Éla cringed.
The sounds of the singing crowds were becoming tiring and needless to say, Bilbo was just as happy to exit the cheerful city as the female dwarf. The young princes still haven't been bothered by the praising townsfolk. They continued to embrace the attention freely given to them. Éla was glad to spend some carefree moments away from the consistent reminders of their quest. So the quartet walked to the edge of the forest that overlooked the docks for a much needed getaway.
Bilbo stuck his nose in his book, becoming oblivious to the two dwarves wandering about and sharing hidden laughs here and there. Éla kept an eye out for them even though she knew they wouldn't go far. It was the first time they've been alone with the female dwarf since Mirkwood. She suspected questions would follow at any moment. Nothing would contain their curiosity now that they were outside their uncle's boundaries.
Fili and Kili made their way back around, the younger placing a heavy hand on the hobbit's shoulder as he passed, sitting next to him.
"Lovely day, isn't it?" Fili prepped his pipe while overlooking the men at work on the docks. A scowl twisted his usually young, happy face. Éla followed his gaze, remembering their unpleasant ride in barrels that developed into a temporary loath for apples.
"Yes, it is."
Fall had finally set in; the waters grew dark and dangerous when the sun was hidden behind the clouds.
Fili turned away from the sight and sat down under the tree they occupied from the heated rays that afternoon. Éla waited for one of them to say something as Kili's eyes darted from the hobbit, to his brother, then to the female's intricate braids. He had been glancing at them for days without a word.
"You're taking it easy today."
Éla looked at Kili with a stone cold expression, trying not to come off rude while not giving off any unnecessary hints either. "Is that supposed to be a question or a statement?"
The two heirs caught Bilbo's quick glance before fixing his eyes back on his book. They were going to get away with a lot of mischief as long as Thorin didn't find out. It wasn't Bilbo's place to say anything if Éla had no intentions either. The female released a sigh as Kili twitched, awaiting permission. She hadn't been bothered by the attention from the company. The real issue were Thorin's nephews. She liked to play along with their antics from time to time but they were unrelenting.
"Let's get this over with."
"Your braids," Kili began, "can you tell us their true meaning? We're familiar with the courting braids yet you wear something far more...intimate."
"The rest of the company avoids the subject even when you and Thorin aren't around." Fili explained.
Éla's eyes widened slightly but her expression remained blank. Even Bilbo allowed himself a moment to really examine the braids.
"Does this make you family now?" Kili asked, clasping his hands firmly on his lap in an attempt to keep his eagerness under control. He wanted to show her respect and quite honestly, self-control over his usual naive, excited and rambunctious behaviour.
"That question might be better suited for Thorin." Éla said slowly. In truth, she could say yes. That answer had already been disclosed for days. The whole company knew.
Kili leaned back in defeat for the second time that day, allowing his body to fall over the cool grass and releasing a chuckle from the other dwarves. "Why won't anyone tell us anything? We're not children."
"Because there's nothing to tell."
"Just like nothing happened last night?" Kili turned his head to face the female, guilt written all over his features after realizing his mistake. Fili lightly hit his arm. "I'm sorry, I meant nothing-"
Éla put up a hand. "No, it's alright. You're young and curious."
Bilbo tried not to show his own curiosity and found difficulty focusing on his book as the female dwarf hadn't denied anything. Kili seemed to have relaxed slightly before facing her again.
"Once we take back the mountain and the dragon's defeated, will you and Thorin have children?"
"Kili..." The blond dwarf nudged his brother harder, causing him to sit up.
"You were thinking it too." He looked to his brother with determination. "Just imagine us taking care and having fun with little cousins! You could train him how to fight and I'll teach him how to use a bow!"
"Slow down!" Éla bellowed a laugh while waving her hands between them to catch Kili's attention. "Let's focus on one thing at a time, primarily the quest. I don't need rumors circling around Middle-Earth before our journey's end. Besides, it's not common for dwarf women my age to bear children."
"But it's not impossible." He persisted. The excited spark in their eyes was unnerving.
"No, it's not."
"Have you ever wanted children?" Bilbo asked as sincere as he could in hopes of not causing any more trouble for her.
Éla thought about the question for a moment. "I don't want to say yes, but I won't say no either. It was never something I truly considered until it was too late."
"Is that why you take care of us the way you do?" Fili went on. "You've taken over a lot of responsibility over the past few months."
Kili's face softened. "It's never too late, Éla."
"If only I could share your optimism and portrayal of the world." She stood and stretched. "Come, I think it's time we head back before someone decides to send a scout in search for us."
Back inside Lake Town, the four stopped at the armoury to drop off their weapons. Éla was the last to exit the building. She had been inspecting her dagger; great measures had been taken to keep her past hidden. Maybe it was time to be more open and allow life's turn of events to blossom instead of avoiding them.
As she exited into the streets, a peculiar voice rang through the air. "Lady Élarinya, what a surprise to see you out on such a beautiful day!"
The Master approached into view, surrounded by a few guards. "What a coincidence."
Fili, Kili and Bilbo made their way to the female dwarf's side none too pleased. He was too happy for his own good and they didn't like it.
"Good day to you too, Master." Éla bowed cautiously out of respect. She wasn't overly fond of the tubby man to begin with.
He waved his guards away and stepped forward. "May I have a word, my lady?" Dark eyes rested on her hair, narrowing slightly before overlooking the three figures standing behind her. "Alone?"
The Master gestured for her companions to depart, giving them some privacy. Éla reassured the young heirs and hobbit before they took their leave around the corner, out of sight. The Master waited until no one was around before speaking. "I understand your king will depart in a few days' time to reclaim his mountain. Such a quest can be quite dangerous, especially when it involves a dragon."
Éla turned her back to him, slowly examining the racks of weapons to ease her mind of the unjust sight of a human. "With all due respect, come forth with whatever it is you want to say. I don't have time for these mind games."
She heard him laugh quietly.
"You truly are a stubborn one." Heavy footsteps reverberated over the wooden floorboards, a heated gaze resting on her back. "Such a journey is not suited for a woman such as yourself."
He spoke cautiously, but remained confident. "You are more than welcome to stay in Esgaroth, Élarinya, free of battle and harm, even death. We will take good care of you here until your friends finish what they seek. You will be treated like a queen."
A hand voluntarily rested on her upper forearm from behind. Éla craned her neck to the side, eyes remaining fixed on the weapons instead. His move was bold and risky. No one would dare lay a hand on a dwarf woman, for any reason. That was something you just did not do. This man was defying cultural traditions that he could never understand.
"What do you say? The offer is there for you to take."
"You're asking me to leave my friends...my family." Éla turned around, standing to her full height. "I appreciate your concern, but this is as much my right as it is theirs. Nothing will change my mind."
The Master distanced himself from her. "Very well. I will respect your decision, even if it may be rash and unwise of you to decline such an offer."
Éla bowed quickly before walking out the door. She searched for her three companions who'd been waiting a little further ahead. A lot more would've been said to the Master but Éla held her tongue. She didn't want to bring disgrace and mistrust to the company. They also didn't need to make another enemy over foolish reasons.
*Le-gasp!* What's this? An upload? Look who has a few major plot turns and important chapters written up on her phone for the near-distant future... ;)
It's about time this company departs Lake Town and moves forward with their quest. A couple more things left to wrap up, then they're off!
I really miss writing my longer chapters for you guys, but this will have to do for now.