Thanks for more reviews, favs and watches! I'm noticing a pattern with uploads occurring every 3-4 days ;)
(Disclaimer: I don't own anything that belongs to the novel/movie, except Éla)
An endless dream? Or a horrid nightmare?
Élarinya lay unmoving. At least, she thought she was lying unmoved. Her body was resting on something solid but she could not feel it beneath her. Eyes were greeted with a blackness blacker than the shade itself. She blinked a few times but her vision remained impaired. Distant voices echoed around her. It was faint. Someone called her name. More voices arose amidst the darkness; they were foreign. It flowed like poison spreading across each intangible syllable. Fear encased her. A sudden pang shot through her chest in a loud BANG.
The female fell into oblivion...
"So here you all are still!"
The company was groggily startled awake by the booming voice. Éla practically jumped out of bed. She was rather grateful to have been awoken, despite the manner in which it occured.
"Not eaten by wargs or goblins yet I see!" Beorn laughed cheerfully. "Come, let's eat some breakfast!"
Beorn was in a rather good mood that morning for he told them about his journey to the Misty Mountains, and found that Gandalf's story was true based on the burnt clearing and uprooted trees. The skin-changer offered to provide any necessities they may need for their journey through Mirkwood.
The company would be provided with ponies and food to last weeks. However, Beorn went on to explain the perils upon reaching the forest.
"Your way through Mirkwood is dark, dangerous and difficult. Water is not easy to find, nor food. There is one stream that I know with water black and strong. It would be unwise to drink or bathe in it, for I have heard that it carries enchantment and a great deal of drowsiness and forgetfulness. For any reason, do NOT stray from the path. That you must not do. That is all the advice I can give. Once at the forest's edge, I would ask that you send back my horse and ponies. I wish you speed and if you ever pass my way again, my house is open to you."
The dwarves bowed their final farewells upon packing and finalizing preparations for the long journey ahead. Éla started to feel the same anxiety that swept through her upon their arrival at the skin-changer's house a few days ago. The thought of traveling through a dangerous forest with little access to food and water was worrisome. But she moved the thought to the back of her mind. They would worry about that when the time came.
Bofur and Fili helped the female dwarf onto a pony as most were already seated.
"Oh! Almost forgot." Beorn exclaimed. He walked over to Éla and handed her a second flask. "Something for the road. You may need it, you may not."
She gladly took it. "Thank you, Beorn. I hope I wasn't too much of a bother."
"Nonsense! And you are most welcome, Miss Élarinya. Don't get crushed by more creatures this time!"
Now seated and prepped, they bid a final farewell to the skin-changer before embarking on the road north of the Carrock. It was a few days' journey before reaching a little-known path into Mirkwood that would take them closer to The Lonely Mountain than their previous options of traveling east or south.
The company rode in silence through the grassy terrain well into the evening. A light tingling sensation started to work its way through Éla's ribs and muscles. She paid no attention to it as the dwarves began droning tunes and chatting idly next to their riding neighbor. Nori and Bofur were quietly humming in harmony in front, and Fili and Kili conversed from behind. Éla remained fixated on the sounds to help pass the time, ignoring pesky warnings.
Dusk came quickly as the shadows appeared to grow over the mountains in the distance, cascading them under darkness. They decided to stop and set up camp.
Éla carefully swung her left leg over to the other side so she was standing on the saddle's foothold. She didn't jump off immediately for a sharp stabbing pain crossed her mid-section. Holding onto the seat, the dwarf rested her head and took a deep breath. The pain came from moving too fast, but it hadn't affected her during training the other day. She paused. Adrenaline. She thought. Of course, it always has to do with adrenaline.
While training, she had been both nervous and excited. One's body needed that 'fight or flight' mechanism in order to do battle, even when practicing. Éla began to wonder if the physical activity had pulled a muscle or damaged her healing wounds.
"Éla?"
She looked next to her. Kili watched in concern, ready to assist if necessary.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, thank you." She responded, and got down from the pony.
Éla contemplated getting the flask Beorn had given her, but thought otherwise. It was a different-colored skin than the ones used for water. She knew that if she reached for it, it would worry the others, particularly Thorin. Time would have to be the determining factor, as it was for most things. Instead, the female dwarf tied up her pony with the rest and sat under a tree, a bit away from the company.
Supper had already been prepped and ready for serving by the time Bilbo reached her. He held a bowl in both hands, extending one to Éla.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The hobbit sat down beside her and they ate in silence. Shortly after nightfall, they all settled around the fire. Some began dozing off and others quietly talked amongst themselves. Bilbo had retired to his sleeping area, wedged between the roots of a tree and Gandalf sitting against it. One by one, they followed suit but not before a guard was put into place. Éla had offered to take first watch that night, but Thorin refused. He sent her off to bed as Fili and Kili were given the first round.
The female dwarf pulled her cloak more tightly around her body as she lay down. The wind howled through the night sky; it reminded her of the enemies that hunted them. She closed her eyes and hoped that her dreams would not be plagued by nightmares. Soon enough, the crackling of the fire, its warmth on her back, and the soft sounds of snoring faded as she fell asleep.
Morning came earlier than one would have hoped. Éla shuddered with exhaustion and awoke in a cloudy view. What on Middle Earth...She slowly raised her head in alarm, looking around. Panic subsided as she realized it was just a white mist that lingered over them. Her dreams had been nothing more than a black loop, her mind blank except for consistent eerie rhymes that she couldn't understand.
A small movement caught her eye. She looked in front of her as her vision adjusted to the haze. Thorin was laying on his side facing her, maybe a foot away. The dwarf was close enough where she could see every feature clearly. The others; however, were shadowy blobs of dark masses scattered around them. He looked peaceful. His features were not edged with everyday worry like it usually was. The maiden couldn't help but gently smile. To wake up seeing simple faces brought a serene feeling she did not understand. It could have been due to age, but that would mean she was getting old and senile. She definitely wasn't old or losing her mind.
Éla quietly got up so as not to wake the sleeping dwarves. It was a good excuse to take her thoughts off this new, unwelcome feeling by occupying herself on something else. She tip-toed to her pony, yet sensed someone's gaze on her back. She never turned around.
She let out a sigh. "I know you're there."
"And you're not very quiet."
Éla whipped around to Thorin standing directly behind her. That was nothing new these days. She noticed something bothering him. He kept eying her. "Before you ask, I'm fine. No pain."
His eyes told her that wasn't what was on his mind. "I recall Gandalf mentioning that you were from Ered Luin. Was that your home?"
She was stunned. Why was Thorin interested in her background all of a sudden?
"Yes." Éla became cautious. "Is there a problem?"
He studied her, searching for something. "You...look familiar."
"Well I have been in your company for a few weeks now." She said sarcastically. Before he could respond, she clarified her answer. "I knew of you and your family, much like any common dwarf from Erebor. My family worked in the caverns of The Lonely Mountain, since you were wondering. Still, you have never seen me before this quest."
Thorin contemplated her words while watching her fumble with the saddle's straps. "Who was your father?"
Éla only looked away, trying to avoid the discussion entirely. She had intrigued him to seek more information and she cursed herself over a poor choice of words. "I would prefer not to discuss that at the moment. I hope you'll understand."
"I have a right to know some background on those who travel in my company, Éla."
"And I understand that, but you wouldn't believe me if I told you."
Eyes fell to the ground. It wasn't that she had something to hide, well maybe one small secret, but now wasn't the time.
"Are you ashamed to mention his name?"
His question surprised her. "No, of course not! My father was an honorable dwarf and sacrificed his own life to make sure my family escaped Erebor with the others."
"He did not survive?" Thorin's eyes lit up in wonder.
Éla shook her head in a negative manner. There was something she did not want anyone to know, it was written all over her face. He would respect her choice to disclose as much as she desired, for now. He decided not to pester with any more questions until she was ready.
"My mother was devastated. She was even more so after my brother's death in the battle of Azanulbizar. But I don't need to explain what happened there." She gave him a half-smile. "Sorry, I'm rambling."
Thorin felt a slight pang of sadness from the memories, but a glimmer of hope swayed through that numbness. Éla was another survivor from the dragon attack. He had a newfound respect for her as an individual.
"Their lives were lost, yet you hold on to their honor. You wear it with pride, which I can see. Your parents would be proud of your courage and loyalty towards your kin."
"My gender does not trouble you?" She asked. Now it was her turn to ask a few questions of her own. "I understand that I have already caused a bit of a delay and minor problems where everyone is constantly worried about my well being."
Thorin merely allowed an infinitesimal smile to graze his features before it vanished into his stern, leadership characteristics.
"I will ask one thing of you." He completely avoided her question. "Keep the dwarves in order."
Éla nearly dropped her flask she now held.
"What?!" She quickly covered a hand over her mouth and looked back at the company. Several members were beginning to stir in their sleep.
"Once we reach the forest, I want to travel as incident-free as possible. Make sure they don't stray from the path from behind you...or do anything foolish."
He's definitely referring to Fili and Kili there. She thought.
"You have my word."
Satisfied, Thorin went back to wake the rest of the sleepy dwarves and the hobbit. The maiden found humor in the possibility of mentally keeping note as to how many times their leader would smile in a given day, or morning per se. Evermore, the sun raised a deep red glow, and they were off before the shadows receded into the tree line.
Two more long days of traveling had passed. That evening the company made a decision to keep riding into the night. Beorn had mentioned that on the fourth day, they would reach the eastern gate of the forest. Éla grew tired from the long day and the cold nipping at her fingertips through gloved hands. Still, they eagerly pressed onwards under the light from the moon.
Once they stopped, she was one of many who were most appreciative. The female slunk forward onto her pony's mane. Its hair was soft and cool on her face, perfect for rest. Her body had enough of the continuous riding motion and her back and chest were sorely in agreement.
"I could sleep like this right now." She muttered.
"You'll fall off doing that." Bofur said.
Éla playfully shoved the dwarf away from helping before disembarking the pony. "I can manage."
"Suit yourself." He walked off just as merrily.
Gloin got a fire going as they sprawled around the warmth, ready for some rest. Snacks were passed around for those who were still famished after their earlier supper. Éla brought her knees to her chest, trying to keep the warmth in her body. She sat with her back against a boulder, hands tucked within her cloak. The extensive ride made her muscles taut and ribs aching. Voices died down and the crackling of the fire drained all other sounds again.
Éla slowly closed her eyes, allowing rest to transpire. What felt like eternity, within minutes her body slid sideways against the rock and onto something warm. Exhaustion weighed her down as she leisurely straightened herself upright. Shock swept over her as she found she had leaned on Thorin.
"Thorin, I-" The maiden was too tired to even finish before he raised a hand to silence her.
He only smiled through his eyes. It could have been the flames dancing and hypnotizing her own sight, but she didn't think so. Thorin shifted his arm and wrapped it around her waist in a discreet manner, pulling her closer to his chest as she was about to move away. The act startled her, but she was indebted to the extra warmth that was willingly being offered. She would let him deal with any questions from those who may awaken to the sight.
On the fourth morning, Éla rose before dawn. The others were sound asleep minus Nori, who was poking the remains of the small fire with a stick. The dwarf hadn't noticed as his back was slightly turned to her, so she carefully got up hoping not to wake Thorin. Admittedly, she was embarrassed having slept the way she did, therefore sneaked away to the fire.
"Good morning." She said softly, not wanting to startle the dwarf.
Nori nodded politely. "More like 'good night', isn't it?"
Gandalf was next to join them by the dying fire. "I think it's about time to get them up."
The wizard curtly nodded to Nori, who grabbed one of the cooking pots and wooden spoons. Gandalf stepped away from the group to avoid any blaming. Fili was now up after hearing voices and had awoken Kili. The older whispered in his brother's ear, which prompted Kili to jump to attention, full of excitement.
Out of all the mornings Éla had been with them: that must have been a new record for the young dwarf to get up from sleep.
"Wait, Nori, give it to me." Kili said as he reached for the two objects, wiping sleep from his eyes.
Éla covered her ears and prepared herself for the backlash. It was going to be a brutal awakening. Kili grinned deviously then banged the two objects together.
"Rise and SHINE!"
The sleeping dwarves jumped from the sudden noise. Thorin whipped his sword out so fast, he almost grazed Balin's beard in the process. Once he found the source of the banging, he marched over to his youngest nephew and forcefully grabbed the cooking instruments from his hands.
"What in Durin's name are you doing, Kili?!"
The young dwarf was stumped. "Nori was going to do it. He had them in his hands first!"
Thorin rolled his eyes in frustration.
"Gandalf was part of it too!" Kili protested. Unluckily, the wizard appeared to be standing up from his 'rest' by a nearby tree. He kept a straight face, much to Kili's dismay.
"Éla you were awake; tell him it wasn't my original plan and was Nori's!" The poor dwarf was trying to save himself from his uncle's wrath.
"I don't care whose idea it was, you carried it out!"
Éla tried to cover her laugh as Thorin faced her. She tried to remain somewhat composed, but with no luck. Their reactions were priceless after all.
"I will assume partial responsibility since I saw their intended plan and did not stop them." She responded.
"See!"
Thorin pinched the bridge of his nose. He was growing irritated. The maiden walked over and took the pot and spoon from his grasp in case he decided to throw it at Kili or someone else less fortunate.
"It was just a bit of mindless," Éla looked at the young prince, "and inconsiderate fun. As the oldest member who was awake at the time, I will actually take full responsibility for his actions."
She gave their leader a warning through her eyes to let the incident go.
"Very well." Thorin shot Kili a silent warning of his own before the younger scurried over to his brother. The dwarf then whispered in Éla's ear before passing. "You better hold your promise once we enter the forest."
She turned to face him, a mischievous look unintentionally showing itself. "I don't intend to break it."
Another smile swiftly crossed his features before heading back towards Balin.
By now, everyone was up and silent. Bofur grabbed the pot from Éla and packed it away. It was still very early in the morning, so breakfast wouldn't be for another few hours. They saddled up and continued hopefully, on with their final day of riding in hopes of reaching the enchanted forest.
Éla rode at the back of the pack, just in front of Fili and Kili. All three were glad to be as far away as possible from Thorin. He was still in a bad mood, but it had toned down once they were back on the grassy road. Éla was glad it was still dark out for she stared into oblivion, lost in thought. Smirks kept tugging at the corners of her lips upon replaying the eventful morning, although those were not as prominent as other ones.
The two dwarf princes behind her would be in-debt to the maiden once this was all over.