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THANK YOU!
For all your wonderful reviews. They made me so happy.
And as your reward, here is your next chapter...hope this clues you all into the plot of the story...well, some of it, I have a few surprises hidden up my sleeves for ya!
Onward!
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Chapter 95
~X~
When Fili, Kili and Sier entered the side door to the throne room, quickly shadowed by the two lads, the princes headed to the dais and took their place at Thorin's right hand. Dwalin, Balin, and Dis all stood on the other side of the throne, each waiting anxiously for the appearance of their guests. Sier, Flinn, and Frerin remained off to the side, waiting to be called upon if needed.
"What is this all about, Uncle?" Fili asked, leaning over and whispering to Thorin.
"I have no idea," the king admitted, doing his best to remain calm. It was not every day both elves and men came to seek an audience with him, and if truth be told, it was rather unnerving. Did they need aid…were they plotting something? Thorin wished he knew.
Yet when the doors opened, much of his worry faded at seeing the pleasant face of Lord Glorfindel, the one elf in Middle Earth that Thorin Oakenshield considered worthy of his time and friendship. King Bard and Prince Bain were right behind him, followed by none other than Thranduil himself. Now this was highly unexpected, and Thorin's stress level rose considerably at the sight of the woodland king.
"King Thorin!" the tall elf lord, and balrog slayer, greeted the dwarrow on the throne. "I do hope our visit is not unwelcome, my friend!"
"Nay, Lord Glorfindel," Thorin said, his voice light, yet wary. "Your visits are always looked for with great eagerness, though I must admit that I am curious as to what brings you here unannounced…and with your companions." He then turned and nodded to King Bard. "The Lord of Dale is also welcome…as are our allies from Mirkwood." The last part he was obliged to say, even if he only half meant it. Still, much had been done over the past five years to further amiable relations with the woodland realm, and Thorin knew the benefits of his alliance with the elves. It had been hard won, and he would not do anything to jeopardize it simply out of spite over a long standing grudge. A grudge his sister, wife, and nephews, all insisted he put behind him. At least the elf king had brought only four guards with him, not a full contingent that might have hinted at a fear for his safety.
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Kili was the first to spot her! Tauriel, the flame haired captain of the guard who had completely captivated him over fifteen years ago. The amount of time which had passed since he last saw her was nothing to an elf, and hardly anything in the long life of a dwarf, but to Kili…it seemed an eternity. Every time Thranduil had come to Erebor, the dwarf prince had searched for her among the royal party, yet to his infinite disappointment, not once had she accompanied her king. Yet now here she was! Standing on Erebor stone, gracing the emerald halls with her own unique beauty…and Kili was rendered speechless. Tauriel was keeping her eyes lowered, and as far as he could tell, she had not yet seen him, but he silently prayed that she would look his way. Hoping to catch her eye and possibly share a simple smile…anything to tell him that she had not forgotten all about him. For Kili had certainly not forgotten her!
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Fili had heard Kili's sharp intake of air and turned to see what had his brother so bothered. Following his gaze, the crown prince looked past the woodland king to see a particularly striking she-elf standing just behind him. Her red hair and piercing green eyes caused her to easily stand out among her brown and blond-locked companions, and Fili couldn't help but whisper a single word at the sight of her. Tauriel!
This was the very elf maid whom his brother had been holding a torch for all these long years. The same one who had not only saved Kili from an attacking spider, but also threw them all in the dungeons at her king's request. Still…Tauriel had treated them kindly during their imprisonment, and from what he had overheard when she spoke to Kili each evening, she had been more curious about them than intolerant. However, that did not change the fact that she was still a wood-elf, once the sworn enemy of the dwarves of Erebor…and no matter how friendly Thorin now was with the fair folk, this had the potential to end badly for Kili.
Fili turned and caught the eye of his wife, jerking his head slightly towards the elf captain, his eyebrows shooting up just a bit as he sent her a silent message. Sier turned and looked to where he had indicated, her own eyes growing wide with understanding as she caught sight of the lovely lass.
"Her?" she mouthed to her husband.
Fili nodded back, rolling his eyes just a bit as if to say things could easily go horribly, horribly wrong unless he kept a tight rein on his brother. And that was exactly what he intended to do.
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"It is with troubling news that we come before you, King Thorin," Bard said, drawing Fili's mind back to the matter at hand. The leader of Dale's handsome face showed deep creases of worry as he continued. "Lord Glorfindel and King Thranduil came to us this morning with evil tidings, and we wish to enlist your help."
"Oh?" Thorin's eyebrows rose in confusion. "And what aid do you require from the dwarves?"
"Assistance in a rescue mission," Glorfindel spoke up. "For less than a week ago, I witnessed with my own eyes, both men and dwarves being held captive and forced into hard labor."
"WHAT?" Thorin shot up from his throne, taking a few angry steps forward in shock. "Who would dare enslave the children of Mahal? Where did you see this?"
"I was on a mission for my Lord Elrond, journeying to the east through the lands of Rhun, to assess a rumored threat concerning an Easterling uprising," Glorfindel explained. "I was on my way back with news of great importance, when I stumbled upon a sight that made my blood run cold. I encountered a band of orcs who had within their clutches several dwarves and men, all who appeared quite disagreeable to being in their company. I followed, with plans to ambush them and attempt a rescue, yet before I could do so, they reached their destination. It was a deep, underground mine, very well hidden in the hills about five day's ride east of here."
"How many were there?" Thorin questioned, his mind already whirling with a plan to rescue them.
"At first I imagined only a few, for there were less than a dozen guarding the prisoners, yet once we arrived at the mine, I could see that I had woefully underestimated their strength," Glorfindel recounted. "They entered through a secret door carved into the rock, and I was able to follow them inside unnoticed. There I beheld a vast array of underground caverns, shafts and tunnels carved throughout the mountain. There must have been at least a hundred slaves, all laboring under constant guard and threat. I wanted to explore further, to get a better idea of their strength, yet a patrol began to approach the tunnel I was hiding in, and I was forced back towards the door from which I entered. In my haste I must have tripped some hidden lever, for the opening began to close and I barely escaped just as it shut behind me." The elf lord held up the tail of his coat, showing that the end had ripped away, apparently having been caught between the stones. "Once the entrance had closed behind me, it became invisible, and nothing I could do would persuade it to reopen."
"A door created by dwarves, no doubt," Thorin mused, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "They are invisible when shut, and only those who know their secrets can open them."
"I rode around the mountain side for a full day, looking for another entrance," Glorfindel continued. "Yet when I found it, I could see it was useless for me to attempt to sneak back in that way. It was heavily guarded, with orcs going in and out, pulling wagons full of both iron ore and other metals. We had been wondering where the Easterlings were getting the materials to forge weapons, and I believed I discovered the answer. As I watched from my hiding place, I saw a very large creature exit the cavern, he looked to be part man and part orc, and answered to the name Gorbash…I believe he was the one in charge."
A sudden gasp was heard off to Thorin's right, and everyone turned to see that the sound had emanated from Sier, her eyes wide and her hand covering her mouth in shock.
"You have some information to share, niece?" Thorin questioned her. When she nodded silently, he gestured for her to approach. "Come, tell us what you know of this, for anything would be of great help."
"I…I know very little, my king," she admitted, a bit intimidated to now be the center of everyone's attention. "But when I was employed by Lord Colm and Lady Bina…"
"She was never a lady!" Fili scoffed, anger in his tone at hearing that hag's name once again. "And Colm was no lord!"
"Agreed!" Dis spoke up, the look of hate for the dam in question still evident in her eyes as well. Yet before Fili could say more on the subject, she held up her hand for silence. "And while your words are true, my son, I believe the king would prefer to hear your wife's news on the matter uninterrupted." She then turned to Sier. "Please, continue, my dear."
"Well...it was rumored that whenever Bina and her father were challenged on something, or someone displeased them and needed to disappear, they would be secretly sold to some slave trader who paid well for strong dwarves and men to work in his mine," Sier revealed. "I used to think it was just a rumor, a story invented to squelch any opposition to Colm's rule…but when they took Flinn and I captive six years ago, I overheard them talking about selling us to a person named Gorbash."
"If that is the case, then I am indeed relieved that you were rescued, Princess Sier," Glorfindel said in all seriousness. "For I would not wish what I saw going on in those mines upon you or your son."
"Agreed!" Thorin stated, a flash of rage racing through him at the mere thought. "And we will see that those condemned to this current fate are liberated as quickly as possible. Can you lead us to this place?"
"It had been my original plan," Glorfindel nodded. "However, because the news I have for Lord Elrond is of dire importance, and speed is of the essence, I have asked Lord Thranduil's permission to send along another to serve as your guide."
"Another?" Thorin questioned. "I thought you said you were alone when you found this mine."
"I was," the elf nodded. "Yet only a short distance into my journey back, I came upon a patrol of wood-elves, led by Captain Tauriel." Here the red haired elf lass stepped forward, bowing to the dwarf king. "When I explained the situation, she sent her company on to complete their mission and followed me back to where I had discovered the mine. I showed her everything I had found, including where the secret entrance could be located. I would normally find great pleasure in joining you, King Thorin, in this rescue mission…but it is imperative that I return to Rivendell with much haste."
Thorin seemed to contemplate this new turn of events carefully, turning his gaze to the red haired lass, eyeing her skeptically.
"And you are willing to lead a company of dwarves back to this location?" Thorin questioned the elf captain. He remembered her from their journey through Mirkwood, and while he had great respect for her skills, he had not been too keen on the way she had treated both him and his company. Granted, Thorin realized she had only been acting on orders, yet it still stung Thorin's kingly pride to have been locked up in Thranduil's dungeons…and by a lass no less! "Glorfindel made no mention of elves being held captive, you have no reason to do this…it is not your fight."
"Tauriel has expressed her desire to assist, and I have given her leave to journey with you and the men of Dale," Thranduil spoke up, inclining his head to the dwarf king in respect. From the corner of his eye he spotted Flinn and Frerin standing off to the side, the little blond dwarfling started waving at him quite enthusiastically when he saw him looking his way. The elf king couldn't help but give a small smile, always pleased to see the lad happy and healthy. Yet he quickly turned back to address Thorin. "It is the least we can do to aid our allies in their quest for justice and revenge."
"We…we thank you for your generosity," Thorin replied, though in his mind he had to agree with the elf king…it probably was the least he could have done. Still, as he had just said, this was not their fight, and a guide to where these villains were holding his brethren prisoner would be of great benefit. He would not be so foolish as to turn down such assistance.
"My son, Prince Bain, shall accompany you, King Thorin," Bard spoke up, placing his hand on his son's shoulder with pride. "He and a contingent of our best warriors will ride out to help free those being held prisoner by these villains."
"The dwarves of Erebor appreciate your support," Thorin nodded, knowing that the king of Dale was grooming his son to take over for him as king one day…just as he was doing for Fili. Though still just a lad in Thorin's eyes, Bain had grown into a fine man, and a credit to his race. He was at least in his mid-twenties, and already past his majority by the standards of men. Thorin had seen Bain in action several times, and he had become a very formidable warrior in the dwarf's estimation. He would be a worthy addition to this mission. "I too will offer our finest company of dwarves for this mission. As for the leader of this company, I…"
"I will go, Uncle," Kili spoke up suddenly, stepping forward with a deep bow. "Please, allow me to head up this rescue mission."
At this, Dis turned and looked at her youngest son with a mixture of worry and pride. She knew they were grown dwarrow, brave and proven in battle, but to her, they would always be her children…and Kili was her baby.
Thorin had originally meant to say that he would lead them himself…yet seeing the eagerness in his nephew's eyes, he began to rethink his decision. Fili was usually the one who took on such assignments, with Kili always there to support his brother. Yet the younger prince was every bit as skilled a warrior as Fili, and it made Thorin proud that he wished to see to this mission personally. It showed his fine character. Still, the king felt he should shoulder this task himself.
"And I request to accompany him," Fili spoke up, placing a hand on Kili's shoulder and giving him a proud smile.
"I had originally hoped that you would remain in Erebor, Fili," Thorin countered, considering the two brothers thoughtfully. "Thus allowing me to take on this mission."
"Nay, my king," Kili insisted, not allowing Thorin to finish his thought. "It would be unwise for you to leave at this time…what with the queen so close to giving birth. Fili and I will see to this, you are needed here."
Thorin was silent for a moment, apparently thinking this over very carefully. It was true that Marigold was only a month away from her delivery date, and while he would like to think that this would be a rather quick excursion, and easily won, he dared not risk being gone too long and missing the birth of his second child. Besides, Kili and Fili had more than proven themselves competent in battle, and he saw no reason not to allocate the assignment to them.
"Very well," Thorin nodded. "I will remain and send you two in my stead." He then turned and looked at Bard and Bain. "Will two days be enough time for you to make ready?"
"Aye, King Thorin," Bard agreed.
"And you, Captain? Is this agreeable to you as well?" the dwarf king asked the red haired elf.
"It is, Your Majesty," she nodded, bowing once again. "King Bard has already offered me lodging in his city until it is time to depart. I will be ready."
"Then it is settled," Thranduil agreed. "I leave you in the capable hands of the captain of my guard, while I must return to my own kingdom." He turned and spoke to Tauriel for a moment in Sindarin, then bowed to King Thorin and Lady Dis before turning to go. Once more his eyes sought out the engaging dwarfling to his left, giving him a smile and a nod of his head, before his stoic façade fell back into place. And with a swish of his long coat, the elf king exited Erebor.
"Will you require accommodations for the evening, Glorfindel?" Thorin asked, hoping to once again host the fascinating elf lord. It had been many months since his last visit and he always seemed to have interesting news to share.
"I wish I could stay and enjoy your hospitality," the blond elf lamented. "However, as I said, the news I carry to Rivendell is of great importance, thus I must take my leave within the hour. Yet, I wish to speak with you further about the mine ere I go. I have brought some maps with me from Thranduil's halls and Tauriel and I have plotted the fastest course to aid in your journey. May we take counsel with you on the matter before I leave?"
"That would be most helpful," Thorin nodded, gesturing towards the door to his left that led to a council chamber. Balin, Dwalin and the two princes fell into step with Thorin, leading the way with the two elves and men following close behind. Dis chose to return with Sier and the children, eager to find Marigold and Bergie and tell them of what had just transpired.
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The next hour was spent poring over maps and planning the best strategy to overtake the mine and rescue the slaves. It angered Thorin to think that such an atrocity was taking place so close to his lands, and that both men and dwarves were being mistreated. Had he known, he would have eradicated this Gorbash character long before this…personally! As they spoke, the dwarf king could tell that Glorfindel had full confidence in the Mirkwood Captain's abilities, and while it still irked him to be accepting help from Thranduil, he appreciated her assistance nonetheless.
The whole time, Kili could not help but stare at Tauriel across the table from him. He was fascinated by the way she moved, the way her hair fell around her shoulders, and the determined set of her brows when she spoke. He was thankfully able to sound somewhat intelligent, offering up suggestions or asking just the right question when necessary, yet all the while the young dwarf prince's insides were tied in knots. She was just so lovely…and not in a way he had ever imagined might sway a him. To a dwarf, her tall, thin body should not have been appealing, and yet Kili found her irresistible. There was also the point to her ears, the creamy skin, and her high cheekbones, but even those seemed to call out to him, beckoning for his touch. He had of course noticed all these things the first time they had met, yet after so long being apart, it was as if he was just now seeing her for the first time.
And yet, during the entire meeting, the only time Tauriel seemed to give Kili her full attention was when he was speaking about the mission. Other than that, not once did she ever glance his way with those lovely green eyes of hers. Was she ignoring him on purpose? Had she forgotten the tentative friendship they had formed in Mirkwood? Or was she angry with him for escaping, possibly leaving her looking foolish for failing in her assignment? Oh, how Kili craved to know what she might be thinking…especially about him!
When the plan had at last been laid out and agreed upon by all parties, Glorfindel announced that it was time for him to depart. Bard and Bain said they must head back to Dale as well, accompanied by Tauriel, who would be staying as a guest in the city of men. They all agreed to rejoin forces in two days' time, everyone eager to launch the rescue mission.
Glorfindel turned to Fili and Kili, giving a nod of admiration. "I wish you both speed and victory, princes of Erebor. May your swords gleam bright and your arrows always find their mark." He then turned to Thorin, extending his hand as the two gripped the other's forearm in a warrior's parting. "I look forward to our next meeting, King Thorin, for I am anxious to hear of your mighty victory. Until then…I bid you farewell." And with a bow of respect, the golden haired elf lord took his leave, joined by Bard, Bain and Tauriel.
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Once all the guests had exited the mountain, Thorin was eager to begin preparations, and instructed his nephews to go alert their troops of the upcoming mission. Fili and Kili headed off to the soldiers' barracks, knowing that two days was not very long, and their warriors would need time to prepare and say their farewells to loved ones.
"So," Fili began as they walked. "Tauriel?" He let her name do all the talking, a world of meaning in that one word alone.
"Did you see her, Fili?" Kili asked, his voice full of awe and wonder. "She was just as lovely as I remembered…maybe even more so!"
"Yes, I saw her," Fili nodded, a slight grin on his face at his brother's reaction. "Yet she didn't seem to have changed any in my eyes. Elves are immortal you know…they don't really age."
"And she will be going on the mission with us…with me!" Kili continued, acting as if he had not heard a word his brother had said. "At least five day's journey there, and another five to get back. And every moment in her company!"
"Not to mention a rescue mission…you haven't forgotten about that, have you?" Fili reminded him, stopping in his tracks and grabbing hold of his brother's arm. "Kili…listen to me. I know you like this elf…but you can't let her cloud your mind. You have a job to do, and Thorin will be expecting you to focus on that. I know it's been years since you've seen her…but are you sure this is a good idea? I don't want her to distract you on our mission, or run the risk of you getting injured. Perhaps you should remain here with Thorin, and I will go alone."
"NO!" Kili almost shouted, looking at Fili as if he had spoken of treason. "Thorin agreed to both of us going, you can't leave me behind!" He then got an almost pleading look on his face. "Please, Nadad…don't ask me to remain. I need to go."
Fili stared at Kili for a while, then gave a heavy sigh.
"Fine, I will not try and persuade you otherwise," he agreed. "But promise me that you will keep your mind on business, and not let this Tauriel distract you. I don't want to see you getting hurt because your head is in the clouds, brother."
"I won't. I promise!" Kili grinned, slapping Fili on the back as the two continued on down the hall. "I just wish Tauriel had agreed to stay here in Erebor, and not go back to Dale, then I could have asked her to dinner tonight. Now I have to wait two more days before I see her again. Did it appear as if she remembered me? I mean…did it look like she was excited when I volunteered to go along?"
"Excited?" Fili repeated, placing his hand over his chest in mock surprise. "Why, I swear that lass looked ready to burst into tears of joy when you spoke up," the blond dwarf teased.
"Really?" Kili gasped, looking over at his brother with wide eyes.
"No, not really!" Fili laughed out loud. Yet he reined in his mirth when he saw the look of utter disappointment in his brother's eyes. Reaching up, Fili placed his hand on his shoulder. "Oh, Kili…you have it bad! I can see that I'm going to have to keep a very close eye on you over the next few weeks!" And with a shake of his head, the crown prince continued walking, while his younger brother followed slowly behind, shooting daggers into his back with his eyes.
Not nice Fili...don't tease your brother when he is all twitterpated like that! But it was kind of funny.
So...going on a quest to rescue some prisoners...that should prove interesting, and they get to spend time outdoors, on horses, and camp together at night. Now THAT can't be a bad thing...can it?
Now Kili just has to find out if Tauriel is as warm for his form as he is her's. ha ha.
Guest Reviews:
gginsc: And I am equaly pleased to GIVE you another chapter, as well as your kind review! Keep them coming! Thanks!
abc: Wow, two more times? Good thing I started posting more then, to give you something new! Yah, I thought that with Frodo gone, Flinn really needed some help in the 'cute' department, so now he has a whole troop to assist in give you all cavities. ha ha. Yep, Talin is the little Dwalin, and he is loving it. And Freya...she is like the cutest little lass, so like Fili in most every way. Kili won't be left out for long...and Yep, I let Bilbo find a wife. Why not, I think he deserves one! ha ha. Hope you enjoy what I have in store for our archer prince. Thanks
Aranel Mereneth: I am tickled to be back as well! And oh, Freya has everyone wrapped around her finger...but she will not let hardly anyone touch her with a ten foot pole. ha ha. She is rather shy. Who wouldn't love Kili? All dams fall at his feet...too bad he doesn't have eyes for any of them. I wonder why...hee hee.
Guest S: Awwww, thanks! And yep, the kids are fun to write for and now there are a BUNCH of them! Flinn was having trouble keeping up all the cuteness by himself, now that Frodo went back to the Shire, so I had to speed up time so he could have some help. ha ha. Thanks for the review!