As they moved towards camp, the air sat heavy and a thick fog had crept in. Thorin grasped Shobha's hand tightly, unsheathing his sword, as he hurried her along.
"Put that away! It will be of no use against this thing and keep her close." Gandalf sounded slightly worried as he hurried along, robes billowing.
"Um. Gandalf, a Wight… like a Barrow-Wight?"
"Yes my dear. Now stay focussed. If you see it, do not look it in the eye, or engage with it in any way." He warned.
"Buttercup!" She suddenly remembered. She didn't want her pony, or any of them for that matter, coming to any harm!
"Dwalin, knows what to do. Fear not, my love." Thorin tugged on her hand encouraging her to keep pace.
"I thought these things were in the Barrow-Downs?"
They continued moving steadily. Ahead they could just make out the rest of the group as they moved with the ponies.
"There must be a burial mound nearby somewhere." Gandalf muttered to himself as he stopped intermittently to look around.
"Where's Tom Bombadil when you need him eh?" She whispered back, earning her a sharp but surprised look from the wizard.
And then the air grew heavier still. It made her limbs feel heavy and her chest ache. The group ahead appeared to be moving ahead, getting further away.
That's when she heard it. At first it was a flutter of a cloak, and a shuffle in the thick fog around them. She looked around, but it was too fast.
"Keep on, and look ahead." Gandalf warned, as Thorin continued to pull her along.
Several more steps in the thick fog, and they were followed by the strange movements. The sounds followed them through the dank air.
"Stay back!" Gandalf called out. "She is not yours!"
And then it turned into incomprehensible whispers, quiet at first, surrounding her like a swarm of insects or static. But it soon began to grow louder. Strange voices, filling her head, making it spin.
She could no longer see anything beyond Thorin's hand, the one thing that tethered her to safety, she couldn't even hear him or Gandalf, even though she knew hey were near.
Come with us. Yes, join us. Let us take care of you.
They were still running as fast as they could. As fast as her heavy, tired limbs could take, heart racing, lungs burning, gasping, in the heavy, dank air that engulfed them.
Abruptly she felt a tug at her dress, it yanked her down, and she stumbled.
Thorin never let go. He could sense the creature. It raced around them, almost as though there was more than one. Her dress was caught on something, but the fog was too dense to see. Grabbing her skirts he tore them free and pulled her back onto her feet, but she stood vacant and still, as if she was listening to something loud.
"Don't stop Thorin!"Gandalf shouted back.
She could hear them resounding in her head, the noise growing louder and louder.
Come with us. Join us.
It made her ears ring, and kept her frozen to the spot. Thorin scooped her into his arms, and began to follow Gandalf.
She screamed, writhing in pain. Her head felt as though it would explode with the voices resounding within.
"They are coming for me." She spoke almost as though in a trance. "They want it! They want it back!"
"Gandalf!" Thorin yelled ahead into the fog. "Do something!"
"Don't stop! We will deal with her once we cross the pass! Hurry!" Gandalf twirled his staff overhead, and it seemed to slice a path through the thick air, into which Thorin followed.
They carried on running over the rocky river bed of the low pass through the mountains, where shallow rivulets ran. The afternoon they had spent together now seemed an eon ago. Dwalin and Dori were struggling ahead with the ponies, who appeared to be unsettled by something unseen.
Thorin grit his teeth and spurred himself on. As he reached the other end of the mountain crossing, he could see the group and their ponies huddled behind a large outcrop of rocks.
"Keep down Thorin!" Dwalin yelled.
He immediately crouched down behind another small formation of rocks, covering her writhing form, as they received a pelting of arrows.
'Orcs' Dwalin signalled. 'Is the lass hurt?'
'No. But the creature has taken a hold on her.' Thorin signalled back. 'Where's Gandalf?'
"Duck!" Dori yelled again, as a further volley of arrows flew at them missing, each only narrowly.
No good lads! We're sitting ducks here!" Dwalin drew his axes. "Arm ye selves – lets go at 'em."
Just as they all readied themselves for a bloody stand, they were halted in their tracks by the sound of a district horn. The clash and clatter of metal and the sounds of hacking and squelching could be heard distinctly as orcs were being slaughtered.
"Elves!" Dwalin growled. "I'm not being shown up by these tree shaggers!"
But before he could rush out to join the fray, he was halted by a white haired elf, who looked down at him, taking aim at him with his bow and arrow.
"Halt there! State your business." He looked down at the warrior coldly.
"We need to find Gandalf right away!" Thorin yelled as he stepped forward, holding her writhing form securely against him. She seemed to be in some sort of pain.
The golden haired elf dismounted straight away, walking over.
"They are coming for me." She groaned in agony.
"Who is she? And where did you find her?" The elf pressed Thorin, but he didn't care, looking around for Gandalf.
"Where is Gandalf! Where is the grey wizard?" Thorin yelled.
"Answer me! Who is she?!" The elf yelled again, but before he could move any closer the Dwarf King and his ailing wife were surrounded by a fully armed group of rather angry looking dwarves, pointing their weapons at the elf. And in turn all his mounted elven soldiers had come to surround them with their weapons pointed.
Suddenly she let out an unearthly, gut wrenching, high pitched shriek!
"Out of my way all of you!" Gandalf shouted, cleaving a path towards Thorin and Shobha, as the elves and dwarves all moved aside of him alike. He knelt by her holding his staff over her. "Release her! You have no power here!"
The old one focussed with clear eyes, holding his hand over her belly.
"Neither her life nor what she nurtures within her belongs to you!" He commanded this time with authority. And there before them all she suddenly stilled her writhing and groaning. It was almost as if she was dead. "Let her go! You have no power here!"
To Thorin's relief he saw the gentle rise and fall of her chest return once more, but she still remained in a deep slumber. Even Gandalf visibly seemed to relax.
"Who is that Mithrandir?"
"That, mellon nin, is the Queen Consort to the King under the Mountain." Gandalf placed his hand on her cheek, assessing her again. "Make haste, Glorfindel, we must get to Imladris immediately."
The elf stood tall and scanned the dwarves, some who looked like warriors, including the King, who did indeed bear a likeness to Thror, now the fire of battle had left foot for calm.
"Then she is the One, Lord Elrond spoke of."
Gandalf straightened up frowning.
"Who was made aware of our journey?" Thorin inquired from the elf now. Despite only reaching his chest, he stood broad and strong, regal and unafraid. If they had been ambushed, then he would want to know who was behind it.
"None we are aware of, it was kept most quiet, I was only made aware when Lord Elrond sent me here to meet you at the borders of our lands and provide you with safe travel. I was unaware you would come under attack. They were only a small pack of orc." He smirked as he researched his weapon and looked at Nori, Dori, Bilbo and Oin. "Surely this is nothing for the mighty King Thorin Oakenshield and his warriors!"
"We can't stay here long, we came across a Wight. But it is unheard of seeing such creatures in these parts east of the mountains and so far from the Barrow Downs!" Gandalf's words seemed to trouble the elf. He watched the woman who now slept in the dwarf Kings arms.
"Was she captured Mithrandir?"
Gandalf nodded as a Thorin began to carry her to his pony.
"Here, give her to me King Thorin." He was immediately at Thorin's side. "My horse will carry her faster to our healers. And she is with child I see. It is best we get her back immediately."
"I will not be parted from my wife!" Thorin growled.
"Give him a horse!" Glorfindel commanded one of his men. "But I warn you your Majesty, this fine creature will carry you many times faster than your ponies. In any case, let me take her. I swear no harm will come to your Queen. I know these lands."
He had scooped the small woman into his arms before Thorin could protest, so he hurried to climb onto his horse and follow as the elf set off.
…..
Shobha opened her eyes weakly. Her slumber had felt deep, as though she had slept smothered in thick dark clouds, it had been cold, dark and silent. On a few rare occasions she had heard the distant voices of Gandalf or another unrecognised Male voice, wise and authoritative, but they had both sounded miles away, and barely breathing had felt more laboured and her limbs heavy, as though pinned down by unseen ropes.
She was no longer outside, but the room was lighter and more airy than what she was accustomed to in Erebor. The tall grey wizard sat at the foot of the bed. He was quietly smoking his pipe, and watching her closely, his blue eyes creasing as they registered her wakening.
A large hand reached for her from beside her, making her feel relieved to find Thorin was there. Then all that had happened came back to her, as she scrambled to sit herself up.
"Gently, Amralime," he soothed her, helping to prop her up on pillows.
"Where –"
"Imladris," Gandalf stood up. "The last homely house east of the sea."
"I bet Galadriel and Thranduil are thrilled by that title." She smiled weakly, to which Thorin grunted something in Khuzdul.
"Well, it is good to see you have recovered your humour, my dear." Gandalf moved closer stooping to take a good look at her face, and looking her directly in the eye, almost as though assessing her for residual illness. "I think, you are much better. But it is best you rest well for at least another day."
"But what was that I was hearing with that creature? And why did it attack us? Gandalf –"
"You will have your answers in good time my dear." He stood up dismissively, in the way he always did. Gandalf always raised more questions and trouble than he resolved!
There was a knock on the door, and as Gandalf opened it, in bounded Dwalin and the other dwarves, followed by Bilbo.
"Now you let her rest." Gandalf warned them all. "And I will see you soon, my dear. We have many important matters to discuss."
And with that he left through the tall door.
…..
The following few days had been spent with her fully resting. Oin had almost banned Thorin from spending the night with her, until she had convinced him that it would be safer for someone to remain in the room with her overnight.
And so after breakfast on the fourth day, she had finally met Lord Elrond, who was very much the upright and reserved elf Lord she expected. Even his clothing had understated elegance to it.
He and Gandalf sat in two chairs opposite Thorin and herself, after polite introductions. While he had asked Thorin questions of his rule and the rebuilding of Erebor, he watched her intently before he finally addressed her.
"My lady, I trust you have found your stay comfortable so far?"
"Yes thank you, Lord Elrond." She didn't really care much for beating about the bush on this matter. They had travelled so far, with her sickness and intense fatigue. She simply wanted to find out what this prophecy was.
"It is not as simple as what you think or would like, my Lady," Elrond addressed her, almost as though answering her unspoken question. "You have had special dreams and spoken with the Elvenking and even the White Lady through thought. But your gift is stronger than you think."
"Gift? I am more interested –"
"In the prophecy?" He completed. "Perhaps that is what makes you the One this is about." He explained. "And why the Valar chose you. Perhaps it was always meant to be…"
"Ok, but anyone could say that. There are no answers in what you've just said."
"No but perhaps the true reason Gandalf encouraged you to make this journey was because of those dreams, of Mount Doom in Mordor."
Then she finally realised, the dark mountain, erupting ash and smoke. She had been taken to Mordor in her dreams! So it was Sauron!
She could feel Thorin boring into her with his steely gaze. He had requested that she shared her dreams with him, after they spoke with Gandalf before the quest. But these particular dreams had begun during their journey here.
"You power grows stronger each day, but that opens your mind too much. It is how the Wight was able to find you from such a distance, I imagine. It is certainly who Sauron seeks you out. Tell me what does he offer you?" He looked at her sternly, like a father would at his child who was being admonished.
'I have not been interested in what has been offered.'
'Then you do indeed have the gift.' His brows shot up and he sat forward staring at her as he continued. 'There are those of us who are old, and permitted sufficient time, have honed our skills of osanwe. You, my lady are young, and yet your gift maybe more powerful than that of our Lady of Lorien.'
Her husband watched her gaze held with the elven Lord, and it was clear unspoken communication carried on between them. Dis had told him of the time they had gone to Mirkwood, and she had done the same with Thranduil. But what worried him was the nature of her interactions, with the Dark One, if indeed it was true.
"What has he offered you?" Thorin looked at her, for once allowing his worry to show in his normally controlled features. He refused to lose her after all they had been through, and vowed in that moment a fight to the bloody end.
"You are both a threat, because the children you will bear will be rule the northern Kingdoms united. They will resist the corruption and greed that can be used to destroy such an alliance. The attack on Erebor, most recently, was an attempt to destroy any chance of such children being born. And as that failed, until more forces and strength will be gathered, he will offer the title, Queen of all Arda. It is understandable. For the King under the Mountain, it appears, only bows to his Queen. And He rules an alliance over all seven dwarven kingdoms. Your coronation was confirmation of that. These clans agreed to an alliance, as they see your marriage as a sign of your stability, Thorin." Elrond lightly smiled. "Therefore they value your Queen over all else. Even the Arkenstone. And I understand Thranduil has also pledged his allegiance, because of your Queen."
"If you were to mount an army and stormed the Black Gates, I imagine there would be little to stop you now." Gandalf nodded. "Even if it meant heavy casualties and death to many of the allies. I suspect this worries Sauron."
"So you believe me – that he is back!"
"It cannot be said for sure –"
"So let's gather up an army and go in there and finish it once and for all." She leant forward looking from Thorin, to the wizard and then the elf.
"He may not even be there. It would be in vain to spend so many lives if the end could not be achieved. No, this perception of power, will likely ensure many decades of peace." Gandalf slowly shook his head.
"Which you both should enjoy. For you will be raising a child. And more after this one, I hope. The values you instil will be vital to their future rule." Elrond added. "No. We must train your mind to control your gift. That is the most important thing right now." Elrond looked from her to Thorin, who heard all that the elf had to say, but only watched his wife. "There is no more time to be wasted. We start your training tomorrow."
…
She sat in a large seat facing Elrond. He had been true to his word. After breakfast the next morning he had collected her and led her through to his study.
Thorin had immediately insisted that he accompanied her, but Gandalf had stopped him, and Dwalin offered to distract him with training, having brought most of their wooden training weapons with him. His sparring partner had also noticed the change to her sleeping patterns as they travelled, growing more worried for her and the babe.
"Gandalf tells me you are not unused to focussing your mind." He asked with a gentle smile.
She nodded, still uncertain of how she was going to control this apparent mind-door that allowed her to see others thoughts and reveal hers.
"You see, that is the problem, my lady, you are too open." He spoke softly. "You are not simply revealing what you wish to, but allowing all to be seen. I am sure you can understand how an enemy with powers as the Dark Lord does would take advantage of that."
"Ok. I am ready."
"Close your eyes and focus on your breath."
She did as she was told. At first she saw complete darkness. Then she began counting her breath, feeling the air fill her lungs and then empty.
After a few moments the centre of her vision became clear, even though she had her eyes shut. In a haze of darkness, she could see Elrond's face, as vivid as though she saw with her eyes.
'Good. You have only opened your mind to me.' She could hear him as clearly as she had before, even though there was no sound other than what was within her mind. 'Now focus once more and try to stop me from probing your thoughts.'
She took several breaths again, and his face disappeared into darkness.
"Good. Then you could not hear me." He spoke quietly. "This you skill must practice. So you learn to shut the door to your mind when you wish."
After a few moments she visualised his face again, and it coloured into view in the centre of the darkness.
'Very good. Now keep me out.'
She breathed, and darkness flooded her again, drowning out his face. Then the images came back in flashes.
Suddenly she was back in her apartment at home. Mike was speaking, but she almost couldn't hear his voice, over the blood pumping in her ears.
"Why would you do this now? After all this time?" Her voice was a mere whisper as she struggled to swallow back the tears. The pain felt fresh again. "We just sent the invitations out last week? Couldn't you have at least spared me the humiliation?"
He continued speaking, a hand swept through his red hair, subconsciously, like she knew he did whenever he felt uncomfortable.
"Oh no, you spineless… fucker… you… You don't get to feel uncomfortable today!"
He stepped towards her, he spoke but she still couldn't hear his words. Then he attempted to wrap his arms around her to comfort her. But she pushed him off.
"At least tell me why? I deserve that much after all these years?"
She shook her head, and returned to her breath, then all was dark once more. She had forgotten the pain from that, but now she felt the sting as though it was happening right now. And despite trying hard to resist another memory came back to her.
She was in a large field of grass and shrubs. She was on her knees in front of a beautiful grouse, it had a wound in its stomach, which bled colouring it's pretty brown and while feathers. The bird was breathing fast, clearly dying and had its wings half stretched, having attempted to fly away but failed.
"No…" she took her scarf off and covered the animal. It looked at her with its big eyes, as it lay on its side, attempting to move with what little strength it had left. "Oh no. You poor thing."
Dogs were barking loudly not far behind, and there was more footfall crunching through the brush.
"Choti! Choti!" It was her father, and he had arrived to squat by her side within moments. "Oh darling. You can't run away like that. There are men hunting not far from here!"
The barking neared.
"Daddy! Don't let them kill it! Please!" In a final plea she lowered her body over the dying bird. Hot tears pouring from her eyes and stinging her cheeks as they landed like raid drops on the bird and her scarf. The piercing pain of watching the bird as it grew lifeless, and its eyes turned glassy, felt fresh. She had never seen anyone die before.
"Keep your dogs back!" She could hear her father call out, as the dogs neared. The noise from the hounds was clear, they had smelled the blood, and were seeking out a final kill. "I am here walking with my little girl! If your dogs come any closer I will kill them!"
"Stop!" She opened her eyes, breathing fast. She didn't even recall when this memory was made, nor that it still remained so clear within the hidden depths of her mind. "Please stop…"
"Forgive me, my lady." Lord Elrond, knelt in front of her, holding her hand and offering her a glass of water. He could see how much she missed her parents, and evidently they were far away. She had shrunk back in her seat, appearing even smaller than she was, on the tall elven chairs, he wanted to comfort her and reassure her, but sadly it was his task to train her for war, and harder times. He thought of his own daughter who currently stayed with her grandmother in Lothlorien, and sighed. It was unfair that such a soft hearted mortal, had been tasked by the Valar with seemingly insurmountable challenges. "That was your father… he means much to you?"
Shaking she took the glass and brought it to her lips, taking a sip.
"These memories, the knowledge you have gained, it can all be used against you, child." He looked up at her concerned, explaining softly. "Your memories, the recollection, the clarity, I have never seen in another's mind before. If anyone should access your thoughts, it would be highly dangerous. We will need to practice more."
Drinking another sip, she nodded, letting her gaze fall from the elven Lord to her lap.
"I think this is enough for now, however…" he couldn't bring himself to probe her mind again today. They would both have to build their determination, courage and strength for tomorrow.
…..
Dear All,
Thank you again for following and being so patient with my slower updates.
Please do let me know what you think and thank you for your faves and follows xx
Special thanks to –
A5mia – thank you again. Hope you enjoy this chapter too :)
Tgo62 – thank you. Welcome to my crazy story! its becoming a bit epic, but i guess that is true to Tolkien! haha! Hope you enjoy this chapter too :)
dragonegyptianblue - it is the dark one! so she needs to work on shutting him out! but what will she during her time at rivendell... ;)
ColdOnePaul - i had almost forgotten about that scene! i think its one of my faves between these two! And she is having interactions with Sauron through her dreams, it even seems to shut Thorin from sharing her dreams. They say that Tolkiens Catholic background had an influence in some of his work, like the similarities between Sauron and Satan... but i rather like the way of the Jedi :) :) More will be revealed about Saruman in time, i wont give too much away for now ;)
UnaLouise - thank you so much, i have been worried about writing in emotion, because unless well written it becomes frilly, but i hope the naughty scenes make up for that ;) haha
