With the Dwarves in iron shackles they were slowly escorted to the Elven domain, with Hermione and Thorin being excluded from the rest as the silver haired elf lead. Nearing the entrance it seemed to be the largest and more alive, as the guards gazed upon them with questioning looks.
"Who are they Legolas?" One asked in the elvish tongue
"Dwarves, and a human we need to see my father" he answered with his same stoic expression
Nodding he let them pass the Dwarves were 'vocal' about their stay in the dungeons that lay below. Shoved into separate cells a few of the company even attempted to force their way out, but soon those plans were halted with blade points.
Throne Room
The pair were then presented to a wooden throne Legolas approached the side standing in wait, Thorin's glare at the elves was in no way intimidating the sliver haired elf. Hermione was nervous her encounter with lord Elrond was pleasant, but this was a less welcoming than them. Seeing her shake with uncertainty Thorin held her hand nodding to reassure her everything was going to be alright. After a questioning look the elf king came Thandruil he looked just like his son, he adorned a wooden crown with small crystals entangled within.
"Father, I present to you the intruders" he said gesturing to them
Thandruil stared at them especially Thorin with displeasure, but as it shifted to Hermione he didn't know what to make of it. This young beautiful lady being present among Dwarves was absurd.
"Thorin, what brings you to our lands?" He asked with a transcendent tone
"Nothing that concerns you" he growled
He gave him a sideways look then paced from his throne back to the pair, with a more meaningful expression.
"You think we haven't read or seen the signs? You on your way to liberate your home from Smaug" he said
Thorin's hand clenched a little tighter around Hermione's though she hid her expression to not give notice to Thandruil.
"I will let you pass through my lands..." he began as he walked to his throne sitting comfortably on it's wooden frame
"...In exchange you return what belongs to me that dwells within the Lonely Mountain" he explained his offer
Thorin released his female companion's hand in anger at the audacity Thandruil had to ask for anything.
"Where were you?" He growled as he received a angered look from the king
"Where were you! When my people came to you! Starved! Desperate! Asking for help! While our home burned to the ground!" He shouted in rage
"Do not speak to me about dragon fire!" Thandruil snapped back
"I have felt the smoldering heat of what it brings!" He growled as his faced formed back and forth into burns
He then stomped back to throne as he gestured for the guards to return them to their cells. He still was curious as to the human as she was ushered back to the dungeons.
Dungeons
As the two were placed in their separate cells the closing of the hard iron echoed throughout the caverns.
"What did the king say Thorin?" Balin shouted
Thorin then shouted in Dwarven tongue which gave the eldest of the company a hopeless face.
Hermione sat in her cell the cold stone walls around her with the only light coming from the illumination off the stone from distant fires down the halls. Leaning against the wall with exhaustion heavily felt in her body, that was when a guard came opening her cell.
"Come, the king would like to see you" he explained
Doing as told she exited with the guard walking closely behind her as they retraced their steps back to the Throne room.
Throne Room
She was guided to the center with the guard leaving shortly after, standing alone she waited.
"It's curious..." Thandruil's voice called out
Searching the room she found the elf pouring them glasses of wine in elegant cups, she kept a weary eye on him one filled with confusion.
"A human among a company of Dwarves, a beautiful one at that"
Approaching her he handed her a cup which she took hesitantly.
"Now my question is, why?" He asked
"They needed me so I joined" she answered still refrained from meeting his gaze
Thandruil was difficult to read as he always kept a stoic face at everything, moving from one end to the other he returned his gaze to her.
"Still you must understand that this... quest is a dangerous one" he explained
"I know, and I've met my fair share of it while on it" she retorted while putting the cup back on the table
"Then why continue? Wouldn't you rather be... in a luxurious life?" He insinuated with a raised eyebrow
She thought reflecting on her memories of the adventure the laughs, the danger, but she didn't regret a single one of those moments and she was sure that there were more to come.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can just abandon my friends" she said with a determined tone and equal of an expression
He looked at her disappointed at her answer as he looked at his cup still wine present inside.
"Well then I no doubt you wish to return to them even in iron shackles?" He asked hoping it would change her mind
"Gladly" she answered unwavering in his presence
"As you wish" he said ending their conversation as he gestured for her return to the dungeons
Dungeons
Being placed back into her cell a bit gentle this time. As her return made Thorin press against the iron bars.
"What did he want?" He asked hoping she was alright
"Nothing, nothing that would benifit us anyway" she answered