Arranged Fate

A/N- Been a while since I updated this, sorry about that everyone. Hope you all stayed with me.

Disclaimer- I don't own the Hobbit 'or Lord of the Rings, but man do I own my OC's and the story in this.

'thoughts'

'Khuzdul'

Enjoy everyone.

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Chapter 9:

Travel Pains

"Ahahaha...Choo!"

Shaking himself, Kili shifted once more upon his pony. His body was shivering a little from the cold; it had started to snow not more than an hour past and wasn't showing any signs of stopping anytime soon. Much to his and his companions chagrin.

They had been traveling almost non-stop for the last few months and frankly Kili had been slowly losing all patience with the journey. He'd been plagued with nightmares as of late, nightmares where he finds Ochre slain, at the hands of Dain. Always he would awake, drenched in sweat and his heart beating so hard and fast that he was almost certain it would explode.

A few times he'd awoken the others with screams and outcries, while still trapped in his nightmare's grip. Fili would sit with him until he calmed, or Thorin would sing a calming tune that their mother used to when he and his brother were dwarflings.

It would work for a time until he had another nightmare, much to his regret they seemed to come to him almost every night. He hadn't been able to sleep much as it was and those horrible dreams just made the problem that much worse.

A similar sound of sneezing sounded from his brother whose beard had frost in it, he turned to look at him and wasn't surprised to see a similar look of exhaustion reflecting back at him. "We are almost there, just over this next ridge." Kili grunted in reply even as he pushed his pony onward and upward.

Winter had definitely come hard and fast to the iron hills, only those desperate or crazy would be caught traveling in such weather. This seemed to qualify their traveling group quite perfectly at the moment, because they were all rather determined to continue onwards no matter the weather.

Thorin was in the lead with Bifur and Bofur; both had been determined to come once they heard their niece was taken. Balin and Dwalin had remained behind with Dis, knowing that she needed to be protected while the others were gone.

Nori had joined them along with Gloin, they had also brought along several of their elite fighters that Dwalin had trained himself. Their total number was thirty strong, just enough to show strength but not seem to be over threatening. They didn't wish to make Dain think they were going to force the issue with the women.

Another dozen minutes passed before they finally crested the next ridge and just as Fili had said, there before them lay the capital city of the Iron hills. It was well frosted over but from what Kili could see there were several fires lit all over the entrance and through many of the paths leading into the mountain. It kept the snow from getting a heavy foothold and freezing them out.

Thorin brought their group to a halt as he called out to the guards that were posted there. Two approached looking wearily at their 'guests.' "We are here seeking an audience with Lord Dain. Inform him of our arrival." One of the guards stepped forward and spoke in a rather confused tone, "Milord, Lord Dain is not here. He has yet to return. Do you wish to speak with Mistress Vrain?"

Kili felt like punching something, hard. If Dain hadn't returned then what chance was there of Ochre and Falin being here? It hardly made the trip worth it. His patience with Dain and this situation was growing very thin; he knew if he didn't get some sort of release of this tension, he would implode.

It was Fili who acted first, "please take us to her. We are in great need." Thorin looked at Fili in surprise while Kili just clenched and unclenched his fists. The guard, whom had spoken, turned and motioned for them to follow him. Their group followed not far behind.

"Why are we speaking with that 'Biast's' wife?!" Fili sighed and shook his head at his brothers' words. "It might lead us to them. How do we know if Dain didn't send them here ahead of him, or even without him? We've come this far, we need to check every possibility."

Kili deflated at that, he knew his brother was right but it was just so damned frustrating. Feeling as powerless as they were at the moment didn't help matters either. Thorin patted his nephew on the back as they continued walking, "Your brother is right. Take heart in the possibility of them being here."

He wouldn't deny that some kind of hope was better than nothing at this point, so Kili nodded his head and did his best to keep up with the others. It didn't take much longer before they were brought to a halt outside a large building that was built into the side of the mountain. Out of it stepped a large female dwarf with long black hair, there were hints of grey in it as well. She looked friendlier than Dain that was for sure.

Thorin stepped forward to meet her and she bowed her head in deference to him. "My King, I hear you seek my husband?" Thorin nodded in return, "Lady Vrain. Dain has committed a grave crime against our people; did you have any hand in the kidnap of my nephew's beloveds?"

Kili gaped at that, he couldn't believe that Thorin had just asked outright like that. He put his hand on his sword and let his eyes dart around at all of Dain's men gathered around them; he'd be ready if they took offence and did something drastic.

Lady Vrain looked appalled, her face lost most of its color as she took in Thorin's words and what they meant. After a long moment of silence she lifted a shaking hand and spoke in a wavering voice, "leave us. Inside, you three only." She then whirled and went back inside.

The group watched as Dain's men left the immediate area, Thorin nodded towards the door that Lady Vrain left open for them. "Myself, Fili, and Kili are going inside. Watch the area." Bofur and Bifur began ordering the other's around, taking charge as Thorin, Kili, and Fili made their way inside.

Inside it was warm, pleasantly so. There were two dwarrowdams standing there as Lady Vrain lead them to a common area, she motioned to all the chairs and once all of them were seated she waved the two waiting dam's over. One had bright red blonde hair and the other raven red hair. Kili had a sneaking suspicion as Lady Vrain spoke.

"These are two of my children. Dela and Vela. I believe they are one of the reasons my husband has done what you accuse him of. For I have no doubts, he is guilty of this grievous crime." She crossed her arms and let out a deep sigh of disappointment. Her daughters, Dela and Vela looked scared as they glanced between their mother and Thorin.

Thorin leant forwards and asked, "So do you know of where he might hide them? We've been looking for nigh on half the year and have yet to find even a whiff of where they could have possibly been taken. We'd hoped to find them here, but it was a long shot."

Lady Vrain looked perplexed as she thought deeply. Finally after a prolonged silence, she turned to her daughters, "Dela, fetch your father's map please. You know the one I am referring to." Dela glanced once towards Thorin before she bowed her head to her mother and disappeared down one of the hallways.

She returned a few moments later with a rolled up piece of parchment that looked rather old. She was reluctant to hand it over but she eventually did, Lady Vrain patted her daughter's hand, understanding her misgivings. This was an unorthodox meeting after all.

She then unrolled the parchment and held it out for Thorin to look at. To his great surprise he saw that it was a complete map of Erebor's mining shafts and tunnels, even the ones that weren't complete. This was a grave piece of information, Thorin looked up at Lady Vrain and she nodded her head in approval. "You have no need to ask your Highness, you may take the map and I wish you all luck in finding your women. I wash my hands of my husband's crime, whatever you choose as punishment I will accept."

Thorin blinked at her words, as did Fili and Kili. They all glanced at each other before it was Fili who spoke first, "Milady, we appreciate all you assistance. It's just that...I am wondering why you would believe your husband capable of doing this. Most wives would defend their husband to the end."

Lady Vrain started to shake before she erupted in laughter, "most wives would yes. But I was chosen for Dain when we were younger; I even thought he was my One. I found out otherwise rather quickly. A loveless marriage is hell, take it from me, and do not ever give up on real love." She then stood and dusted off her legs, "now then, I suggest you return to Erebor at once. I shall pray to Mahal for your loved ones to be returned safely to you."

Thorin stood with Kili and Fili following suit, as they turned to leave though Vela stepped forward and spoke in a shaking voice. "Please, wait. I have a request." Kili looked at her with tired eyes, "what is your request?" He just wanted to get back home so he hoped she didn't ask for some outlandish thing.

Shifting nervously she asked softly, "may I accompany you all back to Erebor? I...I want to speak with Yorn, he is one of my father's top warriors." Kili narrowed his eyes at that, "what is he to you?" Her face blossomed bright red at his question and that was enough to tell him plenty. "Uncle?"

Thorin just nodded his head and exited the room. Fili turned around and bowed, "Milady we will guard your daughter if she chooses to journey with us back to our home, but only if you give your permission first." Vela looked to her mother who looked torn before she finally nodded her head, her eyes sad. "Be happy with your life my daughter."

Vela hurried over to hug her mother before she disappeared for a few minutes, to pack most likely. Kili waited but he was getting rather impatient, Ochre wasn't here so he had to hurry back to Erebor to look for her there. He just was getting so tired of all the wasted time.

Fili placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. His eyes spoke volumes and Kili knew his brother understood his feelings. He nodded his head and let out a deep breath as they continued to wait, it wasn't long before Vela returned with a large cloth sack. Her hair had been tied back and she looked ready to travel.

All three of them left without another word spoken, but Lady Vrain looked content with her decision to help then and let her daughter go her own way. Once outside, Thorin and several of the others turned to look at them. Seeing Vela, Thorin raised his brow and Fili answered, "She has asked to travel with us back to Erebor. Her mother has granted her safe leaving."

Thorin merely nodded his head, "Let us depart this place. Now." Everyone in their group hurried to remount their ponies and Vela rode behind Bofur as they finally began their return to Erebor. Kili just hoped when they got back it would be to some good news for once.

'Wait for me Ochre, I will find you.'

A/N-

Next chapter our boys will finally get some of the answers they are looking for.

Thank you all again for staying with me and continuing to read my work.

Khuzdul words are below-

Biast- Monster

May the Fluff Be with You!

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