Hey guys! Sorry it has been so long since I have updated, but I have a pretty long chapter for you guys! Let me know what you think :D
"I don't have a choice!" Thorin grumbled slamming his fist down onto the wooden table, making a thud echo through the quite house.
"Thorin." Dis spoke gently but sternly, "you cannot think like that."
"How else am I supposed to think?!" Thorin snapped standing up abruptly, "We are losing business and don't have enough money as it is…" He shook his head letting out a long sigh. He turned and kicked over a chair in anger letting out a loud grunt but stood still suddenly as his eyes looked towards the corner of the room. Ailyn stood there in her night clothes watching her father wide eyed, her small hand clutching her favorite wooden horse.
"Ailyn…" Thorin's voice grew softer as his shoulders relaxed, "what are you doing up?"
"I…" Ailyn looked at the floor focusing on her feet for a moment before looking back up at her father, "I heard shouting...I couldn't sleep."
"Did you have a nightmare?" Thorin asked gently moving closer to his daughter. Ailyn sniffed and nodded before looking up and reaching for her father. Thorin bent down and picked up the Dwarfling carefully before moving over to his chair placing Ailyn in his lap.
"What was it? Orcs? Ailyn they cannot hurt you." He asked softly as Dis began to fill a kettle with water. Ailyn shook her head slowly fiddling with one of her father's braids.
"Then what was it, Mizimith?" Thorin asked softly moving his hand under his chin so he could see her eyes. "You can tell me."
Ailyn stared at her father biting her lip gently before speaking finally, "It was a woman…a woman was in my dream." Ailyn shook her head, "I did not know her, but she spoke to me."
"What did she tell you?" Thorin asked confused at his daughters dream.
"I could not understand her." Ailyn answered softly. "But she was speaking…speaking in whispers...I could not hear what she was speaking."
"What did she look like?" Thorin asked sitting up more in his chair.
"She…" Ailyn thought for a moment, "she was taller than I...her eyes were…" She bit her lip again trying to remember the dream she had, "her eyes were blue, but I could only see her eyes and her hair." She frowned remembering the dream.
"Why could you not see the rest of her face?" Thorin asked carefully.
"It was hidden in the dark." Ailyn whispered, "Her hair...it was red Adad. Red like it was on fire."
Thorin looked up at Dis. His eyes considered Dis as she stopped what she was doing at Ailyn's words, looked at her niece, and then her brother. Dis shook her head quickly before going back to her work shaking her head softly.
"I'm sure it's nothing." Thorin looked back at Ailyn and kissed her head, "Just a dream…it was just a dream."
Ailyn shifted and twisted in her bed, trapped in a restless sleep. The shadow moved closer, watching the dwarf closely. Its eyes inspecting the rise and fall of her chest. An amused and wicked smile spread across its face as it neared closer, standing at the side of the bed. A gloved hand reached out timidly and ran a hand across Ailyn's warm skin. Pushing hair away from her face as the hand trailed down her cheek, and then down to her neck. Softly, barely touching it.
"Look at you…" A smile sly smile appeared has white teeth revealed themselves, "trying so hard...and for what?" The shadow leaned down next to Ailyns ear holding her still.
"They will all die anyway...and you won't be able to do anything." There was a hint of glee in her voice as her words echoed the quietness of the room.
Ailyn shot up suddenly, gasping in breath her eyes darting around the room.
The empty room.
Ailyn kept her eyes open, staring around the room slowly, trying to find anything out of place. Nothing was. The fire was simply embers illuminating the room with a warm glow, but not giving off much heat. Her swords were hung on the wall before her, her bow and quiver beside them. Ailyn let out a shaking sigh running a hand over her face, shivering. Slowly she moved out of the bed, still in soft pants and a night shirt, and wandered towards the door. Looking out into the hall, she found it empty save for a few torches. She guessed it was still night or at least early morning by the emptiness of the mountain. Still shaking, Ailyn looked to the right and the left before leaving her room walking down to the end of the hallway. She softly and pushed the door open. Her eyes scanned the room carefully, her eyes settling on the figure in the large bed.
"Adad…" She whispered looking at her father. Thorin stirred after a moment, sitting up slowly.
"Ailyn?" He asked seeming more alert, "What's wrong? What happened?"
"Nightmare." Ailyn swolled, walking over to the bed, "I didn't want to disturb you..." She glanced down, "Oin said you need rest."
"That doesn't matter." Thorin shook his head, looking at Ailyn. "You're shaking."
"My room was cold." Ailyn answered slowly rubbing her hand up and down her arm. Thorin nodded before moving the blankets back on the other side of the bed.
"Come on." He gestured to the place beside him, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Do you…" Ailyn began as she took the empty place in the bed leaning back against the mountain of pillows Thorin had, pulling the blanket up to her neck as Thorin looked at her still sitting up slightly.
"Do I what?" Thorin asked concerned.
"Do you remember a women with red hair?" She looked at her father in question.
"What do you mean? A woman?" Thorin moved in the bed to sit up more, groaning a bit.
"I think it's a woman, it sounds like one." Ailyn shook her head slowly, "I had a dream about her...a dream within a dream really. I keep, I keep hearing a voice inside my head." She frowned, "So do you?" She looked to her father, "Remember a women with red hair? Someone we saved or...someone we didn't?"
Thorin stayed silent for a moment before shaking his head, "No...Ailyn. I don't." He let out a sigh, "It's just a dream Ailyn."
"What about the voice?" She asked urgently, "I've never heard a voice before, Adad."
"You've never fought a battle like the battle for the mountain before." Thorin spoke gently trying to calm his daughter, "It was the worst one yet. Ailyn, we went into that battle not expecting to come back. We just need time to adjust." Ailyn nodded slowly looking around the room, "Sorry I woke you."
"There is nothing to be sorry about, Mizimith," He shook his head, "you can sleep here. I'll be here if you need something." He leaned over and placed a soft kiss to Ailyn's forehead.
Ailyn nodded and smiled softly before slowly closing her eyes again.
XXX
A week later
"There are so many." Kili spoke his eyes watching the movement from below as Dwarf poured into the mountain. More than just military. These Dwarves from the Blue Mountains, and other places they had flocked to the when the Mountain fell.
The Dwarves of Erebor were returning home.
Ailyn spotted the company below helping and directing Dwarves to where to go. Many of them came with carts and animals. All of them packing up everything they owed to return to the mountain.
"These can't be all from the Blue Mountains." Kili shook his head slowly.
"They aren't." Fili answered pointing towards a wagon, "there, that group is from Moria...they are from the Grey Mountains." Fili continued to list a few more of the Dwarven strongholds, "They're all coming back." He smiled softly.
"We will have to work faster on restoring the marketplace, and housing on the mountain floor. I doubt all of these Dwarves will be comfortable in rooms for so long...especially ones with families." Ailyn spoke from where she sat on the ground, "We can't all give them connecting rooms."
"Balin is handling the room situation." Fili looked down at her, "Kili and I are making good progress on the market place. Some shops are already set to be used."
"Uncle is already looking at the plans and making moderations to accommodate the amount of Dwarves he think will be returning." Kili answered still watching, "we will have more room soon. The Great Hall is almost finished, Bofur and his crew have started on the lower rooms that had the most damage. The library is almost done." He smiled widely, "I think we are making great progress." Ailyn nodded and shifted on the floor uncomfortably.
"Are your stitches still bothering you?" Fili asked looking at his cousin.
"Just sore." Ailyn waved her hand dismissively, "it's fine."
"Well you know-" Fili began but Kili had started to hit his brother on the shoulder repeatedly.
"Kili stop." Fili moved his shoulder away and turned back to Ailyn. "You just-Kili, what is it?" He turned towards his brother, who quickly grabbed his shoulder twisting him to look at the side and pointed urgently.
"Durin's beard…" Fili's eyes widened as a grin spread across his face.
"Is that…" Ailyn stood up quickly looking down below.
"Yes!" Kili called as he turned and ran to the left towards the stairs that lead to the entry hall. Fili and Ailyn took off running after Kili catching up to near the stairs as Kili bound down them, two at a time. The three were met with a mass crowd of Dwarves. The ones who saw the three either gave noticeable gasps, or quickly bowed to them. Kili did not seem to care as he shove his way through the crowd, Fili and Ailyn right behind him. The golden haired Dwarf giving apologies and light nods in regards to his brothers behavior.
Ailyn followed Fili closely looking over at all the Dwarves. She was happy to see many familiar faces from the Blue Mountains, including Gloin's wife and his young son Gimli. But there were many other faces that Ailyn did not know, all of them seeming to stare at herself and her cousins.
The three finally found a break in the crowd finding a small pocket of space. Kili whirled around quickly looking worried, "She was right here. I saw her!" He frowned.
"We'll find her, Kee," Fili placed a comforting hand on his brothers shoulder, "don't worry." Kili frowned and hung his head slowly looking at his feet. Suddenly his head sprung back up as he looked alert.
"Did you hear that?" He questioned looking around again.
"Here what?" Fili looked confused.
"That!" Kili spoke again turning in circles, "My name."
Fili looked at Ailyn for a moment before a voice pierced through the low hum of the crowd.
"Fili! Kili!" The two princes perked up. Fili scanned the crowd and stopped as someone pushing their way through the crown caught his eye.
"Kili, Kili, there." He pointed out the movement to his brother. It was not far away and in an instance Kili was off pushing through the crowd.
"Amad!" Kili yelled as he neared the dwarrowdam. Fili held onto his brothers shoulder tightly not wanting to get lost.
"Kili! Fili! My boys!" Dis cried as she ran towards them finally wrapping her arms around Kili, pulling him in tightly. Dis kissed her youngest on the head before turning towards Fili and hugging in tightly, "Thank Durin you're alright!" She cried before pulling back a bit and holding Fili's face in her hands. Blue eyes looked at Fili's. Dis smiled lovingly at her oldest. She was shorter than both her children and Ailyn, but made up for it in wisdom. She had the dark features of Durin. With thick long locks and braids all over.
"Are you alright?" She asked pushing hair away from his face.
"Yes, we are Amad." Fili chuckled and smiled, "We are all fine." Dis turned and saw Ailyn again, smiling brightly with tears in her eyes hugging her niece tightly.
"I've missed you all so much." She ran a thumb over Ailyn's cheek.
"We've missed you as well." Ailyn grinned and hugged her aunt. "You must be glad to be back."
"I am." Dis nodded and smiled brightly looking around, "I still cannot believe that we have it back…where's Thorin? I heard we was not doing as well…" She looked at the three.
"He's in the King's chambers." Fili spoke, "I'll show you." He stepped forward but Dis stopped him.
"That's alright." Dis smiled softly, "I remember where it is, love. Thank you."
"We can have your things arranged in a room." Kili answered.
"Thank you, dear." Dis smiled at her youngest before turning and walking through the crowd and venturing her way through Erebor. She took her time venturing through the mountain. Her home that she had missed for so long.
She had finally made it to the royal chambers, standing in front of the door to the kings room. The dwarven guards bowed to her deeply before opening the doors to the room. She walked into the room with the confidence of a Durin, looking around, finding her brother sitting in a chair bent over a desk of papers.
"Thorin." Dis spoke softly still standing by the doorway. Thorin looked up surprised before grinning widely.
"Dis!" He stood up and made his way towards his sister. He moved slowly, still recovering, "I did not know you were this close to being here."
"I left with the first wave of Dwarves the moment I heard Azog was dead." Dis answered softly walking to meet her brother half way, "I needed to make sure you were alright, that Fili, Kili and Ailyn were all alright." She shook her head frowning. "I heard terrible rumors about the battle, Thorin."
"It's alright, Dis," Thorin set his hand on her shoulders looking at her, "we're all fine. Azog it dead. Fili, Kili and Ailyn are safe. We have the mountain back."
Dis smiled as tears came to her eyes, "Thorin, you did it. You did what father and grandfather always dreamed of."
"It is a reality now." Thorin kissed her forehead softly before returning to his desk and taking a seat. "It is more than a reality now. We have Erebor back, Dis. Now have to keep it."
"What do you mean?" Dis asked walking around the room looking at everything. It was very much the same as she remembered it. Thorin didn't change much in the room, "You are king now. A king with a mountain, a throne. Azog is dead." She looked at her brother, "We can breath again, Thorin."
"Aye, Azog is dead...but not all the Orcs are gone. There was a raid on Dale a week or so ago." Thorin shook his head, looking over some papers again. "They are not completely out of the game yet. Then there are still repairs on the mountain, not to mention Dain." Thorin muttered. He had been filled in on Dain's behavior while he was unconscious and was beyond annoyed.
"Dain shall be Dain." Dis answered walking over to the desk. "Let him mettle and mumble. He swore an oath Thorin, and he won't break it."
"I hope you are right." Thorin glanced at her before leaning back in the chair. "Then there's the damned elf to deal with." He muttered, "I would like to strangle him with his own hair."
"Thorin," Dis warned giving her brother a look, "you shall do no such thing. He is your neighboring kingdom. Grandfather started that fued. You need to end it."
"You hate him just has much as I do Dis!" Thorin sat up quickly but groaned in pain from the action, "They aren't fair and they never will be. They locked us in cells! They left Erebor to Smaug!"
"Yes, I hate them!" Dis snapped leaning on the table facing her brother. "But in the end it doesn't matter!" She took in a deep breath and looked Thorin in the eyes, "We aren't shaping this world for us anymore, Thorin. We are shaping and fixing this world for those who come after us. For our children. So they can grow up and live in a better world than we did. Don't you want that for Ailyn? Wouldn't it be nice for her to not have to look over her shoulder every two minutes, like she has had to for half of her life?"
"Of course I want the best for her, and Fili, and Kili," Thorin looked at his sister, "everything I did, I did for them."
"Then do this for them, Thorin. Make peace." She spoke softer now. "Put aside the pointless quarlls and bloodshed that our ancestors started. Create a world where Ailyn, Fili and Kili can put down their weapons and live in peace." She reached over and grasped her brother's hand, "Create a world where they can live and be safe when we are gone."
"Aye, you're right." Thorin sighed.
"I usually am, Oakenshield." Dis nodded, content with her brothers answer, before sitting in a chair, her eyes glancing around the room, seeing that there were extra blankets and pillows folded up in a large chair, she looked back to Thorin in question.
"They...sleep in here sometimes. Ailyn comes in when she has had a nightmare. Kili sometimes even sleeps in here to start with. Fili wanders in during the night." Thorin explained looking around the room.
"You look tired. As did Fili, Kili and Ailyn."
"As they should be." Thorin nodded. "That battle was...impossible Dis." He frowned, "it was like nothing I had ever fought before. Even Moria."
"And they fought well? Fili, Kili and Ailyn?" Dis asked
"They fought...they fought like they had nothing to lose." Thorin answered looking at Dis, "I had never seen such fire in them. They really are my best fighters." He settled into the chair, sensing Dis would not leave until she heard the story.
"I took them and Dwalin up to Ravenhill with me. To take on Azog." He continued, "we got up there, and we couldn't find them." He swallowed his throat suddenly dry as memories flashed through his head. "In the beginning, I didn't-I didn't want to let them fight." He shook his head, "I knew it was dangerous, and the gold sickness did not help." Thorin took in a long breath. "We were at Ravenhill, Azog had seemingly disappeared. I had...I had Fili and Kili on my left, Ailyn on my right. Dwalin was there...I told Fili to take Kili and scout of the cliffs on the left side. They...they weren't supposed to engage. I told them to come back. I suppose...I think they got seperated...I was going to go and find them, after Bilbo came and warned us of another army of goblins coming,we were going to be over run." He looked up at Dis who just stared at him silently.
"There was a horn blowing...I looked up onto one of the cliffs...Azog was t-there." His voice quieted as he continued, "With...with Fili in his grasp." He looked at Dis to see her expression had changed from nervous to horrified.
"Thorin…" She shook her head slowly.
"Azog held him out over the edge…and Fili yelled at us, to go, to run...I was frozen Dis, I couldn't move, just staring at Fili, trying to get eye contact, trying to find someway to calm him...to-to reassure him that it was going to be alright. I haven't seen him that scared since he was small. But before I could move, Azog…plunged a sword into Fili's side, and dropped him." He looked at Dis again to see tears running down her cheeks.
"I heard Ailyn scream from behind me, as Fili fell and hit the ground…" Thorin's voice wavered, "Kili wasn't there, I saw though, he was standing in front of Fili's body. He ran off before I could catch him. I told Dwalin to get Ailyn out of Ravenhill, while I got Kili. But somehow...I couldn't find him, we got separated." Thorin's eyes filled with fear as he stared at the ground, "I didn't know where Kili was, Dwalin and Ailyn were nowhere to be found...and I came face to face with Azog."
XXX
Thorin stared at the pale Orc, taking in heaving breaths from running. He was hoping to intersect Kili and get him away from Ravenhill. But now that planned seemed futile and he only hoped Dwalin would find his nephew first. Thorin's heart pounded in his chest as he walked in a half circle around the pale Orc.
The Dwarf let his rough breaths out into the cold air, as he approached his foe, his hand gripping his sword tightly. As he neared closer Azog let out a roar and ran towards him swinging his stone mace. Thorin ducked struggling to stay steady on the ice. All he could to do was back up and dodge Azog's swinging. Finally the beast had sunk into the cold icy water after breaking it up with his mace. Thorin followed his figure under the water, needing to know the defiler was finally gone.
A sharp pain pierced his foot as Azog's blade pierced the ice and the monster jumped up through the ice, knocking the Dwarf king to the ground, and plunged his weapon at Thorin's chest.
Thorin raised his sword blocking and holding the blow, straining as Azog pushed further. Thorin grunted and gritted his teeth trying to hold off the blade for as long as he could.
Azog grinned snake-like and raised his weapon which was embedded into his wrist, where a hand would have been. Thorin took in a deep breath, waiting for the blade to pierce his chest. But suddenly Azog was throw to the side, as something rammed into him. The pale orc hit the ground and rolled a reasonable ways away from Thorin. Thorin let out a stifled breath and turned his head to see what had knocked the orc away from him.
His body went cold, and his heart dropped into his stomach as his blue eyes met other blue eyes.
"No…" He groaned trying to get up, and stop what was about to happen, but found his body would not budge.
Ailyn stared back at her father breathing heavily as she knelt on the ice. Her heart was beating loudly. She got up and grabbed her sword, turning to see Azog staring at her with a cruel smirk on her lips.
To say that Ailyn did not think her actions through was an understatement. She had come running around a corner when she had seen her father holding back Azog's blow. She knew she had to do something so she charged at the orc, with surprise on her side she was able to get him away from her father, but in turn come face to face with her worst nightmare.
Azog was the reason she did not know her grandfather, or great grandfather, and uncles. He was the reason she had a sword in her hand. He was the reason her people had to live in constant fear.
She watched as Azog's gaze drifted behind her, to her father who was still winded. Ailyn set a hard look upon her face and stepped to the side, blocking Azog's view of her father.
She gripped her sword tightly in her left hand while she drew the other from her back. Imagines of Fili's body remained in her mind as her blood began to boil. All her anger came to the surface as she stared down the pale orc. All the pain and anger she had developed through the years ran through her veins like fire.
She let out a war cry as she charged at the defiler. At the last moment she dropped to her knees and slid on the ice, slashing her swords into the orcs legs, making him cry out. He turned and swung at her with all of his strength. Ailyn ducked quickly and came back up to doge another blow, swinging her body away, causing Azog to hit his weapon against a rock wall. Ailyn jabbed her swords upwards against Azog's back armor breaking through his tough skin. He let out a sharp yell turning like lightning, his arm swinging into Ailyn, knocking her back against a rock.
Ailyn let out a cry as her back collided with the rocks, her head hitting a sharp edge. Dropping back onto the ice, blood beginning to drip down her head, taking in sharp breaths as she heard Azog draw closer. She rolled to the side just in time, as Azog planted his sword into ice just where her head had been. She grabbed a dagger from her belt and stuck it into the defilers upper arm, and pulled down his arm with all her strength, cutting open the skin. Azog let out a cry before ramming his foot into Ailyn's side, sending her back into the rocks. Ailyn yelled as her body exploded in pain. She tried to get up, leaning against the rocks, hearing Azog chuckling. Coming from the side, the defiler grabbed Ailyn with his left hand. She tried to turn away, but his grasp was too strong on her throat. She began to hit at the pale orc, trying to get free as he squeezed her neck. He pinned her against a rock and drew closer, growling lowly.
"First you're cousin...now you…" He growled out, before plunging his sword into Ailyn's lower abdomen. Ailyn's eyes went wide as a gurgled grunt of pain escaped her lips.
"NOOOO!" Thorin screamed as his wide blue eyes stared at his daughter, watching as blood soaked her clothing.
"You lose…" Ailyn whispered, as she jammed her last dagger up into Azog's ribs, sticking it there. Azog let out a loud cry, letting go of Ailyn as she dropped onto the ice, the cold hitting her body like a thousand needles. Her eyes watched her father as he charged at Azog, watching and waiting for him to win. Struggling to stay awake.
She must have fallen unconscious because suddenly Ailyn was jolted away as Thorin shook her shoulder rapidly.
"Aylin, Aylin, wake up." Thorin pulled Ailyn closer to him, cradling his daughter in his arms as he felt her cold skin.
"Ailyn, it's me." He brushed her hair aside, cupping her head gently, his hand coming away bloody. He pulled one of his gloves off and placed it over the gash in Ailyn's stomach trying to slow the bleeding.
"Adad…" Ailyn spoke softly staring at her father. "You're...alive…"
"Yes, yes I'm alive." He smiled softly and sniffed. He was bleeding rather badly from one of his legs, and no doubt had broken ribs.
"What were you thinking?" He asked softly holding Ailyn as she shivered, praying to Mahal that Dwalin would find them.
"I couldn't let you die." She coughed roughly, tasting blood in her mouth, "Am...am I going to die, Adad?" She looked at her father, fear lighting in her eyes.
"No, no you're not." Thorin shook his head. "You're not going to die. Ailyn…" He looked at his daughter, "why did you do that?"
"I-I," Ailyn stuttered as she looked around, "I couldn't watch you die…" She coughed again, "I could-couldn't watch you die." She stared up at her father tearing running from her eyes, "I couldn't...do it…"
"Shhh, it's alright," Thorin pressed his forehead against Ailyn's, "it's alright. I'm here."
XXX
"She fought Azog…" Dis sucked in a deep breath. "She took on Azog the defiler…"
"I've never seen her fight so hard before…" Thorin shook her head, "Dwalin found us shortly after. He had intersected Kili, and gone back to Fili. He was unconscious but still alive. I don't remember much after that." He frowned.
"You four are alive, that is all that matters," Dis spoke, "and now we can rebuild our home." She smiled reassuringly.
"Yes, I am glad you have gotten here so soon for obvious reason, but there are also other things we need to discuss." Thorin sat back in the chair.
"Like what?" Dis asked curiously.
"Well, for one, heirs." He looked at Dis. "Fili is the oldest of the three, but Ailyn is my child. I want to make sure that there is no confusion or resistance to where the crown goes when I am gone."
"You think they would go against one another to get it? Fili and Ailyn?" Dis asked, shocked.
"I do not think they would do it on purpose, but I don't want to leave it open to negotiation."
"Have you talked to either of them yet?" Dis asked, "I am sure they have a say."
"They do, and they will. But for now I am taking with you about this. Because bringing up the question of who will be heir, also brings in the question of marriages."
"Thorin…you cannot be serious, they have only just gotten their home back. Still recovering from battle, no doubt just beginning to learn what it means to be princes and a princess with a kingdom."
"I know, Dis." Thorin answered. "Which it why I haven't said anything to them. I don't plan on meddling with their marriage choices yet…or at all. In the end if they all find suitable matches then of course I shall let them marry. I shall not throw them at anyone, nor pledge them to anyone without their consent, and yours of course."
"I am glad you already have a plan," Dis nodded with a smile, "but I do not think everyone will… abide by your rules. I think even though you do not plan to 'throw' anyone at Fili, Kili and Ailyn, other Dwarves will have no trouble throwing themselves or their children at the three."
"Yes, will I am going to trust that you shall have something to say about that." Thorin smiled lightly.
"Of course I shall, do you expect anything less dear brother?" Dis asked, kindly.
"Of course not. Did Fili and Kili tell you that I had a room prepared for you?" He inquired, "It's down the hallway a bit, one of the larger rooms."
"Thank you." Dis smiled and stood, she walked over to the doors but stopped as she opened them.
"Thorin," she spoke causing her older brother to look up at her, "they are alright, though, aren't they?"
"They will be." Thorin nodded, trying to give Dis peace of mind.
XXX
"Look!" A Dwarrowdam enthusiastically pointed out the mountain as they came to the gates of Erebor. She sat in a seat in a wagon, practically out of her seat as she strained to see over the crowd of other Dwarves.
"Can't they go faster!" She exclaimed clearly upset at the speed everyone was moving.
"You could just get out and walk, Gavina." Another, more bored voice came from the back of the wagon. Gavina turned in her seat and sent a glare at her sister.
"Just because you aren't excited Gyda, does not mean I don't have to be." Gavina huffed and turned forward again, "I just want to see Erebor!"
"You could walk." Gyda shrugged with a small laugh before going back to her needlework, which was proving to be difficult to do in the moving cart.
"Girls, will you please stop! You two cannot act like this when we enter, what will everyone else think!" The mother of both the Dwarrowdam spoke up, "Now, behave!"
"I am, Amad." Gavina answered. "It's Gyda that is the problem, she's the one that doesn't care." The oldest sister huffed in annoyance. Gavina had orange blonde colored hair that flowed down her shoulder to below her waist. Her hair was gathered up in many, many extravagant braids and clips, forming her hair in am upward style, and framing her face. She had light copper eyes, and smooth skin. She was no doubt beautiful and she knew it. Her dress was some of the finest silk, a sky blue dress with beads along the seams, and embellished in silver thread.
Gyda had on a simple dress of green with some silver thread but not much, it was clear that the two dresses showed who was the oldest child and who was not. Gyda had more deeper colored hair, but it was still orange, and eyes of a deep brown. Her hair was braided away from her face, braids bringing her hair together down her back.
"I do care." Gyda protested, "don't say that I don't Gavina, not just to spite me."
"Well you certainly don't care like I do. How else are you going to find a suitable match? Hm? This is our chance! New eligible Dwarfs...not to mention the princes." She straightened out her dress.
"Do you actually think you shall touch them with a ten foot pole?" Gyda raised an eyebrow.
"Father met King Thorin on some of his travels to the Blue Mountains. No doubt that shall help the situation." Gavina smiled.
"He's a king now, Vina. He won't remember." Gyda answered shaking her head.
"You do not always need to be such a spoilsport!" Gavina snapped before letting out a soft huff, "if you don't watch your tongue you shall spoil everything!"
Before Gyda could respond the cart they were using jolted to a stop as the Dwarf who had escorted them jumped from the cart.
"Ye' walk from here." He spoke holding onto the side of the cart. "Head on inside, and ye' be directed to a place to stay. Ye' stuff shall be moved there."
"Thank you." Ravna spoke waiting for her daughters to follow. Gyda slid off the wagon from the side, while Gavina waited for someone to help her. But as soon as her feet hit the ground she was off. Walking ahead of her mother and sister, determined to get through the crowd as quickly as possible.
"She does realize she doesn't know where she is going right?" Gyda asked looking over at her mother.
"Please do not continue with this attitude for very long, Gyda. It makes all of this very tiresome." Ravna answered in a prim tone. Gyda shrugged and fell silent looking around. She had never so many Dwarves in one place. Definitely not such a variety of dwarves from different kingdoms. She was intrigued to see how they all got along. Her father had fought with lord Dain in the battle for the mountain, and had decided to move their family to Erebor. Which was a descious Gyda did not truly understand. They were happy in the Iron Hills and had a good life.
Now her father had deemed it a good idea, to root them up and move them to another home. He practically announced that he wanted to pledge himself to the now king: Thorin Oakenshield, and his family. Personally Gyda liked Dain more than what she had heard about the heir to Erebor. To Gyda, Oakenshield and his family seemed too grand, to have the humbleness they were rumoured to have. Gavina on the other hand was ready to settle right in to a life in Erebor. But Gyda knew that her sister was looking for more than a comfortable life. Gavina was also on the hunt for a husband. No dwarf was safe, even the princes.
XXX
"Balin!" Kili called turning around a few times trying to locate the white haired dwarf, he spotted him and waved before pointing at a cart full of boxes.
"Where do these go?" The raven haired boy called, hands cupped around his mouth.
"Down to the village!" Balin called back after checking his list of inventory, "but you don't take it!" He called as Kili began to pull the cart.
"Kili, Kili. Stop. Kili!" Balin shouted at the youngest Durin, trying to get him to stop lifting such a heavy thing.
"Give it to me lad." Dwalin stepped in front of him, "ye' shouldn't be liftin' it yet."
"But I can!" Kili began to protest but Dwalin shook his head. "Not now lad. Go help with something else." He put a hand on Kili's shoulder before grabbing the cart and walking away. Frowning Kili went over to where is brother was helping direct incoming Dwarves.
"They won't let me do anything." He pouted, sitting on a few boxes.
"Would you rather tear your stitches?" Fili asked glancing at his brother.
"No." Kili sighed looking around. Suddenly Gavina caught sight of what she assumed were the princes. Both were well dressed, and had the sigil of Durin plastered onto their belts. She made sure her dress of straight and her hair was fixed before venturing over to them.
"My princes." She spoke sweetly and fell into a curtsy. Kili looked at Fili his eyes wide with confusion. Fili glanced around before clearing his throat.
"There is no need for that." He bent down and held out his hand for the Dwarrowdam. Gavina took his hand and smiled as she rose to her feet.
"You are too kind, prince Fili." She looked at the eldest prince, "I am glad the Durins are back in Erebor."
"As am I." Fili nodded with a kind smile. "Forgive, you know my name, but I do not think we have met." He glanced over at his brother who shrugged.
"Of course, forgive me. I am Gavina, daughter of Garvin. No we have not met, but everyone knows of the Durins. The eldest prince with golden hair," She looked over to Kili taking a few steps in his direction, "and you must be the brother. The raven haired Durin." She curtsied to him as well.
"Yes…" Kili nodded slowly glancing at Fili.
"My father fought for you in the battle for the mountain. My family and I come from the Iron Hills, but we prefer Erebor." She whispered with a giggle.
"We are happy that many Dwarves are returning to Erebor. Now we can rebuild ten times over." Kili grinned.
"Of course!" Gavina smiled widely, "It shall be so beautiful when it is done." Her eyes wandered around for awhile, watching the other Dwarves, trying to pick out any Darrowdams that could be competition. She spotted a few that threw glances at the princes, but none stopped like she had. She seemed pleased as a few glared at her, but she simply turned away from them, and back to the princes.
"Where is the princess? Ailyn?" She asked, noticing that there were only two Durins instead of three.
"Somewhere around here." Fili answered, not really sure himself as to where his cousin had gone off to. Gavina turned her head to the side as she heard her name being called.
"It was a pleasure to meet the princes of Erebor," She smiled and bowed again, "hopefully we can meet again." She turned effortlessly and walked away into the crowd.
XXX
Ailyn stood on the walkway, in the empty throne room, her eyes lifted to the ceiling, watching the green stone with veins of gold running through it. Her eyes came to settle on the throne. The upper right corner was somewhat chipped away, the marks look like a claw had gone through it.
"Magnificent isn't it." Dis spoke, coming to stand next to Ailyn. "The throne of the king."
"I always did my best to imagine what it looked like. The way all of Erebor looked like." Ailyn answered not tearing her eyes from the throne. "But I always wondered what this room really looked like. What my father would look like sitting upon his throne. I always thought it would be grand, and powerful."
"Is it not still that?" Dis asked looking at Ailyn.
"The first time I saw the throne? The first time I saw my father sitting there, as king…" She sucked in a breath, and shook her head, "I barely recognized him, and…" Ailyn shuddered at the memory, "it was the most terrifying thing in the world."
"What…" Dis looked at her niece confused, until she nodded in realization, "The gold sickness."
"I-I always remember my father talking about it…everyone talked about it," Ailyn stared at the throne, "but no matter how hard I tried, I could never imagine what it would look like. Being completely maddened with greed. I surely could never imagine my father being like that. I had never seen that look before. The look he had, his mind was...muddled, and consumed by gold. I don't even think he was my father, from the way he talked...the way he thought."
"Ailyn…" Dis touched her arm lightly, "it is over."
"Is it?" Ailyn finally tore her eyes away from the throne, "Is it ever really over?"
"You look tired," Dis touched a warm hand to Ailyn's cheek, "get some rest, eat something." She smiled softly, "You are safe, Ailyn. You're home."
"I will, thank you." Ailyn spoke softly, "I sometimes I find it hard to sleep. It's not…easy."
"Perhaps, Oin has something that will help with that? I can ask him." Dis smiled again before leaving the throne room in search of Oin. Ailyn's eyes finally turned back to the throne, slowly her feet inched forward closer and closer to it.
"Does it scare you?" The whisper of a voice asked, "does it?"
Ailyn sucked in a deep breath, "Go away…" She whispered.
"I might…one day…" The voice sounded smug.
"You're not real." Ailyn gritted her teeth, "You can't be real."
"No more real than you." The voice answered with a laugh, "Don't worry darling. I'm not leaving again."
"Stop!" Ailyn yelled turning around swiftly, "Just go away!" Her voice filled the hall. She fell silent as there was no answer. Letting out a relieved breath, she slumped down onto a step just below the throne and closed her eyes, the memories washed over her and slowly the sounds of screams and metal against metal filled her head.
XXX
"These cannot be your orders." Ailyn spoke as she marched down the long pathway to the throne. It took every ounce of her will to not turn around and run back out. She did not want to see him. Not like this.
Her feet stopped before the steps, her eyes wandering up to the throne.
There he sat.
The king.
A golden crown upon his head, a fur cape clasped around his shoulders. Clad in golden armor.
"Father." Ailyn had to force the words from her mouth.
The king look up finally as if he had only then realized she was there.
"What are you doing?" He demanded in a deep voice. "You are to help move the gold!" He snapped glaring at Ailyn.
Ailyn swallowed, "We cannot move all of it in such a short time. It is impossible."
"Everyone said it was impossible to reclaim Erebor." The king answered, his eyes wandering around. "And we have proved them wrong." His eyes landed on Ailyn, and his gaze made her shiver. His eyes were cold, and distant. They almost seemed to be glowing blue.
"What are you doing with that?" He looked at the sword at Ailyn's side.
"I am going to fight." Ailyn stated firmly, "We have left the Dwarves of the Iron Hills out there long enough. They need us!"
"Those were not my orders!" The King growled, growing angier.
"I am no longer taking orders from you." Ailyn protested, "We cannot leave our kin out there to die."
"We need to move the gold! A treasure such as this…" The king stood slowly, looking at the gold in his armor, "cannot be counted in lives lost." He looked up again.
"You cannot mean that…" Ailyn gulped, her voice coming out weak and quite, as tears formed in her eyes.
"It is worth, all the blood we can spend!" The king looked at Ailyn, noticing her tears and growling in disgust.
"You are weak." He muttered before turning away to leave.
"You are a monster!" Ailyn yelled causing him to stop, and turn back towards him. Ailyn set her jaw tightly, straightening her back as the king stalked closer, a low growl escaping his lips.
"What?!"
"You are a monster." She breathed out. "And I no longer recognise you. You have sunken lower than you have ever been!" She snapped face to face with him, "You sit here in your vast halls, without a care for those who would readily lay down their lives for you"
"How dare you!" The Dwarf snapped, "I am your king!"
"You're supposed to be my father!" Ailyn countered, before a force collided with her cheek sending her to the ground. Her hands hit the cold stone, catching herself. Her right hand lifted up to touch her cheek, which stung. She turned quickly towards the king, to him staring down at her.
"Ailyn…" Thorin breathed out, fear appearing in his eyes, as he seemed to come back to himself, realizing what he had done. Ailyn moved scrambled backwards quickly, looking up at her father as tears ran down her face. Thorin stopped as he saw the pain in his daughter's eyes.
"I'm-I'm sorry…" He breathed out looking at his hands. "Leave me." His voice became dark once again. Ailyn scrambled up and ran from the hall, knocking into someone, stumbling backwards.
"Ailyn," Fili reached out and caught her arm, "Ailyn, what…" he appearance of his cousin: tears streaming down her face, and her cheek red, lit alarm in the eldest Durin. Ailyn said nothing but shook her head, and hugged Fili tightly. Fili wrapped his arms around Ailyn tightly.
XXX
Her eyes snapped open as Ailyn heard someone approaching.
"What are you doing in here?" Fili asked standing a few feet from her.
"Just…remembering." Ailyn answered letting out a shaking breath.
"Don't." Fili shook his head, "You don't need to remember that."
"I know." Ailyn nodded slowly as Fili came and sat beside her.
"Have you two talked about it?" Fili asked, handing Ailyn an apple, to which she shook her head.
"Eat, Ailyn." Fili pushed. Ailyn looked at him and took the apple reluctantly.
"I haven't talked to him about it." She confessed, "I don't think I will. He doesn't remember," she tossed the apple from hand to hand, "I think it is better that way."
"He would not forgive himself if he knew." Fili nodded in agreement.
"Exactly." Ailyn continued to toss the apple around. "Fancy a walk down to Dale? I need some air."
"We should," Fili stood, "Kili is getting restless, Balin won't let him do anything." He chuckled.
"Let's find him and go." Ailyn smiled and got up as well, walking with Fili from the throne room. The two walked through the crowd to the other side of the mountain and down to another level where there used to be a market and houses. Kili was down there with a few other Dwarves cleaning.
"I'm just sweeping." Kili spoke as the two approached, holding the broom close, "Nothing more."
"Relax." Ailyn smiled. "We aren't going to ban you from sweeping. We are going to walk to Dale, want to come?"
"Yes!" Kili exclaimed with a grin, setting the broom down, "Let's go!" He raced towards the stairs to the main level.
Fili checked in with Balin to inform Thorin and Dis that they were leaving before the three began the trek down to Dale.
"Do you think we'll have enough room?" Kili asked looking at all the wagons and Dwarves still approaching Erebor.
"Of course, remember the stories uncle would tell us?" Fili looked at him. "Millions lived in Erebor. Once we get some of the lower levels fixed we should have even more room."
"Dale seems to be coming along well." Ailyn noted as they approached the walls of Dale. Bard had begun repairs on the wall a few weeks ago as more able bodied men recovered from the war. Ailyn thought the walls seemed like a large project for the men of Dale to take on, but she saw why they would need it.
"It's getting colder." Kili pulled his leather coat closer together
"Hopefully Dale can be rebuilt more before the snow comes." Ailyn looked at the sky, "I wonder what the mountain will look like covered in snow," she thought out loud.
"If not we could likely house them in the mountain." Fili suggested, following Ailyn's gaze towards the sky.
When the three were finally in the village of Dale they were surprised to see some carts filling the streets and people selling small trinkets from them.
"What's this?" Kili asked looking around curiously.
"The market," Bard spoke walking up to the three, "well at least the start of one. Today would have been market day." He clapped his gloved hands together. "So why not?"
"It's a good start," Fili nodded, "I'm sure it shall be bigger in no time." He smiled.
"Aye, I hope so," he nodded glancing back at the small market, "what brings you three here?" He looked back at the Durins.
"Erebor is rather...crowded." Fili answered. "And no one will let us do much heavy work… "
"... so we wanted to come and see if you had anything that needed being done?" Kili asked hopefully. Bard chuckled and shook his head.
"I, too, have been given directions to not let you three do much, but," he stepped aside and gestured to the market, "feel free to take a look around." He patted Kili on the shoulder before walking off to take care of some supplies.
"We truly can't do anything?" Kili asked, "I'm mostly healed!"
"Come on, let's just walk." Ailyn spoke, grabbing Kili's arm and venturing further down the path. Kili let out a sigh but followed his cousin and older brother into the small market. The villagers seemed to perk up a bit as they saw the three walking about. Fili had stopped to talk with an older man about some nets he was selling while Kili found a cart filled with an assortment of unique rocks. Of course they were nothing like those that were in Erebor, but he didn't seem to mind, letting the frail women selling them show him her favorites and which ones would go nicely together. Ailyn followed down a little further towards the end of the market, looking at a few carts filled with nice looking cloth.
"See anything you like, dearie?" A hoarse voice asked, Ailyn looked up rather surprised to see a Dwarf before her instead of a human.
"Um, yes, maybe." She spoke still looking at the Darrowdam.
"Surprised to see a Dwarf this far away from Erebor?" She asked from the stool she was perched on.
"Yes, honestly." Ailyn nodded. "W-why aren't you in Erebor?" She cleared her throat.
"When you get as old as I am, you know where to go and where to stay away from." She explained. Ailyn looked over her appearance, and did find her to be quite old. Her thick grey hair was pushed to the back and bunched into a bun. Her skin was riddled with wrinkles, especially around her grey eyes covered by thick spectacles. Her clothing certainly showed she was a Dwarf, from the Iron Hills, Ailyn guessed. She had layers of clothing, her skirt colors of dull purples and blue, her blouse a ragged brown.
"You want to stay away from Erebor?" Ailyn asked raising an eyebrow in confusion. For as long as she could remember, every Dwarf she knew wanted to get back to Erebor, not stay away from it.
"No dearie, not Erebor, but the feud between the Iron Hills and the Long Beards." She shook her head, "It's too much."
"Feud? What feud?" Ailyn asked stepping closer. The Dwarrodam looked at Ailyn for a moment before shaking her head. "It was a long time ago. Pay no mind to it."
"But you-" Ailyn was cut off by the women clicking her tongue.
"You needn't worry about it, princess." The Dwarrowdam looked at Ailyn and pointed with a boney finger. "You have other things to worry about. Worse things…"
"Things? What things?" Ailyn asked leaning so close she bumped into the cart, "How did you who I was?" She started spewing out questions. The Dwarrowdam pointed to the crest on her belt.
"You carry your father's symbol. A noble, and known symbol, be careful who sees it." The Dwarrowdam answered. Ailyn looked down at her belt.
"Be careful who sees it?" Ailyn raised an eyebrow looking back at the Dwarrowdam, "What is your name?"
"Tumi." She smiled, "Tumi the Dwarf." She got up from her stool and began to waddle away from her cart, taking a sharp right down some stairs.
"Wait!" Ailyn called racing after Tumi, "Wait, please!" She nearly slid as she turned to follow Tumi down the stairs. She stopped suddenly at the top of the stairs, not seeing the Dwarrowdam, but could hear a faint humming towards the bottom. Looking around she didn't see either of her cousins, knowing it probably wasn't the best idea to follow Tumi on her own. But she shook her head mumbling to herself as she followed the steps down into the lower levels of Dale. It was dimly lit, and cooler. Ailyn stopped listening carefully, trying to follow the sound of Tumi's humming. She heard it still, a faint soft tune, but somehow she recognized it. Ailyn could not name the tune, or remember where she had heard it, but she recognized it.
"Tumi?" Ailyn called walking along a slim path into brick walls, "You-you haven't given me any answers!" She ducked under some broken wood stuck between the passages, "You've only given me more questions…" She mumbled trying to find where the Dwarrowdam could have gotten off to in such a hurry.
"There are always questions, even if you get answers." Tumi spoke causing Ailyn to twirl around stopping as she saw Tumi in a small space towards the left. Tumi sat in the middle of the space, which was only a little bigger than a broom closet. She sat in front of a small spot which had water boiling. Around her were a few boxes filled with cloth, and some with food. Tumi stirred the water slowly, pouring a light colored liquid into it.
"You aren't making any sense." Ailyn spoke as she slowly stepped into the room looking around.
"I am making sense." Tumi looked up at her, a serious look in her eyes, "you just aren't hearing it right."
"I think my hearing is fine." Ailyn countered standing in front of her. Tumi shrugged, "Not always. Sit, Oakenshield." She pointed to a stool. Hesitantly Ailyn sat.
"Are you going to give me some answers?" She asked softly.
"Are you going to have more questions?" Tumi countered.
"Most likely." Ailyn replied honestly.
"I won't be able to answer them all. At least not now," Tumi shook her head focusing on stirring the pot, "but go on, ask."
"W…" Ailyn began leaning forward but paused, trying to think about what to ask, not knowing how long Tumi would indulge her. "What feud? I've never heard of it."
"Not many have," Tumi shook her head, "it was a long long time ago, before Thrain, before Thror. Durin the deathless reigned."
"Durin the deathless?" Ailyn asked her mouth agape, "But how, how does anyone remember? It was so long ago." Tumi looked up at Ailyn through her gray lashes.
"You should know better than anyone, Dwarves don't forgive, and we don't forget." She sighed. "Few remember the real events, and causes. Some don't mention it at all, until it suits them." Tumi frowned and shook her head, "even then the events they tell are mutated and changed then the real ones. But you have-"
"Other things to worry about," Ailyn finished for her, leaning forward, "what other things?" Tumi looked at her.
"Simply because Azog the defiler is dead, does not mean the orcs shall simply leave us alone. It does not mean they have given up plotting and hating. Orcs don't forget either, and have nothing to lose. Your family on the other hand, now has quite a lot to lose. Do not forget the prophecy." She warned.
"Prophecy?" Ailyn raised an eyebrow, and Tumi rolled her eyes.
"Come now, you are a daughter of Durin are you not?"
"Of course I am." Ailyn stated firmly before thinking for a moment, "the prophecy of Durin." Tumi nodded looking at her pot.
"The king beneath beneath the mountain, the king of carven stone-"
"The lord of silver fountains shall come into his own…" Ailyn finished softly, "his crown shall be unholden, his harp shall be restrung. His hall shall echo golden, to songs of yore resung. It isn't a bad thing," Ailyn shook her head, "it talks of Durin folk returning home, which we have done."
"Indeed you have, but…" Tumi shook her head, "Nothing is very that easy. You are forgetting the last part of the prophecy." Tumi glanced at Ailyn. "Do you know it?"
"Of course." Ailyn nodded again reciting the last part of the prophecy, "The streams shall run is gladness, the lake shall shine and burn. All sorrow fail and sadness and the mountain's king return…" she slowed her speech.
"Many forget about that part." Tumi clicked her tongue, "it is not good to forget things."
"It sounds like you know something." Ailyn frowned, crossing her arms staring at Tumi, looking over at her skeptically.
Tumi looked up at Ailyn completely and let out a soft chuckle, "You look just like your father." She shook her head an amused smile still gracing her lips, "I know many things, don't ask me how. I can only tell you that I have lived long enough to know what I am talking about."
"You've met my father?" Ailyn questioned softly, "when?"
"When Erebor was first lost." Tumi mused, "I was selling clothes and furs near the outskirts of a small town. Your father had settled his people there for the time being, before your permanent settlement in the Blue Mountains. He was just as surprised as you were, seeing me." She chuckled, "His eyes were heavy, too heavy for being so young. But," Tumi kept her eyes on the pot, throwing in some herbs that sent out a sweet smell, "he was determined, and strong. I see that same strength in you, Ailyn. Just like your father, your mother too." Tumi spoke, causing Ailyn to perk up.
"What? My mother? You, you knew my mother?" She nearly jumped from the stool, "no one had ever mentioned her mother, save for Thorin and Dis telling me that she left, then what I heard through rumors."
"Yes, I knew her. She was with your father that day, then I saw her some days afterwards." Tumi shrugged.
"What was her name?" Ailyn asked quietly sitting back on the stool, not knowing if she wanted to know the answer.
"You do not know her name?" Tumi looked up at Ailyn confused.
"No," Ailyn shook her head feeling like a child. "No one ever told me. No one ever talked about her."
"No one?" Tumi furrowed her brows. "Not even your father?"
Ailyn shook her head, "Not really."
"Why not?" Tumi continued.
"I think it was easier that way." Ailyn answered with a shrug.
"You were never curious?" Tumi mused looking back at the pot, the water now thick and green. Ailyn looked at the pot, a bit concerned, but left it alone.
"I suppose I was, at one point," Ailyn answered tearing her eyes away from the pot, "but then I realized if she wanted me, she would have been there. I had my father, my aunt, Fili, and Kili. I didn't need her."
"You seem very well adjusted to your circumstances." Tumi pointed out with a soft smile.
"Adjust or die." Ailyn answered, "I can't afford to dwell on things I cannot change. Especially on the battlefield."
"Your mother was a fighter as well." Tumi spoke glancing up at Ailyn. What she had said seemed to pique some interest in the princess. "Are you sure you don't want to know about that? Or her name perhaps?"
"I…" Ailyn paused and her mouth became dry. She had never been given the choice between knowing before, she had simply come to the conclusion that she wouldn't know. But now, now she did have a choice.
"She was a warrior?" Ailyn asked her voice coming out hoarse.
"A good one too. I imagine you thought you got all your skill from your father?" Tumi asked. "Which is true, you are much more your father's daughter than you mother's. But that doesn't mean you don't have some of her qualities. She was determined like you seem to be. But…" Tumi shook her head slowly. "She wasn't as kind. Losing the mountain changed her, and she became rather distant, angry. You were most likely better off without her."
"You make her sound evil." Ailyn breathed out.
"She very well could be," Tumi shrugged, "depending on your point of view."
"H-her name?" Ailyn asked, "What was her name?"
"Sera," Tumi said softly, "her name was Sera."
"You seem to know much about her…" Ailyn answered.
"I knew, like I told you. She came to me, sometime after she left you, I imagine. I'll never forget her, icy blue eyes. Flaming red hair." Tumi shook her head muttering to herself.
"Did, did you just say…" Ailyn's mouth had gone dry again. "did you say she had red hair?"
"Quite unmistakable." Tumi nodded, not focused on her pot as it began to boil over, "Durin's beard!" She huffed and tried to stir it quickly. "This is just ruined."
"Is...is she dead?" Ailyn asked her stomach beginning to turn, though she didn't know if it was from the thoughts running through her head or the harsh smell Tumi had coming from her pot.
"Course not," Tumi answered with a chuckle. "she's rather hard to kill. She did well after she left your father, made some friends in some high places. Someone is looking for you." Tumi spoke cutting Ailyn off before she could say more. Ailyn paused looking at Tumi oddly before she heard her name being called. She looked back at Tumi, watching her for a moment as she got up and rummaged through some crates looking for something. Ailyn was about to say something else but her name was being called again, and again. She bit her bottom lip slowly inching towards the door.
"If I wish to talk to you again, will you be here?" She asked looking up the pathway she had come down.
"Of course, of course." Tumi waved her off not truly paying much attention to her. Ailyn nodded and took off up the path again, happy to be back up on the upper level of Dale. Her eyes scanned her surroundings, trying to figure out where her cousins could be. Not hearing her name being called she started to walk back the way she had come hoping to cross the path of Fili and Kili.
She somehow found herself wandering around some of the lower levels of Dale. From the look of them, the men of Dale had not begun repairs yet. Everything Ailyn saw seemed to be broken. Stones, and beams of wood. Everything was a disaster. Ailyn paused a moment as she felt something crunch under her foot. Craning her neck to the side, she saw a silver chain under her foot. Her eyes flickered up to see if anyone was around. Seeing no one, she bent and picked up the chain. She pulled it closer inspecting it. On the end of the the chain hung a ridged dark almost black green crystal. Ailyn pulled it closer inspecting the stone. It didn't shine like the ones in the mountain, but it was hard, and somewhat heavy for such a small thing.
Ailyn's eyes snapped up as she heard the breaking of wood. Her eyes scanned the desolate courtyard she was in. Nothing was there, but the hairs on her neck stood up.
Someone was watching.
Gently she placed the chain and stone inside a pouch on her belt, "Who's there?" She called walking forward slightly, making sure her feet did not make a sound. There came no answer, but Ailyn still kept her guard up, moving one foot then the other very slowly.
"Who's there?" Ailyn called again, but again no answer came. She traveled up the road aways stopping again and looking around. Seeing no one, Ailyn put the dagger back in her belt, and let her shoulders drop a bit. Just as she was about to take another step forward, intent on finding her cousins, she felt something collide with her back forcing her to the ground. A surprised gasp escaped her lips as she attempted to catch herself as she fell, but her right hand was grabbed, being squeezed tightly held behind her back. Ailyn fought against whatever was holding her, attempting to turn on her back. She felt another hand searching her belt, and quickly she forced her elbow up with all her strength, feeling it collide with soft skin, the thing that had hold of her jolting backwards, letting her go. Quickly Ailyn turned on her back, just in time to see the figure run at her again, hooded and dressed in dark clothing. Ailyn raised her foot, knocking it against the figure, hearing it let out a low grunt as it hit a wooden pole as Ailyn scrambled to her feet.
"Who are you?" Ailyn asked heaving in breaths, watching the figure as it stood up. It chuckled darkly but gave no response.
"What do you want?" Ailyn gulped goosebumps lining her skin as a chill ran down her spine.
"You think you can beat me with that?" The voice responded, dark and disoriented, but sounded amused.
"I can certainly try." Ailyn gulped, twirling the dagger in her hand and taking a better stance, ready for another attack. The figure chuckled again, and Ailyn could have sworn she saw a smile underneath the dark cloak. With a quick flick of the hand Ailyn was barreling backwards into a pile of woods and tools. She groaned as her back hit some wood, and a metal hammer.
"Come on Dwarfling, get up." The figure spoke pacing while watching Ailyn, "I am not done yet."
Ailyn looked up blinking quickly trying to clear her head as she stumbled to her feet. She watched the figure carefully, trying to figure out how it moved, her hand reaching up to pull her sword from her back. A cruel smile crossed the face of the figure, it's gleaming teeth the only thing that could be seen. It raised a hand again, this time nothing happened as it beconned Ailyn to come closer. Ailyn took in a breath while setting a stern expression to her face, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword, her feet setting against the cold ground. Watching carefully trying to figure out where the figure would attack from. In a blur the figure moved towards a dark silver looking sword appeared in it's hand, hitting against Ailyn as she raised her own in defense, holding her ground as the figure pushed against the sword.
"You're strong. Good." The figure remarked, with smirk. Ailyn grunted and turned quickly, to attack the figures other side, but was stopped at her sword connected with metal, and a strong hand gripped her arm. Ailyn whipped her hand away, and raising her sword, bringing it down over the figures head, but again was caught by her arm. She let out a stifled groan as the figured squeezed her arm, laughing.
"You fight like your father." It spoke in disgust, before tossing Ailyn backwards with surprising force, the sword flying from her hand.
"You...you know my father…" Ailyn stood up quickly despite the pain in her side, but all the figure gave in response was a crooked smile. Ailyn eyes grew darker as she glared at the figure before charging at it. Halfway she dropped to her knees and swung her leg out hitting the figures, toppling her over, before turning and getting back up, knocking the figure in the face with the back of her elbow, sending the figure back to the ground.
"Not exactly like my father." Ailyn answered kicking the figure in the side, "Now what do you want?" She demanded.
"I thought that was obvious." The figure laughed still on the ground before jumping up quickly and landing in front of Ailyn a hand gripping her throat, "You'll find out soon enough." The figure tightened its grip on the Darrowdam's throat as Ailyn fought against the shadow. She clasped her hands around the figures wrists and tried to pry them off. She felt herself being pushed backwards towards the ground. Soon her legs would give out, and once the figure had her pinned Ailyn got a feeling deep in her stomach that she wouldn't stand a chance. She took one hand away from the figures hands, feeling them clench tighter against her throat as fear rose in her chest. Bending her free hand to reach her belt she picked a dagger in her belt and steadied it in her shaking hand before bringing it into the creatures side. It let out a loud hiss dropping, Ailyn onto the ground. Ailyn hit the ground rolling onto her side, taking in deep breaths and coughing rapidly, then in a flash she turned back and jammed her foot against the dagger plunging it further into the creatures side. The figure let out a stifled breath before raising it's hooded head to look towards Ailyn. Without a single word the figure vanished into a thin smoke. Ailyn took in a long breath getting to her feet as quickly as she could, coughing harshly, as she ran a gentle hand around her throat.
"Ailyn?" Fili called running around a corner, Kili close on his tail. His eyes settled on his cousin and he was running towards her, "What happened?"
"I...I don't exactly know…" Ailyn looked around at the desolate pathway, wood and tools strewn all over, "I don't know…" She whispered again.
"Was it an orc?" Kili asked placing a hand on the side of Ailyn's head tilting it to the side to get a better look at the redness on her neck.
"No, no," Ailyn shook her head, "I know it wasn't that. It wasn't an orc, it wasn't anything like that." She looked at Fili, "I don't know what it was."
"Come on," Fili pulled Ailyn forward, and Kili, his eyes darting from one place to another, "we need to get back to the mountain."
XXX
"Well?" Thorin asked standing directly behind Oin, leaning against the desk in his room. His arms crossed over his chest.
"No bones are broken." Oin answered, tilting Ailyn's head up and inspected the growing redness. "Just bruising." He sighed, "The back will take some time to heal," He turned to look at Thorin, "but she will be alright." Ailyn stayed silent, sitting in the chair before Oin.
"Thank you, Oin." Thorin spoke with a small smile and a nod before Oin gathered up his supplies and left the room. Ailyn stayed silent her eyes cast to the ground as she felt her father gaze on her. She could see Fili and Kili sitting by Dis to the left of the room.
"Ailyn…" Thorin finally spoke after a few more moments of silence, "Ailyn look at me."
At her father's words Ailyn slowly looked up, her eyes landing on her father figure, but she remained silent. Thorin looked over Ailyn as he slowly walked towards her, as if not wanting to scare her. Again Ailyn casted her eyes down to the ground, and didn't look up as her father boots came into her view. This time she looked up quickly meeting her father gaze. Thorin gently placed his hand on the side of Ailyn's face, running his thumb over her cheek.
"What happened?" He asked gently, "You have to tell me."
"I'm not sure." Ailyn let out a breath, "It was something...it was something that I have never encountered before." She shook her head. "It wasn't an orc. It was too well trained, too calculated in it's movements to be something like an orc."
"You didn't see it?" Thorin asked again.
"Not clearly, it was like a dark shadow." Ailyn answered, "But it talked, the voice distorted and dark. Broken, like talking through a wall."
"What did it say?" Dis asked from where she was sitting.
"It said that I was strong," Ailyn answered looking at the far wall, "it was glad I was strong. I think it wanted something but I don't know what…" She paused glancing at the ground.
"Ailyn, what is it?" Thorin asked looking at her. Ailyn bit at her bottom of her lip, "It told me that I fought like my father." She looked at Thorin, "I think whatever it was, knew you. I believe it wanted this." Ailyn reached into her belt and pulled out the chain and crystal. Thorin took the chain and inspected it closely before he looked at Ailyn and then towards Dis who shook her head. A heavy sigh left Thorin's lips as he bent down and pressed a kiss to Ailyn's forehead. "You need to rest." He stood, "You all do." Kili and Fili looked at their uncle, "I am sending Dwalin to guard your rooms." He stated walked back over to his desk. For a moment Kili opened his mouth to protest before Fili set a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, Uncle." Fili nodded and walked towards the door.
"Be safe, my loves." Dis answered placing a kiss on Kili's hand, "I shall come to you soon." Kili nodded and gave his uncle a nod which Thorin returned with a small smile. The three left the room to be met with Dwalin in the hall who walked with them to their room.
"What do you think it was?" Dis asked as soon as they were alone, she stood and walked over to the desk.
"I am not sure," Thorin shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closing, "and any ideas I do have, I heavily reject." He tossed the necklace onto the table.
"Thorin," Dis sat near him, "simply because you reject the thought of something does not mean it will go away."
"We cannot be certain, we have no proof." Thorin spoke
"Is this not proof enough?" Dis asked looking at the necklace, "I hate to say it, but is it not proof?"
"Not enough." Thorin stated firmly, "Not enough. Not yet."
"Thorin," Dis stood and moved the necklace towards her. "This is hers and you know it, even if you are not willing to believe it." Dis hissed, "You cannot ignore this any longer brother, not if she attacked Ailyn."
"She should not even know Ailyn, let alone recognize her." Thorin growled swiping the necklace off the desk, "Last time I knew of her was a week after she left and then she was gone. But I know she does not have magic!"
"Thorin," Dis set a hand on Thorins, "you need to tell her." Thorin looked at Dis.
"No," he shook his head, "we agreed not to." He stood from his chair and walked over to the fire, watching it intently.
"We said we would not tell her until she was older." Dis answered turning towards him, "She is older now. Thorin, if this is true she needs to know, to be safe."
"She already suppose to be safe!" Thorin snapped turning around, "We all are. Fili, Kili and Ailyn, my plan to make them safe was this." He gestured around the room, "To take back the throne, to take back the mountain." He walked closer to Dis. "We killed Azog, they are suppose to be safe here, Dis. I don't have another plan." He sighed turning away again towards the fire, "She doesn't deserve Ailyn. I won't tell her, not yet." Thorin shook his head. "Send Nori to me, I need him to find out more about what is going on," He bent and picked up the necklace, "and to keep this safe."
"Thorin…" Dis spoke softly looking at her brother.
"Please, Dis," Thorin looked back at her, "let me do this my way. Please, Ailyn doesn't need to know." Dis looked at Thorin before nodding.
"Very well," She walked towards the door, "I shall get Nori." As the door shut Thorin looked back at the fire, clutching his hand around the necklace until his knuckles turned white.
"Damnit Sera." He muttered softly.