"I'm hungry."
Élarinya opened her eyes to the plump dwarf that was not so round as when he had fallen in the enchanted river so many weeks ago. Mind you, he still had plumpness to spare. She never thought to stop and examine each member to see just how much their journey has physically changed them so far. Éla wondered how she appeared to them, most likely weak and brittle.
"Stop your complaining. We all are." Dwalin grumbled. He kicked a stray pebble over the bridge and into the water.
"Tired too." Balin added, looking around at worn-out faces. "They shouldn't be much longer."
A short while longer, the gates opened and a guard waved the dwarves to come forward.
"Lay down any arms you carry before entering." The guard said. The dwarves looked at each other, dim-witted and nearly ready to laugh under their fatigue. None had weapons for the elves confiscated them. The guard was soon joined by several others, forming a circle around the company as they were led towards a large house in the middle of the town.
Through excited townsfolk, Éla realized as did the rest, the celebration was for the return of the King under the Mountain. Thorin's presence must have been accepted. Wooden doors quickly opened, greeting the dwarves with a warm glow of light.
The guard spoke in haste through the opening. "Make sure they are bathed, pampered and doctored before heading to the feast!"
"Can it not wait till after we have some food?" Bombur asked pleadingly. His eyes sparkled at the thought of rows of delicacies, but it did not persuade anyone.
Servants tended to each individual member of the company, ushering them all in different directions to other rooms. Two maids grabbed Éla and in a room to herself upstairs, she was shoved into a warm bath already prepared. No time was wasted as their presence was expected in the halls below. The female dwarf was then put in a burnt orange dress with chocolate brown satin lining the seams as one maid helped her, while the other tended to her tangled hair. The color triggered Éla's memory.
"What day is today?"
"Mid Autumn's Day." The maid fixing her hair, answered. She tied up Éla's waves in defeat, loose strands falling messily from the ponytail but still looking rather presentable. "That should do for now."
No mirror was given and the female dwarf was hurried out of the room and down the stairs where the rest of the company waited. They all turned to her as she rejoined the group. The dwarves still wore their heavy boots and trousers, but were in clean shirts for the time being.
"Stop starring!" Éla whispered in embarrassment, growing more self-conscious of her now embellishing attire compared to their simple garb. "It's not like any of you haven't see a dress before."
"Fair point, but have you seen yourself?" Bofur asked optimistically, nudging her with his elbow.
Gloin crossed his arms as he inspected the new look, even if it was a plain dress. "You wear the color well, Miss Éla. My wife fancied dressing for the seasons."
She gave up on sulking, but their comments only made her that much more nervous. The dwarves were handed back over to the guards and walked briskly to the food hall. Éla reluctantly followed, having no choice in the matter. Just outside the opened doors to the dining area, another servant awaited their arrival. A guard lined the dwarves in single-fashion.
"Upon entering, you will bow and state your name to The Master of Lake Town and your king before seating." The servant instructed.
Bombur's demeanor brightened as he was motioned to proceed in the center of the line, not being put last for once. Balin was first to enter the feasting hall and the maiden heard the fluctuation in volume of chatter lower as he stated his name. Dwalin entered after his brother, followed by Gloin then Oin. Bofur grabbed Bifur's arm and the two disappeared together. No doubt Bofur would have to speak on his cousin's behalf. Éla was held back by the servant as Bombur eagerly strolled into the hall from the smell of food. "Wait here."
Dori, Nori and Ori were last to go inside. The maiden took a deep breath and what felt like an eternity, only lasted a few seconds before the man nodded, signalling her turn to proceed.
Fili and Kili were the first to notice her enter in a simple dress as everyone's conversations rendered speechless. The orange tinge clashed with her dark hair; a perfect synchronization of colors for autumn. Éla grew slightly uncomfortable as the entire space dropped in dead silence except for a few small talks here and there. The two brothers sat on either side of their uncle at the head of the high table, still in their thin garments.
The only thing that kept her going was Fili's warm smile and Kili's stupid grin. Éla forced a smile of her own, hiding any trace of ill confidence. Everyone watched until she respectfully curtsied (and almost forgetting how to perform the act) before stating her name. Since the moment Éla walked through the doors she hadn't made any form of contact with Thorin, but she could feel his burning gaze now that they were only a table-width apart. He was the future King under the Mountain and so she politely met his stare.
If his jaw did not drop, then his eyes made up for the lack there of. The Master of the Town waved her away to be seated with the rest of the company. Éla suddenly became more aware of her physique and sought out an empty seat between Bofur and Bilbo.
"Looks like you have a growing audience with the men," Bofur said as she sat down, "and a few others."
Éla buried her face in the palms of her hands indignantly. "Bofur, as good a friend you are, that isn't helping. I did not ask to be put in a dress."
"Give yourself some credit! Here!"
He handed her a platter with an assortment of goods to choose from, taking her mind away from prying eyes that watched them. Their table was one row over from where Thorin and his nephews were feasting. Kili kept glancing over, unable to contain the excitement plastered all over his face.
"Fili and Kili must love the attention right now." Dwalin said further down the bench.
"Aye, first time being properly treated as royalty too." Balin added before taking some meat. "Anyway, best to hurry and grab what food you can."
Éla followed the older dwarf's stare to Bombur's overflowing plate. The food was piled in a neat little mountain as he continued to nab anything that passed his way, in and around. All the while, he appeared most happy out of all of them. Bilbo leaned over the table slightly so as many of the dwarves could hear him speak quietly. "There were elves here before you had entered."
The hobbit realized his mistake at pausing; judging by the shocked expressions they now bore. "Don't worry, Thorin sought out The Master of the Town's verdict. The elves can't take us back, although they now know we are here."
"They would have to drag me out, shackled and bound before I ever go back." Dwalin remarked, taking a long swig from his mug.
"Over my dead body!" Ori said a little too loudly as he stood up with pride, drawing attention from some of the other guests. Dori and Nori grabbed an arm and shoved their youngest brother back in his seat.
"Sit down and save it for the dragon." Dori ordered.
Full stomachs brought some life back into the dwarves as the tables were cleared after the meal. Bombur pocketed some snacks for later when he thought no one was looking. Bofur and the maiden exchanged humorous glances. There was sure to be plenty of food available in the morning for the company, so there was no need for the dwarf to stuff his pockets with provisions. But they weren't going to argue.
Their arrival had prolonged the feast well into the night and Éla found herself humming softly to the songs of old being sung outside. Bilbo's head rested on his arm as he began to feel drowsy with sleep. Some of the others tried hiding yawns and droopy eyes without much success. Their journey had been long and treacherous thus far. Rest was well deserved.
Éla looked down to Balin for guidance and to see about their next dilemma for accommodations. The setback seemed to have taken care of itself, for Thorin bowed lightly to The Master and motioned for Balin to round up the company and follow. Éla kindly nudged Bilbo.
"Is it over yet?" He mumbled in his sleeve.
She laughed. "Yes, we're being taken somewhere to rest."
The hobbit got up half-heartedly and carried on after the other trailing members, Dwalin bringing up the very rear.
A little ways down the road, a large house was given up to them. It had a cozy, warm feeling to it once they entered the main door. The hallway opened up into a large living space to the left with a hearth burning softly. To the right through another set of opened doors, was a fully equipped kitchen and dining room. Further left, a large staircase led to two floors of bedrooms. The young princes were first to run about inspecting all the rooms with utmost enthusiasm, while the rest of the company lounged on sofas and chairs too tired to move.
"This place is huge!" Fili said as they came back down the stairs.
"Enormous!" Kili grinned, jumping off the second-last step. "Although, there are only fourteen bedrooms..."
His statement caught everyone's attention while leaving out an important detail. There were fifteen members. An odd number. Someone was going to have to improvise. Éla looked around and contemplated a way to solve this.
"Two people are just going to have to share a room." Balin said.
"Seems fair, but who?" Éla asked. She knew it couldn't involve her due to her gender. Half the company would have a field day if it had.
"Well, we thought-" Kili began, a cheeky smile crossing his face as he turned to his brother then to Thorin. The young dwarf then faced the maiden.
Dwalin saw their brewing antics and stepped in. "Thank you for volunteering."
Kili's smirk dropped in disbelief. Fili steered him back towards the steps as the others got up. "There are wooden nameplates hanging on the doors. Everyone has a room."
Some snickered as they followed the brothers who told them who belonged where. Dori, Nori, Ori, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Oin and Gloin all had rooms on the first floor. Éla saw the pattern and found it odd that she wasn't on the same floor.
"Yours is upstairs with us, Éla." Kili said all too amused.
"Come on then and show us the way." Dwalin shoved the young dwarf up the next flight of stairs leading to the second floor. The hallway was lined with eight wooden doors with a small balcony leading outside at the very end, and sure enough, their names were marked on tags hanging from a nail in the center. Balin and Dwalin were stationed across from each other closest to the stairs, then Bilbo, Fili and Kili. Thorin and Éla were at the very end. She was relieved in knowing there would be no excuses for someone 'accidentally' walking into the wrong room. The nameplates would most likely be disposed of by morning.
They all settled in their designated rooms and said their final good-nights. Éla chanced a look back before opening her door, Kili watching intently. Thorin and Dwalin were making small talk by the stairs. Both eyed the young dwarf suspiciously.
"You dare try to sneak in here, I will kill you." The female warned.
"You wouldn't." Kili leaned against the wall, holding onto the open door inside his room. He tried to look as frightened as possible while holding back a mad grin at his uncle's appalled face. Fili peaked out through a crack in his door and stifled a laugh at the scene.
"Try me. Although, I don't believe it would be in your best interest unless the first thing you want to lose are your jewels."
The four were stunned.
"Where did that come from?" Dwalin was baffled. "She has more balls than you, Kili."
The young dwarf stared at her in confusion, spreading his arms wide. "Does it look like I'm made of jewels?!"
"That's not what she's referring to, brother."
Kili's face dropped to a frown and Éla began to feel bad for singling him out. He looked crossed between being insulted and very upset.
"I'm sorry Kili." The maiden walked over and embraced the young dwarf in a hug. She really felt guilty for hurting his feelings and pulled back to see his face to show all her sincerity. "That statement goes for everyone since there is only one of me and fourteen of you."
"I think it's time we all get some rest." Thorin said, breaking his nephew's rejuvenation.
Fili came out, arms spread wide. "Do I get a hug too?" He waited for the maiden's permission as she laughed and waved him forward, despite a suddenly jealous Kili.
As they pulled away, the older dwarves shook their heads.
"Do you two need hugs as well?" Éla asked wittily.
Dwalin put up a hand in dismissal. "We're good. You can stick to tending to these youngsters."
Thorin shot a warning to his nephews to retire for the night. Both complied, the younger's grin returning in the most conniving way. Éla took the opportunity and opened her door and entered before another word was spoken. "Good night."
She quickly found there was a lock and happily slid the bolt, barricading herself within. The past few days have been a nightmare and she started to find it difficult to look directly at Thorin. Her heart raced and she probably resembled a fool for rushing inside, but that would be the least of her qualms. There was too much regret but the look in his eyes when she had walked into the feasting hall and just now...she couldn't think about it. Exhausted, Éla unfastened her dress and climbed under the cool covers on the large bed.
The rest of the world, and a bemused Kili, could wait a few hours to continue disturbing the peace after some much needed sleep.
Alone in the peacefulness of his room, Thorin occupied his brain with a book he found in the downstairs library once everyone had finally settled in. The text was of no use as his mind ventured away from the reading and back to the feast they had interrupted earlier. Seeing the members of his company well treated and entering as high guests to him and The Master of Esgaroth was a nice surprise. It was a delightful sight indeed, until Élarinya had entered and everything came to a standstill.
She looked...no. He would not finish that thought. It was too soon, too...unexpected. Abrupt, unanticipated or even distracting would have been another good choice of words. Thorin questioned why he ever allowed a woman to join his company, but it was merely through Gandalf's clever persuasion. Éla was a decent fighter, but not a warrior. It wasn't that he belittled the skill of dwarf women. He was almost concerned for her safety after their run-in with the goblins. She would need to be retrained. He would have to ask Dwalin a favor.
Thorin more so resented his actions in the prison cells day and night, yet there was something he couldn't shake off. Yes, he was angry that the elves falsely accused them of being a couple and her elaborate scheme paid off in the end, but it was unnecessary. His actions were erratic and unnecessary. At the time it was the most logical solution. The elves were cunning but he wouldn't allow them to challenge his pride, not while his company was on the brink of escape.
He loathed them and Éla for it. Alas, his actions were his responsibility and only he could own up to them. Thorin hadn't expected the kiss to linger longer than it did, but he never anticipated Éla's appearance that evening to transform into something so...attractive. It wasn't to say the maiden wasn't beautiful; she took them all by surprise. It was one too many.
The sight reminded Thorin of his sister from the days lost under The Lonely Mountain, and of his kin adorning fine fabrics and gems. It ignited a fire within but clawed at his gut to stop reminiscing. It only fueled the urge to protect his company during their stay in the town of men, especially the female dwarf.
As hard as he tried, Thorin could not remove the thoughts from his mind. It quickly converted into something dangerous and so he tried to focus on the next step of their journey in hopes that slumber would swiftly take him.
So Thorin is still feeling rather resentful from his actions and alongside Éla, both are fighting an internal battle over a mixture of emotions. I won't spoil anything for you, but there will be some form of confrontation. Be prepared for possibly another major cliff-hanger.
Reader Input: That's right; I'm going to ask now rather than later. IF this story turns into an M-rating, would that be alright for those already following/reading, or would you prefer it to remain a T-rating?
Would a separate story for M-rated segments be more practical, or should it be included within this story to keep the flow consistent and intriguing?
Personally, the story won't be ruined either way, but I want it to be as real as possible. (Just like Chapter 5 over broken bones, only more heart-pounding and intense.) We're slowly building up to that.