BIG SHOUTOUT to the guest that pointed out that I had used some of my Khudzul incorrectly. I'm writing this mostly on my mobile so I can get a little too in the zone sometimes. Thank you! Although I do not fully comprehend the full stop or sentence sequencing. I apologize, English is my first language and I'm just a little dumb.
Also welcome aboard choirbandgeek and another guest! I'm glad you're enjoying this story! ;D
Again, let me know what you think! Whether you're new or coming back! :}
After Elinor had introduced herself and her companions, Lord Elrond had offered them accommodations within Rivendell to rest with the promise to speak with him about their home. Not many had traversed the wastes let alone made a settlement there so he was intrigued. He was further surprised to find that the healing balms he had given to Tharkûn were for her. There was also the added incentive of a hot bath and a soft bed so they decided to make use of his hospitality for a few days before continuing on their journey to Ered Luin.
Elinor knew she would have to make use of a healer as well and wasn't looking forward to it. The adrenaline was wearing off from the skirmish and the dry scarred flesh that had torn was excruciating. She had her right hand propped on top of her sword's pommel to support her arm and she could practically feel Agatha's eyes on her. Boring into her, almost like she was willing Elinor to turn around so she could confirm that she was in pain. Hadvar and Rhosyn kept sneaking glances at her from the corner of their eyes as well but remained quiet while Dea was warily eyeing the strangers.
They retrieved their horses and ponies and were escorted back to Rivendell. It was mostly in silence except for the occasional question here and there from a curious elf or two. They rode towards the back while Lord Elrond had ridden further up the front.
They hadn't ridden for long when she finally laid eyes on the last homely house east of the sea and it was undeniably breathtaking. It was a beautiful sight to see with its lush surrounding forestry, crystal clear waters, and mesmerizing architectural structure. She had a hard time keeping herself from gaping at the wonder. Elinor had heard many tales about Rivendell but everyone of them was nowhere close to describing its unique splendor.
A fair haired elven soldier approached once they had halted their procession to take her reins. He informed her that rooms would be made ready and that their belongings would be taken in before leaving her with an inclination of his head.
Agatha and Hadvar stood as silent sentinels close behind her, weapons sheathed but still ready should the need arise while Rhosyn stood at her side. Dea stood behind them, openly gawking in appreciation at their surroundings. Elinor could practically see the questions building in the young blacksmith and she chuckled quietly. She was sure they made quite the sight to these elves, spattered with blood and dirt standing in their well kept home. While she had lived with elves her whole life, these ones seemed to stand on formality more.
Another slender soldier approached, his posture open and welcoming before he bowed with an arm extended towards the bridge.
"If you'll follow me I shall escort you inside".
Elinor inclined her head and let him lead her down the wide bridge to an open courtyard, followed closely by the others. She could hear some type of commotion as they drew near, seeing a number of soldiers on horseback surrounding a group…
….. of dwarves!
She felt a knot of anxiety she didn't know she had loosen significantly at the sight of them but it was tightened somewhat when she neared. Their faces were hard, tightened with dislike and suspicion as their eyes shifted between the elves.
The raven haired dwarrow was standing before a bemused looking Lord Elrond and a rather exasperated Tharkûn. The elf's eyes caught her moving into the courtyard and an openly friendly smile was sent her direction while Tharkûn seemed delightedly surprised.
"Ah!", he exclaimed, his kind eyes twinkling under the brim of his grey hat, "This is a pleasant surprise!"
Before she knew it, the company of dwarves turned to stare at the newcomers with suspicious curiosity. Elinor herself stood frozen, silent as her eyes took them all in, studying them. She'd never seen dwarves from other areas and they were interesting to say the least.
Clothes around the same. Hairstyles differed greatly.
Some were young. Others were middling or elder.
Both groups must have studied one another for what felt like forever but was in reality just a few moments when she felt an intense gaze, like a fiery hot brand. Elinor's eyes snapped back to the raven haired dwarrow to see those deep blue orbs roving her form, darting all over in barely concealed wonder. His lips parted as his chest heaved and she could see the strands of silver streaking his dark hair and beard. He seemed achingly familiar somehow but right now for the life of her, she couldn't place him. The dwarrow held himself stiffly, like he was forcing himself not to move. His beads were quite intric...his...his beads…
Her emerald eyes with their hawkish sight zeroed in on his family beads before dropping to his weapon and she felt herself pale. Her gaze once again swept over the group, running over them at lightning speed before she spied the two young ones. The golden haired one and the other raven haired youth wore the same familial beads.
Durin's folk hair beads. The elven sword.
Her mind quickly connected the dots and she looked to Tharkûn once more before glancing at Rhosyn. He gave a slightly imperceptible nod and she felt herself flush in complete mortification and confusion.
They were supposed to have more time! A month at least! And now here she was….having to greet Durin's sons caked with a month's worth of dirt and grime from their journey and now heavily layered with a filthy orc's blackish blood on her damned clothes and face!
Oh, Mahal's Beard!
Elinor took a deep calming breath, praying that she kept her face blank, before she gingerly made her way over to the other dwarven company. She gave a stiff formal bow, her body protesting the painful movement greatly.
"Your majesty. Your highnesses", she started evenly before straightening, inclining her head to the rest, "My lords. We hadn't expected to encounter you on the road".
The young golden haired youth tipped his chin up and his eyes narrowed slightly, "Where'd you think to meet us?"
"We were enroute to Ered Luin, you highness, to meet with the king under the mountain", she replied evenly.
Lord Elrond's brows furrowed in thought, "And what is important enough to travel from as far as Forodwaith to meet with the son of Thrain?"
Elinor blinked at the question and opened her mouth to answer but Rhosyn interrupted.
"Just a few matters of personal import, m'lord. Trade and such. Nothing to worry ye head over".
She was doing her best to not squirm under the king's powerful gaze, his eyes traveling the length of her causing a tremor along her spine. His deep blue eyes burned with an intensity she felt she could not look away from, a mysterious draw that drew her. Elinor mentally shook herself, feeling herself grow warm when she clenched her jaw tight and quirked a brow at him. He seemed to come back to himself and his features adopted a coolness.
"El….Elinor?", a wobbly voice croaked, drawing her attention and she felt everything else slowly fade away as she finally really looked at one of the dwarves.
By Yavanna's mercy…
Balin... her Balin... had aged greatly since she had last seen him. Albeit it had been almost a century and a half but still...his once dark hair was totally white. His face was seamed, eyes wrinkled, and his nose had grown with age. She was lost for words for a few moments, meeting his watery astonished eyes and Elinor felt her own start to prickle. He slowly stepped forward, shaking hand reaching as he started to weep and she met him in a few steps.
They threw their arms around one another in a fierce embrace and she felt him tremble as he mumbled into her shoulder. She felt some of her tension bleed out of her as she breathed him in, her shoulder and arm be damned. Her fingers dug into his coat, her throat tight as she listened to him silently sob into her dirty clothes.
Pulling back to arms length, Balin's teary eyes soaked her in. Elinor could tell the moment he finally saw the scarred flesh under the dirt and blood, his lingering on her crooked ear and neck as his face fell in dismay. She had scars elsewhere on her face but he would know dragon burns when he saw them. She could see the sorrow starting to overtake him, the guilt.
When he opened his mouth she immediately held up a hand, quick to soothe him, whispering, "Please don't, it's alright".
Balin choked back his words and nodded understandingly.
"Balin, you know this….woman?", came a rumbling voice.
His voice .
"Aye, laddie", Balin started, sniffling and attempting to control himself, "A close friend's daughter from before Smaug's attack".
She heard a small gasp and spied the diminutive form of a hobbit! She'd only read about them but seeing one was a real delight. He looked a half head shorter than dwarves, with tawny locks and wide eyes and ahhhhh. His feet. So those were the tracks she had trouble identifying earlier.
" Before the attack? You can't be...can't be much older than Fili and Kili!", he sputtered in disbelief.
Her eyes cut to the two younger dwarves, taking mental note of their names, before Balin cut in.
"Her father was a dwarf, a commoner by our standards", at this Elinor felt herself bristle but he placed a calming hand on her arm, "but a well respected soldier. Her mother was of...elven descent".
At this there were a great many of them that visibly recoiled with disgust, faces wary. Agatha and Hadvar, even young Dea, moved closer to her, their own faces hard as stone. The hobbit looked uncomfortable while the king under the mountain's face was unreadable but his eyes were roving over her once more with a look she couldn't place. At his quick shift in mood, Elinor felt herself stiffen.
Lord Elrond interjected, cutting through the now tense air and he spoke in elvish though in a rather severe tone.
One of the other dwarrow puffed up and stepped forth, growling.
"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult ?!"
Elinor huffed a tiny chuckle and Agatha outright laughed while Rhosyn chuckled, earning them all glares from the group.
"No, Master Glóin", Tharkûn cut in tiredly as the company was starting to become riled, "He's offering you food".
At that they all paused, eyeing the elf suspiciously before turning to converse with one another, muttering lowly. After a moment's discussion, they all turned back.
"Ah well, in that case, lead on".
Rhosyn cleared his throat to get Lord Elrond's attention, "Beggin' your pardon, lord. Before bathing and supper for us, my mistress needs use o' your healing halls".
Elinor's face flushed and her lips flattened as she sent a glare his way, outrage coloring her features.
He could have waited until they weren't before the king!
A glance in his direction showed his features softened in concern as well as a few others, Balin and the hobbit more so than most.
"It's nothing to worry over. I'm fin-", she bit off the rest of her words with a pained groan she couldn't stifle.
Agatha gripped her shoulder, digging her fingers in. The torn and oozing flesh screaming as the fabric of her tunic rubbed against it. She clenched her teeth so hard against the pain that Elinor was afraid she almost cracked them.
" Þú ferð fyrst í lækningarsalina, Elinor ", the warrior urged her quietly, " Ég veit að þú þarft ".
Her face set in determination and Elinor knew there was no fighting it so she inclined her head before pulling a sealed scroll from a pouch on her belt.
The king watched as she carefully made her way to stand before him, her injured arm propped once more on her pommel. She gave him a stiff tired bow before extending the scroll to him, fully aware of the slight breach of etiquette.
"Your Majesty".
Thorin hesitantly took the scroll and she stepped back before straightening and turned to follow Lindir towards the healing hall.
She couldn't see Thorin's eyes following her retreating form as she was led away, a curious pang ringing in his heart.
A short while later, Elinor was exhausted as she left the healing hall. Her arm and shoulder had been bandaged after an appalled healer had applied a thick layer of salve onto her flesh after cleaning it. Her nerves were frayed from the pitying glances and prodding questions and she just wanted to bathe and sleep but it would seem rude to not eat supper in her host's halls.
She was dressed down to just her dirty tunic, Agatha following with her gambeson and sword belt in tow. They were following an apprentice healer as she led them back to the courtyard. The afternoon air was pleasant as they walked along before the sound of raucous laughter and splashing intruded.
She spied a fountain with several very naked dwarrow running about, some sitting atop each other's shoulders as they played a grappling game. Some standing on the edges of the fountain to jump in and others leisurely scrubbing at themselves. They were accustomed to communal bathing in the north but she swore that she heard Lindir state that they would have baths ready in their rooms!
Elinor knew that the dwarves held a bitterness for elves but to besmirch their generosity and customs for hospitality made her temper flare into a blaze.
The poor ellith that was escorting them gasped and turned about so quickly that it's a wonder she didn't topple over from dizziness. Elinor could see the poor lass's face and ears were flushed with mortification. She set her jaw and stomped forward with her fists clenched in indignation, all pain momentarily forgotten.
Agatha gave the ellith Elinor's belongings and requested she drop them in their quarters before she followed Elinor into the courtyard just in time for her to start yelling.
" Michty me! Have you all gone DAFT?!"
At the first sound of her scolding screeches the dwarrow froze for but a moment before they all darted about like mice caught in the pantry. The ones out of the fountain, dived into it for cover. The ones in it already, dipped under the water.
All in all, only beet red outraged faces could be seen sputtering over the rim of the large base fountain. Balin had the good grace to look extremely embarrassed.
" Bloody Mahal, woman! "
" Scandalous! "
" What in the -begone!"
Thorin begrudgingly marveled at the sight of this fierce dam, emerald eyes flashing with a look that could simultaneously freeze ice and boil water. Full, berry tinted lips under a dirty face pulled into a displeased frown. From what he could see under the dirt and caked blood she was attractive, in a subtle and exotic way…if he didn't think of her elven descent. Her lack of beard was regretful. But...still pretty. Her fists propped on shapely hips, outer coat removed most likely in the healing halls, leaving her in breeches and a tunic.
A dam in breeches!
He didn't know what to make of that bit of inappropriateness. His heart sped up in his chest once more at just the sight of her but the streaks of orcish blood held his gaze.
"Avert your damned eyes, woman!", Dwalin roared at them. Agatha herself just smirked at him and made a show of roving her eyes over him causing the burly dwarf to blush even more.
"Lord Elrond offered you the comfort of food and beds and you all bathe in his fountain ?! I'm of half a mind to give you all a good smack in the gob for this insult!"
At that, Thorin felt his own temper flare and raised himself enough to point a finger and roar, "You mind your tongue, wench! We'll not be scolded like children. I'm warning you! "
A mask of calm fell over her features before she crossed her arms and leveled a hard fiery glare at him, stepping towards them threateningly a few paces.
"Go on, then. Warn me".
His lips thinned in anger as he growled, wanting nothing more than to throttle her for her audacity but not much could be done with his state of undress. Elinor arched a brow at him and waited, knowing full well he was stuck listening to this stranger upbraid them or expose himself to the women present.
"Aye, thought so. Now if you all are done insulting your host and acting like a buncha damned tumshies ", she snapped and a few dwarves went even redder in the face, several sputtering in indignation, "I'm sure they've prepared your dinner".
With that Elinor turned on her heel and stiffly stomped back toward the main hall. The ellith having waited wide eyed near the entrance, bowed lowly as Elinor barrelled past her, eyeing the scolded dwarves as she followed the little mistress.
"Are you sure that was smart?", Agatha queried, smiling.
"I care not! How unbelievably rude!", she groused back loudly and not caring one bit if they heard.
There was sure to be backlash but at the moment she was too riled to care.
The ellith gratefully escorted them both to their rooms, open spaces filled with elegant furniture and sweet smelling linens. She showed them to another smaller room with a tub, filled with steaming water. The ellith offered to help Elinor disrobe but was waved off by Agatha and soon they were submerged in the warm water and left with a respectful bow.
The golden haired woman's hands were gentle as she helped Elinor wash her body and hair. Her thoughts started to wander unwillingly to that infuriating king. He was rather fit, his muscles thick and ropey, chest and arms lightly dusted with dark hair. His hair...The long tresses looked so full and silky that her hands itched to touch them. He wasn't lacking in physique and his backside was quite pleasant. Thorin had a very majestic look about him, with thin sensual lips and a straight nose. Looking like he was cut from the stone. Overall quite pleasing to the eyes even if his manner was certainly lacking.
"He was rather handsome don't you think?", Agatha commented as her fingers passed through Elinor's hair, "I'd like to rake my fingers down that furry chest!"
Elinor hummed as she gingerly cradled her arm to her torso, "It wasn't that hairy".
The fingers in her hair stilled before a teasing tone was in her ear, "Who were you looking at?"
She felt herself flush a bit before turning her head quickly, "Who were you looking at?"
Agatha shrugged before reclining back into the tub, "The grumpy bald one".
Elinor stared at her for a few moments before letting out a whistle and chuckling, "Good luck with that endeavor".
"The hard to get ones are the best".
They laughed as they finished their bath and wrapped in drying cloths to sit before the fire to help dry their hair. Agatha pulled her knife out to help shear down the short hair on the right side of her head, her precise hands making quick work of the task before brushing off the shorn strands.
Wide toothed combs were used to brush out tangles and Elinor breathed in the sweet smell of tart berries that had tinted the bath oil. It wasn't long before Elinor was seated in her unders and breast band before the fire, freshly braided hair soft and gleaming. All of her beads were back in their proper places and everything was pulled back into a collective tail, tied back with a leather strap. Her skin was pinkened from scrubbing but cleaner than it had been in months. Agatha rubbed a sharp smelling tincture into her shoulder and arm before wrapping them while Elinor worked a salve onto her neck and face. It smelled wonderful and she made a note to ask for a jar when they departed.
A light knock sounded on the door when she was gently running salve coated fingers over and behind her ear. Agatha rose, clad in her unders but otherwise bare and opened the door wide.
A stifled yelp was heard as she was finishing placing her cuffs back on her ears and she turned to see a bashful hobbit. He was standing with his eyes averted and a hand against his face as if to shield his sensibilities as he stammered.
She found one of the light robes left by a servant draped over a low couch and pulled it on.
"Cousin!", she greeted warmly, "Come in".
Hazel eyes cut to her, confusion alight within them, before he shuffled in not looking at Agatha. She just smirked before she went into another room to dress.
His eyes still cut in that direction quite frequently as he walked towards Elinor, like Agatha was going to hop out at him at any given moment to assault his eyes with her breasts again.
"C-cousin?"
"Aye", Elinor flashed a friendly smile at him, "You're a child of Yavanna, are you not? That makes us cousins! Well, in a spiritual way I reckon. But I'm so eager to speak with you as I've never met a hobbit before! What is your name, lad?"
He blinked at her in befuddlement for a moment before stammering out, "Uh….Bilbo. Baggins", giving her a short bow, "At your...service".
Elinor nodded, "Elinor Iron-Axe, at yours. Now, how can I help you?"
She did notice him eyeing her, now that she was clean Elinor was sure she made a sight. Bilbo was doing his best to not linger on her burns, her crooked ear, or just….her in general.
"Just wanted to let you know, ah, dinner….dinner will be ready soon...".
"Oh, aye. We're quite famished, really. I'll gather my companions and be along shortly".
He hesitated for a moment before turning to leave only to reach the door and abruptly stop, facing her once more to add, "Thank you. For what you did"
Elinor tilted her head in question.
"The orcs. I've never seen one so close", Bilbo rushed on, "Quite….terrifying really…"
"Never seen one? Ever? "
"Oh never! Heard tales. Even had a distant relative fight some off before", he offered, his whole demeanor seemed flustered and awkward and made him all the more endearing.
Elinor hummed thoughtfully as Agatha reappeared, clean tunic under her cuirass and the mud knocked off of her boots. Her hair had been rebraided as well, the sun spun locks braided away from her face and left to cascade down her back. A family bead given to her by Elinor was in place as well.
"From where do you hale, halfling?", Agatha queried, arching a sharp brow as she studied him.
Bilbo blinked at her for a moment, "The Shire".
"They've no orcs in this shire?"
"The Shire is guarded by watchful eyes", a voice called from the door and they turned to see Tharkûn in the doorway.
His hands were clasped around his wooden staff as he leaned upon it, his kind eyes twinkling.
A wide smile broke over her face as she moved to hug the old wizard. His arms held her tightly to his torso, her face pressed into him and the height difference always made her laugh.
Tharkûn chuckled himself as he pulled away with a knowing gaze, "I heard you caused quite the commotion at the grand fountains"
She waved him off with a click of her teeth, "Ach! Just dwarrow acting like children!"
His lips pressed together as he tried to suppress his amusement, "I see you've met our Bilbo".
"Yes, we were just talking about his shire".
" The Shire. Only one place hobbits dwell in all of Middle Earth. A truly remarkable place that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to one's soul", Tharkûn simply said before adding, "I'm sure Bilbo and the company of Thorin Oakenshield would love to hear about your home as well".
Elinor blinked at this, shocked and looked over to Agatha. Her face was twisted into a confused scowl, her sharp brows pulled tight.
"His majesty...he doesn't already know?", Elinor queried haltingly.
Bilbo's eyes darted around among them as Tharkûn sighed heavily before he spoke.
"I've had suspicions that Dáin Ironfoot's been keeping that knowledge to himself".
Elinor gaped, "But we've been sending supplies to divide amongst the dwarven strongholds as a gesture of goodwill for-," she sputtered, "-for years!"
"Quite a bit if I remember", Tharkûn agreed, lips pursed thoughtfully.
Bilbo's brows lowered in thought before adding quickly with a hint of hesitation, "Thorin said that Dáin refused to help on this quest. Said it was his own".
Her jaw fell in shock, "Indeed?"
He nodded, "Heard it myself when Thorin arrived at my smial".
She could feel Agatha's eyes on her as she felt a cold anger settle in her belly. The hobbit had no reason to lie.
"If I may speculate", Tharkûn interjected, "I believe that Dáin has been... advised to withhold by others".
What was Dáin up to? I bet this is that gobshite Farki's doing! Why hadn't he made good on his word to send half of the raw materials given in good faith to the king? Supplies provided for the good of the dwarven people in their time of need from much devastation!
"I'm sorry, my dear", Tharkûn offered calmly, "Had I known I would have spoken with him sooner".
Elinor nodded absently, "Aye, I know you would've. We've tarried long enough while supper awaits. I'll be but a moment".
She left them all to dress, Agatha asking questions of the hobbit lad. Tharkûn's low chuckle was heard as she closed the door to the washroom, her mind racing.
She would need to send a letter to the high council….to her father.
Her father….
Elinor had been on many an excursion from their stronghold but this was by far the longest and there was still a long time on it yet. She missed him and hoped...
She suddenly inhaled deeply.
No! Not right now.
Firmly putting her thoughts aside, Elinor dressed quickly in her spare breeches and tunic, careful of her bound shoulder. Her gambeson went over it, the fur around the collar caressing her skin as she deftly worked with the straps of her wide belt. She passed over her sword belt and grabbed the piece of banner her father had given her. She slung one end over her right shoulder, grabbing the tails to secure down low on her left hip, making a loop of it and securing it with a simple brooch. Her dragon bone dagger hung from her belt and the hilt provided her with a little support for her right hand to prop on. Elinor's thumb rubbed over her the band of her signet ring on her right forefinger, a habit of hers when she was nervous or her mind preoccupied.
Elinor took one last glance in the looking glass, much clearer here as the quality was superior. She looked….like herself. Brazen hair braided, the shorn side clean, clothes shaken and aired from being packed away. She didn't know what the other company would make of her though. Her face, previously covered in filth, was now clear and showed a few scars. She was riddled with them but that wouldn't deter her. Barring the incident earlier, she wanted to make a good impression. She was clean, primped, and dressed sharply. They shouldn't be able to find anything wrong with her appearance.
A short while later they were escorted into an open air dining hall with the others. Dea was openly gawking before they even entered the hall. Lord Elrond and the king sat at a round table at the head of the hall and Tharkûn made his way up to sit with them.
The dwarves of the king's company were seated at a long table to the left, a few elves hovering as they served them. They quieted when Elinor entered and sent more than a few pink cheeked glares her way. She involuntarily felt herself stand taller, chin tipping proudly upwards. Balin caught her eye and offered her a little wave and her face softened a bit before she was shown to a seat at a table on the opposite side of the room.
They were all settling into their seats when the large balding dwarf called out to Rhosyn. He paused after glancing in their direction, eyes silently asking her permission.
"Mi'lady?"
Elinor's eyes cut to the other dwarves as she was facing them, taking in their curious (suspicious) faces, before nodding to Rhosyn.
He stood back up, giving her a slight bow before meandering over towards the other table. She noted a few older dwarves stood to greet him before a plate was placed in front of her with a goblet of wine.
Elinor eyed the food, an assortment of green leafs with a few sliced vegetables mixed in. She discreetly glanced at the other plates and noticed a distinct lack of meats which….was unusual . She didn't know of any elves that excluded meat from their diets but she didn't want to seem an ungrateful guest so she lifted the dainty fork and proceeded to eat her dinner. Agatha and the others had been observing her out of the corners of their eyes but quietly sighed and followed her lead, munching on the surprisingly delicious greens.
The meal wasn't unpleasant and the wine was wonderful. Elinor knew they had plenty of smoked meats and lembas bread in their travel packs to eat and could do so before bed. Rhosyn was talking animatedly with a few of the dwarrow across the room, their laughter hearty and loud.
She also noticed that while there was music, the bards seemed to play rather closely to the other table. Almost in an overtly harassing manner as she spied the flute player dipping closely to them several times. Her eyes shot to Lord Elrond and she was surprised to see him already observing her and he offered a quick wink with a smirk that he was failing to hold back. Elinor felt a small smile curl her lips before she felt eyes on her. She took a sip of wine and used the moment to look about before noticing the king gazing at her. His face was composed but his brows were slightly furrowed, like he was trying to figure out a puzzle. Her eyes connected with his and they stayed that way for a long moment before he broke away to turn his attention to Lord Elrond.
"Is the wine to your liking, my lady?", a russet haired ellon queried next to her politely, "It's one of our oldest. Aged in oak barrels, it provides for an exquisite wine with distinct blackberry, wild cherry, plum and cinnamon notes".
Agatha grumbled under her breath but Elinor spoke over her in a cheery voice. The northern warriors were never a people that cared for wines, preferring hearty meads and ales. But that didn't mean that Elinor didn't appreciate them. She had a weakness for wine and it's many lovely variations.
"Aye, my lord. This wine is marvelous!", she replied truthfully, raising her glass, "Tis truly delightful".
The elf gifted her a genuine smile for her praise and she saw such a sharp glance from the king that it could have cut glass.
"I could use a good rye. Nice and cool, you know?", Hadvar deeply lamented with a forlorn sigh, thick red brows bowed.
The russet haired ellon was quick to offer, "Shall I have some sent up from the cellar? We have an exceptional Rohirrim Rye".
"Nay, no wish to bother", Hadvar waved him off gently but the ellon called to a servant to bring them some anyway.
Elinor could see the other dwarves shuffling the food on their plates before pushing them away with disgusted faces. Some were tossing food about much to the horror of the hobbit and hers as well and she fought to keep her face from showing her disgust.
Their manners were truly appalling .
The big one with a bald top and large arms was full-on turned around in his chair, openly watching them with a hand propped on his knee.
She gave a deep sigh and turned towards the ellon, begrudgingly imposing upon a request.
Dwalin was turned in his chair and eyed the strange dam across the room as she carried on with some elf.
Clearly not bothered to rub elbows, that one.
The younger dam with them was clearly of mixed descent as well though not of an elven one. She was interesting, for sure. Pale hair and skin with amber eyes but had a stout look about her, strong arms.
The human female…..a warrior. She held herself as much but such nonsense wasn't heard of. At least not commonly. Women were made for the hearth and to protect. Not out there in the midst of a skirmish. Especially their womenfolk. Dwarven women were treasured due to lower numbers of the population.
But…
Dwalin had to admit, at least to himself, his heart had skipped quite a bit when the golden haired warrior plunged into the fray earlier. He was completely preoccupied with keeping their company safe when he spotted her charging in, shield braced to bash her enemies. Her sharp brows pulled into a fierce expression as she cut down her foes with her short axe, hair loose and flying save for a few braids.
The wee dam was competent with a weapon as well, working in tandem with Rhosyn to tackle orcs.
The male with them, older. A massive seasoned warrior that would make any man shake a bit in his boots. He was mostly silent but what Dwalin heard he spoke with the same accent as the female warrior. And earlier, they spoke to the redhead in a different language. Not Westeron.
The redhead. Of mixed elven and dwarven descent. She had scarring on her skin that he could see. Looked to be claw marks. Maybe some burns. She was a damned good archer, he'd give her that. He'd been supremely impressed with her precision as he watched her lay many an orc low. She held herself well too. Like a noblewoman.
Balin had said her father had been a soldier at Erebor. So no noble blood there. But she seemed well appraised and knowledgeable of etiquette and decorum.
Balin and the others were carrying on with Rhosyn, none having seen the dwarrow in many years. Carrying on about living in the wastes. A city that held not only dwarves but other races as well. There was a time back, Dwalin could remember a lot of the common dwarves leaving. Thorin and Balin had thought they'd left to go to the Iron Hills but apparently they were mistaken. Rhosyn weaved some grand tales of cohabitation with the other races to build a home for themselves but Dwalin was skeptical. Rhosyn told them they had no nobles to govern but a council of elders and selected wardens. Fili and Kili were listening with rapt attention, Ori asking questions rapid fire with a scholar's determination.
Living with elves! Bah!
Dwalin could see Fili's eyes flick over to the other table often, more likely than not to study the wee dam. A quick glance Thorin's way showed his eyes wandering that way as well.
"Rhoysn, tell us about your friends", Dwalin gruffed, leaning onto the table and determined to glean as much information as he could.
The table went quiet at that, all of them seeming to lean in a bit and the wizened dwarf's brows went up. Dwarves were as curious a lot as they were a suspicious one.
"Well", he scratched his beard as he took them in, "The man's a good sort, Hadvar Stone-Fist. Couldn't ask for a better friend or warrior at your back. Can grapple a damn bear with his bare hands! His mate's an elven healer in our hold".
There were a few brows that went up at that, some looking mildly disgusted. Rhosyn just shrugged his shoulders in a offhanded manner.
"Many of the elves in our city have gone a bit...wild so to speak. Certainly a lot less uptight and decorous that you're used to, I'm sure".
More than a few disbelieving scoffs were heard before Rhosyn continued.
"The lass with golden hair is Agatha Battle-Born. Descendant of warriors in Forodwaith. Served in our battalions for several seasons now and goes on supply caravans a couple times a year when we're able. Can drink as much as any two of you put together", he stated with a twinkle in his eye pulling a few chuckles.
" Oi! Stop that shite boasting!", Bofur laughed, smacking the table and others cheering as well. Bilbo laughed a little nervously at their boisterous behavior.
" I can out drink any of you on your best day! ", Kili stood to proclaim before many hands grabbed him to pull him back into his seat.
Rhosyn clapped him on the back, "Not a doubt in my mind, laddie", he nodded to the younger dam, "The lass is Dea Stronghammer, skilled warrior given her youth. Father is a dwarf, mum was a north woman. Unusual but can't help who's your One. Dea's a master blacksmith as well. Not the dainty stuff either. Swords and armor's her niche. She can bend black metal like few I've seen. Just came of age a few years ago".
Dwalin saw Fili's face light up with this information though he tried to hide it. There was a slight tension building up at the table and Dwalin knew Rhosyn could feel it as well so he went ahead and addressed it.
Dwalin's gaze cut across the room to where the redhead wench was talking to an elf and gesturing curiously in their direction.
"And the other one?"
The older dwarf seemed to contemplate his answer, pulling a deep breath in through his nose.
"Elinor Iron-Axe. Her father is Nargu Iron-Axe, former soldier of Erebor and Dwarven ealdorman of Hammerdeep. She is also one of the few selected to be a wardeness of our people."
Dwalin and a few others hummed at that. So not noble in the traditional sense, but held a high rank in their region.
"Unparalleled archer and tracker, smart as a whip and a temper as sharp as horseradish if you test her ire. She's a loyal and honorable, lass. As many could attest. In line to succeed her father actually".
A few faces fell into scandalized outrage at that.
"You'd follow a dam?", Oin questioned in a scandalized whisper, more than a few heads nodding in agreement.
Rhosyn confidently stated, "Aye, I would. In the north, our daughters are no less inferior to our sons. We need every person to pull their weight and many hands make a light load. She's proven her capabilities many times over to our people".
Dori just shook his head in bewilderment, whisper laced with an uncertain tone, "A woman leading. I-I just can't see it".
"Aye. But I see it", Rhosyn added, "And I'm not alone. That woman has something as rare in the north as a warm breeze. Patience".
A silence fell over the table as they pondered this for a moment before a deep voice cut in.
"You keep saying 'our people'. Are we not your people? Have you no loyalty to the crown?"
Thorin had silently walked up on their conversation, listening and gathering information. His dark eyes were trained upon the older dwarf with chilly distrust but the dwarrow seemed unbothered by his growing ire.
"I believe that you can set out to make a new life for yourself while also honoring your old one. Hammerdeep has long since passed being some small hamlet or town. We're large and many...and offering you aid with hopes to strengthen ties to the southern kingdoms".
Thorin's face hardened a bit as his brows pinched.
"And yet this is the first I've heard of a thriving community of dwarves outside of the Blue Mountains or the Iron Hills", Thorin growled, the table eerily quiet, "Are we to just take your word? We've received no oaths of fealty, promises of allegiance, or gestures of goodwill from your people ".
Before he'd finished, Rhosyn's face twisted in confusion.
"Hammerdeep has been sending gifts to you fo-for nigh on fifty years when we cross the wastes. That's at least twice a year. Gifts of gold, gems, armor and weapons. Not to mention ingots and ore of dalvinite that we mine from our mountain!"
"No such pledges have been received nor heard of by any here", Thorin continued, his voice hard and eyes flinty, "And living among the other races. How can you call yourselves dwarves and still abide living amongst them?"
"Because sometimes to thrive, differences make the difference. We're our own and are beholden to none but ourselves".
Thorin's shoulders tensed and he felt a slight flush color his face as he took in the faces of his company, faces that were pulled tight with wide eyes. Poor Bilbo and Balin looked downright mortified.
His features hardened as he turned to look upon her, face blank and cool as polished stone. Her own mirrored his as she studied his features, searching for any deceptions. Her comrades and Tharkûn had walked over as well leaving Elrond to watch quietly from his seat. Now that she was bathed and redressed in clean attire, Thorin could take her in better.
Crisp gambeson and tunic, wide belt with a dagger and worn boots. Arm once more propped on the hilt of a weapon. Lips that were just full enough with high cheekbones and emerald eyes that held his steadily. She had a strong jaw and thick brazen hair on most of her head, glancing at the shorn strands and braids with a mixture of beads. Now that it was washed and not full of orc blood and gore, he found himself hard pressed to keep his fingers still. He wanted to see if her flaming locks were as soft as they looked but suppressed the urge, his hands fisting. Her emerald orbs dipped to his hands for a moment before meeting and holding his own eyes once more.
His eyes stopped their tracking as they lingered on her smattering of scars, one near her eyebrow and claw marks on her chin and neck. The burnt flesh curling her neck and ear, creeping a bit across the right of her jaw. There was something that niggled at the back of Thorin's mind but escaped his grasp, like mist at the dawn.
The dam's eyes were crystalline, a vibrant hue of green as she seemed to settle on some conclusion. Her jaw tightened and her eyes flicked towards Bilbo, her hand clenching the hilt of her dagger so hard her knuckles whitened.
Her gaze lingered on Bilbo for a moment before it lowered to the floor.
"So it's true", came out tersely before she took a calming breath, "I….apologize...for my outburst earlier, m'lords".
Thorin blinked, thrown from her apology for a moment. An 'outburst' was a gross understatement. Had someone from such a low born family talked to him such a way before, he'd have had them flogged within an inch of their life. And other than his sister, no other dam had ever dared to speak to him in such tones let alone look like she was ready to lay hands upon him. He felt some tension bleed from him and he let out a small sigh, feeling some strange need to appease her.
"There's no need for apologies", he started lowly, "I understand that you must be exhausted and might be a bit short tempered from your time on the road as dams tend to be".
Balin and Bilbo winced and just his eyes as Rhosyn coughed. A few others were looking at Thorin with pitying glances. Elinor's brow furrowed at the implication before smoothing once more.
"Master Lindir, I'm in need of some parchment and a sharp quill. If it's no trouble of course", she commented to the elf who'd trailed after her from across the room. Hadvar and Rhosyn shared a quick meaningful glance.
A worried one.
"Your grace, I leave you to your dinner".
Elinor gave a formal bow, stepping back a pace before turning to be escorted out of the hall by that stiff backed elf. Thorin saw him reach a hand to her shoulder to direct her towards another elf to take her away and he felt a sudden spark of anger swell in him that quickly confused him.
Rhosyn gave a heavy sigh and left them to catch up to her, hissing as he went.
" Mistress!"
The younger dam and the warriors stayed as the other elf stood by the door and Tharkûn returned to his seat with a heavy sigh.
Dwalin watched as Thorin turned to return to the table, face tight with a scowl, before he eyed the three outsiders. The golden haired warrior was eyeing him, a smirk on her lips that unsettled him. He sent a glare her way before turning back around only to be confronted with Fili making damn moon eyes at the wee dam.
The next he knew, Bofur he climbed up onto the table to start singing a little tune. The other dwarves cheered him on and threw bread and bits of their dinner at him, pounding their fists upon the table. Bilbo sighed and hung his head but Agatha and Hadvar exclaimed and threw their hands up.
" Revels! "
They sat at the end of the dwarves' low table and clapped their hands in rhythm, earning more cheers from the rowdy bunch. Fili tried to motion to the younger lass to sit near him and Kili but she just blushed and sat next to the flaxen haired warrior. The disappointment rolled over Fili's face, earning a good ribbing from Kili as he laughed at his brother.
Dwalin just sighed and rolled his eyes, taking a large pull of his surprisingly good drink. Damned elves had good taste for sure...but he'd never admit aloud.
OH MY GOD WHAT DO YOU THINK?
*Channeling Inside Out's Sadness as I slowly slide to the floor into a puddle of anxiety*
I swing back and forth on deleting all the time -.-