It was a few days and we were off the cliff and in a clearing. The dwarves were giving me and Thorin time to heal. Dwalin hovered by me, but we didn't talk much about the kiss. We slept in each others arms at night.
"So Alvin survived?" Balin asked.
"He did." I said. I sat with Balin and Dwalin talking. The bruises were disappearing.
"I'm gonna rip his limbs off when I see him." Dwalin growled.
"If he lived. When Thorin was getting attacked. I stabbed him good in the side to free myself to get to Thorin." I said.
"That a girl." Dwalin said. I smile. I head to check on Thorin.
Dwalin's POV. I watched her go be by Thorin.
"Have you asked her?" Balin asked.
"Asked her what?" I ask, looking at my brother.
"To court you?" Balin asked.
"I was gonna wait, but ye think I should ask her now?" I ask.
"Aye. I approve. I know mother would be happy to see that you found your one. She's a good lass and a skilled fighter." Balin said.
"She's a Princess and heir to her people's throne. I got nothing to give her." I said.
"Ye can give the lass love and protection. Ye protected her so far through this journey. Ye worthy of her." Balin said. I grunt as I caught Celeste's eye. She smiled at me.
"I'll ask her..." I never finished as warg howls came and we all stood up.
Celeste's POV. Thorin sent Bilbo to scout as I grabbed my weapons. Bilbo comes running back as I came back to the dwarves.
"How close is the pack?" Dwalin asked.
"Too close. A couple of leagues, no more, but theat is not the worst of it." Bilbo said.
"Have the Wargs picked up our scent?" Dwalin asked.
"Not yet, but they will. We have another problem." Bilbo said. I realized he was trying to tell us something else that wasn't the orcs.
"Did they see you? They saw you!" Gandalf said.
"No that's not it." Bilbo said. Gandalf smiles.
"What did I tell you? Quiet as a mouse. Excellent burglar material." Gandalf said. The dwarves chuckle.
"Will you stop and listen. He clearly is trying to warn us about something that isn't the orcs." I said. The dwarves went silent.
"Thank you Celeste. She's right. I'm trying to tell you there is something else out there." Bilbo said. The dwarves looked worried and Dwalin and I looked at each other.
"What form did it take? Like a bear?" Gandalf said. We all look at him surprised.
"Yes. But bigger, much bigger." Bilbo said. Gandalf walked away.
"You knew about this beast?" Bofur asked. I put a hand on Dwalin and he looked at me. "I say we double back."
"If we double back, we will be run down by a pack of orcs." I said.
"There is a house, it's not far from here, where we might take refuge." Gandalf said, turning to us.
"Whose house? Are they friend or foe?" Thorin said.
"Neither. He will help us, or he will will kill us." Gandalf said. The dwarves and I share looks of worry.
"What choice do we have?" Thorin asked. A roar splits the night. I flinch as the dwarves look towards the direction in fear.
"None." Gandalf said. Dwalin took my hand and we took off running through plains and streams. "Come on!" Gandalf yelled. We ran through the forest. Dwalin holding my hand and not letting me go. We stop as a ear splitting roar sounds nearby.
"That was to close!" I said. Dwalin squeezes my hand.
"Run with the lads." Dwalin said. I nod as he lets go.
"This way, quickly!" Gandalf shouted. I ran up to Fili and Kili who were near the front and we ran. Dwalin stayed in the back with Thorin. We come out of the forest and see a house surrounded by a hedge in the middle of the plain.
"To the house! Run!" Gandalf said. We run across the plain. Bombur comes running past us.
"He can run fast when in fear?" I ask.
"Looks like it." Fili said. We run to the front door. Bombur throws himself against the door but bounces off. Fili, Kili, and I collide with the door and try and break it down.
"Oh come on." I said. Trees breaking comes and I spun. "Oh Durin." A massive bear was heading towards the house.
"Open the door!" Gandalf called.
"Quickly." Thorin said. He pushes through the dwarves and raise the exterior bolt, opening the door. We push our way in and I turn as the dwarves push the door shut. The bear roars and tries to push the door open. Bilbo pulls out his sword and I pull out mine. The dwarves yell and strain to close it.
"Come on lads!" Dwalin said. With one final push the dwarves manage to close the door and bolt it shut. I sigh in relief.
"What is that?" Ori asked.
"That is our host." Gandalf said. We all turn and look at Gandalf in surprise. "Sometimes he's a huge black bear, sometimes he's a great strong man. The bear is unpredictable, but the man can be reasoned with. I walk around seeing all kinds of animals. "However, he is not overfound of dwarves." The other dwarves look at each other. Ori peaks out the crack as I come back.
"He's leaving!" Ori said. Dori pulls him away from the door.
"Come away from there! It's not natural, none of it. It's obvious, he's under some dark spell." Dori said.
"Don't be a fool, he's under no enchantment but his own. Alright now, get some sleep, all of you. You'll be safe here tonight." Gandalf said.
That night. I couldn't sleep. I slipped out of Dwalin's arms and went to the kitchen to see if I can find something to drink. I found the cups were huge. I sigh and decide nothing to drink.
"Can't sleep?" Dwalin's voice came. I turn and saw the dwarf standing behind me.
"No. Got to much on my mind after finding out Alvin is alive keeps my mind going." I said. Dwalin comes over.
"Stop worrying, lass. None of us will let him harm ye." Dwalin said, brushing hair out of my face. I smile at him.
"Thank you." I said. Dwalin sighs and I tilt my head at him. "What is it?"
"I been meaning to ask you after that kiss. I know I got nothing to give ye, lass, and ye probably don't deserve me, but. Princess Celeste. Will ye court me?" Dwalin asked.
"Yes Dwalin. I will court ye." I said. Dwalin picked me up and swung me aroun, pressing a kiss to my lips.
"Thank ye lass. I need to put a braid in yer hair and ye as well with mine." Dwalin said. We head over to both our bedrolls. Fili and Kili sleeping. I sat in front of him and he braids my hair. He gives me a bead and I put a courting braid in his hair. I yawn and Dwalin chuckles. He lays down and pulls me down next to him, pressed to his side. I took his hand as we stole small kisses. I laid my head on his chest and let his breathing. The door opened as Dwalin passed out. I lifted my head from his chest as a man stepped in. I laid my head back down as he looked our way. I knew our host was home.
AN: And its official. They are courting. Eek. I am happy how this story is turning out. Love the reviews. Till next time