Chapter Nine: A Drinking Song
Narâ sat on the plush bed situated in the corner of her lavish elven room. She ran her fingers over the silken sheets and rolled her eyes, snorting to herself, figures a group of pointy ears would have only the softest of fabrics for their smooth delicate skin. She looked down at her hands and smirked, she was still positively filthy from battle, a thick layer of mud and grim coated her skin, mixed with ample amounts of both orcish and wargish blood. She stood on aching legs and stretched, cracking her back she turned to inspect the room. It was large, obnoxiously so with a massive four post bed, marbled floors and intricate carved windows allowed natural warm sunlight to filter into the room. Everything looked so pristine, so pure and white and she hated it, she was used to muted grey stone and semi darkness living in the mountains. She sighed walking around the room letting her fingers brush against the fine craftsmanship of a wooden table and several chairs, a small hearth sat at the very back of the room, next to it a brass bathing tub. She would admit that such a find was most welcome, although a little dirt under her nails never really bothered her being covered with blood was never a favourite pastime. She approached the bath and smiled, it would appear that the elven maid that brought her to this room had anticipated her need of a proper bath and prepared one for her. She slipped out of her filthy clothing tossing it hap hazardously onto the floor, before slowing sinking down into the hot water. It stung the cuts on her body but soothed the ache in her muscles, she cradled her injured arm to her chest biting her lip as she slowly submerged it in the hot water. She hissed as it cleaned her skin, the water turning a strange shade of brownish red. She only emerged from her bathing basin once the water had turned cold, feeling anew she grabbed her satchel from the floor and fetched her herbs. Traveling along the Misty Mountains ensured she knew how to properly treat battle wounds, and a few bite marks from a Warg was not a new thing. She ground them up and boiled them over the hearth drinking the concoction before scooping the mushy crushed herbs pressing them into the wound and binding it up. A soothing sensation spread throughout her as the herbs numbed the pain, and she sighed in relief.
"Mistress Dwarf?" a female called from outside her appointed chambers.
Narâ groaned pulling a thin nightshirt over her head she gently slipped her arm through the loose fitted sleeves and strut to the door throwing it open to glare at the elf. She was the very same she elf that had escorted her here earlier "Yes Mistress Elf?"
The elf maid blinked down at the stout little female dwarf, a blush colouring her face at the scandalous attire she currently wore, who answered the door half dressed with soaking wet hair and no shoes. She cleared her throat and straightened her posture closing her slack jaw "Lord Elrond wishes for you and your companions to join him for tonight's feast, seeing as your previous attire was soiled, I have acquired you new clothing"
Narâ rose a brow, placing a hand on her hip she cocked her head to the side in irritation looking at the article of clothing the spindly elf maid was holding out to her. it looked to be of a silk material, a dark emerald, green colour, typical of the elves, she couldn't tell by the bundle, but it looked to be once piece, likely a dress as was custom for females to wear. "Aye so the elf lord wants us Dwarrow to look presentable in his court does he"
The elf maid just blinked confusion colouring her features "Surely you don't take offence Mistress Dwarf? Would you not be more comfortable in this than your current state of dress?"
She bellowed out a hearty laugh and held her hands out to take the dress "Oh aye lass, I am traveling with thirteen male Dwarrow surely cant be seen in me knickers"
The elf just nodded a relieved smile on her face, she took a step back and bowed her head turning on her heel to depart when the dwarrowdam grunted getting her attention. She looked down at the little female with a raised brow "Yes?"
"Where is me Warg she elf?" Narâ said clearing her throat, she had been worried for his safety the entire time she was lead through the halls of Rivendell, Khimâ had never really been separated from her, he walked her halls the same as she, no one dared try to stable him like some common horse.
The elf smiled gently at her "He is with our healer, fret not Mistress Dwarf he is well"
She blew out a breath and eyed the slim elven female "Bring him to me if you would"
The elf look appalled "Surely you jest, we cannot allow a wild animal to walk our halls"
Narâ narrowed her eyes at the female, anger bubbling in the pit of her stomach "I will have Khimâ with our without your help, surely it would be better to have an elf bring him to me rather than calling him forth and having him tear this fine establishment apart trying to reach me" she said with a sinister smirk on her face.
The elf swallowed hard and nodded turning to flee at once, and Narâ laughed quietly at her retreat, skittish little thing she was, she turned and re-entered her bedroom, closing the door behind her she dropped the elven dress on the bedspread, moving toward the bathing basin she fetched the iron beads, and gems stones that adorned her hair. She gathered a horsehair brush and pulled a chair beside the fire getting started on her long black locks. Plaiting her hair had always been soothing, a time to relax and unwind at the end of day, she chose a simple style, taking the body of her hair splitting in in five sections, two smaller sections at the base of her temples on each side and one large one down the middle on her head. First, she plaited the side on her left temple, weaving in gems the colour of her eyes, ending it with an iron bead with her family crest. Second her right temple, a standard plait ended with an iron clasp with the crest of Blacklock's. the largest section at the top of her head was more intricate, several smaller thin plaits were created then weaved into one thick plait that ran the length of her head and down her back. Once she was finished with her hair, she smiled satisfied, it was not an elegant style, surely not fit for a proper feast within the court, but this was not her fathers house and she did not care to impress her host. She approached the gown given to her with distaste, it was a lovely shade of green, it would most certainly compliment her eyes, but it had an odd sheerness to it she found unsettling. If the elf maid was distressed with her night clothes how was this gown any better, she held it up to herself and frowned, it was to flimsy, would do nothing to conceal her figure, and the sheer fabric gave way to allow her body to be seen underneath, only the bodice was of a thicker material to cover her bosom properly. She sighed and began to dress; it would be better than arriving to dinner in a thin piece of cotton. The dress was light and airy, the fabric clung to her figure but floated away from her legs, it was slightly longer than she was comfortable with, having some sort of train behind it as she walked, the sheer material dragging across the floor. She could see the silhouette of her own legs and blushed, it was hardly appropriate for a warrior, she wasn't some fancy damsel that enjoyed things such as this. She smoothed down the skirts glad that it at least contained a modest neckline coming to just below her collarbones. It contained long sheer sleeves and no embellishments at all, the fabric itself was enough without added gems or embroidery. A knock on her door had her moving as gracefully as she was able toward it, pulling it open with a frown on her face she, was surprised to find not a elf but a Dwarrow awaiting her.
"Balin, thank Mahal its you" she beamed grabbing him by the shoulder before gently knocking her forehead against his in friendly greeting.
Balin laughed a smile on his face "I take it you haven't been enjoying yourself then lass" he teased looking her up and down.
She felt her cheeks head, crossing her arms over her chest she shook her head in annoyance "Nay Balin, the sooner we can leaves these halls the better as far as I'm concerned"
He chuckled patting her on the shoulder "You are beginning to sound like Thorin lass" he said offering her his forearm to escort her to dine.
She slipped her arm through his and smiled "I shall take that as a compliment Master Balin", she laughed lightly, glad to be in the company of another Dwarrow instead of an elven maid.
Balin smiled looking at her from the corner of his eye "Oh I intended it to be one lass"
Narâ smiled even brighter "So are you leading me to dine with that elf Lord then?" she said blowing out a breath, she was tired and only wanted to rest after her battle with the orcs.
Balin nodded "Aye lass, he has invited us to feast with his kin tonight, Gandalf advised we make our presence as to not appear rude to our host"
She smirked "Thorin objected didn't he"
Balin shook his head a smile on his face "Aye lass he did, but you'll find him there regardless, that wizard has a way with words he does"
She nodded "All Maiar are very skilled in the art of speech Master Balin, they have lived so long they tend to get what they want" she chuckled, gripping his forearm.
Balin watched the easy smile on her face, his eyes trailing down her person, settling on her forearm "The injury lass, are you alright, Lord Elrond said you broke your wrist"
She snorted "Lord Elrond is an elf with weak bones, you know as well as I Dwarrow are made tougher than iron, it'll take more than a simple fall to break me" she sighed "Warg did get a good bite on me, but I treated the wound, and I shall be fine reassured"
Balin rose a brow "You didn't let the elves heal you?"
She shook her head, picking up a bundle of the fabric of her skirts as they walked up a staircase "Nay, I am more than capable of healing myself, and I don't trust the elves"
Balin laughed "Now you really do sound like Thorin" he sniffed shaking his head "Come we are almost there"
He led her towards a wide balcony, overlooking the elven city, it was beautiful and open, sunlight warmed her face, and a gentle breeze tickled her nose. Several pairs of eyes turned and looked at her as she approached, she felt herself stiffen causing Balin to lean in toward her "Relax you look lovely"
She gave him a weak nod, allowing him to lead her to the table of the Dwarrow, smiling as she was suddenly pulled from his grasp and embraced by all the members at the table, her forehead smarting from knocking heads with everyone.
"Narâ thank Mahal you are alright" Bofur said, slopping a tankard of ale down the front of his shirt as he swayed in his seat, earning a hear-hear from everyone at the table.
She smiled "Oh bless my beard lads, you are going to make me go soft with all this love" she said fanning herself playfully.
"Lady Narâ, would you care to join us?" Lord Elrond said politely coming to stand behind her with an outstretched hand, she turned and looked at the elf and rose a brow, looking past him to see another smaller table on a slightly raised platform containing four chairs, one sat Gandalf the other Thorin. She could feel his gaze on her, and she swallowed nodding at the elf.
"Of course, Lord Elrond" she said forcing a bit of politeness into her voice, bowing her head she followed behind him, picking up her skirts she sat in a chair next to Thorin, who was staring at her the entire time.
She could feel his eyes lingering on her and she blushed, smoothing her skirts down to distract herself, she focused on the elf lord as he sat down a warm smile on his face.
"Tell me how it is a female dwarf finds herself in the company of a Thorin Oakenshield?" he said curiously looking at the dwarven pair.
Thorin clenched his fists in anger, who's business was it but his own who he allowed in his company, he went to open his mouth when Narâ beat him too it.
"Thorin required some help with something of an academic nature and I offered my assistance" she said plainly piking up a goblet of wine that was offered to her taking a small sip.
Lord Elrond rose a brow "Surely he has his own advisers available to him that he wouldn't need a Dwarrowdam's assistance in such a matter"
Thorin rapped his fingers on the tabletop in anger, frustration mounting, he shot Gandalf a withering look ignoring the pleas to calm himself "Are females not educated among your people Elf Lord, that it is so strange that a female of mine is?"
Lord Elrond took a sip of wine to hide his amused smile "Of course not Thorin, I just find myself surprised at the present company, tell me what you were doing traveling along the East Road?" he inquired setting his goblet down.
Thorin cracked his knuckles "Its hardly any business of elves" he hissed.
Lord Elrond fought to contain his smirk "a pack of orc riders so close to my borders is my business I can assure you"
Narâ placed a hand on Thorin's knee, his eyes connecting with hers as she gave him a reassuring smile and a subtle nod, turning her attention back toward the dark-haired elf she smiled "That would be my fault, Khimâ and I tend to attract attention wherever we travel, it was not our intention to travel so close to Rivendell"
Lord Elrond nodded holding her confident gaze "Tell me how you came to tame and ride a wild Warg"
She sighed and shook her head lightly "I found him as a pup and raised him myself, there is little to tell, Khimâ is an intelligent and loyal companion, he is far more than a simple battle mount"
Gandalf smiled "Yes you should have seen him defending the group from the Trolls we encountered in the forests along the East Road".
Narâ and Thorin gave the wizard withering glares, the secrets of their journey did not need to be known by all, but both the wizard and the elf did not seem offput by the glares of the stout little dwarves.
"Trolls haven't been seen in those woods in an age" Lord Elrond said with a raised brow.
Gandalf nodded solemnly "They must have traveled down from the Ettenmoors, after the encounter we found their treasure hoard and acquired these" he finished pulling out his elven sword setting it gently across the table in front of him.
Lord Elrond picked up the large blade with deft hands and inspected the fine craftsmanship "These were smithed in the first age" he said handing the sword back to Gandalf who motioned Thorin to give up his weapon for inspection.
Thorin frowned pulling Orcrist from his side he allowed the elf to inspect it, half expecting him to claim rightful ownership over the sword due to the elven make, but no such claim was made, he only explained its origins and wished it would bring him good fortune.
Lord Elrond turned to the dam expecting her to also reveal a weapon, but she only smirked and shook her head "Nay elf, I only need my wolf in battle and my ax, swords are not made for me" she said.
"Speaking of your Wolf, Almeria has come to me on this day and told me of your wishes to have the wolf be kept inside the building with you" Lord Elrond said looking at the dam with an amused smile.
She snorted "Aye, Khimâ is not a horse, he is a companion and shouldn't be kept in a cage, worry not he wont soil your flooring"
Lord Elrond chuckled and nodded "Very well" he said snapping his fingers, ushering two elves forward "Bring the wolf" he said over his shoulder.
Narâ waited patiently hardly touching her food, the meal lacked substance, a plate of leafy greens, hardly filling and her stomach growled in protest. She turned to look over her shoulder as she hear the clacking of claws on stone as Khimâ rounded the corner, hackles slightly raised as he was lead toward her like a cattle on a string, a makeshift leash of leathers around his throat. She stood from her chair and rushed forward grabbing her skirts "Khimâ" she cheered smiling as he easily pulled away from the elves and trotted toward her, she brushed her hands through his now silken fur and placed her forehead against his.
Thorin watched her with her wolf, she was cooing to it softly, brushing her hands through its white fur, its red eyes closed in bliss now that it was reunited with his master. He swept his eyes down her profile now that he could get a proper look at her, she was wearing a strange emerald dress that made the colour of her eyes even more vibrant. It clung to her curves and amplified the shape of her body, she was different in garments such as this, feminine and he felt his heartbeat quicken just gazing at her. She was beautiful, a radiant smile on her face, hair tumbling down her back in intricated plating, little gems of emerald fastened into her raven locks, she sparkled. He watched her return to the table, her wolf just steps behind her, his massive form towering above her as she sat down.
Lord Elrond watched the pair interact with curiosity, such a strange thing to witness, a wild Warg calm, this one seemed more akin to a domesticated dog than a wild beast. The red eyes he found unnerving as the wolf turned his head to look at him, his red eyes glowing in the soft lighting. "I have heard tales of a wolf rider, traveling the Misty Mountains, am I correct to assume that is in fact you Mistress Dwarf?"
Narâ nodded, picking at her plate she grabbed a portion of bread and tossed it in the air behind her chuckling at the snap that sounded over her head as Khimâ caught the small morsel. "Aye that be us, my people call me ik-kund ukhrab, the wolf rider in my tongue, however it is not common knowledge than I am in fact a female"
The elf lord nodded "If its not too much trouble I should like to see you and your wolf in battle, we have ample training grounds here, I know my children would be most interested as well"
She chewed her lip and shrugged "If Thorin permits it I suppose I can offer demonstration, however I am not sure how long we are to stay".
"At your convenience then" Lord Elrond said raising his glass to her before he took a sip.
"Narâ come here, these lads are far to boring, we require your good company" Kili shouted tossing a chunk of elven bread at her, laughing as the wolf gobbled it from the air before it hit his master.
Narâ wiped her mouth and pushed her chair out "Excuse me" she said rushing over to the Dwarrow table glad to be rid of elven company. Pleasantly surprised to find Thorin joining her, a tankard of ale in his hands he stood behind the table beside her listening to the others jest.
"Well lads I think it time for a song" Bofur said standing up sloshing his ale over the table onto the plate of his cousin Bombur. Narâ watched in amusement as the fat Dwarrow only shrugged using a piece of bread to mop up the ale before stuffing it into his mouth.
Bofur climbed onto the table and began to stomp his feet a smile on his face as he began to sing
"There's an inn, there's an inn, there's a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
one night to drink his fill.
The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he saws his bow
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
now sawing in the middle.
So the cat on the fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:
'It's after three!' he said.
Narâ clapped and stomped her foot with the others laughter pouring from her mouth, as food was thrown and silverware blunted on the tabletop as the Dwarrow created a jolly beat to accompany the song, joining in they sang a loud and rowdy song. She smiled and cheered as he finished bowing low, removing his floppy miner's hat "Thank you laddies, I do take tips" he chuckled replacing his hat and hopping down from the table, winking at the appalled looking elves in the room. He turned toward the dam and smiled brightly gesturing toward the table "Your turn lassie" he chuckled as she shook her head.
"Nay Bofur, I am hardly drunk enough for singing" she chuckled shaking her head.
"You heard her lads, more Ale for Narâ" Bofur laughed.
A tankard was thrust in her hands by Gloin, and she sighed taking a sip "Aright fine one song lads" she groaned playfully before she began to sing.
Ho! Ho! Ho! to the bottle I go
To heal my heart and drown my woe.
Rain may fall and wind may blow,
And many miles be still to go,
But under a tall tree, I will lie,
And let the clouds go sailing by.
She sang clapping her hands finishing with a flourishing spin not to be outdone by Bofur, her silken skirts flaring out about her a happy laugh spilling from her lips. She sighed turning to look at the others, who cheered and clapped and whistled.
"Come sit lass" Balin said offering her a place beside him and she nodded blowing out a breath, clicking her tongue Khimâ grunted in acknowledgment settling down beside Thorin. She smiled at her Warg who pressed his large head into the smaller Dwarrow, huffing out a great breath, the thump of his tail echoing around the room as he demanded attention from him.
"What does he want" Thorin grunted, taking a step back as the wolf continued to press his head against him.
Narâ chuckled "He wants attention, pet him or he won't stop until you topple over" she said a smile on her face as Thorin rolled his eyes and ran his hand leisurely over the top of the Warg's head. Khimâ closed his eyes in satisfaction and resumed wagging his large tail, happy to be reunited with his pack.