.

.

Chapter 5

~X~

Réann managed to successfully slip back into her quarters without anyone being the wiser, and after greeting Amara, she quickly sank into one of the chairs and pulled out her father's letter, eager to hear what he had written.

My dear Réann,

I am pleased to hear you and Amara made it safely to Erebor, and that you are being treated well. It still pains me to think of you partaking in this farce, even if you were the one who begged to go. I fear for you, being so far away, and out of my protection. Your brothers worry for you as well, yet we honor your choice to do this for the betterment of our people. You are a brave lass.

I do hope you can find a way to speak with the king and offer him our petition for a trade agreement. But if it means putting yourself in any sort of danger or being forced into agreeing to anything you do not wish, I beg of you to abandon your plans and let me come there in person to speak to King Thorin. I still lie awake at night and ponder how you managed to talk me into this in the first place. You have a silver tongue, my daughter, and I can only pray to Mahal that you can use it to avoid being chosen by the prince to become his wife. Not that I doubt you would be a fine queen, yet I would dearly hate to part with you, my dearest treasure. Especially when I know you are less than excited about the prospect of being forced into a loveless marriage. I want better for you.

The next few pages of the letter centered around the goings on in the Grey Mountains, what her brothers had been up to, and several more paragraphs on how much her father missed her council and company.

In conclusion, I ask you again to be careful, to keep a level head, and don't do anything that will bring attention to yourself. We all miss you terribly and count the days until your return.

Your loving Adad,

"I miss you too, Father," Réann whispered, finishing the letter and wiping away a tear from her eye. She hadn't realized just how much their absence would affect her, and it hurt her heart to think of them being so far away.

"Did you enjoy your letter?" Amara spoke up, just returning from the washroom holding a fluffy towel in her hand. "I have your bath prepared if you would like to soak a bit before bed."

"Yes, I did enjoy father's message, very much," she smiled, feeling silly for her emotional display. "And a bath sounds wonderful." She stood up and tucked the pages beneath her pillow, set on re-reading it again before going to sleep. Réann then headed into the washroom where she stripped down and stepped into the large metal bathtub full of bubbles. The smell of roses and fresh herbs tickled her nose as she rested her head against the back of the curved edge.

"So, while you were out, did you happen to see anyone?" Amara asked, her tone leaving no doubt as to whom she was referring to.

"I saw many people, for the halls of Erebor are teeming with its citizens," Réann replied, purposefully being evasive.

"I'm sure they are," Amara laughed. "Though I believe you know what I was asking, My Lady."

"Aye, I do," she admitted, followed by a sigh of resignation. "And yes…I did see Commander Dwalin again."

"And how was our fine commander this night?" Amara asked, kneeling down and resting her folded arms on the edge of the tub, giving her mistress a probing stare. "As handsome as before, or has he perhaps lost a bit of his shine?"

"No, he is just as appealing as ever," Réann confessed, a smile and a blush telling the maid all she needed to know. "He said he would help me get my request to see the king into the right hands, and hopefully I can speak to him about the trade agreement sooner than I'd hoped."

"That's wonderful!" Amara said, handing her mistress a cake of scented soap and a rag for washing. "And did you two talk about more than just politics? Did you learn anything about him perhaps? Something you might like to share?"

"He…said he told his brother about me," Réann giggled, excited about the prospect of him speaking of her to someone, even if it must be kept a secret. "And he wasn't upset when I confessed that I told you about him."

"I like him already," the maid nodded, moving to the back of the tub as she began to lather her hands with soap to wash her friend's hair. "And a brother, you say? Older or younger?"

"He said older, and he hinted at him being quite a few years his senior" Réann answered. "His name is Galin."

"Older, huh?" Amara said with a huff of disappointment. "Too bad, for if Dwalin's as handsome as you say, I was going to ask you to introduce me to this brother of his."

"Oh you!" Réann laughed, using her hand to splash a bit of water at her teasing comment. "And here I thought you were hopelessly devoted to my brother, Gimrin. Would you break his heart by pursuing another, after being away from his side for so short a time?"

"Nay, my heart still belongs to Gimrin," Amara said with a sigh. "Yet, since he is taking his own sweet time in confessing his undying love to me, I see no harm in looking around."

"He will come to realize you're his love soon enough, I'm sure of it," Réann stated firmly. "And perhaps just to help things along, I might just mention your interest in meeting Dwalin's brother in my next letter. Then we'll see how Gimrin feels about that!"

"You know what? I rather like that notion," Amara agreed, a wide grin spreading over her face.

.

.

"And that's everything that's happened up until you found us out," Fili finished, having told Nori the whole sordid story. "Kili is the only other who knows the truth."

"I see, so perhaps this whole mess of finding you a bride might be working out better than any hoped," Nori said, leaning back in his chair and stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Yet, you say the lass has no interest in marrying you…er…Prince Fili? And thus far, she is the only one you're even the least bit interested in?"

"Yes…but to be fair, she's also the only one I've met," Fili pointed out. "Not that I want to meet any others. Only her."

"That's a good sign," the resident spy-master nodded. "And you've promised to help her gain an audience with your uncle? Yet you must do so in a way that won't reveal that you're the one who did it? You've certainly painted yourself into a corner, lad, that's for sure."

"Got any ideas?" Fili asked hopefully. If anyone could slip something by Balin and Thorin, it would be Nori.

"As a matter of fact, I do," the brown-haired dwarf stated, his eyes full of mischief. "But I might need to incorporate Bofur's assistance in this. And he'll want to know why he's helping…so I'll have to tell him the whole story."

"Why not just announce it at the next open court, why don't you?" Fili huffed, shutting his eyes as he flopped back in his chair. Then with a long-suffering sigh, he conceded. "Fine…you can tell him, but no one else, do you hear? I'm already risking much by getting you involved."

"Are you saying you don't trust your dearest friends to keep your secret, Lad?" Nori protested.

"I've learned not to trust you farther than I can toss you, and that's not very far," Fili stated, a grin spreading over his face. "And since when have you become my dearest friend?"

"You wound me, My Prince," Nori said in a hurt tone. "And here I thought we had truly bonded during our journey and comradery in battle. But if that's not the case, perhaps I should be reporting my findings to your uncle…at least he values my unique abilities." He then made to rise, acting as if he were heading off to do just that, but Fili's hand on his arm brought him back to his seat.

"You know I'm only teasing, Nori," Fili confessed, the two dwarrow sharing a chuckle. "If anyone in this mountain can keep a secret, it's you. And I value your aid in this very much, believe me."

"Then don't you worry your princely head about it a moment longer," the former thief told him. "You get her to write something up and I'll see that its on Thorin's desk by the end of the week…guaranteed."

"Thank you, Nori," Fili smiled. "I really appreciate it."

.

.

So it was that Réann found herself outside a large wooden door the following night, once more disguised as a maid, and having followed the map Dwalin had drawn for her. She wasn't sure if she should knock, or just go in, but fear of being overheard led her to simply pushing it open and stepping inside. It was an enormous room, one with a floor that gleamed beneath her feet and a magnificent chandelier overhead. The fact that it was bare of most furniture left her to believe it must be a ballroom, the wide-open space perfect for mingling and dancing. There was however an ornately carved wooden bench with a sloping back that encircled most of the room, allowing for places to sit when not up and about. Yet it was the magnificent tapestries that caught her eye, massive ones covering entire walls that depicted epic battles and many kings of old.

"Ahhh, I see you found it all right," came a voice to her left, causing her to spin around to see Dwalin standing there. "I was beginning to fear my map had not been detailed enough for you to follow."

"No, it was perfect," she assured him, his warm smile putting her instantly at ease. "I was delayed in slipping away, I fear. One of the other dams insisted on talking my ear off after dinner, and I had to feign a sudden headache to get away." She then gestured to the room around her. "Is this where parties are held? It's quite splendid, to say the least."

"Yes, though so far we haven't had cause to use it, thus I thought it would be the perfect place to meet in secret," he explained. "However, I suppose Prince Fili's wedding reception will be here, so we have that to look forward to." The idea that had once filled him with dread now offered a glimmer of hope, and all due to the spunky lass that stood before him.

"I will be sure to send my congratulations to the happy couple…safely from my home in the Grey Mountains," she stated firmly. "For I can assure you, I will not be in attendance."

"That's a shame," he lamented, though quickly continued when she gave him a curious look. "For it's sure to be a grand celebration…not something one should miss."

"Well, miss it I shall," she affirmed, turning her gaze elsewhere, effectively ending the line of conversation. "Still, it is a fine place to meet, for I doubt many have cause to come here on a regular basis."

"Yes, it was rather ingenious on my part," the would-be commander agreed, looking rather proud of himself.

"That must be why they put you in charge of the king's guards then…for your bright ideas," Réann laughed, enjoying his sense of humor.

"So, you believe I'm smart, do you?" he questioned, taking a step closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"No…I think you believe you're smart," she countered. "I never said any such thing."

"Then what do you think of me?" Fili dared to ask, wondering if he was perhaps overstepping his bounds.

"I…I think," here Réann faltered, not wanting to feed his ego with the truth, yet not wishing to insult him either. "I think you must have asked me here to reveal your ingenious plan to get my petition to the king. Or at least I hope that is the case." She gave him an optimistic grin, rather pleased with how she had sidestepped his question.

"Ah, yes," Fili nodded, both disappointed and impressed with her answer…or lack thereof. "I did indeed find a way, and all I need from you now is it written in your own hand."

"Truly?" Réann beamed, a look of excitement spreading over her face. "I take it all back then, you're brilliant! Thank you so very much!" At this she turned and pulled a piece of parchment from out of the bag she carried, handing the scroll over to him triumphantly. "I even wrote it out in hopes that you might have found a way."

"Well, now who's the smart one?" Fili asked, taking the paper with a look of surprise. He had not anticipated this and had hoped that he might have used getting the letter from her as another excuse to see her again. For now, with the petition in hand, he honestly had no further reason to do so. And that would certainly not do! "I will however have to read this over, to make certain that you left nothing out that the king would need to know in order to consider seeing you." It was a lame excuse, but it was all he could come up with. "Perhaps we should meet again tomorrow, just in case I find something you might need to change."

"Oh? If you think it best," she agreed. This of course didn't bother her one bit, but she also knew she was going to owe Amara a great deal after this was all over.

"Will you need to meet with your owl friend again?" he questioned. "Should you be expecting another letter?"

"No, I told my father to hold off sending another message for a few days, letting Jareth get some rest…unless there is something of dire importance, of course," Réann explained. "I won't need to be on the battlement for at least a few more days. And if he doesn't find me there, he will continue to return each night until I show up. So, shall we arrange to meet here again?"

"Probably the safest place at the moment," Fili nodded, pleased that she approved of his idea. "Yet…I don't see why we need to call it an evening so quickly. I mean, unless you have to get back or something."

"No…I don't see why I can't stay a bit longer," Réann assured him. "It is rather cloistering there in the lady's chambers. It's nice to get out for a while."

"Good, then let me show you around," Fili suggested, gesturing to the spacious room around him. "Some of these tapestries date back to King Thráin the First and should not be missed." So, the two walked around, with Fili pointing out details and explaining many of the scenes depicted within. When that was done, the two sat down on the bench and began a whole new conversation. "You know, I've been wanting to speak to the king about the possibility of training owls to carry messages for us as well, since ravens roost at dusk and we are unable to send anything at night," Fili mused. "Might your father be willing to send some of his bird trainers here to Erebor to assist us with such a project?"

"I'm sure he would be happy to," Réann responded, utter joy on her face at the prospect.

"Though that will have to wait until after…well, you know," Fili informed her, with a wave of his hand at the empty room. "Since I would be expected to explain where the idea came from and doing so now would not be wise."

"Yes, I see," Réann nodded. "Though when the time comes, I'm certain the Grey Mountains would be happy to aid you in that endeavor." Just then, in the distance, the sound of the midnight bell rang. "Oh my! Is it truly that late?" she gasped, standing up in a bit of panic. "Amara will be sending out the guards to find me soon if I don't get back."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you so long," Fili apologized. And though he regretted none of the time spent with her, he certainly hadn't meant to get her in trouble. "I would offer to escort you back, but we really can't risk being seen together."

"I understand, and I am quite certain I can find my way," she pulled out her father's final page and turned it over. "I still have the map you gave me, and it was quite easy to follow." She then looked at the door, before turning back to him. "Thank you again Dwalin for all your help…and for a lovely evening. I enjoyed talking with you very much."

"As did I," Fili admitted with a wide grin. "I will see that your request is delivered right away, and I hope to see you here again tomorrow?"

"I'll be here," Réann promised. "Now, I really must go. Have a pleasant evening." And with that final wish, she hurried to the door, looking back for a quick moment before disappearing.

"Yes, tomorrow," Fili sighed, sitting back on the bench. "I will count the minutes."

.

.

Back in the Grey Mountains, Lord Darmin sat at his desk, absentmindedly working on some paperwork while waiting for another letter from his daughter. He knew how far it was to Erebor, and he could calculate the flight time it would take the owl to arrive, and he was staying up in hopes that a second message would come. To his delight, he was not disappointed.

"Father!" came the voice of his eldest son, Duffin, the dwarf entering his study without so much as a knock. He was followed closely by Gimrin and Taurin. "Another letter just arrived from Réann!"

"Then get over here and give it to me," the elder dwarf demanded with a wide smile. "Let's see what your wayward sister has to report this time."

As the three brothers sat down, all eager to hear any news, Duffin handed the sealed missive to his father. Once he had unfolded the letter, he began to read out loud.

Dearest Father and family,

Things are going well here, though I have yet to find a way to speak to the king. We are still sequestered, but I am able to sneak out with the help of Amara, the wonderful friend that she is.

Here Gimrin's smile grew a bit wider, though he quickly schooled it before anyone noticed.

Something that has been a surprise, however, is that I have gained an unexpected ally within the king's court. When I sent you my last letter, I was unfortunately seen by none other than Lord Commander Dwalin, of the royal guard. At first, I feared I was in trouble, but instead, he was very understanding and helpful. He promised to keep my secret and not report my wanderings to the king.

"Commander Dwalin?" Duffin asked, his face scrunched in disapproval. "Never heard of him. Do you think he can be trusted?"

"If I recall, I met the dwarrow once, when I fought alongside King Thorin at the battle of Azanulbizar," Darmin mused, rubbing his beard as he let his mind wander back to that dark time in dwarven history. "It was a bloody mess, and few came out of it unscathed. Yet, I do recall meeting a Dwalin…son of Fundin if I remember correctly. He was a brave warrior, a dwarf I would be honored to fight beside. There was something peculiar about him though, for I do recall that he had a rather odd haircut."

"Odd how?" Taurin questioned, the young dwarf always eager for a tale from his father.

"He had shaved his head on the sides, leaving only a strip of hair from his forehead to the back of his skull…sticking straight up!" At this he gave a laugh. "I believe he'd lost some sort of bet, or at least that's the only reason I could come up with to explain such style. Still, if he is willing to aid your sister and keep her secret, I can overlook such an oddity."

"Read on, Adad," Gimrin urged, wanting to hear more.

I was deeply mortified when he at first confiscated my letter to you, even daring to read it to make sure I was not some sort of spy or assassin. As if! Can you see me as an assassin? Still, even after seeing all I had written about what I thought of his prince and this arranged marriage fiasco, he allowed me to send it to you without censure. I am deeply in his debt, though I doubt we will run into each other again, seeing as how it is forbidden for me to mingle with…well, anyone.

"Well, let's hope that's the case," Duffin stated, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't trust him. If he's the commander of the royal guard, then it's his duty to report such an offense, and if he's choosing not to, I'm willing to bet it's for nefarious reasons. To get Réann in his debt and then demand she pay up in some unscrupulous way!"

"Now, now," Darmin soothed. "We don't know that, and you can't go jumping to conclusions. He could simply be doing her a favor. And really, who could ever imagine Réann allowing such a thing?"

"I'm just saying I would be happier if she never met up with the dwarrow again," he continued. "It's bad enough that she will have to parade herself around in front of this prince, but now to hear she's beholden to this Dwalin fellow. I don't like it."

"Duly noted," Darmin nodded, waving off his son's concern in favor of reading more of the letter.

I will let you know as soon as I have some hope in completing my main assignment, that of securing a treaty with King Thorin. However, until then, perhaps it would be best if we limit our correspondence to only two or three times a week…if that. I don't wish to overtax Jareth, nor do I want to risk being caught again, and this time by someone not as understanding as the commander. Still, I found Dwalin to be an honorable, and quite likable, fellow.

This last bit elicited a low growl of displeasure from Duffin, but he held his tongue.

Write when you can, and definitely if you have something important to report. However, I will only look for a letter every three days. Give Duffin, Gimrin, and Taurin a hug from me, and know I love you all.

Yours,

Réann

"Well, it would appear she is doing well," Lord Darmin nodded in satisfaction. "Yet, I expected nothing less from your sister, that dam has a will of iron and all the determination of your mother." His last statement elicited a fond smile from each brother, recalling their mother and her determination quite well - or in the case of Taurin, having heard stories about it.

"Still…" Duffin spoke up, shaking himself from the fond memories of his mother. "I'm not overly excited about this Dwalin fellow."

"And what do you intend on doing about it?" Gimrin asked, giving his brother a playful shove. "March yourself to Erebor and demand that he quit aiding our sister? Stop being such a mother-bear. Adad does enough of that for us all."

"Only because you all require constant monitoring," Darmin insisted. "And if I believed your sister was in harm's way, I would be the first one through the gates of Erebor to rescue her. As it stands, she is safe and well on her way to accomplishing her task. All the while, not putting herself in line for the prince's hand. So, let's have a little faith and let her do what she went there to accomplish."

"Fine," Duffin huffed. "Just be sure to warn her against accepting help from strange dwarves in your next letter."

"I will pass along your concerns," their father said with a nod.

"And tell her we miss her," Taurin added.

"Oh, and that we look forward to having her and Amara home soon," Gimrin spoke up, fooling no one with the way he had subtly added their sister's maid in the request.

Fili now has Nori on his side. He got to see Réann again. And you all got to meet her father and brothers.

Looks like Amara is in love with the middle brother, Gimrin...and maybe he's not so blind and dumb either. ha ha.

More to come on Sunday!

Thanks again for all your kind reviews...I love them all.

Guest Reviews:

Jillian Baade : No, I don't make his life easy...but is that really ME doing that to him, or him doing it to himself? I only write down what THEY do...ha ha. And Nori IS spicy! That's for sure. I like him a lot, he's fun. Thanks.

Jillian Baade : For "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed": If you mean the book on Dwarves that Elrond gave her, it appears to have some flaws in it...Fili and Kili got a good laugh out of it though. Yep, the characters take us where THEY want to go, not the other way around. But that's what keeps things interesting for us writers, right?