. She was mourning the loss of her life, how dare he take advantage of her at a time such as this. He was a prince, he had honor. He hesitated, turning the path of his lip, pressing them high on her check away from her lips. Yet it still left a feeling of giddy in his heart as his lips touched her skin.
Magdalen let out her breath pressing her face into Fili's touch. Resting her forehead on his chin. Her hand clutched his coat for dear life. Music from the party echoed over the sounds of the water. Fili backed up from her giving her a soft smile. Holding his hand out to her.
"Shall we dance, milady?"
She grinned punching his arm lightly. "Don't call me that."
His smile took away her breath.
"Whatever milady desires." He bowed deeply.
She snorted pulling his hand into hers. It was as if they had done it hundreds of times before. Holding her to his chest came naturally, as they swayed back and forth. Pushing her away he spun her around his kneeling body, slowly going through the dance. She laughed as she tripped over his feet, it was sweet and addictive. He wanted to hear her laugh for the rest of his life. His heart stopped at the thought of always having her by his side. Now was not the time to figure out what his feelings were, she was dealing with the loss of her life.
So he settled into their embrace and danced the rest of the night by the waterfall, never once returning to the party.