The following two weeks had flown by with the same routine. Dwalin would pick her up and and regardless of when she finished, he was ready and waiting at the hospital to drop her off back home again. Fili and Kili had met her on their usual day for lunch each week, and had made it a point to take her around the town when the festival was in full swing on one lunch time. Aileen and Lisella had joined her that day, returning back a little more merry than before after have a couple of spiced ales! Everyone had spent each day talking up the summer ball at Durin Hall in her presence, which was clearly an attempt to get her to join, but she had remained fully noncommittal.
More annoyingly, when Sigrid had contacted her, inviting her to visit Dale again, Dwalin had mysteriously arranged for the town mechanic to collect her car for repairs. And he had spent some time admiring her car followed by very apologetically explaining how they would need to order the parts for the car which would take several weeks before a lengthy and careful repair. So when she had inquired about a loan car, he had looked blankly at her explaining they had no such process there. Then he refused to let her keep the car until he had all the parts for repair, claiming that it was against the laws of Erebor to drive a car that was not fully safe, and he could not assess it to be so given the bumper was so damaged that it might potentially fall off while she waited for the repairs! This meant all her travel was now thanks to Dwalin! This also meant that Thorin would know ALL her whereabouts!
She flopped on her bed in her bathrobe contemplating the situation she found herself in that Saturday. Gorin had already left to join Lisella, apparently they were gathering up to have drinks early in a small group before heading for the grand ball. It appeared everyone truly was going to this ball! And as much fun as it might be, she was resolved to stay home out of protest for the situation she found herself in: Trapped and under the watchful, miserable, controlling eye of Thorin Oakenshield!
Fortunately, they had reasonable WiFi in the house, and her packs of face masks, scented bath oils, scrubs, foot masks and more to allow her a day of pampering while listening to a load of her favourite old tunes.
Finally after toast laden with butter and marmite, which always made her feel better, she had concluded she would not go to the ball despite all the pressure!
She must have finally relaxed fully, as she was woken up by a light loud knocking on her door. She sat bolt upright, a little scared. Whoever it was, had made their way inside the house, and was knocking on the door to her room.
Slipping off the end of the bed quietly, she remained silent, hoping they would just leave thinking she was out.
"I know you're in Miss." A man's voice replied from right outside the door. "Lady Dis has sent me. If you could open the door please, I have something here for you."
She swore silently, having hoped they would have forgotten about it all, given all the preparation.
Moving quietly, she grabbed the large walking umbrella she kept beside the door and slowly unlocked it. She wouldn't go down without a fight. But as she slowly opened the door, she was met by a tall, and extraordinarily handsome man dressed in a sharp black suit.
"Good evening Miss, I am Dario, Lady Dis' personal assistant and driver." He bowed his head gracefully, before assessing her with his golden, hazel eyes.
"Oh… hi…" it was all she could manage, as she was melting at the sight of this beautiful man. He was clearly muscularly built under his suit, but not overly so, and unlike the other men of Erebor, he had more of a stubbly beard, and relatively short brown hair with a few lighter streaks. His chiselled features was masculine and refined, giving him a sculpted look. He really was beautiful to look at.
"Are you alright Miss?" He asked concerned, and despite clearly trying hard not to, let his gaze follow her robe as it had loosened itself, remaining precariously held together, and only just providing modest cover. Clearing his throat, he held up a wrapped item, almost as though attempting to shield her, in case her robe came completely unravelled.
Quickly letting the umbrella drop back to where it normally lay, in order to secure the offending item of clothing. If he wanted to have her, she would not fight him off with an umbrella!
"Lady Dis wanted you to wear these tonight. She asked me to warn you that it will be rather revealing," he cleared his throat nervously again as though he had already had a preview. "And advised if you did not have suitable underwear that could be well concealed, then you are to go without…"
Shobha reached out and took the wrapped item silently, unsure what to expect.
"She also asked me to mention that the dress and jewellery are both a gift from her. And that she apologises for her brother." He bowed his head. "I will be waiting in the car. When you are ready, Miss, I will drive you to the ball. Lady Dis has asked that I am at your disposal this evening."
"Ok… you don't need to wait in the car. There's a chair in the entry hall… I might need someone to zip me up…" she took a step back and began to close the door when he replied.
"I think you might find there isn't much to zip up Miss."
She shut the door and undid the wrapping to find a stunning, deep blue, shaped, silk dress that was completely backless with a halter neck which was fastened with a sapphire studded clasp. The lower half of the dress, flared out slightly, and appeared to be decorated with a scatter of what looked like shimmering diamonds which glimmered each time the material shifted. She found a pair of deep blue jewelled heels to match the dress, and looked at the accompanying smaller package. It contained a long pair of sapphire drops to match, and jewelled hairpins! So she was expected to put her hair up…
After some time, during which she was conscious that Dario was seated outside patiently waiting, she had managed to put her hair up into a slightly messy up-do. Her attempt at trying to curl her hair had, as usual, failed, and she was not in possession of copious amounts of hairspray to aid her.
Finally she applying some red lipstick to go with her ample eyeliner and mascara, she threw the little tube with some tissues in a small clutch and grabbed a shawl as she stepped out to join Dario.
He immediately stood up as she turned back from having locked the door, his mouth agape, looking at her bare feet.
"Oh sorry. Here, if you hold my shawl and purse, I can slip into my heels." She offered, as he very attentively took the items from her, and then offered his hand to steady her as she put her heels on. "What is it with you all and bare feet…?"
"Well Miss… our people believe letting one's hair down and baring one's feet is a most intimate and arousing gesture." He recognised a mixture of surprise and realisation in her features. "I mean… we understand you are an outsider, and don't understand our customs. And even then to be honest, we realise they are old customs… sometimes we just can't help ourselves."
"Well that explains the hairpins… it's been a long time since I pinned my own hair up though." She smiled apologetically, knowing it was not the neatest job, since her hair was also only half curled.
"Um… would you mind if I checked that your dress fits?" He explained, blushing a little. "Lady Dis was worried in case it didn't fit…"
"Actually, it fits perfectly… I don't know how she managed that – but sure go ahead. Maybe you could tell me if my hair looks ok from behind." She explained.
"I apologise for this Miss, but if things aren't satisfactory to Lady Dis or Mel, they will be most unhappy." He quickly seemed to carry out a check, which Dis had clearly instructed him to do. But when he came to stand back in front of her once more, he had a rather large grin plastered across his face.
"I take it you approve…" she smiled at the handsome young man.
Drawing the shawl softly about her shoulders, before escorting her to the car. While the day had started off rather overcast, the weather apparently had cleared up, leading to a rather pleasant and balmy evening. Apparently even the weather was not going to permit her to remain an unwilling participant!
The journey in the car had been a much smoother ride than her usual journeys in Dwalin's front passenger seat. They had also reached their destination much quicker than she expected, although it was now half past nine.
Durin Manor was rather impressive with large stone pillars, battlements, balconies and a very grand entrance with a Porte cochere. While the façade was enormous, it appeared there was much more that had been built further into the mountainside itself!
Despite all the cars parked around the drive with the beautifully lit grand fountain, Dario parked the car directly outside the grand entryway.
"Her ladyship has instructed that I park her car here, and Lord Thorin has approved." He was soon at her door opening it for her and helping her out, which was no easy task in her fairly skimpy dress.
"We're very late aren't we?" Shobha suddenly felt nervous, realising she would be walking in on her own, while the party was now in full swing.
"Not at all Miss. The ball goes on well into the wee hours," he ran his fingers through his hair, and adjusted his jacket, buttoning it up before looking at her as though he could read her thoughts. "And don't worry Miss, I am to escort you in."
She smiled and reached up to adjust his tie.
"Thank you. I tied it in your hall way, and there were no mirrors." He proudly extended his hand out to her. "Are you ready Miss?"
"As ready as I'll ever be I guess…"
"Before we walk in… I hope you don't mind…" he gently took her shawl off which he draped over his arm instead. Then she took his hand, and let him lead her in.
As they entered the grand hallway with vaulted ceilings, she saw ornate carvings in the stone throughout as she had seen in the hall way and decorating the Manor in general. The lighting was soft, with decorative lanterns and lights along the way. At the end of the corridor there was a grand set of heavy doors, made of dark wood which were kept open beyond which was the largest banquet hall she had ever seen! It was hard to imagine such a space existed in the Manor, even though it looked large!
The ball room with its high ceilings and pillars had many tables around the room, all laden with food and drink. The whole room was decorated with elaborate and fragrant bouquets of flowers, soft lighting, lanterns and gold curtains. It seemed that all of Erebor was in attendance indeed!
Despite the festivities she couldn't help notice that there were large men standing to attention with ear pieces, clearly Dwalin's security team.
Even with the music, loud chatter and laughter, it seemed their entrance had not gone unnoticed. In fact most Ereboreans had stopped talking, and almost everyone had turned to take a good look at the latecomers!
They slowly descended down the steps to the ballroom under the almost silent scrutiny of most. But as Dis made her way through the crowds, everyone carried on with their chatter, even though it was clear they were still noisily watching.
"So ya came then lassie!" Dwalin had appeared out of no where by her side. "And ye clean up pretty nice too! Thanks Dario we'll take her from here."
"Brother!" A shorter white haired man stood beside Dwalin, frowning.
"What?! It's true! She'd even be a sight fer Thorin's eyes!" He patted the white haired man as though to pacify him.
"May I introduce myself lass, I'm Balin…" he bowed his head, before taking her hand and placing a kiss gently across her knuckles.
"Nice to meet you, Balin." She smiled as she felt Dario gently releasing her hand.
"Well, Miss, it was my pleasure, but now I shall leave you –" Dario bowed his head.
"Wait! You mean you're not staying for the evening?" She turned to him, a little disappointed her handsome escort was leaving her.
"I will be waiting when you are ready to return home, Miss. Or should you need anything." He smiled bowing his head.
"Let the lad go enjoy an ale and some food!" Dwalin took her hand gesturing for him to leave with a scowl. "We'll look after ya!"
"Oh yeah. What – like with my car?" Suddenly, she found her heart sinking a little.
"Oh lass… I'm just yer driver. Like Dario… but more handsome," Dwalin gave her an apologetic look.
"I didn't realise Thorin took your car lass?" Balin looked at his brother disapprovingly. "He mentioned that you'd need more protection after your visit to Dale."
"And now I'm here because… Honestly, I have half a mind to just go back home –"
"Who's going back home?!" Dis made her way over, grabbing Shobha in a warm embrace. Then she pulled back to admire her. She acted a bit like a big sister, a bit like a stylist and a bit like a girlfriend, smiling, clearly pleased with the results of her own efforts. "Oh no my dear! You look absolutely stunning! I knew this would look –"
"Ravishing!" She felt a warm, large hand resting gently on the bare skin of her lower back, as Fili had joined in, attempting to displace his mother, only to have her exchange places with him again.
"Perfect!" Kili muscled in between his brother and mother, taking Shobha's hand and bowing with a flourish to place a kiss over the back of her hand.
"Hands to yourself until you're invited!" Dis sternly warned them both before turning to her again. "But they are not wrong… you look gorgeous, my dear! I'm so glad you joined us… now come, have something to eat and drink before everyone asks to meet you. Bombur and Elin have put together a vegetarian spread just for you!"
Dis wore a black dress with a plunging neckline, sheer sleeves and flared skirt, while Fili and Kili wore well tailored tuxedos. Balin wore a deep wine coloured suit, which despite his portly build, suited him rather well, and even Dwalin had made an effort, wearing a deep brown three piece suit, which his muscular frame filled out very well. It appeared he had worn a bow tie to begin with but it now hung loose around his unbuttoned collar.
They all began walking towards the tables of food, where people were gathered. It seemed there was a whole host of finger food, and it was far from the stuffy sit down service she expected. But they never made it to the food as they were met along the route by many of the Ereboreans she knew from the hospital. Even Gorin had made an effort to dress up apparently! Then she met Gloin the treasurer and chief of the Bank of Erebor and his beautiful wife Mara, who was thrilled to finally meet her after all she had heard from the young Durin councilmen.
While she hadn't made it to the food, Kili had brought her some, along with several drinks. Of course, he had eaten quite a bit of it himself! But she only moved a few steps at a time, as more of Thorin's various council members, including Bofur the chief engineer and mining operations manager had found her, along with the chief librarian and historian of the town Ori and his brothers, Dori who was an artist, interior designer and ran an antiques shop, and Nori, who said he was a private investigator.
The evening seemed to be rather pleasant, with no sign of Lord Grumpy-pants in sight, which was strangely surprising. Finishing a glass of champagne, she suddenly found herself wondering why she hadn't spotted him. She frowned at herself for even thinking about him, when she was finally enjoying herself, waved down a waiter carrying another tray of some sort of sparkling drink over to her group.
"I'll have one please…" she took a glass, as he came around, taking a large gulp straight away.
"Och! I would go easy on that." Dwalin warned, but it was too late, she had taken another large swig before feeling the burn of whatever strong concoction it was.
"Wow!" She blew out as Kili burst into laughter.
"Aye that's a whiskey sour with a twist. And made with my good whiskey!" Dwalin downed a glass, before taking what was left of hers. "I'd better have that… this one's eaten most of ye food and ye've already had two glasses of champagne. Kili, go get the lass something more to eat… unless ye want to spend the night in Durin Manor!"
"Too late." Fili, who had disappeared for a while, had returned, just as the band started to play loudly. He held his hand out to her, grinning widely. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
"Oh… um…"
"I promise I won't let you fall," he was already handing her purse and shawl over to Dwalin.
"Lad…" Dwalin shot him a warning look.
"Aye… I promise to keep her safe." He replied, as if they already had an extensive conversation about her in private previously. But before she could read their expressions further, Fili had already whisked her away onto the dance floor. Holding her tight, as he spun around the floor, he looked down at her and smirked. "What? Didn't expect us Durin's folk to dance so well huh?"
She blushed as he ran his hand lower down the bare skin of her back. Dwalin's whiskey was starting to make her fuzzy headed!
"I said nothing…" she replied hiding her grin.
"I could MAKE you dance." He chuckled darkly, which suddenly reminded her of Thorin.
Before she could reply, Kili had cut in. It turned out the younger councilman was as good a dancer as his older brother! Before she knew it, she had spent almost an hour on the dance floor, when Dwalin finally rescued her, dancing her towards the drinks where she gladly helped herself to some water!
"I never knew southerners could dance like that." A broad red haired, ruddy faced man, covered in tattoos interrupted her thoughts as he helped himself to a glass of ale.
"Mmmm… I guess we're all full of surprises." She replied distracted by the pain in her feet. She looked around to get away for a sit down but there were no seats in sight.
"I'm Lord Dain, from the Iron Hills." He bowed his head very slightly offering her his hand.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Shobha, I work at the hospital for Oin," she shook his hand, looking up at him for the first time properly.
"Aye. I know who ye are. I never thought my cousin would approve of an outsider living and working here. Our clans have always kept to ourselves." He frowned at her, staring with his pale blue eyes. His features were coarse, and he sported a rather terrifying scar that ran across his right eye, which gave him an even more ferocious look. He was lucky to have escaped with his eye intact. "So it surprised me when he mentioned Oin had chosen an outsider, who has little understanding of our customs and laws to come and be a part of our great clan. But to see with my own two eyes, that he has chosen some slip of a woman… well… ya wonder whether he is finally becoming senile!"
He stood there imposingly broad, blocking her way, and consuming her attention, clearly expecting some sort of reaction.
"Actually a very wise man once said to me that sometimes it takes a woman to complete a task where a whole army of men have failed." She stared right back at him, watching his bushy red beard twitch as he attempted to suppress himself from smiling. So she smiled, thinking of that very wise man, her father! She decided to take the opportunity to escape while this great big oaf had his grey matter engaged with what she had said, and before he could ask any more questions. In truth, she was sure that her father had made that up during one of his pep talks to cheer her up. Quickly downing her glass of water she set it back with all the empty glasses. "Please excuse me Lord Dain, I need to find the ladies."
Apparently he was either suitably distracted by what she said earlier, or surprised that she met his comments head on, or grossed out by the thought of her discussing her need for the bathroom, because he willingly moved out of her way. Shobha made her way straight to a nearby waitress, who seemed to direct her in a certain direction. Eventually after a fairly lengthy wait to use the ladies loos, she emerged from the subterranean basement they were located in, at the far corner of the grand hall behind several pillars.
As she looked around for a friendly face, preferably Dario, so she could discreetly escape, she spotted Dain moving in her direction, flanked by several more red haired men. It was clearly a trait shared by many men of the Iron Hills. Even Gorin had that distinctly fiery red hair. Whereas even Bombur, Elin, and Gloin had coppery locks.
Moving as fast as her aching feet would take her, she wove through the crowd, crossing the tables of food and drink, avoiding the dance floor before ducking behind several enormous pillars on the opposite side of the room. Breathing fast, she peeped around one of the pillars. It seemed they were still looking for her! They stood together looking around the room, scanning the crowds. Perhaps she had insulted them, and broken some other stupid archaic clan law. Finding Dis or Dario in this crowd was not realistic, and she spotted Fili, Kili and Dwalin on the dance floor, but her feet simply couldn't take any more pain. So she pulled away from the pillar to hide, desperately trying to think how she could make her getaway.
Then to her horror, they seemed to be moving towards that side of the room, presumably satisfied she was not amongst the crowds on the dance floor or near the food. Looking around her, there were no other corridors, just decorations or giant vases of flowers, a few people milling about, mostly couples kissing, and the walls decorated with large paintings, and gold drapes, here and there. Whether it was out of sheer desperation or luck, she quickly ducked behind a set of gold drapes, believing they would be suitably thick enough to hide her frame.
Relief, and surprise flooded her as she found it covered a corridor with a dark stairwell leading upwards.
Feeling her way in the dark she ran her hands along the stone walls, stopping for a moment to catch her breath. Then the thought that Dain might have knowledge of this secret passageway set her heart racing again. She couldn't linger here for long in case they drew the drapes. So lifting the hem of her dress she slipped her shoes off quickly, collecting them in one hand, and keeping her dress lifted to above her knees so she wouldn't trip, she silently made made her way up the stairs.
The steps seemed to go on for an age, and in pitch black as she got further away from the ballroom, the sound of music growing more distant as she climbed higher.
Finally she emerged onto a large balcony with battlements. Standing to a side, she listened down the stairwell for any signs of being followed. Once again she found herself trapped, but the evening really was balmy and pleasant. In truth, she was probably a little too tipsy to care whether Dain sent his men to catch her and throw her off this balcony.
Stepping right up to the wall and leaning between the ramparts, she could see the entire town of Erebor from here. The view really was something special, and what's more, in the distance she could make out the tiny twinkling lights of Dale!
"I see you're making yourself at home here in my halls," a deep voice startled her from behind, and she spun round to search the darkness of the balcony, certain it had been empty when she first arrived. She backed up against the battlements, one of her shoes falling out of her hands onto the ground, but didn't dare pick it up.
After another pause, a tall figure emerged from the darkness as silent as a predator stalking its prey. He moved towards her, and bent down to pick up her fallen stiletto, which he examined carefully, then let his gaze settle on her bare feet, before moving up her slender exposed legs to where she still held her dress, just above her knees. In the faint starlight she could make him out. It was Thorin!
Despite feeling slight relief that it was not Dain, her heart pounded in her chest and she remained frozen. Surely after another angry encounter with Lord Moody, she would be begging for the fiery haired men of the Iron Hills to take her away.
"Forgive me. I didn't mean to surprise you, Miss Seth." He moved closer to her and took her other shoe out of her hand and set them on a stone bench to a side before returning to her. "If you can't wear your shoes, then at least don't set them on the ramparts. Should they fall off, they would surely kill any poor, unsuspecting soul standing below."
"Don't call me that please. Just Shobha is fine," she whispered as he moved closer, and slowly reached out to take her hand, that still clutched onto her dress. He stood so close, she could feel the heat radiating off his body, and his piercing eyes twinkling in the dim starlight. Then he wrapped his other arm around her, the rough, calloused skin of his palm gently making contact with her exposed skin. He moved her closer still, until her free hand reached out to hold herself against his broad, muscular, chest as he moved her away from the battlements and guided her to the pale stone seat where he had already set her heels to a side.
"Who were you escaping from? It was not my nephews… you danced with them the longest." He spoke, taking a seat by her.
"How did you…? You were not there – I mean – I never saw you…" she blurted out without thinking, and then out of embarrassment, tried to stand up, but he kept her hand in his tightly, stopping her from pulling away.
"I didn't realise you were looking for me…" his lips pulled up into an arrogant half smirk, still holding her hand in his. "I would rather you didn't go near the ramparts in the condition you are tonight. Perhaps if you visit us again one evening..."
"And what condition am I in?" She turned to face him, glaring.
"In no condition to be standing near my battlements." He let her hand go finally, standing up and walking towards the ramparts himself with his hands clasped behind his back. "I have had the misfortune of bearing bad news for too many in my lifetime. I have no intention of doing the same for your loved ones… today might be a day for merrymaking amongst our people, but it only reminds me of the suffering we once endured."
He spoke quietly, with his back turned to her, and it made her wonder whether this was why he was moody. Suddenly she felt the tiniest pang of sorrow for him. According to Dis he had put aside his own grief at the loss of his own family at a young age, in order to help everyone who had lost everything else.
"Life is so impermanent… our bodies are so weak even if complex and fascinating. In truth, the best reconstructions done to repair injuries… they are never the same as what one was born with and there are far too many diseases we just can't cure." She replied, unsure of what else to say to him. After all he was her captor! However much her heart softened towards the plight of anyone, she tried hard to remind herself that he had taken her means of free travel away from her… and for that she should still be angry with him right? It was too late, and her head to fuzzy for her to think clearly. "One minute you're here, and the next minute it's all over… I guess that's why it's important to take time with your loved ones when you can."
"Aye… and yet here you are. Hundreds of miles away from yours…" he scoffed, still looking away. He couldn't even be gracious when someone offered him some kindness apparently!
"You have to strike a balance, between being with them and doing things for yourself though. If you only ever live life for someone else you will end up all alone and bitter." She crossed her legs and began to rub one of her feet. Those shoes were so pretty, in fact her only pair of designer shoes, bought with the money she made from selling the jewellery Mike had gifted her! But dang-it they were not for partying the night away!
"Well, I imagine you have excellent balance. You certainly danced well, even after a good amount of Dwalin's best whiskey, and wearing those. Now, who is it that made you run from there and straight into my arms?" He turned back to face her, as she rubbed her bare feet and seemed unable to help himself as he stared at them. Recollecting what Dario had told her about the barefoot thing, she suddenly straightened up.
"They are not just shoes; they are Manolos!" She might not rub her feet in front of him, but he'd be damned if she was going to wear her shoes again just to satisfy him.
He stared at her once more, letting his eyes roam over her, with an intensity that made her feel cold and exposed. She could only imagine what she had done to make him hate her so much.
"Besides, I don't recall running into your arms. I thought there was no one around up here." She looked down at her feet again before replying. "If I had known you were lurking around, I would not have come!"
"You know, your feet would hurt less, if you had given yourself away less on the dance floor!" He came to stand in front of her.
"How do you know unless you were watching me like a stalker!" She stood up angrily, and barged past him. He wasn't going to stop her enjoying the view. But he caught her wrist firmly and pulled her back against his chest. As she was spun around, she slammed her free hand against him, to steady herself, making him wince.
So it really was true that he had been injured quite badly! She wondered how, and whether Dis or Dwalin knew the truth.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt him trail his other hand down her back so lightly, that she couldn't help but arch her breasts into him.
"Perhaps, I enjoy watching you," he smiled darkly at her, as he set his hand on the small of her back and spun her around several times, as though dancing to a silent tune that only the two of them could hear. When he came to a standstill, he held her as though they were about to dance and she found herself lost in his cold sapphire gaze, shivering a little. He appeared to notice, so he let her go, taking his jacket off and wrapping it around her silently, before staring at her mouth and returning back to her eyes again. Seemingly, the anger they had for each other was completely lost in that moment.
But it didn't last long. The sound of heavy footfall echoed up the stairwell.
"Cousin! Cousin…" a voice boomed from below.
"It seems Dain has very bad timing." He remained staring down at her, when she finally realised what was about to happen.
She looked back up at Thorin, eyes widened in panic and silently pleading, hoping to suddenly find she had been blessed with the superpower of invisibility.
"You were escaping from Dain…?" He tilted his head as though surprised.
Silently, she nodded, her chest rising and falling faster now, with panic setting in. She would have to face the music soon.
"Turn around." He rasped quietly. The change in demeanour was instant, and almost chilling. When he found she didn't comply, he moved her body himself. Still holding her waist from behind, he leant over her right shoulder and whispered in her ear, his lips just ghosting her skin. "Walk over to the ramparts in the far corner, but don't touch them, or lean on them. And stay there until I am done."
Between the adrenaline and the strong alcohol, she found her head spinning.
"Now go!" He set her hands on the opening of his jacket, so she would keep it wrapped around herself, and she seemed to comply after a moment, as he walked over to the doorway.
"Ah! Cousin! Yer here!" Dain boomed as he reached the entrance.
"Thank you for joining us." Thorin replied, formally. It seemed there was some sort of strain in their relationship, but both men simply refused to acknowledge it.
She dared to peep over her shoulder and found Thorin standing in the doorway, blocking entry to his fiery haired cousin.
"It was my pleasure – Och! I didn't realise ye had company up here…" he tried peering past, only to have Thorin put his hand across the small gap in the doorway that he didn't occupy.
She quickly turned to face forward again, hoping he couldn't recognise her, pulling Thorin's jacket around her tighter and shutting her eyes. Her heart pounded, and head spun. As she breathed deeply to calm herself, she found her senses filled with the scent of cigars, vetiver and musk. It was strangely calming. She pulled his jacket closer, bowing her head and inhaling deeply, shutting her eyes to lose herself in the mix of fragrances.
Behind she could hear them both laugh, Dain sounded frankly vulgar, while Thorin seemed to reciprocate in a more formal manner. There was certainly some repressed hostility, between them. And then after a few more hushed words, Dain seemed to leave but Thorin lingered by the doorway. She wondered what they had spoken about, out of earshot and whether Dain had mentioned her. She even tried wracking her brains to remember her brief encounter with him, but she was sure it was he that had insulted her, and not the other way around.
"So you were running from a man then…" he suddenly stood close behind her. "Is that not the reason we even find you here in Erebor now?"
She stood looking out into the darkness. Most of the lights in Dale were now out, and with exception of a few tiny sparks that twinkled, she might have not even known there was a sizeable town there. He seemed to stand close behind her, waiting for a response – the proximity gave her goosebumps. It was too reminiscent of the last time she and Mike fought, and how they broke up. It was only then that she realised, she had repeatedly said everything she needed to say to him for several years before that day already, and suddenly he wanted to hear her, but it was too late. It would have probably made no difference either. Now Thorin standing there, expecting her to spill her past to him, felt like someone ripping the scab off a still raw wound. He had no right, and it was none of his business.
She felt like a complete fool for having even dropped her guard with him momentarily, for strangely enjoying being in his arms or having felt safe wrapped in his jacket. He was a miserable, lonely man and all he would do was pull her in, to wallow in his unhappiness.
"Actually, I took this job because Oin made it sound interesting. Like I would be doing something that truly made a difference – the chance to help a community. It's a feel you don't get working in a big city hospital. But YOU wouldn't understand that would you?" She pushed him back gently, purposefully setting her hand on his chest and watching him wince in pain before carrying on. "No. You, LORD Oakenshield are sooooo self absorbed you wouldn't understand anything about anyone else's life or feelings! It's all 'duty, or customs, or laws and whatever other bullshit you use to build a wall around yourself with!"
She took off his jacket and pushed it into his chest again and hard.
"Men like you always think it's about 'a man'… so let me educate you tonight: actually it's completely about ME! I didn't particularly care for Lord Dain and making small talk with an odious man like that and that's why I escaped. I also wanted to rest my feet, kick my shoes off. That's another reason I left!" She poked her finger into his chest hard, but this time he stood firmly, controlling his show of pain, although she could see that he felt it! He simply regarded her with his cold gaze, as though she were a perfect stranger, even though they had clearly shared a very intimate moment just a short while ago. "As for my ex-fiancé… I wanted nothing more to do with him, because I realised in time that if I married him, the rest of our marriage would be all about him! Because he was a self absorbed, giant prick, just like you!"
Managing to just about hold in her tears she brushed past him, feeling the touch of his hand as he attempted to stop her from leaving. But she really didn't need any more of him. She could hear him following behind, and so she stopped briefly at the door, looking partially over her shoulder.
"And you're right; I don't belong here. You've made that abundantly clear. I shouldn't have even come tonight! All I am is your prisoner here in Erebor." She finished her angry tirade at last with a sigh. "You've won: I will hand in my resignation on Monday. And don't worry – I will let Oin know that it's all me. That I've changed my mind. Just arrange to have my car sent back as soon as possible. I can get it repaired at home."
And with that she stepped back into the dark stairwell. Unable to see the steps, she felt her way down, realising she had forgotten her beautiful shoes. But it didn't matter, all she needed to do was find Dario now and go back to the house!
As she emerged from the passageway into the ballroom, pulling the drapes away, she ran directly into Dwalin who stood there, holding her purse and shawl with Balin and Dis, all deep in conversation. They all turned to look at her, each wearing a slight smile.
"Oh! You're all here…" she looked around the room past them for any signs of Dario. Yet another man, who had promised to be of service to her, and then disappeared! "Thank you so much for inviting me tonight. And the lovely gifts, which really are far too much for me to accept –"
"Nonsense, my dear! We haven't had anyone with as generous a heart as you join our clan for as long as I can recall – Mel was thrilled with how your dress turned out. And you were a walking advertisement for her work. She has already been approached my many young ladies for their Durin's Day gowns." Dis watched her with a concerned frown, as she continued to scan the room.
"Well then, I'm glad to have been able to help in some way." She wanted to leave quickly before Thorin followed after her with her shoes. "I do hope you will excuse me, and forgive me for heading home now. I've had a busy week… and I hear my bed calling."
"I told Dario to take the evening off. Poor bugger, never gets to enjoy himself. I'll drive ya home lass," Dwalin looked at her, finally gaining her full attention. "Aren't ya forgetting something lass..?"
He looked down at her bare feet, prompting his brother and Dis to follow his gaze, both breaking into a grin again, which they shared between themselves. This barefoot thing was beginning to irritate her. They were certainly treating it as if she had been having a quick romp, not just resting her feet!
"Don't worry about it. It's not a long walk to the car." She explained, already pulling Dwalin along towards the grand doors, when Thorin emerged from the passageway. He too appeared surprised by the small gathering there.
"Miss Seth – your shoes –"
Dwalin stopped her, and they both turned to look at him, as Balin gave him a suspicious look, and Dis shot daggers at him with her eyes.
Ignoring them, he moved towards her, his face completely expressionless, holding out her shoes. Dwalin, observing the interaction between them, and promptly took the shoes from him. It was in that moment, in the better lighting of the grand ballroom, that they both realised that the colour of her dress, matched his suit exactly, right down to the shade of deep blue. It could have easily been such that, Mel took the left over material used to make his suit and made her dress! They spent a moment looking at each other's clothes again before he turned to flash an annoyed look at Dis. Once more, Shobha felt like a complete fool, as he regarded her coldly. She was just one of many insignificant people to him.
Finally after an awkwardly silent moment, she turned to Dwalin, who without any further need for prompting, held his arm out for her, which she took without argument. And with that, he began to walk her away from the group and Thorin.
Behind them, she could hear Dis sternly questioning her older brother, and he seemed to bark something back at her. But none of it mattered anymore.
They had walked back to the car in silence, pausing only just momentarily for her to slip her shoes back on and throw her shawl around herself in the grand hallway. But once in the silent safety of Dwalin's SUV, he had turned to her briefly.
"Lass, do you want to talk about it?" He watched her, as she stared out of the window, pretending to be disinterested.
"Talk about what?" She asked keeping her voice steady. Watching the lights and the grand Manor House as he began to back the car out. With a heavy heart she seemed to understand what Cinderella must have felt like on that night. Except Thorin was far from a Prince Charming, even if she had for a split second cooled herself into believing there were happy endings out there. She was, as her sister had once bluntly put it, an eternal optimist who foolishly wore her heart on her sleeve! Well tonight her coach was steadily turning into a pumpkin, her horses into mice, and a beautifully revealing dress into hateful rags. Soon all she would have left as a memory were her jewelled Manolos.
"About what happened up there… between you and Thorin?" He hesitated but then added deciding that it was better to be frank.
"Nothing happened." She replied flatly.
"Did he… hurt you…?" Again he hesitated.
"Oh gosh no!" She immediately replied, before anyone started to make more of her own foolishness than was needed. "I briefly spoke to Lord Dain – or rather he surprised me at the drinks table. I tried to escape him, because, wow, what an… odd man is he?! I popped to the loo, but then spotted him walking towards me again, presumably to pick up where we left off. I had no desire to do so. So I hid behind a curtain… I am ashamed to admit that, but it was the best I could do at the time. That's how I found my way out to the balcony. There, I took my shoes off for a rest, and then I came across Lord Thorin… he was his usual moody self. And so I politely excused myself and headed back to look for Dario so I could get home, ok?"
"But the ball goes on for several hours more…"
"Honestly Dwalin, I've had a busy week… and I'm tired. I never really planned on coming tonight – it's just not my thing." She spoke each word with deliberate intent.
"So what is yer 'thing' then eh..?" He pressed.
"Watching a good movie… nice dinner in good company… al fresco dining with close friends – having a laugh and a joke…" she wasn't lying, but she just wanted him off her back now.
"Och I dunno lass – It looked more like he upset ya…"
"Why should he upset me? I don't even know him. And he certainly doesn't know me." She corrected him.
"The two of ya seem to get under each other's skin very easily –"
"Well, let's see Dwalin. My decision to help Mel is my business, and yet apparently I need his permission for this! I am now a prisoner in that house on the edge of town, with no car; because MY car has been taken away from ME… I think I have good reason to be annoyed. I don't know what his problem is… but it's fine. I came out tonight, had some fun, met lots of people from town. There really is nothing more to discuss. Except that I am dog tired, and probably need to sleep off your best whiskey." She softened her tone with him, but in no way would she divulge anything more. Then she reached out and patted his arm. "Look, apart from feeling a bit tired, I'm fine. I promise."
He turned to give her a skeptical look, but carried on driving.
…..