"More wine? Or water?" Thorin asked, pausing after pouring himself another glass. He had seated her next to where he sat at the head of the table.
"A little water please." Shobha nodded in between another fork of pasta.
"You don't like the wine?"
"Mmmm… no… It was lovely, but I haven't had much to eat today at all."
"You had no objections to being tipsy at the ball." He gave her a sidelong glance, which she ignored after briefly catching his eye.
"Yes well…" she set her fork down on her plate and sipped some water. "You promised to show me those old tapestries."
"Aye," he smiled softly to himself. "But first, tell me - What is your interest in all this?"
"I don't know – here I am in a beautiful old town, which I discover has all this history. But it's all shrouded in mystery. I don't get it? I love history and old stories!" She shrugged, attempting to explain herself. "I guess I want to know more."
"You mean you're curious." He smirked arrogantly, standing from the table and holding his hand out for her to take. "And you know what happened to curiosity and the cat right…?"
"Yes. It seems something of a running joke around Erebor." Shobha stood up and joined him. "I can't help but think it's all related to wolves somehow…"
"My dear, you are quite obsessed with wolves." He smirked again as he led her down several grand corridors. "No, we like things quiet around here. Attracting attention, or poking into other people's business generally leads to trouble. We keep to ourselves - that's how we have been as a clan for generations. So we all grew up with the saying."
She was not convinced – yet again it all sounded far too rehearsed to her. Like Athol that day they walked out near Mirkwood.
Finally, they arrived in a large hall. Although, perhaps not as large as their ball room, it was probably grander, with two enormous chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The crystals sparkled, even in the dim light, unlike any chandelier she had ever seen. It was almost as if they were made of precious stones! All the walls were adorned either with richly woven, enormous tapestries held in thin glass cases, or equally colossal paintings in guilt frames. The room itself was clearly thermoregulated to preserve the art work because it felt slightly cooler.
There were antique looking chairs dotted around the room, and longer, solid wooden benches in the centre, almost like a gallery, where one could get a good view of all the various art.
Shobha instantly stopped in the centre, where Thorin had led her, and spun around slowly, eyes lit up with excitement as she took in the large vaulted room, in all its grandiosity.
He stood there quietly watching her, half bemused by her reaction and half irritated he hadn't done this sooner.
There were various images, each one large and elaborate. But without a doubt the two largest at the two ends of the hall were clear. One image depicted a herculean man, bare chested at a forge, with a woman who sat by him weaving green tendrils of floral creepers to the side.
"These are tapestries of the Valar..." Thorin spoke quietly. "Our guardians."
"I have read about Mahal and Yavanna in some of the books in your library..." Shobha replied looking up at the gigantic image, with a slight smile. "And Eru..."
She looked behind to the opposite wall, where a similarly enormous painting was hung. It showed a fierce looking man with a cape of feathers, an impressively large eagle perched at his feet, and a woman who sat between them, with the pale complexion, and almost white hair. She appeared to be scattering shimmering orbs up into the darkness above her. And to the other side of the feathered gladiator looking Vala, was another tall man dressed in a strange blue-green Scaly suit almost like a second skin.
"We don't have images of Eru. That is Manwe, ruler of the skies and air, his bride Varda, Queen of the stars, and his brother, Ulmo, ruler of the seas, rivers and lakes."
The paintings were masterpieces without a doubt, and could have equally belonged in a famous gallery in London, just as much as here in Durin Manor. The pigments were vivid, each brush stroke was deliberate and perfect, and the atmosphere, the importance of those in the paintings, were evident.
As she slowly continued to scan the rest of the room covered in tapestries, woven delicately and carefully, he explained each. There were a few of Mahal and Yavanna throughout, but the other Valar were included.
After studying each carefully, to her heart's content, she moved toward a tapestry tucked away in a dark corner. It stood there alone, and the image was that of a looming, dark armoured figure. The man sat imposingly on a large armoured throne in a dark room. At his feet lay a large wolf, not unlike the black werewolf she had encountered. Everything about the image gave a sense of terrible foreboding, and sent shivers down her spine.
"Who's that...?" She asked softly, approaching the painting tentatively.
"That is Melkor... The fallen guardian." He chose his words carefully, as if something about this entity troubled him. "We believe he is the one who brought corruption and darkness to this world. The other Valar eventually vanquished him, but by then it was too late..."
Thorin paused, standing close behind her as he explained, his broad frame mere inches away. It made her heart race.
"And so even after he was gone from this world, his corruption still remains..." He uttered with a strange resignation, as though he felt it.
"I think there is a little darkness in all of us..." She whispered back, not daring to move as she was certain she would end up leaning against the full length of his body if she did.
They both fell into silence for a while, thoughts lost between the image which seemed more alive than any of the other paintings that were housed in that room, and what they had just spoken of. The only noise heard was each other's breathing, which had grown heavy.
"And... the wolf...?" She breathed, still unable to take her eyes off the painting.
"Carcharoth, the Red Maw, it is said, was raised by his own hand, on living flesh... The most powerful wolf... He came to swallow one of the Silmarils being stolen away from his master... And it drove him wild with pain, leading him to race through the land slaying anything in his path. It is said that a few great warriors and Kings who encountered him and survived were... Changed... But that is another story..." He finally reached out, unable to help himself, and ever so gently brushed a lock of fallen hair back from her shoulder, startling her and making her turn back to face him.
She felt a little vulnerable, but excited all at the same time. It was almost as though she burned for his touch. Perhaps it was the strong cocktail she had on an empty stomach, just a few hours ago at the end of a fourteen hour day - or maybe the tension that had built between them to the backdrop of that terrible painting. But, it all happened in a split second.
She found herself leant back against the wall nearby, as he gripped her hips tightly, his face leaning in so close, he was surely going to kiss her. Her heart beat wildly, her breathing ragged, as she anticipated his lips. He too seemed to be lost somewhere in his head, pupils blowing up to swallow the azure of his irides as his lips moved to ghost over hers. It seemed as though he yearned for her just as much. And as she slowly shut her eyes, he suddenly spoke, in between heavy breaths of his own.
"It's You - You bring out a darkness in me..." He breathed out, his lips just barely touching the corner of her mouth, so she could feel the bristles of his beard. It was softer than she expected, giving her a heady sensation, as she battled to try and regain control over her own breathing. He moved one hand up from where his grip had tightened further, leaving a hot trail up her side before pulling her chin up, and lightly pressing his lips against the angle of her mouth for a split second and then trailing them, just barley, along the edge of her jaw and up to her ear as his hand moved to bury itself in her long, dark, locks.
"Tell me... Did you plan this evening with my sister?"
His words brought her to her senses rapidly, eyes flying open as she suddenly fought to push him away. But his grip on her tightened even more. It was suffocating.
"What...?" She fought to find the words as he towered over her.
"Is this what you wanted...?" His deep voice was thick with lust as he closed in, so she could feel the heat of his body, and the need of his erection.
She swallowed, finally finding the strength in her arms to push hard against his chest, where they had firmly planted.
"Perhaps you thought if you allow me between your legs... Then I would give you anything you wanted..." As he pulled back to stare deep into her eyes, she found his gaze icy and stern again. Untrusting.
"I... I don't know what you mean..." She pushed harder and he took a step back but his hands still pinned her in place.
"You have won them all over... Dis, Dwalin... The lads..."
Her focus was returning and his sharp words, cutting her in a way that she didn't imagine would have troubled her mere moments ago.
"What...?!" She frowned trying to think hard about what he was accusing her of.
"What is it you want from me...?" He searched her eyes as if trying to weigh up the question himself as he continued to pin her down. "I don't think it's money... Perhaps pleasure..."
He let the hand he buried in her hair drift back to her chin and set over her neck although he didn't put any pressure on her skin. It was clear he wanted her, but he could just as well have killed her all the same, in that moment.
Shobha found her breaths falling hard and heavy as she carried on trying to focus. Just minutes ago, she was ready to kiss him... maybe more. But now she felt as if he had deliberately played with her - attacking her just as she had let her guard down.
"Or perhaps you are just after secrets...? For the MOD...?"
The words helped her snap out of her daze, as she pushed him away firmly.
"Get off!" She warned, but he simply stepped away as if nothing had happened, leaving her to carry on angrily. "You think I PLANNED this?! Goodness me - how delusional! I have just finished two weeks of on calls... I wanted to go home... It was YOU that came to collect ME remember?!"
She looked around the room finding her bearings and finding the large wooden doors he had led her through.
"And you think I work for the ministry?! I don't think..." She suddenly stopped mid sentence, realising that she didn't need to justify anything to him. He had his secrets and she was entitled to hers! She just held out her hand. "My car please...? I want my keys back. Now. It's mine. And I will drive it back home."
He stared down at her coldly for a while.
"And don't worry I won't rob you of anything - AND I didn't plan any of this." She held his stare, taking a step back still, not ready to admit to herself that she had enjoyed the evening so much up till a minute ago, that she had been stupid enough to imagine he had planned to woo her. But now she realised it must have been all his sister's interference! "Just let me go home please. I am quite safe to drive on my own. And when Athol is back I will travel with him again."
He took a single step forward as if he was still trying to figure out her true intent, but stopped there.
"I just want to go home now Thorin." She reiterated, and all he did was look back at her coldly and nod.
She truly was tired, and now felt completely stupid. There was no need to have him drive her home and prolong her misery. If there was a werewolf out there after her, she would gladly take her chances!
He walked past her, to the door and she just followed, desperately hoping there were some of his staff lingering outside so she didnt have to interact solely with him. Luckily for her, as they emerged into the great corridor a middle-aged man also appeared.
"Please could you get Miss Seth's car keys and coat?"
"Sir, the car is parked in the main garage. It will take a little while to bring it out to the porte cochere." He replied back quietly, giving her a quick glance that seemed to be filled with a mix of sympathy and concern. "And Dario is away visiting his family, would you like me to drive Miss Seth back?"
"No thank you. Miss Seth is quite capable of driving back herself." She chimed in, as she followed the two men along the corridor. "I have only had one drink, and am not a complete lightweight!"
But the man merely looked at Thorin for guidance, who cast another look back at her and then nodded.
"Very well, Sir." He peeled away efficiently, disappearing behind another door, only to be replaced by the middle-aged housekeeper who had set dinner, Helga.
"My Lord Thorin, would you like me to arrange coffee or a nightcap in the drawing room...?" She asked nervously glancing back at Shobha.
"Thank you Helga -" Thorin began, but Shobha interrupted.
"Oh no thank you Helga - not for me. I think I will just wait for my car," she managed a smile at the housekeeper. "And thank you Lord Thorin for dinner, but I will show myself out. I am sure Helga can direct me, if I get lost."
Thorin remained silent, nodding just once, when the older woman looked over to him again, a tinge of worry on her brow.
"Aye. There you go." He muttered, irritated before stopping once again and turning to them and bowing his head. "In that case, I thank you for your company tonight. I imagine it has been most taxing for you, Miss Seth... after such a busy period at work. So I shant delay you any further."
He turned to another large wood door, decorated with intricate carvings, before looking over at Helga.
"I will be in my study if you require me."
"Would you like a drink brought up Sir?"
"No thank you. I will help myself to a glass of my port." He replied this time without looking back, before walking through and shutting it firmly behind him with a solid thud.
Shobha too didnt want to linger there continuing to take a few steps along before turning back to Helga.
"This way right?"
"Aye, my dear... here let me take you over -" she was immediately by her side guiding her along the corridors again. "I am sorry. Lady Dis warned me to keep a closer eye - but I thought you were both enjoying one anothers company at dinner..."
"Please dont be sorry. Its fine. It really has been a long day." Shobha replied back quietly, surprised at how dejected she felt herself! So Dis had planned this and even asked for their housekeeper to keep an eye on things! "Anyway, its nothing that a hot shower and my own bed cant fix..."
Helga glanced over at her again, her brows knitting together over her cracked green eyes, that contrasted strikingly against her olive skin.
"Please dont worry..." Shobha managed a weak smile again. She had promised herself not to let her guard down just yet. And ince again he had made her feel like a fool. "If Dis asks, I will tell her it was a perfectly pleasant evening."
"He isn't as terrible as he pretends to be, Miss. You just need to ignore the moods. I mean - we have noticed he has been much happier of late..." Helga smiled hopefully at Shobha again, her eyes cracking as she did. "Even when he tries hard not to be."
Shobha glanced over at the housekeeper, to find her observing back carefully. But she wouldnt respond to Helga's comments. After all, what more was there to say?
...
As Shobha reached the driveway, she spotted the house was dark. She had expected Lis and Gorin to be home - but then it was friday evening. Perhaps they were out. She was tired, and after this evening not thinking straight.
Slowly locking her car she reached the house. There was a chill in the air, that clung now, as the end of summer lazily approached. But the silence from within the house felt novel, particularly after weeks of having Athol hang around her perpetually.
Reaching for the light switch, she found the power had gone! Suddenly, her heart started to race. But what could she do? She had no intention of returning back to Durin Manor after Thorin's latest behaviour! Careful to remain silent she moved towards her own door, but it was not locked... as she opened it quietly just enough to poke her head in, she could see that someone had completely ransacked her room! And to make matters worse, she could hear movement from within: and the sounds of heavy breathing.
She quickly slid back into the corridor hoping she had gone unnoticed. At first pressing her back against the wall to give herself a moment to steady her own breathing and listen carefully for signs that the intruder had clocked her arrival. But apparently she had gone unnoticed for now.
Tiptoeing her way back to the front door she decided she would get back in her car and head back to the hospital. It was the most sensible thing to do. She just hoped that Lis and Gorin had not been attacked, and were ok. Reasoning with herself against her own desire to check the rest of the house for her two colleagues, she stepped out of the door. But something made her freeze instantly.
It was a clear sensation, in the chilly evening air, the feel of hot breath against the back of her neck. The silent gentle snorts or someone or something, stood right behind her, making the hairs on her skin stand on end. She wanted to pretend she hadnt noticed and carry on to the car, but she had been frozen to the spot for longer than was normal.
There was only one thing to do, and she would be stupid not to try. Keys at the ready, she attempted to run, but it was futile, just as she had expected. And with a dizzying blow out of nowhere, she fell into darkness...
...
sorry its been a while - thank you for your reviews and follows pls; keep your thoughts coming - its always inspiring to me xx