Two days dragged on similar to their departure from Rivendell. Thorin distanced himself from Élarinya and few words were spoken in passing, if that. His expression became concerned with a subtle hint of intrigue. Bilbo's head cold had worsened to the point of speech impediment due to blocked sinuses. Éla offered her aid to Oin the last thirty-six hours to take care of their burglar while the rest of the company dealt with other matters.
Breakfast hadn't been an hour ago and the hobbit was already fast asleep in bed.
Picking up her book that was yet to be read, Éla quietly headed downstairs and into the lounging area. There was nothing more she could do for the hobbit. She sat in a chair and casually sprawled her legs over an armrest, ready to dive into something that wasn't real. Everyone put up a fuss over Bilbo and wanted him well again prior to leaving the town of men. There was still a good week and a few days before he would recover completely. Tending to him was easier than other tasks. Éla decided she wouldn't worry about Durin's Day for the time being, and enjoy the tranquility of the house while she had it. Ori was back in the library along with Fili and Kili, which to her surprise, remained well-behaved. The majority of the others had barricaded themselves somewhere on the other end of house in heated conversation.
All good things must come to an end, though. Éla pretended she didn't hear heavy footsteps enter the room as the young dwarf princes slumped over a couch with a sigh. She mustered everything not to look up from her reading.
"We're bored." Kili proclaimed, heaving an even bigger sigh.
"Go outside, roam the streets, or pick up a book." Éla said enthusiastically while not turning away from the page.
"There's no fun in that."
Fili watched his younger brother slink to the floor in a thud, which grabbed the maiden's attention. Both picked up on her conniving stare almost instantly as the book was lowered.
"If you're looking for fun, go bug Thorin."
They were almost shocked that the suggestion slipped through her lips, and so was she. Kili contemplated the idea but the pros were outweighed by the repercussions. "Nah, it's more fun bugging you."
"He would kill us." Fili added, placing some tobacco in his pipe.
Éla returned to her book with a grinned shrug. She was no sitter and if they chose not to entertain themselves, then so be it. They would learn about tough luck the hard way.
"Why do you avoid each other?"
Kili's question stilled the mood between the three. Éla wasn't exactly sure on how to respond. She knew what he was referring to yet words failed to yield an answer. Neither brother pressed for inquiry when the female remained tight-lipped. While they enjoyed the entertainment around Éla, they still respected her.
A few minutes passed before Kili thought it a good idea to start tapping the wooden floorboards with his boot. The rhythm started out rather quick but settled into an agonizingly slow pace which caused anyone who heard to pay attention. Éla's concentration steered towards the taps, waiting for the next one after the other. It became irritating and Kili had a most triumphant look on his face once the maiden finally looked up.
Éla sighed, partially frustrated and amused. "Whatever am I going to do with you?"
"Nothing." Kili rolled his head back on the edge of the couch's seat and closed his eyes. He flashed his signature smile towards her. "You're stuck with us for a while yet."
A while had endless possibilities. The quest itself had already proven to be lengthy, and Éla wondered about future plans if and when Erebor would be retaken. There had been so much pain and death associated with The Lonely Mountain, she wasn't sure she would be able to call it home again. It was still good to keep an open mind on such things though.
Living with such a lively company made it all the more bearable and she was content for the time being.
"With our strength replenished, it is time to plan our next part of the journey." Balin stated. "Durin's Day will soon be upon us."
"The quest cannot continue without our burglar." Thorin said firmly.
A few members groaned in their seats by the delay. The hobbit's fearless ambitions during their ordeal within Mirkwood and the Elvenking's palace had given the dwarves a new-found respect towards Bilbo. None wanted to leave him behind willingly at this point in their quest either, despite the setback.
"He should be well enough in a week's time." Oin reassured them. "The poor fellow just needs rest."
Bofur rested his hands on the wooden table, confident about their current state. "With Éla mothering him day and night, we'll be on our way in no time!"
Small talk erupted in agreement to his statement.
"Have you noticed she treats the younger members differently," Dori piped in, "not only from us but apart from each other?"
They broke into a short silence while pondering more recent observations.
"You know, I never thought about it like that before." Bofur leaned back in his chair and the rest eyed each other with grave interest. Thorin was most keen on what they had to say but remained unreadable.
Dori spoke again, "In the forest, she kept a close eye on everyone. Ever since we arrived here, Miss Éla's temperament has changed slightly."
"The same could be said for everyone." Balin pointed out calmly. "We're in a home with many comforts. Éla has traveled with us long enough to know how to..."
His voice trailed off as the door to the common room opened. Fili stood in the doorway eager to interrupt but not come off as rude. Whatever was going through his mind, took precedence over the short-lived meeting that ended upon his arrival.
"There are people at the front door with gifts."
The dwarves looked about them. The company were in high spirits as they filed out after the young dwarf in a blink of an eye, leaving Balin and Thorin behind. The elder rose from his chair, his eyes catching the light tightening of his friend's jaw and hardened gaze.
"Pardon me for being blunt, but some of the members are beginning to raise questions between you and our female companion."
"There's nothing to talk about or to question." Thorin said evenly. He felt his annoyance surfacing, knowing where his closest friend was getting at.
"Éla hides emotion well." Balin replied. Thorin stared at him in defiance but eased the gaze unblinking. "She doesn't deserve to be let astray either."
Thorin was still a moment longer before following Balin into the lounge across the hall where everyone busied themselves with men awaiting the king.
All conversation ended long enough for one messenger to declare another feast, inviting Thorin and his company once again to the Master's halls. New clothes had been tailored for each dwarf with their signature color in mind, enough to last another week. They were all grateful to be able to wear a wider selection as the items were carried up to each respective room.
A young maid entered as the other servants left, a large package held in her arms. Her dirty-blonde hair tied back and bright, green eyes nervously casting over each dwarf. Bowing politely, she scanned the room for the person she was looking for.
"Lady Élarinya," the maid took one step forward, bowing again and holding the package out to the female dwarf, "the Master would like you to accept this gift in apology for earlier events. Tonight's feast will be held once again, in everyone's honor."
Not wanting to turn down an offer of good food, Éla accepted the gift. "Thank you."
"He should've come himself." Dwalin grumbled at the thought of the Master's cowardly act for not directing the words in person.
"Who cares?" Kili hollered halfway up the staircase. "We get to feast and dine all night!"
The remainder of the afternoon was spent preparing for dinner and adorning proper clothing for the festivity. Fili and Kili exited their rooms, overlooking the other in fine garments of teal blue and tan. Balin soon joined them and made his way to the female's door with the young heirs on his heels. Frustration could be heard through the wooden door, so Balin knocked.
"Everything alright, lass?"
Pulling it open, the maid found three dwarves waiting outside.
"What is there to worry about?" Kili asked.
"Are you really asking that question?" Éla hollered back, hands crossing her chest.
Fili stood directly behind the older dwarf, looking in. "These days are few."
Balin shooed the prince after his younger brother, both grinning madly as they left to join the others downstairs. He walked into the room. "The lads do have a point."
"Balin, I am the only female among this company. I have never worn something like this in all my life."
He noted the concern etched in her voice, and observed her attire – a bright, violet gown with silver linings on the hems of the sleeves, which widened at the wrists and collar of the bodice.
"Heads will turn I'm sure, but try to relax." He extended a comforting hand. "If anyone gives you any trouble, you can come find me."
"I know I'm making a great deal over nothing." Éla sighed in defeat, her head spinning with worry. "You can't blame me for being a little nervous."
"The Master has requested that all members of your company be treated, and dressed as the guests you are; for tonight is a night worth celebrating."
Éla still showed signs of remorse after the maid spoke. Her words seemed to have further dampened the atmosphere.
"May we have a moment?" Balin asked, turning to the maid.
"Certainly. All she needs is the headdress." The young girl left and gently closed the door behind her to give the two dwarves some privacy.
Balin turned his attention to the female standing a few feet from him, taking in the pitiful, yet beautiful sight. "What is this really about?"
Éla hesitated, but if she could not trust Balin at this point, it would be an insult to their friendship. "Is this not too much?"
She motioned from shoulders down with her hands, referring to the gown. Balin studied the satin material and lack of heavy jewelry resting in a wooden case on the bed. "No. You're dressed regally."
"That's what I was afraid of." The female mumbled in her hands as she sat on the bed trying to contain shaking arms and legs from failing her.
"But we all are." He saw the sunken look and kindly pried her hands away from her face. "Now, where is this headdress?"
Éla chose not to argue. Judging by Balin's features, there would be no doubt the rest were dressed as finely as they were. Being one female out of fifteen was not so reassuring despite the elder dwarf's best intentions. So, she reached into her discarded pants and unbuckled a small satchel from the belt. Hidden within, Éla carefully pulled out a thin, multi-layered, silver headdress. Balin lightly took it and attached it to her hair. The silver band rested around her head in the form of a halo, dipping lightly at the front and carved with small jewels. He looked pointedly at her hair. "You're full of surprises, my Lady."
"It was my grandmother's and has been in the family for generations." Éla shied away under the concentrated stare.
"An heirloom?"
"Yes."
Balin nodded approvingly after checking for anything that could have been missed. She would surely gain a lot of attention that evening, but was troubled for her well-being. The Master's strange behavior and Thorin's isolation towards the female dwarf were bound to cross, and not for the better. He extended an arm.
"Need me to walk you down?"
"If you don't mind." Éla was still nervous and took up the offer. Having someone all the wiser helped a great deal to calm her subconscious.
"Not at all, lassie."
Sometimes a little help went a long way.
Balin felt Éla's clutch on his arm tighten as they walked downstairs together. Their attire certainly stood out from that of ordinary folk. The maiden was slightly relieved upon seeing the others dressed in a similar fashion to herself and Balin. Beards and hair were combed and everyone looked rather presentable for the first time in a long while, including Bilbo. The hobbit was seated, handkerchief in hand as he smiled weakly. The only select few who stood out further were Thorin, Fili and Kili. They were dressed more finely.
Éla's heart began to race as the dwarves surrounded her, inspecting her form from top to bottom. Thorin kept his distance but that didn't stop him taking in the sight a few feet away. There was more conflict in his eyes. A light blush spread across her cheeks from the sudden abundance of attention from their positive phrases.
The Master eyed Éla upon arrival. A pudgy silhouette of a man inspected Thorin and his Company on arrival.
Colors clashed against the other party guests and their earth tone garments. To the female's dismay, Éla noticed the presence of two women dressed in black evening gowns she would rather not have any contact with. They made sure the company became aware of their attendance but were no doubt ignored. An hand rested lightly on Éla's back as Thorin led her into the dining hall. He shot a warning gaze towards the Master who acknowledged the situation, and seated the maiden next to Fili halfway down the table. Balin and Dwalin sat on either side of Thorin, Kili across from his brother, then Bilbo followed by the rest in a jumbled, disorderly fashion.
Once the feast was served, conversations erupted all around. Laughter and song broke out as the dwarves soon enjoyed themselves. Éla kept an eye on Bilbo who seemed to take pleasure in the new songs and tales despite having a cold. Once the feast came to an end, men began playing instruments on one end of the hall as servants cleared the tables for finer ales and sweets. The music was upbeat and fun. People pooled on the clear floor space to dance to the tunes. Bofur took off his hat, politely bowed in front of Éla and offered his hand with a witty grin.
"May I have a dance?"
The maiden chuckled and accepted as the dwarf guided her through the crowd to a spot where they wouldn't be trampled over. Bofur took the lead and Éla kept in sync with his steps. He twirled her and everything, the song ending with a final dip, arms holding Éla close to the ground. Her face turned a light shade of crimson, embarrassed that they had gained so much attention and applause.
"You're quite the dancer, Bofur." She credited as they sat back down.
He tipped his hat to her. "And you're not so bad yourself."
The music changed to something more extravagant, Bofur leaning closer offering another go to dance. Éla laughed and shoved him away as the servants returned with trays full of baked goods sure to satisfy one's sweet tooth.
"I think I had enough of dancing for one night." She looked up the table and met Thorin's line of sight. His gaze down-casted briefly before turning to the Master talking next to him.
"Bud, thad was jud one dance." Bilbo's poor attempt to enunciate specific consonants left most of the members in an uproar.
"Your cold hasn't gotten any better, has it?" Éla asked with a concerned smile. The hobbit shook his head as she brought her mug to her lips. "Besides, I don't think I've had enough to drink to entertain the entire town with my poor dancing."
Fili looked at her puzzlingly as Kili took a bite out of, what appeared to be, a bite sized honey cake. Activities died down as the guests resumed conversations at the tables. Music softly played in the background, nearly drowned out by chatter. The younger dwarf prince tossed one of the desserts across to Bombur at the end of the table. He caught it with ease and strategically placed it on his dish of growing sweets.
"Éla." Kili hushed to gain the female's attention. When she turned, Kili flipped another pastry onto her dish. He miscalculated the force and it rolled off the table onto her lap unintentionally. A cheeky grin widened his features as he waited for her reaction. He nervously stole a glance at his uncle, but there was nothing to hassle over, for Thorin was too busy with those at the head of the table. Éla discerned his exploits and tossed the pastry back at the young prince.
The game quickly grew as Nori threw something from the end of the table, hitting Kili right in the shoulder. Defending his young brother, Fili was a little bolder and threw a cake covered with icing.
"Stop throwing stuff!" Dori pestered as some contents splattered on his sleeve. "This isn't a food fight."
The dwarf's words rejuvenated an old, bad habit and Kili's face lit up with mischief. Éla grabbed something small and gently flung it to end the youngling's trance and future impending retaliations.
"Don't even think about starting it." She muttered.
What happened next was anybody's guess. Kili stood, grabbed a larger baked dessert and used all his might in throwing it towards the maiden. Éla shielded the blow with an arm, but it did not stop the perfectly edible dessert to splatter over her.
"I didn't start anything." Kili declared amused. His look dared her to strike back, and so she did.
Chaos ensued as the entire hall soon fell victim to the dwarves' food fight. Some guests overturned tables for defense but no one hid unscathed by the wrath of sugar and ale. Thorin and the Master watched on in malcontent, but were too engrossed in the match to reinforce rules as the townsfolk took part in the fight as well. Balin even joined in a bit while remained seated next to his friend and brother.
"Balin..." Thorin scolded with a threatening smirk.
"Oh let them have some fun." The Master said. He wasn't entirely amused himself, but if the people were happy, then he would have to be content.
Éla went to stand to escape when a pie was thrown at her sideways, hitting her on the side of the neck and sliding down her to her chest. Most of the dwarves started laughing. Taking a finger, she tasted the flavor.
"Banana cream."
"Now's not the time for taste-testing!" Kili yelled, tossing food at his brother. She took a handful of the cream icing and threw it at him. The young prince ducked just in time and it made contact with Thorin's arm as he had gotten up from his seat with the Master.
Turning around, the dwarf leader was not too impressed but eased a rare smile as Éla tried to remain composed. He looked at his youngest nephew crouched on the ground.
"She threw it." Kili soon after got hit on the side of the head while facing Thorin. Taking the remains, he lunged for the maiden in revenge but with little luck as a pie came in contact with the front of his clothes.
"I think we're done for the evening." Thorin dictated.
The Master called for towels for all the guests. His halls were a mess: tables turned over, chairs toppled and food sprayed everywhere and on everyone. Éla headed over and bowed before the man.
"My apologies for the mess. If you would allow it, I would gladly offer to help clean up."
"Nonsense! You are our guest and shall be treated as such; so long as you don't throw any more food." He dismissed the maiden with a wave of his hand, not wanting her in his sight for too long with the dwarf king within close proximity. He had enough of dwarf hospitality for one evening.
Someone lent her a clean towel. Éla did her best to discreetly wipe as much food off as possible.
"Need help?" Kili asked as he came to stand beside her.
She beamed at his offer but kindly refused. "You wouldn't get as close as two meters with your uncle watching you."
Kili turned around startled and refaced her elatedly. Thorin had been observing their general direction as he spoke with Dwalin, who appeared fazed by his surroundings while he finished nursing the mug held in his hand. "I doubt he was looking at me."
"Come on. We should head home and wash up before another food fight breaks out." She threw the towel at his face.
Outside, the rain came down in sheets. The company was so preoccupied with their fun at the feast; no one seemed to have noticed the change in weather. Their cloaks rendered useless under the downpour. It was mildly humid but still cool. Éla hooked her arm through Bilbo's and made him dance with her after catching his grim expression. It did the trick and brought out a happier hobbit, even if momentarily. Some sang a small tune as they trucked on down the empty streets. Éla kept her arm linked with Bilbo's as the two walked in silence after a few more twirls ahead of the group.
Ori ran after Fili and Kili as the younger managed to nab his book. Éla chuckled but stopped dead in her tracks as she felt a finger trace down the back of her exposed neck and between her shoulder blades. She gasped, arching her back from the gentle touch as a shiver swept down her spine.
"Bombur!"
Some members laughed as the plump dwarf brought his hand to his mouth. Éla sensed the heat radiating over her face under the night rain. Looking over his shoulder, Thorin had a dark look in his eyes which startled her nerves.
"Sorry, but there was icing still on your back." He licked his fingers.
"Warn me next time before you do that!" She huffed in mortification. "Your love for food will be the death of me if you don't. Now go wash up, all of you!"
Fili rejoined the group shortly trailed by the other two, soaked to the bone. "I think the rain did most of the washing."
"Well, I don't want anyone else falling ill." Éla ordered but failed to keep her voice steady. A certain dwarf's gaze was cutting through her back. "Go on then!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Kili said sarcastically as he bowed before starting a running competition back home. No one had the energy to chastise his rambunctious behavior and simply wanted to get out of the rain.
The maiden ushered them all ahead in haste, blaming one mug of ale too many. She wasn't impaired, dwarves could hold their own when it came to drinking. It was the banquet. That feast seemed off. Fili and Kili chanced a look back, grinning under the rain as they saw their uncle walk up behind Éla. His touch made her weak and heart race as her wet hair was moved to one side, thick hands brushing against skin. Every time he was close her mind went blank, her thoughts disappearing in thin air.
"Please stop doing that." She begged softly under her breath. A quiet laugh escaped his lips and Éla looked at him questionably.
They took their time getting back as the weight of a soaking dress wasn't easy to maneuver in. Thorin grabbed hold of her wrist and led her between two buildings, hidden from view in the shadows and the cover of the rainfall. He unexpectedly backed her up against a wall.
"What you did was bold."
"It was just a bit of fun." She began, already knowingly aware what he was about to discuss.
Thorin lifted her chin so her eyes met his, demeanor changing entirely . The act surprised her as he stepped closer. His proximity had her pulse rising.
"And you scare me in a way I did not expect." She stated breathlessly.
"The Master was not entirely amused by the food fight itself, but you drew quite a bit of attention from his kin in the process." His voice was firm, but the intense gaze spoke of a different level of emotion as he studied her face, her hair, and the object resting around her head.
"Perhaps, but they are not the ones holding me against a wall." Éla protested shrewdly. Her eyes were ablaze as his body radiated heat within such close propinquity. It took everything not to cling to the warmth in the cold night.
"Do you not trust me?" Thorin asked.
Éla searched his features, yet no matter how hard she tried, she almost didn't recognize the dwarf standing so close. "It's not you who I don't trust."
Conflicting emotions glazed his sight. He moved one hand up to her neck as the distance closed between them. Thorin tilted his head slightly and hesitated, their faces a fraction apart as he waited for any sign of disapproval from the maiden. Not two seconds passed before he gently pressed his lips against hers. Surprised, Éla returned the kiss under the pouring rain, defensive barriers shattered. His beard tickled her skin as raindrops trickled down bare skin. Pleased, Thorin pressed her body further against the wall with his own. Chills spiked through her veins from the added contact. Éla wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. While he remained gentle, she sensed he was holding back, and quite possibly on purpose. There was something about feeling his beard graze her skin that caused her to lose all focus.
That quickly became her greatest weakness.
Any dwarf (especially women), would say that it was all about the beard. No questions asked. The greater the beard, the greater the dwarf. In Éla's case, it didn't matter. She enjoyed the moment for what it was as the sentiment was magnetizing.
There was hunger once Thorin pulled away from her soft lips so they could take a breath. Éla did not understand his gentleness at all. She took his hand from her neck and guided it down to her chest, above the pounding of her heart.
"That was bold."
He leaned in a second time, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Éla stopped him inches away, bringing her fingertips to his lips. Teasing him with a quick kiss of her own, she playfully pushed him away before parting.
"Do not temp me." Thorin growled, impatiently grabbing her by the waist again and pinning her back against the wall. His breath was warm on her face, his body even warmer.
She smiled deviously at the possible insinuation, yet soon missing his electrifying touch. "We should head back before the others get suspicious."
Éla still felt a bit unsure, but Thorin made his intentions very clear as he followed back to the house. All physical contact remained at the doorstep. Thorin stole another quick kiss before eyes fell on her parted lips, leaving Éla puzzled as he moved to open the door.
A/N: Inspired by the chorus of 'I knew you were trouble' by Taylor Swift. (Personally not a fan of the artist, but that particular song was catchy when it played on the radio a few weeks back and fueled the entire scene involving Éla at the feast straight to Thorin's actions.)
Hope you enjoyed!