-Chapter 5- The Proposal-

The years flew by and indeed Elrond was a great teacher, I had also followed all the precautions that my King told me to follow so I could blend in better within the elves. I had begun learning about the Dwarves as a race of people, where they began and their languages and so on seeing as I already knew everything about the Elves if only missing some complicated elven names from the past. I remember Lord Elrond talking to me about the Dwarves, he stated he knew King Thrór very well, he also mentioned what Thranduil brought up about Thorin having obvious interest in me. "The Durin line is a strong one they are smart and proud, excellent at fighting and crafts. Thorin would be getting the best guidance and teachings in this time of peace, it also helps that most beings of middle earth are compatible, you and I are the prime examples of that." I smiled listening as I also lightly read through a Dwarven ancient dialect; they were also masters at creating hidden passages and doorways. I cleared my throat "Lord Elrond, I know King Thranduil informed you off the youngest of the Durin line fancying me, however I do not reciprocate the sentiment." I looked up to him noticing a glint in his eye, "then why could you not keep your eyes from his being, as if you were magnetised to him?" I faltered, obviously Thranduil told this to Elrond outside of my presence, I sat with my mouth agape, before closing it and looking back to the book I was reading. Elrond chuckled, "it is alright to accept your feelings for another person Amira, if you like the youngest in line then so be it, nothing will hurt you if you admit it," I chose to pout and then get back to my reading.

Over the years I grew to love Elrond as my own father, and even got to meet Arwen in my brief stay however I never got to meet his son's, it was said Arwen looked just like Lúthien, and she was very kind, being a half-elf she had the choice of mortality or immortality, I honestly felt envious as I wished that I could choose when I died. Elrond was very wise, much like how I heard the wizards were like, I found he gave the best hugs and also spoke to me about personal matters, like mortality and immortality as he too thought I would be able to choose when the time comes for me to marry someone. I had spent a total of five years in the Rivendell Kingdom for my training and studies, Elrond also stated that he would chose me as his successor to Rivendell if his children all chose mortality or passed on before his departure. I had been shocked and I felt guilty as he did not know the truth about me, however Arwen was so accepting and encouraging and she accepted me as her sister and even called me sister, and I called Elrond Adar, regardless of me being legally adopted or not, I was a part of the family.

My hair had grown out and now sat to my waist, it was slightly wavy and golden; I was informed by my Adar that I looked much like Galadriel, much to my embarrassment and shock. I had never met her only heard of her as she watches over middle earth now, my studies had been brutal and I only kept in touch with Greenwood by sending messages and or when someone visited. I had been sitting in the reading room, going over information that Elrond wanted to test me on however I had never failed one since before when I was a human and it wasn't going to change now. "-iel (daughter) it seems you are popular as we have had two pigeon carries come for you with separate letters and one is from Erabor the Lonely Mountain, I wonder what they could want?"

I saw his teasing smirk, enjoying embarrassing and teasing me. I had noticed that Lord Elrond my Adar had taken to being more like an Adar once we were close; he however would never act as such in the sight of visitors or others. I opened the letter to see an official union marriage proposal between Dwarfs Durin line and the Elven King's ward helping to make close ties, I was sure that was not the truth, it more than likely would have been that Thorin liked me and mentioned a union to bring more eyes into it and perhaps get a better chance of acceptance. I could feel Adar reading over my shoulder and had his hands placed on my shoulders "well isn't that lovely, what do you think Amira?" I sat stunned and slightly annoyed, I had only met the young dwarf once and that was years ago, there was also the fact that he could have gotten on his knee and proposed plus I am immortal he is not, that was something I found holding me back from moving into any relationship with those of mortals.

I instead opened the letter from Greenwood; my home, it was from my King, he spoke about receiving a letter from King Thrór about a marriage proposal and that he felt it would be best if I returned home at once, for us to get the affairs in order. The way he wrote gave me an odd feeling, however I looked to Elrond. "It seems I am to head home to Greenwood to sort this proposal out, so I will think over it till I need to answer." Theriion was one of many captains in my Adar's guard and he was kind enough to travel home with me, making sure of my safe return, I had to force Elrond to submit by continuously denying that I did not need to be escorted home by half of his guard. I stopped once we came upon the statue of the Queen over the years of my absence it had been overgrown once more, I disembarked my horse and begun cleaning it and bowed to her, even if it really was not her. Theriion first panicked when I hopped of my horse however watched as I did as I pleased, Theriion stayed overnight getting supplies and replenishments before leaving the next day.

It turned out I had been right in my thought that something was off with this proposal, I sat in an office study with Thranduil, my welcome home had been warm and welcoming, I got many hugs and pats and nods of acknowledgment and all enjoyed the reason to drink and celebrate. "I don't understand, why can he not propose like a normal person would?" I looked up to Thranduil as he finished explaining that due to me only being a ward of his meant that I had no place to say no and the sole decision was left to my King to either accept or deny.

Thranduil thought the 'stinking dwarves' were trying to encroaching on his realm not that he liked the idea and them and woods do not mix well. I had mentioned my thoughts that maybe Thorin really didn't want to be denied seeing he had such an interest, Thranduil sighed "they promised to return what they have of mine in their mountain if I agreed," and there it was. I looked down to my hands, I was picking my nails clean as I thought it over, was that why they kept the gems and diamonds so that they would have a bargaining chip in the future when they needed to cash it in, and more than anything was what Thranduil would say, what was his answer. I had looked up to him "Thranduil what is your response?" I could see the serious look in his eyes; he held slight pain in them too. "It is up to you, however I would rather you stay here, now that you are home, so enough of this tell me of your time in Rivendell."

I spent a good part of a week, catching up and falling back into a routine back in Greenwood, I had caught up with Legolas and he was actually stronger and faster since we last spared, it was also good that I could wear my own clothes and have my weapons presents when back here. "I heard you became Elrond's adopted daughter," he smiled as I dodged his kick, I nodded "yes he is my Adar," "and I also heard that you may or may not be getting married to a dwarf," I noticed his eyes held the question. I sighed, not even bothering to block anymore, and sat down, I viewed Legolas as a friend or little brother and his father someone I stood by and trusted with my secrets as they were more important than my life, I had a new second family too, and I just didn't know if I could deal with having a husband and children that would grow old and die before me. I had always thought when I first arrived that maybe if I married someone it would have been Thranduil himself. He was the only person who I cared for, stood by me, and helped me, plus I trust him and I mean seriously just look at him, however he has had his love and that is that.

"Amira, I need you to make a decision and send it to them," Thranduil gave me a no-nonsense look that said make up your mind, I sat in the library with parchment and an ink well and quill, I simply looked at the paper trying to burn a hole through, maybe it could just write itself and it will all be over and done with. I mean it's not like I want to marry someone I do not know but on the other hand I am so hesitant to say no and pass this up but why, I already made up my mind. I had an image of him in my mind from the day we met, he looked proud and noble, he was young and handsome too and when I think of him, I just think of his eyes and their blue depths. I felt like tugging my hair out, I took a deep breath in and then let it all out then simply placed the quill onto the parchment and let my hand write, I quickly sealed it with wax and then took it straight to the carrier owl. I went to Thranduil "I sent of my answer," he turned to me with a concerned frown mixed with confusion, "I was meant to over-look it before you sent it,"

I sighed running my hand through my hair "I know however I couldn't decide what to write so I panicked and then just spewed out all my thoughts and quickly sent it before I backed out or you telling me I wasn't allowed to send it." I rushed all my words that were saturated with frustrations and exhaustion; truly I had never been so mentally and emotionally exhausted. "What did you say?" I looked up feeling tired "I said no because I don't know him well enough but I also said yes because I want to get to know him, so I suggested that we have time to get to know one another, you can't just marry someone after meeting them, once right?" I asked worried, Thranduil had a raised eyebrow "well some people do, but don't worry there is the time to cancel everything if it doesn't work out." He gave me a mischievous carefree kind of smile, I rolled my eyes dramatically as I groaned and stated, "I need to sleep," I slowly walked off not taking note of Thranduil's amazed expression.

It had been three days and the carrier owl returned with a response, it was addressed to me, I actually felt giddy, not my fault I didn't get to enjoy a normal dating teenage life, and now to go from being an agent and killer to living peacefully in an olden day kingdom has made me softer in a way. I leaned against his thrown and read over his shoulder; I could tell Thranduil was not appreciative off my mannerisms at that point, however it stated that they thought it would be a great idea to travel back and forth with courting dates and in a years', time have an answer from me. I actually felt anxious, and I saw Thranduil sigh and place the response in the envelop once more, "well you seem happy," I jumped "wait what!, I'm not happy, what makes you think that?!" he tilted his head to me and looked up from under his black eyebrows to say 'really who are you trying to fool?'

I packed light once more, it was decided I would spend a week with him and then in two months' time he would spend some time with me here, even though Thranduil detested it with a passion, I noticed Legolas found his father's ire funny. "Well are you ready?" It turned out Legolas was to come with me this time seeing as Thranduil wanted to stay put and could not bear to deal with 'those' dwarves. I had a serious conversation about me keeping to 'our lie' seeing my adoptive family had no idea about the truth then it was expected the dwarf would not either, but I personally was worried, if he was to become my husband he would need to know and Elrond and most will figure out because I could not choose to be mortal instead of immortal. I sighed for the hundredth time, as I walked beside Legolas, he was all smiles and enjoying being able to journey out on his own, we decided that the trip was so short that we would leave the elk home, as we were fast enough to get there on foot and hoof. Speaking of hooves it was the only thing I was allowed to tell the dwarves about, and I currently wore my combat clothes and arsenal, except for my futuristic things, Thranduil forbade it.

The welcoming in Dale and the lonely Mountain was enormous, Legolas decided to break of and stay in Dale where he could enjoy himself and not deal with politics, while I could have my weeklong 'date' or so he calls it, seriously he was like an annoying little brother at times. When wearing my combat clothes I learned from Arwen how to do my hair up into a bun, normally I could however that was when I was in my world and had bobby pins available to me. At the entrance of the large open front doors stood the King his son and Thorin, I walked up to the entrance and I noticed all three holding their heads up high, however the king mentioned "why don't you have any mount or entourage?" "I love to travel by foot and I am a big girl I can take care of myself while traveling." I smiled at the end and gave a quick bow to them "It is nice to see yous once again King Thrór, Thráin and Thorin, and thank you for your generous offer to allow me to stay in your kingdom."

I stood up once more as the King said, "well no use standing around, let's get some food and drink what do you say?" he sounded very jolly and slightly anxious like going outside would be the death of him and he had to return to his gold at once. I smiled again however it was directed to Thorin "that sounds wonderful" I had decided to keep up with eating as it was troublesome to stop and then start up once more over and over again. Many bowed as we walked pass, I formally met Thráin he was a gruff man of few words and looked and acted serious at all times, I smiled to my 'date' once more, he stood by my side and for the first time I cursed my height, but I listened in "I heard you were practically adopted by Lord Elrond, good fellow that one," I nodded to the King, "indeed, he took me in and taught me everything he knows and then loved me as if I was his own, I have not gotten to meet my new brothers yet, I hear they hunt to rid the lands of orcs and others alike."

We continued on into the mountain and down the many, many halls; however the king excused himself as he had important matters to attend to, however the dark look to Thorin told me otherwise. I had noticed I couldn't make eye contact and I felt butterflies in my stomach, it was so much easier to stand tall and defiant when I was part of the guards for my King and when it was all diplomatic issues. We came to a large set of golden doors, "this will be your room for your stay here, we hope you like it," I was surprised everything was stone and outlines with tapestries and gold etchings with its own attached bathrooms and a large sitting area, duchess, wardrobe, and bed with side tables. I smiled "thank you this is beautiful; I will freshen up before coming to dinner." Thorin nodded his head "of course my lady…" I smiled realising he didn't even know my first name "you can call me Amira, that is my first name and Hawley is my last," he seemed surprised by that but nodded once more being gentlemanly "of course Amira."

Thorin's father had left our company earlier, with a loud clang the large golden doors were closed, the bathroom was the same style as my room, however just larger than any bathroom I had ever seen or been in. I swapped into a long-sleeved silk green elven dress with gold accents and a design of vines and leaves around the border, I let my hair down, brushing it out and then slipped on my matching flat shoes. I left my chambers, noticing Thorin exit a door slightly further down the hall, I supposed it was his own chambers, he was dressed in a noble looking top and bottoms with black boots the outfit closely resembling what I saw him wearing when we first meet. I stood waiting in the hall as I saw him stride towards me, "my lady?" he offered me his arm, and I looped my arm around his as we made our way to dinner. "You have gotten shorter?" I smiled to him as I lifted my dress to show my feet, he looked shocked but laughed out loud "yeah they are only shoes." I followed his lead even though I already knew my way around from the scan I did when I last was here, and I knew for sure that he was leading me the wrong way, however I did not know if it was on purpose or by accident. I learnt that he was not good with directions either that or he just got lost very easily, especially considering this was his own home and where he works and he still gets lost, I smiled at the knowledge of it.

"So Amira what can you tell me about yourself?" he questioned as we went for a long stride within the walls, "I lived with my mother until she died, she was a clothes and shoe maker, one of the best hence my shoes, she told me my father was an elf from Greenwood, so I went there were I was accepted by the King, however learned that my Adar was no more, I then learned and grew with them." He turned us to a dead end and looked confused and slightly embarrassed; I smiled "come follow me." When we got closer to the dining room which was easy to tell as the noise from the rowdy bunch echoed as we got closer, "how did you know?" he seemed intrigued "elves have sensitive hearing and sight among other things." "Ah, of course, I noticed that you look more human did you find it easy to be with mortals?" I smiled "yes it was okay, I suppose my mother kept me close at all times, I think she was scared someone would learn of what I was and stir trouble." He nodded his head, "what about your mother?" he seemed to look solemn, I quickly tried to state it was no problem if he did not want to answer however he did "she passed while birthing me, I am always grateful for what she gave up that day for me."

I had never had a dinner like this before, it was loud, messy and slightly disgusting, they were throwing food around, singing, dancing and even getting up on the table as they skulled meed having it drip all over them, however they also had fun and it was infectious, as I joined in with the beat and singing the song I knew from reading the arts of Dwarves. I noticed this made Thorin relax and happy that his kin did not upset me, I also ate not caring about manners. "Come on lass you should try some, ye can't live over 100 years old and not have drank meed or wine," I smiled "well that would be because I am still only 82," the room went dead quiet and all looked to me with shock, I looked back to them all with wide eyes, "umm sorry?" They laughed and continued with their sculling contest and then using what was in reach for instruments, I sat next to Thorin, as I laughed at the jokes told, they were very raciest however I hadn't heard jokes since coming to this word, I listened to the comedic Dwarf who spoke as all at the table listened in.

"An Elf, a Human and a Dwarf, all old friends, are sitting at a tavern, talking about the night they had with their wives... The Human smirks as he says damn, but I had fun last night. Fucked my wife good last night, about seven times... When we woke up this morning, she told me she loved me and was going to make my favourite meals all day... The Elf looks at him, then smirks and responds well, I only made love four times to my wife last night, but each time was like a new exotic experience... When we awoke this morning, she said we'd spend the rest of our days together and would surprise me again tonight... The Dwarf looks at them both and snorts, drinking his beer silently. After an uncomfortable of being stared at by the other two, he finally says Fine, fine... My wife and I had intercourse once last night. The other two blink, until the Elf smirks and asks pray, tell us what she said to you this morning...This time, the Dwarf smirks and says she said... Please, Honey, don't stop now..."

We all laughed out, a few seemed surprised to see me laugh as well, really these jokes were similar to ones I heard from my world but were about the different races from this one. He continued "two dwarfs walked into a bar the third one ducked," I had heard this one so many times and in different ways but I was surprised, I had such a mental image with these jokes that it made them funny, and it was better when those at the table joined in and many pointed to one dwarf "Hein and Boon would be the two to walk into the bar!" It was truly lively the dwarf continued "Two Dwarves voluntarily walk out of a bar, before closing time, and..." everyone made booing sounds when he yelled out "HEY! IT COULD HAPPEN!" I laughed as I drank more of the Dwarf ale, it was not to bitter and it actually made me fluffy in the head. "Okay then how about this one, how many elves does it take to replace a candle?" it was silent for a second and then he yelled out "just one; elves burn great!" he laughed by himself as everyone waited for my reaction, however I burst out laughing stating as I tried to breath "never tell Thranduil that, seriously he may just spontaneously combust!" all the Dwarves cried out in laughter. I knew that, that specific joke was very crude especially with the burns he had from dragon fire however it was just a joke and we were all drinking at the time and it did no harm.

I hiccupped as Thorin helped me to my chambers as I was wobbling back and forth and he had to keep his hand on my waist and my other placed on his shoulder as I practically hanged from him, still singing some of the music I had heard at dinner. "Woah there lass, that's the last time we let Molo fill your cup," I laughed "but I had so much fun, I haven't laughed like this since I left my home many years ago," I sighed and made eye contact with him, "thank you for taking care of me Thorin," he smiled "it's my honour Amira, however I'm not sure if I took the right turn," I snorted when I giggled "ah I did take the right one, cause here we are." With his foot he kicked the awfully large heavy doors open, I moved with him as he placed me on my bed, "will you be alright or do you need help?" he offered, I awkwardly pushed myself up the bed and kicked of my shoes saying "yeah~ I'll be fine, but really Thorin thank you, I really enjoyed myself…I can't wait for tomorrow…" I heard him close the loud doors, I had my eyes closed as I slipped below the gold blankets of the bed and sleep took me.

I rolled over as I heard a loud clang, I moaned at the sound as my head ached, "no Legolas piss off, I want ten more minutes of sleep," I heard a different timbre voice speak back to me "well sorry to disappoint but it's not Legolas," he had a light air to his words as if he had laughed at my words. Instantly I remembered where I was and I shot up in my bed, "oh crap I'm sorry, I ah…?" I noticed he was holding a food tray and I could smell all different types of breakfast food, "ah well, it is past breakfast time and I thought you may enjoy it in bed…" I smiled at his consideration, I was sure my hair was a mess and I most likely drooled last night as I could feel wetness on the side of my chin, to which I wiped away with the sleeve of my dress. "That's wonderful, come sit," I smoothed out the blanket so he could place it down, he sat across from me with the tray between us. "Oh wow this looks great, thank you," he smiled "don't mention it, I thought it would be good to spend more time learning about each other," I nodded "that sounds lovely," we enjoyed bacon and eggs with bread and fruit. Once done, I freshened up in the bathroom quickly and flushed my systems with the serum to get rid of the alcohol induced headache from the night prior.

We spent the whole day sitting in bed talking, "so just how close with the Elven King are you and his son?" I had heard a little worry in his voice, but I pretended to not notice "oh Thranduil is my closest and trusted friend close enough to be family and well Legolas is like a little brother he is actually not as stoic or strict as his father, and I put a lot of effort into annoying him to keep him from becoming a trademark stuck up elf," he laughed heartedly as I giggled. "I must say I have never met anyone like you before, I am surprised to see such a change in you from when we first met, and it hadn't been that long…" It sounded more like a question but I nodded "yeah, after we left here, I went straight to Rivendell to learn from Lord Elrond, the person I now call Adar, I think I grew a lot with him, plus when we first met I was technically working that being ensuring the safety of my King." "Ah~ so that is why you are not so strict now, I must say you shocked me when I saw how short you hair was, but you seemed to have grown it out," he actually played with it, I smiled "yeah, in combat it gets in the way, so I used to cut or shave it all the time, but it's so peaceful now, so I figured I would let it grow, besides my sister stated I look good with long hair."

Over the week, Thorin and I learned about each other and our families, life experiences, friends what our everyday lives were like, and also what we love and hate. Thorin lay back propped on his elbow, "alright what is your favourite colour?" "oh~ this is hard it's a tossup between blue and green… stuff it lets say Turquoise, seeing its in-between," he smiled "honestly I never thought about such things but if I had to choose, it would be green, like your eyes," he said the last part softly, I blushed like a schoolgirl. "How about what you are afraid off?" He made an 'Ah~' sound and thought it over but answered "dragons," I nodded it was an understandable answer, "bugs and creepy crawlies," he laughed "so typical for a woman," I lightly smacked his arm, "don't tease me, it's natural to not like them." I stuck my nose up in the air away from him, "well what do you love to do?" he asked I actually was surprised by my answer but it was true, "run, I love running," in this world I could run as fast as I could and jump too, there was no security cameras, satellites or people who can see me or capture me in action, most people in this world wouldn't have a clue as to what it would be or assume some other type of creature. "Well I did not expect that, but I do suppose you don't ride mounts so it makes sense," his answer made me soften "I love spending time with you," this dwarf made me so vulnerable, scared, happy and on edge with my feelings, I placed my hand on the side of his face and placed my forehead to his, "that means a lot to me to hear."

Thorin was not an overly serious person, he could be when the time called for it, but mainly I would just say he is smart and used in headfirst, he cared deeply about his kin and family members, and he was also strong and talented with his swords, shields, and axes. He had asked about my combat clothes like where I got them from who made them, and I claimed that my mother's name was Jenny and she made all of my clothes technically wasn't a lie, she did make them and she sometimes berated me like a mum. I had realised that I would never see them again, and I felt melancholy, "I'm sorry Mira," Thorin used the nickname he gifted me, he must have thought my sad expression was from me missing my mother, I smiled to him "no it is alright, I at least got to spend my life with what time she had in hers." To say I was making a strong bond and connection with Thorin was an understatement, I had caught myself wanting to place my lips upon his but knew that was not 'normal' for this era so I stopped myself.

We walked to the large front doors where Legolas waited outside looking stiff and uncomfortable like a guy picking up his prom date and had just been given 'the talk' by her father. I got to the doors and was in my combat clothes of course, I turned to Thorin, who held my hand in his, we faced each other, "it has been the greatest gift and honour for me to spend this past week with you Mira, and I have this as a parting gift, till we meet again." He took the red leather box from the other who passed it over, for a second I thought that he had a ring in there, but it was a tad bigger making me think it was something else, however the shock and surprise showed through on my face.

He opened it lifting out a long gold chained necklace, its pendant was a diamond shaped pendant with a large perfectly shaped Turquoise stone filling it up, and I lowered my head so he could put it on me. I stood seeing it dangled down to between my breasts, I was larger than I had anticipated and had a nice solid weight to it, I smiled then bowed to the King "thank you King Thrór and Thráin for your generous hospitality," I stood and placed my hand to Thorin's cheek, and said "and thank you Thorin for your wonderful companionship and your gift, I will cherish it always…till we meet again," I said in goodbye, he gripped my hand and kissed the top of it returning my goodbye "till we meet again Mira." I waved to all the other dwarfs who shouted out goodbyes and so on, I looked to my left seeing Legolas smiling like a chastise cat, "what!" I asked defensively, "I didn't say anything," he replied too happy.