She followed behind him with measured steps, eyes seemingly glued to the hand that firmly held her own, she held her breath unsure if she should let go or allow him to keep holding it. She risked being caught flickering her eyes up his profile to stare at the side of his face. He looked deep in thought, eyes forward his mouth a small firm line. She felt him squeeze her hand as If he knew she was watching him, she gave him a small smile, unsure why her stomach flipped at the small movement.
"Thorin, where are we going?" she asked quietly leaning forward to try to catch his eye.
He looked down at the golden swirling eyes and sighed "Away from camp for a few moments, unless you would like my sister-sons to tease you relentlessly while I fix your hair, you know how they are, and you know how dwarven traditions are"
She gulped nodding "Of course" she said her voice weak even to her own ears, she was confused not understanding what he meant by traditions, surely it wasn't what her wild imagination was making it out to be. "Its not as if you are asking to court me" she laughed weakly giving him a small toothy smile, her cheeks flushed red.
Thorin looked at her from the corner of his eye, she looked timid for the first time, her eyes wide and glowing softly like molten gold, her cheeks dusted a rosy color, a small smile pulling up her full lips, he could feel her palm flex in his, and hear her soft breaths. She was nervous after her remark, the silence he refused to acknowledge was clearly getting to her, he wanted to smirk she looked cute trying to pretend she was indifferent to the answer. He turned to face her fully and rose a brow at her a sly smile on his face "And if I was" he said smoothly, his smile brightening as she turned deep red and ducked her head.
"Then I definitely wouldn't want Kili and Fili here" she mumbled, looking up in shock as Thorin laughed heartily, his smile wide on his handsome face.
"This should be far enough away from their prying" he said stopping her with a gentle tug on her wrist, turning her to face him properly. Riswynn felt his hand under her chin tilting her head up to look into his blue eyes, her own reflecting back in their depths. He had an unknown look on his face as he gazed upon her, gone was his normal frown replaced by an easy smile. She felt her own smile break as his rough thumb brushed against her cheek "Riswynn" he said in a hushed tone, releasing her wrist to move his hand to the other side of her face.
"Thorin" she said her voice coming out much sultrier than she realized, making her cheeks flush.
"NÎd duban, duban bazar -Down in the valley, valley so low
Aklut-zi hulwul kemath ib-bagd abgud - I hear your sweet voice on the wind blow
Zin kemath azafr halw, zin 'azâg azafr rûzud - Your voice is like honey, your eyes like the sun
E-akhmunruk Mahal nizdurul imkhêh-ê khî- I thank god above for finding my one
Ikmeth 'ala akmàth kamthur gem zàdakh -Singing this song containing three lines
E-magrmâ akhtur astî-ê amrâl asgul za astú - Ive found you my love, will you be mine
Sabru efse asgul za astú amé - Answer my question will you be mine"
She felt tears fill her eyes as he sang soft and low to her, his large hands cupping her cheeks gently as he pressed his forehead against her own. She looked deep into his darkening crystalline eyes, and smiled biting back a sob, as he finished the last line of the song. He held her face delicately and he looked at her like no other Dwarrow ever had like she was something precious and wonderous to behold. Thorin watched her eyes swirl golden flecked with crimson as she choked back a sob, tears glistening down her cheeks like small rivers. He brushed his thumbs across her cheeks "will you be mine" he whispered softly.
Riswynn smiled so brightly Thorin thought her beauty would rival that of the sun, his own little piece of gold, his one, he had finally found her, he leaned in his eyes flickering down to her full lips, just a breath away from his own. She couldn't form a proper sentence her mind was mush as she tried to process what was happening, Thorin was offering her courtship, he sang to her answering her song of love, the song to her one. She pushed forward smashing her lips into his own, instantly hit with a wave of warmth, her skin began to hum and tingle with energy, and she could see sparks behind her closed lids, hear the music of her people, the ground rumbled beneath her feet as the mountains sang in praise. She pulled away with a pant, leaning against his solid chest, she buried her face and inhaled his unique scent, a radiant smile on her face as Thorin's chest rumbled under her ear as he chuckled blowing out a breath.
"Was that a yes" he said running his fingers gingerly through her golden strands.
Riswynn sniffed, brining her hands up to wipe away her tears, and nodded looking at his face. Thorin smiled brightly back at her, his Riswynn, the thought made him happier than he had been in years, he brought her into his chest and claimed her lips once more. He could feel her smile through the kiss and wrap her arms securely around his neck pressing herself against him. He groaned into her mouth and reluctantly pulled away a smug smile on his face as she followed him, her lips swollen and searching for his own.
"Riswynn, "Miz kedzêl" he scolded lightly watching with humor as she slowly opened her eyes, to give him a playful smile, her eyes no longer held their golden hue turned bright as blood as she looked at him. She traced her fingers across the geometric patterns on his armor "Are you sure you want to be tied to someone like me, you could have your pick of Dwarrowdam's from fine family standings once Erebor is reclaimed" she said softly refusing to meet his eye, the whole situation seemed too good to be true. Thorin was king, and she was nothing, but discarded trash thrown from her home.
"Perhaps, but none of those dams would be you, you are my one, Miz Kedzêl" he said pulling her smaller frame into him, tucking her head under his chin.
"I have nothing to offer you, my hands are empty" she said weakly pinching her eyes shut.
"Not anymore" Thorin said gently taking her hand in his own and giving it a gentle squeeze. She looked up at him and beamed, her eyes glowing in the darkness "Riswynn will you let me court you, I have no bead to offer, and no gift to give, but I could pretend no longer that you are just another of the company"
she turned her red eyes on him and rose a brow giving him a cheeky smile "How is it that you knew I was your one, but I didn't" she said amused.
Thorin sighed "I had my suspicions from the moment we met, never had a dam captured my eye as you did, strong, brave, stubborn to a fault, loyal to the ones you hold dear, and beautiful, by mahal you are beautiful Miz Kedzêl" he leaned forward and kissed her passionately, her body responding faster than her mind, wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him back with vigor, nearly knocking them both off their feet. She chuckled into his mouth, "You are not so bad yourself" she teased, sighing with happiness as he refused to let her go.
"Thorin.." she mewed as his lips trailed down her neck, sending shivers down her spine in delicious waves, he only grunted in response, ignoring her weak protests, she sighed looking up at the dark night sky, she pushed against his chest "Thorin" she said a little firmer to which he sighed and detached himself from her warm body.
She gave him a narrowed eyed glare, her cheeks flamed red "the lads will be looking for us, we've been gone for a while"
Thorin shook his head grabbing her waist and pulled her closer "No my gold, I have instructed Balin to keep them occupied" he whispered huskily into her ear.
She yelped as his warm breath tickled her neck, sending waves of fire shooting through her body, she felt ablaze, her skin too warm. She took a step back and heaved a breath, her eyes hooded "Thorin, please" she said weakly, running her fingers through her short tresses.
Thorin followed the action and frowned, her golden locks were still untamed, the plaits frizzed and broken, her once long glorious hair reduced, he beckoned her closer with an outstretched hand "Come, Miz Kedzêl, I shall adjust your hair" he said taking her smaller wrist gently between his fingers and led her to him.
Riswynn swallowed and nodded, she felt nervous, after this moment there was no going back, no denying that they were courting, she could already hear the remarks from the young princes. She bit her lip to stop the embarrassing sounds that threatened to slip past her lips, tilting her head back as his thick fingers pulled at her hair, fastening it in eccentric and complicated plaits. Thorin stepped back and moved to stand in front of his dam, admiring his handywork, he had taken her golden locks and plaited them securely to the base of her skull, one large thick plait down the middle of her head, a single plait from her clan, started at her temple and twisted around the back of her ear and fell on her shoulder. Her courting plaits he had wound together and twisted into the large plait, several smaller braids decorated the top of her head creating a crown appearance, he toyed with several loose strands, she wouldn't receive her final plait until they had been joined, then she would be of the house of Durin, his wife.
He held out a hand and pulled her to her feet "My gold" he said tenderly kissing her forehead and she nearly melted into the ground at his feet. "Come let's return to camp" he said softly taking her hand in his he led her back toward the others.
…..
Riswynn felt her stomach knot in nerves as she walked back into the warm light of the campfire, several pairs of eyes shot up toward the newcomers, coy smiles on their faces.
"There you two are, thought I would have to send a search party after yas" Dwalin grunted poking at the fire with a large stick, not paying them much mind. He looked up at Thorin, who seemed unusually happy, then turned his confused gaze toward Riswynn who looked redder than a tomato. Dwalin noticed her new hair, gone was the frazzled short bundle of golden curls, now properly smoothed back, pinned up in fanciful plaits, her courting braids removed and joined and Dwalin smiled coyly "Ohh what have you been up to my friend" he shouted standing up to smack Thorin on the shoulder roughly.
Riswynn snorted, as Thorin grunted under the impact, refusing to be moved despite the heavy hand of his friend, she turned her attention back to the fire watching as Balin approached with a soft smile, bowing his head to her before standing tall turning toward the company "This calls for celebration laddies"
"Balin" Thorin grunted not enjoying the attention that was focused solely on him and Riswynn, the old Dwarrow turned to look over his shoulder and shrugged "Thorin I thought you would die without ever finding your one" he said cheekily to which Thorin rolled his eyes and mumbled under his breath.
"Wait does this mean I don't have to be your heir anymore" Fili said sitting up straight, his blue eyes lighting up with happiness.
Thorin rose a brow "Of course you are still my heir" he crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Riswynn from the corner of his eye.
Kili stood up and walked to the dam's side, throwing his arms around her he squeezed her tightly, ignoring the growling from his uncle beside her "Nonsense uncle, Riswynn is perfectly capable of providing you heirs, isn't that right Auntie" he teased throwing his arm over her shoulder.
Riswynn flamed brightly, her eyes blazing crimson as a small yelp escaped her mouth in horror "Kili mind your words" she hissed embarrassed.
"What" he said innocently giving her a toothy grin "Be nice to have some younger cousins, perfect candidates to teach all our tricks too"
She wiggled away from him with a scowl "Don't be planning my life for me laddie"
"Enough" Thorin growled, silencing his sister-son before he could open his fool mouth and further irritate the dam.
"How about a song lad" Balin interjected, watching as a storm brewed in Thorin's eyes and fire lit the young dams.
"Oh, lads there is only one thing for it" Bofur cheered happily standing up, he began to sing loudly and merrily, stomping his furred boots on the hard ground.
"Aunt, come sit here" Fili gestured to the spot on the ground beside him with a warm smile, and she sighed slowing stepping up to the blonde, lowering herself to the ground.
"Please just call me Riswynn" she muttered embarrassed.
"No can do, my amad taught me to always address my elders with respect. You are uncles one and are courting him, that makes you my aunt"
She ran her hands over the smooth braids, toying with her family plait, it was shorter than she would have liked, the once long plait reduced to half its former length. The small iron bead with her families crests still held fast to her golden hair. She brushed her fingers gingerly over her courting braids, gone were two separate braids, now joined together and added to her elaborate braiding. She was no longer a single female dwarrowdam, an odd thought.
"Congratulations" Bilbo said from across the fire, he didn't understand dwarven customs or traditions, but he vaguely remembered her lessons from journeys beginning to know that it was significant what happened between herself and Thorin.
"Thank you, Master Baggins," Thorin interrupted sitting beside Riswynn he pulled her into his side, he never did enjoy the companionship between the dam and the hobbit.
Riswynn wanted to swat away Thorin, he was being possessive, Bilbo was merely being friendly. She opened her mouth to scold him, when the far away the sounds of howling sent her into high alert her body ridged.
"What's the matter" Thorin asked letting her go as her eyes glowed brightly and she slowly stood up "Wargs, the pack is hunting"
"How far away" Thorin demanded standing up beside her as her eyes scanned the landscape behind them.
She strained her ears listening to the faint cries of the Wargs, when a loud roar sounded, so loud it drowned out the howls of the wolves.
"We have bigger problems" she said softly locking eyes with the hobbit.
"Bilbo come with me lad; we need to climb a tree" she said turning on her heel waiting for the hobbit to catch up.
"Wait where are you going" Bilbo cried running to catch up with her as she made haste toward several large pines.
"Up you go Master Baggins" she huffed grabbing him by the coat and tossing him with no effort into the lowest lying branches.
Bilbo muttered under his breath about the stubbornness of dwarves as he climbed higher, the sticky pine gum coating his hands making him frown in disgust. He finally broke through the canopy of needles and looked out into the forest; it was dark but from this height the moon washed the forest in a eerie glow. He snapped his head around when the roar sounded from beside him, he squinted into the darkness making out the huge figure standing alone, it looked like a massive black bear. The beast roared into the night, so loud Bilbo felt the vibrations travel up into his feet. He felt his breath catch in his throat as the creature turned its massive head, its small golden eyes connecting with his. The beast roared and Bilbo yelped in fear forgetting to hold on, he felt himself slip and start tumbling down the pine. He landed in a heap, groaning in pain as something shifted under him. Riswynn coughed and sputtered spitting out mouthfuls of dirt as the little hobbit crashed into her sending her to the ground, she rolled out from under him and fixed him with a withering glare.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Riswynn" Bilbo stuttered trying to help her brush off the dirt from her person. Yelping when he was grabbed by the shoulder and hauled away from her side "What did you see" Thorin growled, standing beside his gold.
Bilbo swallowed "There's something else out there"
"What do you mean" Gandalf said his face forlorn, and his eyes shining with worry.
"Orcs" the other Dwarrow cried in anger, weapons held fast.
"No something else" Riswynn said softly looking at the dark eyes of her companion.
"What is like a bear" Gandalf said slowly as another roar sounded throughout the forest.
Bilbo looked up in shock into the old eyes of his friend "How did you know"
Gandalf nodded to himself "Its as I feared then"
"What is going on, what are we going to do" Fili asked standing on the other side of the dam.
Gandalf sniffed clutching his staff tightly "There is a place that we might find shelter"
Thorin frowned looking up at the wizard "We might find shelter, and do we have no other choice"
Gandalf shook his head once "None if you want to live" looking weary as the roars continued to shake the forest floor.