Bold is the faye Language, Italics are thoughts. This chapter does have mature themes in it.
Everyone started forward. Bilbo, Lirielle, and Gandalf were the last ones to head forward. Lirielle eyes looked up at him. He regarded her as she started to move forward. He looked down at her ankle. He could see blood starting to drip onto the ground. It was unwise to do what they just did on her leg then running on it did not help matters at all.
"Are you alright," Gandalf whispered.
"I'm in pain. It is a blessing and a curse you are leading this way. But know this he will not be happy," Lirielle spat heading forward quietly.
"You are strong enough to help him," Gandalf muttered under his breath moving to lead the group.
Lirielle moves forward closing her eyes every so often trying to think away the pain. Fili placed his arm around her middle when he noticed her falling behind.
"There is an open part up a head you can rest there," Fili told her concern.
"I'm fine Fili thank you though," Lirielle told him.
Fili nodded as they round the bend by a small waterfall not believing her. It opened to the view of Rivendell. Lirielle let out a sigh of relief as she saw it. She leaned against the stone wall breathing the pain away. It had been a year since she last laid eyes on it. Thorin bang his ax down as he noticed where they were at.
"The Valley of Imladris, in the common tongue, is known by another name," Gandalf said moving behind them.
"Rivendell," Bilbo muttered.
"Here lies the last homely house east of the sea," Lirielle said moving from the wall that she was leaning against.
Thorin looked at her for a moment. He noticed that something was off in her. She was bent over panting still. Fili stood very close to her his hands ready to help her. He looked to Gandalf. He stocked over to him.
"This was your plan all along. To seek refuge with our enemy," Thorin said.
"You have no enemies here Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to found in this valley is that which you bring yourself," Gandalf told him.
"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us," Thorin said.
"Of course, they will. But we have questions that need answering. If we are to be successful, this need to be handled with tact and respect and no small degree of charm," Gandalf said. He looked over to Lirielle as she stood up straight pushing the pain to the back of her mind for the moment. She looked over to Gandalf. Thorin looked at him with respect and understanding. "Which is why you will leave the talking to me or Liri," Gandalf said.
"Lirielle," Thorin questioned.
"As she, I'm sure, has told you she was saved by elves. She knows their language. She would be welcomed in any of the homely houses, including those in the undying lands. And if the worst should happen, she knows the ways out of Imladris. Maybe even better than me," Gandalf told him.
Lirielle looked over to Gandalf. She knew he had a plan as to why she was needed on this quest. Why did she have a feeling it would be her part soon? She made to move and near falling, Fili caught her before she could do so. He gave her a look. Thorin moved over to her. He placed a steadying hand on her back.
"Oin" Thorin called motioning for Oin to come over.
Oin came over and started to look her over. He presses on her ribs and her face contorts in pain. She moves away from both of them quickly. She knew they would have no clue how to cure the fire healing that she had done to her leg. It had taken Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel weeks to figure it out. All the while she healed like a normal burn wound and was in pain. She was young than it was when she just happen to be learning to use a sword. She did it thinking nothing of it thinking that they would know the fayes way of healing and she would be good as new.
"It's bruised ribs from the trolls dropping me and running with them. I'm alright," Liri reassured.
She looked at Thorin giving him a small smile as he moved closer to her again. He accepted her explanation. He returned the smile before allowing Gandalf to lead them down. Gandalf watches how protective Thorin was over Lirielle. He stayed close to her as they made their way down to the entrance weeks.
They all spread out looking around. Lirielle stepped closer to Gandalf. He looked down at her. She raised her eyebrows. Thorin stood muttering with Dwalin. Bilbo looked to be the only one happy to be there. Fili looked over the edge of the bridge. Lirielle moved slightly to stop him from falling over the edge as Lindir opened the gates. He spied Lirielle among them. He was shocked that she did not just enter like she normally would. Thorin motioned for her to come closer noticing the elf. Lirielle did as he bid knowing it was better to not argue with now. Her eyes lock with Thorin's eyes.
"Mithrandir," Lindir said descending the steps.
"Ah Lindir," Gandalf greeted.
Lirielle went to move forward to Lindir when she noticed him. But she was pulled back by Thorin who stood near Dwalin. She gave him a look when he heard him mutter to Dwalin to stay sharp.
"Lastannem i athrannedh i Vruinen" Lindir said to Gandalf
"I must speak with Lord Elrond" Gandalf said.
"My lord Elrond is not here" Lindir answered.
"Not here? Where is he?" Gandalf asked himself.
An Elvish horn sounded as elves rode in on horseback. Thorin yelled out a Khuzdul command. The dwarves pulled her into the center of the group with the weapons on their guard. Lirielle growled as one of the dwarves knocked her leg. She was in the center of the group near Bilbo. She was right behind Thorin. Her eyes found Lord Elrond's eyes.
"Lord Elrond, Mellonnen! Mo evínedh?" Gandalf asked.
"Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui. Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin. Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders something or someone has drawn them here" Elrond said dismounting greeting Gandalf and handing Lindir the blade.
"That may have been us," Gandalf replied
Thorin moved forward. Lord Elrond looked to him and then to the company.
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain," Elrond greeted him.
"I don't believe we have met" Thorin replied.
"You have your grandfather's bearing I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain," Elrond explained.
"Indeed? He made no mention of you," Thorin replied coldly.
Elrond looked at Thorin. Lirielle moved forward the dwarves tried to push her back. Dwalin put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. She moved her shoulder pushing him off. She came to stand beside Thorin. She smiled at Lord Elrond, the man that was like a second father to her. Elrond looked at her he eyed her up and down. It had been a year since he last saw her.
"Gi suilon Táriel Lirielle," Elrond started.
"Gi Suilon Lord Elrond" Lirielle said with ease.
Elrond looked beyond her to the other dwarves. Thorin pushed her behind him. He looked back at her with a hard look. She bowed her head to him. The pain was starting to get to her. Lord Elrond replied then in Elvish to Thorin and the group. Gloin started to ask if he offered them an insult. Lirielle started to mutter in the fayes language. Elrond nearly laughed at that he knew what she said.
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves. Gloin he is offering you food and rooms," Lirielle snapped as the pain in her leg gotten worst the longer, she stood on it.
The dwarves started to talk amounts each other. Before, they all looked to Thorin for what he wanted to do. Thorin nodded his head. Thorin started forward keeping Lirielle near him. He hated hearing her speak the elvish with ease.
"Alright then lead on," Gloin replied.
Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir were showing company their quarters for the night. All the company was given rooms near her old room. She was sure it was Lord Elrond who picked up on the protective nature of the relationship between Lirielle and the rest of the company. Lirielle was trying to breathe through the pain coursing through her leg, but it was getting hard to do so. She knew in her gut she had to do it; it would have given wargs something to track if she didn't do it, but she was now regretting her decision. Using the flames to stop the bleeding came at a price. Fili and Kili were shown their rooms which were two hallways away from Lirielle's old room. Leaving just Thorin and Lirielle with Elladan and Elrohir. They reach two rooms near each other one Lirielle knew very well was hers. Elladan opened the door to Thorin's room.
"Right this way, Lord Thorin" Elladan said.
Thorin looked back at her. She looked at him with an understanding look. She knew he did not want to leave her alone with the elves. He did not trust them in the least.
"I will be fine, Thorin" Lirielle softly said her voice trailing off at the end.
Something in the way her voice trailed off did not sit well with Thorin. He moved closer to her in time for her to fall against his chest. Her eyes rolled back into her head as her body went completely limp. His arms automatically lifted her off the ground cradling her in his arms. Her head was resting on his shoulder. Elladan and Elrohir looked very worried about her passing out. They quickly opened the other door. After all, she was raised like their sister.
"This way hurry" Elrohir stated.
Thorin walked into the room that was fit for a queen. There was a large bed that rest in the center of one of the walls. Dressers and bookcases were lining the wall along with a vanity with a large mirror. There was a balcony that overlooked a waterfall. Thorin gently laid her on the bed. As he did so, he noticed what looked like blood leaking from holes in her pants leg by the ankle of her left leg. He grabbed a hold of the fabric ripping it. It exposed her leg to her knee. Her leg was blackening like it was burnt. It was bright red around the blackened skin that was still oozing blood. He pulled off her boot to reveal more of the wound.
How in the world was she able to walk? Thorin thought.
Elladan and Elrohir took one look at the wound before running to get Elrond and the healer. They had seen a wound like that before. Thorin closed his eyes taking her hand in his. Lirielle weakly opened her eyes barely parting them.
"You'll be alright 'ibinê (my gem)" Thorin said softly.
She had to be for his heart and mind to go on the rest of this quest. She did not deserve this. Thorin started to quickly realize that he loves her and that she was his one. She squeezed his hand as if reading his mind.
Shortly after that Thorin was pushed from the room when the healer and Elrond arrived. They instantly started to work on her leg. He saw her weakly open her eyes looking at him before turning her attention to Elrond.
"I told you child never to do that!" Elrond reprimanded her like a father does a wayward child.
"It's better than bleeding out" Lirielle replied softly.
Thorin was shocked to hear the worried note in Elrond's voice. And the way he pushed her hair from her forehead in a loving fathering matter. Before, the door slammed shut closing them inside and him outside.
Hours later Thorin walked into the dining hall where the rest of the dwarves and Bilbo were at. There was no news on Lirielle condition which did not sit well with him. He sat down by Dwalin who was sitting next to Balin. Gandalf, he found out, was summoned by the healer to Lirielle room that was two hours ago. He sat debating what to do about Lirielle. Part of him did not want her to continue this quest that already caused her bodily harm. But the other part of him did not want to be parted from her.
A sudden gasp filled the room. Thorin looked around the room each face of the company was looking at the doorway. He turned and looked at the doorway Lirielle entered but not far behind her were Gandalf and Elrond. Her rich ruby locks had the braids that Fili and Kili braided into her were out. Her hair was now mostly down two pieces were twisted back revealing her pointed ears and keeping a circlet in place. The elven crown was a mixture of thin golden swirls and silver swirls holding an amethyst in the center of her forehead much more elaborative than the ones the other elves minus Elrond were wearing. None of the other hair pieces had gems in them. She was dressed like a princess. She wore a soft purple gown that had a scoop neckline and long bell sleeves It had tucked at her waist and then float to the floor. It fit her like a glove. It was clear it had been made just for her. The heart of fire was displayed at the top of the gown. She looked every bit of a queen for any man, elf, or dwarf for that matter. Thorin rose from his seat. All the dwarves rose from their seats as Thorin did. Thorin walked over to her offering her his arm. She smiled taking his arm. As she passed the dwarves bowed their heads and stayed standing. She looked over to Thorin; he looked down at her and their joined arms. They approach an empty chair next to where he was sitting. He paused letting go of her arm and pulling out the chair for her. She smiled at him and slightly bowed her head as she took the seat. Dwalin was across from her. Once she was seated, they all sat down in their chairs.
"My lady," Dwalin said bowing his head slightly.
"Master Dwalin," Lirielle answered
"You certainly clean up nice," Fili commented bumping her shoulder with his own. He was the other side of her.
"You look like lass," Kili joked
"Well, I am a girl, Kili" Lirielle laughed.
The supper commences the dwarves, Bilbo and Lirielle were conversing like nothing ever happened. Elrond looked over at them in shock he had never seen Lirielle so at ease with anyone. Gandalf followed his eyes as they noticed her subtly nudging Thorin causing him to look at her. He took her hand with a slight smile. Kili was commenting about elf females. She did all that she could do not to laugh when he talked about one of the band members that she knew as male.
"That not an elf maiden," Dwalin stated with laughter in his voice.
"His name is Rainion, Kili." Lirielle laughed.
"Hiril vuin Táriel Lirielle? (My lady Queen Lirielle?)" Rainion questioned.
Rainion came near her at the sound of her saying his name. It was much too close for Thorin's taste. She squeezed his hand and smiled over at Thorin reassuring him. Before, she turned her head to address Rainion.
"Uhunc ylf ernedui, Rainion (He drank too many cups of drink, Rainion)" Lirielle answered fluidly.
Rainion nodded his head. She looked at all the dwarves for a moment taking a bit of her dinner. Balin's eyes looked at her with a slight bow of her head. She knew that he knew what Rainion called her.
"I was raised here part of the time after Smaug. I know Elvish; Khuzdul, and the common tongue as well as the Faye language that few understood." Lirielle explained meeting each member of the company eyes.
Later, Lirielle sat overlooking it on the balcony of her room. Bilbo sat near her asking her questions about Imladris. Once he realized she was raised here he had many questions. He quickly realized why she had such impeccable manners. The rest of the company was training. Thorin approached the room. Lirielle turned to look at him before turning back to the waterfall.
"Thorin," Lirielle greeted.
"Lady Liri, I'll leave you," Bilbo said.
"I will see you later, Bilbo, I'm sure you come up with more questions by then," Lirielle said.
Lirielle sat looking at the pool for a little while longer. She knew Thorin would not stay here long. She knew that neither could she. This was the closest thing to home she had since that fateful day. One of her twists started to fall out. They always did. She blamed it on her unruly hair. She was tucking pieces of her hair behind her ears. She held the crown in her hands. She heard the door close.
"Thorin," Lirielle said turning to look at him but not moving from her spot.
"I know they don't give those to just anyone," Thorin stated indicating the crown in her lap.
Lirielle looked at the crown in her hands then back at him. She patted the spot next to her on the bench. Thorin sat down next to her.
"You're right," Lirielle whispered placing the crown in his hands. Thorin looked down at the crown in his hands. Lirielle looked over to the waterfall lost in its beauty. "So, you come to learn my last piece of the puzzle that is me, right?" Lirielle continued
Lirielle turned and looked at Thorin with tears in her eyes. Thorin looked at her his temper was raising when he realized she lied to him.
"So, you are an elven princess?" Thorin asked near yelling.
"In a way, I guess. I was raised here raised with Lord Elrond's children: Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen. Balin knows; I'm truly shocked he has not told you yet. You are royalty and so am I. You see, My father was the king, and I was his heir," Lirielle revealed to him. Thorin regard her as she steeled her core to tell him the rest. The tears that were in her eyes early now started to trail down her face. As she remembered that day like it was yesterday. She turned and looked Thorin in the eye. "It was my coronation celebration when Smaug attacked. Meaning I am or rather I was queen at that point. I do not call myself one because what's the point? I have no kingdom; I have no people. It is better that I'm Lirielle the last of the fayes. Then it is to be Queen Lirielle Lossëhelin, Queen of Avalonilona, the fayes and last of them."
"Your children surely will be part faye; you're a queen," Thorin said softly his temper coming down.
He now had a deeper understanding of her. She truly was his one, Mahul he knew that now. He could not see himself with any lass for many moons. But now with her before him looking very much like a tiny elf with her hair in rich ruby color hanging down her back. He never had more desire for her than he did now. When she first answered the door at the hobbit's hole their eyes met, and he felt a deep pain in his chest; he would have sworn Liri was a lad. But seeing her in that waterfall; now he could not see how he was so blind.
"No, not at all my children may take on some of my traits but they will be whatever race my husband is; be it human, elf, or dwarf. And yes, I'm a dornessiti (Queen) forgive me if I'm butchering your language, it has been a long while since I had to speak it at length."
"You did not," Thorin answered
His eyes locked on a piece of her hair that had fallen out from behind her ear. Now hearing her answer and her response in his native tongue spark a part of him he thought long since lost. He reached into his jacket pocket pulling a small bead that he carried with him since Erebor.
"May I?" Thorin asked.
Lirielle nodded her head and turned her body, so she was sitting with her back to him. His hands started to daftly braid her hair tightly. He finally secured the two braids that hung in front of her ears one with a small bead. The other braid he crisscrossed across the back of her head until it met in a twisted braid. Finally, he placed the crown that rested on his lap and placed it back on her head. She turned and looked at him with light from the moon dancing in her eyes. He pressed his lips to her lips. It was soon a passion-filled kiss. His hands started exploring the curves of her body that were now very much present in the way she was dressed. She moaned into his mouth as his hands rubbed over her nipples. Her hands over their own accord traveled to the back of his head. They pulled away his hand resting on her chin. He leaned forward kissing her on the corner of her mouth before trailing kisses down her neck. His bread tickled her cheek. Pulled his head up and kissed her again with such fire. Soon they were lost in the passion of the kisses and caresses. They stood up still locked in a kiss his hands were locked around her hips. She hopped up and wrapped her leg around his waist. He caught her easily and carried her into the bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed. He stood before she smiled up at him beaconing him into her arms. He picked up one of her dainty feet removing the slipper from it. His eyes eyed the leg and ankle where there should be a large bruise and burnt mark. It was completely back to soft unmarred skin.
"How?" Thorin asked softly before kissing her ankle.
Lirielle sat up looking at him her hands reaching up to pull him down on top of her. Thorin complied with her will. She kissed him again filled with passion. She locked her hands around his neck tangling with long dark hair. She pulled away from the kiss moving her lips near his ear.
"Faye magic, we heal differently. I can heal others like that." Lirielle whispered in his ear before playfully biting down on his earlobe.
Thorin growled with passion as he flipped her, so she was on top of him. His hands settled on her hip. He slowly pulled the gown off her body as her hands slowly started to remove his outer coat.
Soon she sat on top of him with nothing but the heart of fire in the valley of her breast. Her elvish crown was discarded on the floor by the bed.
Mahul! she was beautiful. Thorin thought.
Her flame-like hair in the braids he placed in them was on full display. Her fingers played with his chest hairs that dance over the planes of his chest. The bruises that once litter her body were long gone. She leaned down kissing him with a fire-like passion. The Heart of fire did not burn him as it burned the trolls. He quickly flipped onto her back in a dominant kiss as he removed his small clothes. His hand found her core. She was wet his fingers stretching her. She moaned into his mouth. He removed his fingers from her core. They were both panting as he pressed his manhood into her folds. He captured her lips again in passion and lust-filled kiss and growled into the kiss before joining them. She cried out as they become one as her fingers clawed at his back. He felt something give way inside of her. He stilled looking down at her eyes. Tears were gazing her long lashes. She is pure or rather she was pure until he joined them. He looked down at her in shock. She moved her hips trying to stop the pain. Mahul what had he done, why didn't she say anything about being a maid? He stayed still as she adjusted to him. As she started to move her hips to meet his hips the fire in both built. Soon they were lost in passionate sex not caring about what was to come after.
Thorin awoke much later with a weight on his chest. The light of sun rays came spilling through the window. He opened his eyes looking around the room as what happen slowly came back to him. He looked down to see Lirielle asleep peacefully on his chest. He could not help himself but kiss the top of her head. She looked peaceful. Her flame-like curls danced down her nude back. He slowly gently, as he could, placed her head on a pillow. He sat up reach down pulling on his blue tunic. Moments later, Lirielle hands her wrapped around his middle causing him to sigh. Her nude body was pressed flush against his back. He took her hand from his chest kissing the top of it. He knew she could not continue this quest.
"You are not coming with us," Thorin told her.
"Yes I am," Lirielle argued.
Thorin turned and looked at her. She moved away from him. She had a slight limp as she moved. She pulled on a tunic and her small clothes before pulling on her pants. She was not the least bit afraid of him. There was a hurt look in her eyes that he even suggested that she stay here. Thorin rose from the bed making his way over to her. He kissed her softly pulling her to his chest.
"Hammer and Stone I'm trying to protect you 'ibinê (my gem)," Thorin growled at her.
"I don't need your protection. I never asked for it. I agreed to go on this quest knowing it could cost me my life. Mahul and Valar have a funny sense of humor it seems. They place the only person who ever temps me on the same quest as their leader. A king a match for a queen…" Lirielle trailed off. She looked into his eyes he saw a loving fire in her eyes. He knew he could not leave her here, but he knew it was for the best. Once Erebor was claimed he would send for her to be his queen. He weaved courting braids in her hair not wanting anyone to touch her. "I want to help you give you back your home Melhekhul (My King)," Lirielle told him.
"Staying here in your home will be safer. You were injured. I cannot let you go, knowing you can be hurt. You need to stay here in your home," Thorin tried.
"My home," Lirielle laughed for a moment. Her peridot eyes met Thorin's eyes. He did not see what was funny. She had a fiery temper-filled look in her eyes returned to her eyes. He knew that she would not stay here without a fight. "My home is near Erebor. Just beyond the lands of Dol Guldor, if you want me to go home I will," Lirielle told him.
Thorin thought about what she said for a moment. That was not what he wanted to hear. If she did not come with them, she would head to her home on her own. That was not going to happen the dangers she would face alone.
"Mizimelûh (my jewel of jewels) you are not going make this easy are you," Thorin muttered resting his forehead against her.
"I love you," Lirielle told him and kiss him softly.
Thorin returned the kiss. He did not know what she said to him. But he knew it was something special by the look in her peridot-colored eyes. He smiled into the kiss. They pulled apart. They quickly dressed for the rest of the day. Thorin looked back to the floor where her elvish crown lay discarded on the floor. He leaned down to pick it up. She moved over to him touching his shoulder. He looked at her.
"Leave it, if I want a crown I have one. I may a vow long ago that I wouldn't place it back on until I felt I was worthy of it. Lord Elrond feels that I need an elvish one because I was raised here and he did not want me to forget what I am," Lirielle told him. Thorin picked it up and, all the same, he placed it on her bed. His eyes traveled to her. She took the crown opening a chest at the end of her bed. She looked at him for a moment. She placed the crown back in the box. "Now the real question is how do you want to present ourselves," Lirielle asked.
"What do you mean, 'ibinê," Thorin asked the braids in her hair were enough to prove what meant to him.
"Do we enter alone or together? " Lirielle asked.
"You are not leaving my side now," Thorin growled at her.
"As you wish my love," Lirielle replied.
"You will tell me what that means," Thorin demanded.
"In time, I will tell you this it's from the faye language. I know how you hate me speaking elvish," Lirielle said with a smile.
Thorin and Lirielle entered the dining hall arm and arm. Her braids were proudly on display. Fili was one of the first to notice them. He hit Kili who also went wide-eyed. They both spotted the bead in her Lirielle hair. Fili and Kili moved over to the pair. They greeted Thorin first before pulling Lirielle into their arms in a tight bone-crushing hug.
"Does this mean we can call you Auntie?" Kili and Fili asked with laughter in their voices as they placed her down.
Lirielle looked over to Thorin with a question in her eyes. She knew that braids meant many things in the dwarven culture. But Kili had braided her hair and none of the others made any moves that they were in a relationship. Her hand went to her braids. Thorin still her hand giving his nephews a hard look and slapping upside each their heads.
"What she has your bead in her hair, in a courting braid no the less," Fili defended himself.
"Courting," Lirielle asked shocked.
"Yes courting," Thorin answered.
"You want to marry me," Lirielle asked shocked.
"Is that a problem," Thorin asked her.
"No," Lirielle said uncertainly.
"Good, 'ibinê," Thorin told her before he fixed his nephew with a glare before moving her away from them.
Lirielle was coming around to the idea of having a family again. And a real home, not some place that she called her home knowing she likely would never return to it. For the longest time, the wilds of middle earth had been her home. The other dwarves approached them. Ori looked at her. She woke from her thought of a home. She smiled at Ori.
"You are a good shot," Ori told her.
"I not half time I cannot hit a target. The only time I am good is when my temper has the best of me," Lirielle confessed.
"And she's humble to boot," Dori laughed.
"She'll make a fine queen of Erebor and queen under the mountain," Nori laughed hitting her on the back.
"Excuse me," Lirielle said.
Her eyes met Balin's and Dwalin's eyes as the rest of the dwarves embraced her. She made her way over to the brothers. Thorin was talking with Fili and Kili and accepting the rest of the company's words of congratulations on finding his one.
"Master Balin, Master Dwalin," Lirielle greeted.
"Tell me lass do you care for him, I will not hesitate to defend him. He has lost too much to be played by a lass," Dwalin said softly.
"I love him. I am glad that he has you to defend him so, even if he would not be happy with you doing so," Lirielle confessed.
"Does he know?" Balin asked.
"Know what brother," Dwalin asked.
"He does, Master Dwalin I am a queen in my own right," Lirielle told them.
"A queen, oh the seven dwarves' kingdoms will not know what hit them," Dwalin laughed putting an arm around her shoulders in a shoulder hug.
"Will they not accept me?" Lirielle questioned uncertainly.
"They will respect Thorin's decision do not fear that," Balin reassured her.
Lirielle eyes found Bilbo. She made her way over to him. He looked up at her. She sat down near him.
"Any more questions Bilbo," Lirielle questioned
"Too many but the one weighing on me presently is if you were raised here why did you leave it," Bilbo asked.
"I can be dangerous," Lirielle said.
"Dangerous," Bilbo laughed fearfully.
Thorin placed his hands on her shoulders. She looked up at him. She gave him a small smile. He gave her a small smiled but eyed Bilbo with contempt. She got up linking arms with Thorin. She knew that Lord Elrond would want with Gandalf and Thorin. She was like a second daughter to him.
Thorin guide her over to a table overlooking the falls that night as lunch was about to start. She sat down next to him. Her hand rested on his leg. He looked over at her moving a stray curl from her face. She smiled at him.
"It will be alright my love," Lirielle told him squeezing his leg.
"Try it just a mouthful," Dori told Ori who was holding a piece of romaine.
"I don't like green food," Ori told him.
"Where's the meat?" Dwalin asked looking through his salad.
"Have you got any chips?" Ori asked.
Bilbo sat near Balin. He looked over to the other table where Lirielle and Thorin were conversing alone. It looked like Lirielle was trying to calm Thorin down. His mind was trying to figure out how Lirielle was dangerous.
"Kind of you to invite us, not really dressed for lunch," Gandalf told Lord Elrond as they entered.
"Well, you never are," Lord Elrond said near laughter.
Lord Elrond looked shocked for a moment at Lirielle sitting so close to Thorin. And that she now had dwarvish courting braids in her hair. Thorin and Lirielle rose when Gandalf and Lord Elrond approached. They all stared at each other for a moment. Lirielle sat first and was quickly followed by the men around the table. Food was being served to them. Lord Elrond looked toward Thorin and motioned for him to show him the blade in question. Thorin handed over the blade. Lord Elrond examined it.
"This is Orcist, the goblin cleaver. A famous blade forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well," Lord Elrond said handing it back to Thorin.
Thorin looked at Elrond like maybe Lirielle was right. Not all Elves were bad. Gandalf handed Elrond the blade.
"And this is Glamdring the Foehammer sword of the king of Gondolin. These were made for the goblin wars of the first age. " Elrond said handing Gandalf back to the blade. He looked at them for a moment pausing. "How did you come by these," Lord Elrond questioned.
"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East Road shortly before we were ambushed by orcs," Gandalf replied.
"And what were doing on the Great East Road?" Lord Elrond asked.
There was an uncomfortable silence. They do not want to answer. Thorin looked like his temper was about to get the best of him. Lirielle squeezed his leg. It caused him to look at her. She looked between Gandalf and Lord Elrond for a moment.
"We were on our way to the Blue Mountains," Lirielle lied with ease.
"Were you now," Lord Elrond questioned not really believing her.
"Yes, now tell me, how is Arwen?" Lirielle replied changing the conversation.
"Arwen will be sorry that she has missed you. You will not be staying for long," Elrond asked.
"No, you know I could never stay too long," Lirielle replied.
Later, Lirielle stood outside in the gardens alone. Her eyes lifted to the night sky. She knew she could only keep Thorin's temper in check for so long. He was talking with Balin now. Most likely it was about the quest from here and how Lirielle courting him would change the dalmatics.
Fate has smiled on you Lirielle Galadriel's voice entered her mind.
"Lady Galadriel," Lirielle turned to see her. Galadriel came over to her placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. Suddenly a sense of dread filled Lirielle. "What brings you to Imladris," Lirielle asked.
You are on a quest with Thorin Oakenshield to retake The Lonely Mountain?
Yes.
There will be heartache ahead but the greatest joy also and something long since lost to you. If this trial is successful. Do not abandon all hope, Queen Lirielle, fate has smiled upon you.
"Liri, uncle asking for you," Fili called her.
"It was nice to see you Lady Galadriel," Lirielle said departing
Fili led her to the room where Thorin, Balin, Bilbo, Gandalf, and Lord Elrond were already in. Thorin looked at his wit's end. Lirielle entered moving over to Thorin's side. Bilbo looked like he was questioning why he was there. Fili shut the door after she entered.
"Our business is no concern of elves," Thorin raged.
"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map," Gandalf tried.
"It is the legacy of my people. It is mine to protect as are its secrets," Thorin spat out.
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall." Gandalf started. He looked over to Lirielle for help. "You stand in the presence of one of the few in Middle-earth who can read that map," Gandalf said.
Lirielle placed her hand on his chest. He looked over at her questioningly.
"My Love, show it to Lord Elrond," Lirielle pleaded.
Thorin thought about Lirielle's plead. Gandalf smiled at her help. Lord Elrond raised his eyebrows at Liri at what she called Thorin. He unlike many was fluent in the faye language. Lirielle removed her hands as she moves slightly to stand behind him yet still by his side. She gave him her advice to him but like a true queen that is lesser than a king, she would let him make his own decision. He looked over at her for a moment. Before, he made a move.
"Thorin, no" Balin tried to stop him as he reached into his coat to pull out the map.
Thorin walked up to Lord Elrond handing him the map. Lord Elrond examined the map for a time.
"Erebor, what is your interest in this map?" Lord Elrond questioned.
"It is mainly academic as you know. This sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text," Gandalf started.
"You still read ancient dwarvish do you not?" Lirielle asked.
"Moon Runes," Lord Elrond said in Elvish as he moved the map in the moonlight.
"Moon Runes," Lirielle said in awe.
"Of course, an easy thing to miss," Gandalf assured looking at Bilbo.
"Well in this case that is true. Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written?" Lord Elrond told them.
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked him.
They were led to a platform with a shortened pillar to read such things as this. The moon was behind the clouds but would come out any time.
"These runes were written on midsummer's eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield the same moon shines upon us tonight," Lord Elrond said placing the map on the pillar as the moon came out. Lirielle moved slightly to look at the map. "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole," Lord Elrond translated.
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo questioned.
"It is the start of Dwarven New Year when the last moon of autumn and first sun of winter appears in the sky together," Gandalf explained.
"This is ill news. Summer is passing Durin's Day will soon be upon us," Thorin stated.
"We still have time," Balin reassured.
"Time for what?" Bilbo questioned.
"To find the entrance; we have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then and only then, can the door be opened," Balin explained.
"So this is your purpose to enter the mountain," Lord Elrond stated.
"What of it?" Thorin stated.
"There are some who would not deem it wise," Lord Elrond told them. Lord Elrond looked to Lirielle for a moment. She looked down being caught in her lies. They met eyes. "You know killing Smaug will not bring them back," Lord Elrond questioned her.
"I know, but it will give them home back something I cannot get back," Lirielle replied.
"What do you mean," Gandalf asked Lord Elrond ignoring the conversation between Lirielle and Lord Elrond.
Lirielle moved closer to Thorin and Balin. Lord Elrond watch how Thorin placed his arm around her middle pulling her close to him.
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-Earth," Lord Elrond answered exiting.
Gandalf looked over to Lirielle giving her a nod. She returned the nod. She knew what it meant. She waited until Lord Elrond and Gandalf exited.
"We need to leave now," Lirielle told them.
"Now," Balin questioned.
"The white council is here they will try to stop us," Lirielle replied.
"I will inform the others," Thorin told her.
"We must do this discreetly," Lirielle told them.