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Hope is not lost
The very next morning found Thorin pacing in his office, full of nervousness. The situation with the Arkenstone was choking him and the wise words of Eilin still rang loud in his ears. He reflected on their simplicity as he played harp for her to sleep last night. When she did, he remained awake for a rather long time, contemplating what he should do about all this mess. At the end of the day retrieving the Arkenstone was his job and he was answerable for it to many people. He had been trying to do it the way his father and grandfather would have wanted. Maybe that was his mistake. Thranduil was much older than him and had feuds with his family long before he ever took over the rule. Some of them he could justify, some not, but now his time had come to write history.
It was his time to prove that he was not ruling in Thror's footsteps, but that he was paving his own path, like he had done for a hundred years in the Blue Mountains. There, the independence of his rule was indisputable by the ghosts of the past. He was free to rule as his heart commanded and he had been very successful. Here in Erebor though he felt the same ghosts throttling every ounce of what felt just, out of him. The moment he entered this old, beloved stronghold it felt as if both his father and grandfather arose from the dead and stood by his side. Silent sentinels judging his every move. Ready to condemn or applaud him. Was the beautiful and loyal Eilin, also clever beyond her years? Were her words truly as outstanding in their honesty as he felt them right at that moment?
He unclasped his hands from his back and turned to look at the chest that held the White Gems of Lasgalen, still sitting under heavy locks at the side of his desk, unexploited by both him and the elves. His mood was already deteriorating when he called the wife and daughter of the poor miner that died in his arms to check if they required anything more. He had met with the widow the same evening the accident took place, here in this office. He came face to face with a broken woman that could barely understand what was going on and a child that clang onto her mother with mind blowing terror. He was the one that led her to sit close to the fire and tried to comfort her, even though he knew it was impossible. Hadn't he lost perchance the woman he loved once upon another lifetime? Didn't he know the shock, the blind numbness, the cold squeezing your heart, the inability to comprehend, to understand, to take in any information? Didn't he know the anger, the despair and the desolation? He knew every single feeling he saw passing over that woman's face. Above all though his heart broke for the little girl who remained fearfully away from him, as he was the one that delivered the news about her father. He had been the envoy of death.
He drew back respectfully and allowed this pained family to cocoon around itself protectively for a long time, before giving the widow her husband's token. That is when the woman broke down completely and he knelt down next to her and embraced her quietly. She released her grief as he held her in his arms until she decided to crawl out of his office and back to her abode. Thorin asked Balin to relocate her into the first level residential area that was reserved for the most privileged citizens. She was to be offered work as a royal maiden under Eilin' supervision. Her payment was going to be rather substantial and she was going to be under the protection of the royal family henceforth. The woman at that moment offered a meek thank you, without acknowledging what he was doing for her, which was excused.
Today though when she visited she had been much more grateful and open with him. Her daughter had come along and they both offered him freshly picked flowers from the forest alongside the River Running. Loa told him that his personal maiden was an exceptionally gentle girl that took her immediately under her protection and began showing her the ins and the outs of the kitchens and what was required by the royal siblings, the prince and Lord Dain. He admired the wooden dove worn around her neck with a sad smile reassuring her that his family was there for them, before escorting them out.
Then he was alone again, pondering at the chest on his desk, until the door knocked and Balin entered with the jeweller he had requested the other day.
"This is Gísli, the best jeweller of the Iron Hills. He only recently relocated with his family to Erebor and he's at your orders your majesty," Balin bowed.
"Thank you Balin," Thorin's gaze dismissed him and his friend closed the door behind him quietly.
Thorin's eyes fell heavy on the respectful elder dwarf that stood with his hands crossed and his head bowed, "My lord, I am at your orders," he spoke after a few moments of indecision.
Thorin checked on him from head to toe, "I was informed that a good reputation precedes you."
"Yes my Lord. I made most of the jewellery required by master Fain and Dain, and also I traded a lot with the elves of Mirkwood and the common folk that could afford my prices."
Thorin beckoned him closer and the man approached, "I will show you what I have and you will tell me what you can do with it."
The man nodded and kept his eyes on the two velvet pouches on Thorin's desk, "of course my lord."
Thorin untied both of them. When he opened them up, poor Gísli's eyes grew wide with admiration. He was at a loss for words. "A bar of pure gold and fifteen flawless diamonds," Thorin said quietly.
"Internally flawless?" Gísli looked up eagerly.
"of course," Thorin raised his brow.
"Very rare and expensive my lord. What do you wish made out of them?" Gísli bowed respectfully. It was the first time he was been given such expensive materials to work upon.
"A dove pendant, a chain and amulet. On the back of the dove, the insignia of my family should be engraved."
Gísli raised his brow, "Shall I use the diamonds to enhance the dove's body, or wings or…" he raised his hands feeling overwhelmed.
"You choose. Just make sure it is made with care and that the result is nothing less than stunning," Thorin said and covered up the pouches.
Gísli rubbed his hands together in anticipation, "thank you for trusting me my lord. Will it be a token of love, or something more official and typical looking?"
"Most definitely a token of love. Give it the utmost love yourself," Thorin smiled at him, "and you shall be paid well."
"I never had a doubt my lord," he said.
Thorin tied down the pouches and gave them to Gísli, "when shall it be ready?"
"I will need at least a month," Gísli winced, "it is a very delicate job and I want to do it to perfection. I will put all my other work on hold for you my Lord."
"Thank you," Thorin tilted his head and walked around his office. That was his signal for dismissal and Gísli bowed to the ground, holding the pouches to his chest like treasure.
"It's my honour to serve you my lord," he said and left the office as quietly as he had entered.
When Thorin was left alone once more in the silent confines of his office, his eyes fell darkly on the chest and he began a slow pacing in front of his desk that continued long enough for him to almost dig a ditch on the carved stone floor. His mind was going back and forth together with his legs.
There was a knock on his door, then another, and yet another. The first one had been Fili, second Balin and the last one Dori. Thorin stopped pacing, looked over at the door, gritted his teeth, looked back at the chest and began pacing again, like a caged lion. When after a long time his pacing stopped, he was standing right in front of the chest, with his eyes grim and cold looking down at it for what felt like a thousand years.
When he threw his office door open, it was done with such force that it crashed upon it's hinges. His military pace stopped for no one and led him down to the stables. As he rode up to the entrance and a moment before the guards opened up the gates, Balin caught up with him along with Dwalin.
"Where are you off to laddie? The heads of the new delegations need to talk to you. You have been avoiding it for too long and are digging a grave with your own hands," Balin sounded accusing.
"I have something important to take care off," Thorin said and signalled the guards to open the heavy doors.
"Something more important than your obligations?" Balin crossed his arms and raised his brow.
"Something of utmost importance," he tilted his head.
"Even more important than the feast for my birthday, which you seem to have forgotten?" Dwalin smiled, apparently taking Thorin's unexpected excursion far less seriously than his glowering brother.
"I've forgotten nothing, believe me," he smiled down at his friend knowingly.
Balin approached and took hold of the reins. His horse neighed annoyed and Thorin steadied it. Balin lowered his head, thinking how to express himself without angering his friend. After a few tense moments, he looked up, "I know that you are overwhelmed, being pulled around by all of us in every way possible. You are still recovering from a mortal wound and you have to face the situation with the lost Arkenstone and five of the seven delegations along with two thousand newly arrived soldiers. You have to deal with the immigration flow that keeps coming endlessly and you have to rebuild this city and make it run efficiently on top of everything else. In the midst of all that you also have to deal with Eilin."
Thorin tensed.
Balin shook his head, "I advised against this folly and my words fell to the void. Not only did you announce to all of us the situation between you and that sweet poor girl, but also to several royal guards. They are not men to speak, but don't you think that rumours have begun circulating? Whispers are coming and going in every cavern and level of this city about the King's preference for his beautiful maiden. The common people are having a blast out of your situation, understandably. They see their daughters in the place of Eilin and have hope that such fairytales do happen in real life, but are they aware that such fairytales rarely have a good ending? The whispers have reached the delegations and there is a frozen expectation coming from them. On one hand they need to see the King of Erebor take action for the Arkenstone and on the other they fear the rumours that you are bedding your maiden out of marriage. That sounds to them as dishonourable as it sounds to me."
Thorin inhaled sharply and his eyes looked almost murderous.
Balin raised his hand, "I am not saying you are dishonourable towards Eilin. I am telling you that is how the delegations perceive the whispers that surround your name. I understand that everything must feel consuming and overwhelming beyond reason, but you have to take action. For the Arkenstone and for Eilin. Clear up your position."
"Don't doubt my ability to carry my own Balin. You are making me furious," Thorin raised his brow.
"He is handling the army, the immigrants, the accidents, the orcs surrounding our lands and the Lonely Mountain expertly. Give him a break," Dwalin frowned.
"I know he is, that is why I am reminding him of these two untouched problems. Son, you never failed us," Balin looked up at him.
Thorin raised his brow.
"Don't do it now that all these people are rooting for you," Balin felt his eyes watering.
"I still have to ask permission to be happy. Is that what you are telling me?" Thorin looked at him dismissively.
"You have to understand that it's not us you are asking it out off, it's your people…it's Erebor…the seven families…nay scratch that…the six families, because the Longbeards are going to support your every decision. Eilin included or not," Balin said angrily.
"You are making me feel this is Siv's story in repetition," Thorin hurled feeling angered.
"It is exactly that, with an even grimmer twist," Balin crossed his arms.
"Because of her rank…" he raised his brow coldly.
"Exactly. Why do you need someone to dictate to you the bleeding obvious? No one, apart from your close friends will ever accept the King of the seven families to bed a maiden!" Balin waved his arms around him madly.
Thorin's lips pressed testily, "Well then, how about engage the maiden and make this official for the delegations," he let the words take their expected toll on Balin.
Dwalin harked and crossed his arms.
Balin inhaled sharply as if he had been struck in the face and pulled back.
"Did I just break your onslaught?" Thorin smirked.
"You cannot engage her laddie, get your head together please," Balin's voice broke.
"Why not?"
"She worked in a tavern my boy. I know you love her, she probably loves you too…" Balin shook his head.
"Probably?" Thorin raised his brow.
Balin steeled his heart and tightened his teeth, "She worked in a tavern and you know that maidens there work several jobs, not just the obvious."
Thorin blanched.
"You have thought about it. The thought has passed through your mind…" Balin raised his finger.
"Never. It is unbearable though to know that this abominable thought has crossed your mind," Thorin's eyes became immeasurably sad.
"It is common logic. Maybe the girl had to work as a prostitute at some point. Maybe they forced her…"
"Based on what? Assumptions? Why would they force her?"
"As an exchange for a roof over her head. Living in such conditions is very hard and you know it. You've lived inside these taverns. Was it few times that common women offered you their services in exchange for money?" Balin crossed his arms.
"Eilin is not like that. She preferred to live like a wildling in the Dunlands than stay inside that tavern!" Thorin was fuming.
"And yet one cannot be certain…"
"Why are you seeding me with doubt of such dark shades? Stop it unless you want this to escalate quickly to every wrong direction possible. Eilin is not like that. Find some other poor excuse to convince me otherwise," Thorin's eyes spewed fire.
"You are that decided then?" Balin rubbed his forehead.
Thorin looked down coldly.
Balin's shoulders slouched, "Very well, the six families will have a rather hard time accepting a maiden as their future queen. Forget her past, let us not care about it at all."
Thorin's eyes bore into his heavily.
"They will not accept her Thorin and they are ready to pledge their families to your rule."
"My rule shouldn't have anything to do with me engaging Eilin," Thorin said dryly.
"But it does don't you see? Your father had been right, for all the wrong reasons! No matter how much you hate it, or me for that matter…"
Thorin huffed and looked away.
"Me …yes ME!" Balin thundered and punched his chest passionately, "because I've sworn my blood to you as my King and I love you dearly! So yes, seeing you torn again like this, tears me apart also! But someone has to be the voice of reason here! Your choices might cost you your throne! Not all the families will pledge their swords to you! Some will deny due to Eilin's heritage, not because of your rule. Not because of your worth, but because of your woman! She's got no backstory that we know off apart from that sleazy tavern. We don't even know who her parents were!"
Thorin swallowed hard and felt his throat becoming dry. His hands tightened around the reins as he tried to control the fury in him.
Balin drew back after that explosion, "we cannot afford this laddie. Not after what we have all been through. Not after everything you have sacrificed in order to sit in that throne. Not after all the pieces we have scattered on the road to regain our homeland. We cannot afford to bail out at the last moment. Not after two hundred years of legendary history on your back and a name written down in history with golden letters. You…Thorin…cannot afford that!" He shook his head and his eyes filled with tears.
Thorin averted his eyes, "enough," his voice echoed deep.
Balin wiped the tears from his face, "I love you son and I am speaking the truth. Every time I see you hurt, I hurt myself."
"Enough Balin, please," Thorin gave his friend a final desolate look and turned his horse around. Without a word he galloped out of the open gate, leaving a rather disturbed Balin behind and an annoyed Dwalin that immediately turned to his brother when Thorin was gone. "He has enough on his mind already. Get off his back!"
"I am trying to protect him you fool!" Balin grumbled.
"He needs to be allowed to make his own decisions. Like he was doing back in the Blue Mountains. He doesn't need a guard dog now as he didn't need one back then," Dwalin crossed his arms.
"Back then, there wasn't an Eilin threatening his throne and drawing his attention away from matters of state. A woman's touch can be both healing and consuming and right now Thorin doesn't need to be consumed by anything else than Erebor," Balin's eyes became hard.
"He needs to heal and she can do it," Dwalin's eyes narrowed on his brother.
"He cannot have both as he couldn't have them with Siv. You know it, I know it and he knows it. At the end of the day he will have to choose the throne or her. What will happen then Dwalin? It cannot end well. Someone will bleed. Him, her, or the whole of Erebor….I don't know."
"He has given up his happiness for our people all his life. I will not root for him to repeat that and if that means that Erebor's very stones have to bleed in order for him to pursue his happiness, I will be the one to squeeze out their last drop of blood!" Dwalin declared and marched away from Balin who looked in despair both at Thorin's horse galloping away into the hard snowfall and Dwalin's stiff back.
It was late afternoon the same day, that found Eilin, dressed in a coat with white fur lapels and heavy fur boots, helping Loa handle the fresh hunt that the hunters had brought in for the royal family. The widow didn't seem as lost and desolate as the first days that she came to work under Eilin by Thorin's orders. She was willing to learn and worked hard. Her daughter, one of the prettiest girls Eilin had ever seen, was trying to help both her mother and the King's maiden. Her wide chocolate eyes were looking at Eilin eager to catch every single word or advice she was offering. She was much more consumed in their tasks than her mother, which spoke clearly about Loa's distress.
Eilin looked around as several families were gathered at the gates in order to get in the food before the sun set and everything froze around them. The gates these days were closing early in order to keep Erebor's warmth locked inside as outside the temperatures became almost unbearable, especially during the night. Eilin could see her breath coming out in small clouds as she went through the hunt of the day with Loa and Lis in tow, choosing the best parts of each animal for the royal family and allowing the rest of the hunt to be given to the delegations and Thorin's comrades.
They were not the only ones occupying the entrance though. There was also a long line of refugees coming in, but that was a common sight. It never stopped, not even during the rough hours of the night as more families asked admittance in the Lonely Mountain. So Balin had placed several scribes with Ori on the lead inside the heavy gates to make an entry of each family, before relocating them in the residential areas. Moreover Dwalin was out there with Dain, Fili and Dongar, a little further off sorting out several soldiers that had put their names down for the trials of the royal guards. They were being tested in hand to hand combat, and Eilin couldn't but admire their stamina as they fought with bare hands, half naked into the heavy storm. She knew that somewhere in the distance the first lines of protection around Erebor and Dale were suffering the elements of nature harder than any of them down here.
"Miss, wow…." Lis reached out to touch her warrior braid that was hanging free close to her stomach. The rest of her hair was tucked in a loose bun under her heavy hood.
Eilin smiled and passed the meat cleaver onto Loa, "You like it?"
Loa took it and began cleaning out the dear that was in front of them.
"You must have been very brave in order to get a warrior braid!" Lis grinned.
"I don't think so, but the man who made it for me seems to believe it," Eilin's eyes softened.
"What did you do? Kill orcs? Trolls? A huge angry warg? Did you maybe fight a…a….a…" -Lis mumbled and then her eyes grew even wider- "a… ring-wraith?" She whispered obviously frightened out of her wits.
Eilin was unable not to smile widely at that. She leaned over and pinched Lis's cheek, "I am not that brave no, but I have fought against a boar."
Lis' eyes sparkled, "was it huge? Was it mean? Was it angry?"
Loa offered them a sad smile and continued her work.
"It was huge, it was mean and it was absolutely furious! I shot it down with a single arrow on the side of it's neck. Impressive feat of arms, right?" Eilin tried to play along with the enthusiasm of the little girl.
Lis clapped and giggled, "Yeah! Did it die at once?!"
Eilin scrounged her nose, "immediately."
"Did you hunt it for food?" Lis smiled.
Eilin's eyes became reminiscent for a second, losing some of their playfulness, "No, I killed to save someone important to me."
Lis's eyes popped open and her mouth dropped, "then you are brave! You were worth this braid!"
Loa turned to them, "She is right ma'm. You saved a life. You are a warrior."
Eilin turned her kind eyes at her, "I am just playing along."
Loa shook her head, "a warrior braid is earned. It is not ornamental ma'am. He who made it for you judged you worthy," her eyes fell at the hair bead on the end of Eilin's braid, but she didn't speak anymore.
"When I grow up I am going to be a warrior princess like you! I will learn how to use a sword and a bow and arrow and I will hunt not only boars, but orcs and trolls and all sorts of nasty creatures!" Lis clapped her hands.
"I am no warrior princess honey. I am just a maiden like you," Eilin said quietly.
Lis stopped and looked at her, "You are a warrior that saves lives and a princess since the King likes you so much! Therefore warrior princess!"
Eilin felt the blood draining from her face.
Loa's brows creased as she turned to her daughter, "Lis that's enough!"
Eilin took a few moments to gather herself, "No, it's alright. Are there" -she cleared her throat- "are there such rumours going about?"
Loa hesitated and looked up from the butchered dear. "There are miss, even though it is not our place to speak of such things."
Eilin forced a smile that felt fake, "don't worry, I have heard it all I think. What are the over imaginative dames of the kitchens been spreading around?"
Loa averted her eyes, "just usual nonsense. That you have been spotted wearing the King's coat on several occasions, that you come and go regularly from his rooms, which is justified since you are serving him. That you have been seen riding with him on his animal and that the bead at the end of your warrior braid has a Longbeard sigil on it."
Eilin's heart fell with each word uttered by Loa. She felt sweat breaking on her forehead. Had Dwalin been right? Had they been oblivious about how obvious they were to everyone? Did Thorin know that what he did the other day probably made things even worst? Did he even care? Did she even care? Each thought became a gnawing little traitorous monster whispering doubt into her ears. Her hand pushed her warrior braid on the back of her hood protectively and Loa noticed.
"You shouldn't mind the rumours ma'm. People make up things about important people, when they have nothing else to worry about. If we were still in the Wilderlands at a loss for warmth or a place to sleep, no one would have bothered about such silliness. Now under the protection of the Longbeards, people are eager to create stories. Possibly stories that can serve as a gleam of hope for their previously dire states," Loa said calmly and resumed the slicing of the hunt. Lis was listening carefully.
"A gleam of hope?" Eilin frowned.
Loa looked at her softly, "If a King can fall in love with a maiden and stand his ground for her, then anything is possible in life isn't it? Hope is not lost."
Eilin felt her eyes quickly welling and looked away, pretending to search for another knife.
Loa grabbed her hand and placed the knife in it, "Isn't that right?" She repeated.
Eilin turned her clear eyes on her, not feeling safe that she wouldn't betray all her thoughts under this woman's gentle probing, "No…hope is not lost," she whispered.
Loa pulled back and sat on her heels. Then she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, "No, hope is not lost. Especially under this King ma'm."
Eilin lowered her eyes to the bloody knife with eerie silence.
"My husband died in his arms," Loa said and sniffled.
Eilin's eyes came ablaze as she looked up at the woman. Lis embraced her mom. "what?"
"Nipvari, my darling husband died in the arms of the King that dreadful day of the furnace accident. The King called me to his office to give me this," she said and drew the wooden dove that her husband left her.
Eilin's eyes overflowed with tears instantly, "I am so sorry."
Loa shook her head, "the King took care of me and my wee daughter immediately. He never allowed us a moment to feel alone and abandoned. He offered us new lodgings and work. He offered me dignity and the freedom to grieve for my husband, without worrying about the future of our child. He took us under his wing. He brought us to you and you…ma'm…you are a bright star of kindness. I cannot thank you for what you have done."
Eilin was at a loss for words. She leaned over and embraced the woman, "I did nothing more than take orders from him about you."
Loa shook her head and cried silently in her arms as Eilin held her. She looked at the hunter that was holding the dear and dismissed him. When they were alone she pulled back and looked at both Loa and Lis, "You are not alone. Tell me if there is something more that I can do for you, please."
Loa smiled sadly and wiped the tears off her face, "Be well ma'm. Be well and always shine bright. Seeing you like this, gives me hope for my daughter."
Eilin nodded and wiped her sleeve over her tearstained face, "I'll try…" -then she turned at Lis that was sniffling- "Little one we will both try, alright?"
Lis looked up and a slow sad smile of hope appeared on her lips as she nodded eagerly.
"Under him, nothing is a lost cause," she whispered and clasped Loa's hands firmly, "he and his sister saved my life also. Rekindle the hope in your heart my dear, for the lords that rule this land shall bring balance. They will unite our race, they will stop the bickering, they will make our race strong again. We will prosper, we will multiply, we will become blessedly unweary!"
For the first time she felt the need to call the dwarven race, her own and she meant it with such fervour that fresh tears sprang from her eyes. Wasn't this race part of her blood perchance? Wasn't she proud to be a dwarrowdam at that moment? So proud that she didn't even acknowledge the other half of her blood. The part that treated her with such disrespect and ridicule for so many years. At that moment she decided that she was going to claim her dwarven heritage more fiercely than ever before. She was proud to carry this blood in her, no matter that she didn't know who her father was. For the first time in her life, instead of feeling embarrassed about her half blood and unknown heritage, she felt fulfilled to belong to the Longbeards of Erebor.
Loa nodded, "Yes ma'm" and Eilin smiled brightly at her.
A little way off Thorin stopped his horse and observed the fighting soldiers with mild interest. Dwalin came over to him looking dejected, "I am sorry about what happened with Balin."
"He didn't tell me anything more than the truth, nay a little bit too passionately when it came down to some private matters," Thorin raised his brow, "I cannot deny that his words hit me hard. I am still on bad terms with him."
Dwalin lowered his eyes and approached the horse. He leaned his elbow on it's neck, "What Balin said about Eilin was despicable. I won't give him any excuses."
"He is looking at all this in cold blood. I am not. Let us lay this to rest, because it angers me," Thorin shook his head.
"Alright, so what are these?" Dwalin pulled back and looked at the horses.
"Horses," Thorin's lips turned into a sly smile.
"Don't be a wiseass. If Balin realises that you stopped that grim conversation in order to go get horses, he's going to be on you like a screeching banshee," Dwalin raised his brow and crossed his arms.
"Then don't tell him," Thorin said and untied one of the horses.
"Where did you get them uncle?" Fili came around and caressed the beautiful palomino horse that was still tied to Thorin's saddle.
"Dale," he said and threw the reins at Dwalin who caught them mid air.
"What is this?" His best friend said and approached the chestnut angry looking beauty that was handed to him.
"Your gift, you axe-breaking goblin," Thorin grinned smugly.
Dwalin looked up confused, "my what?"
"Happy birthday, you corroded fossil," he chuckled.
Dwalin's face opened up in an honest smile, "what in the name of Mordor?!"
"You've been drilling holes into my ears about those damn ponies for ages. Hope you are satisfied now," Thorin leaned his forearm on his saddle and looked searchingly at Dwalin's eyes.
"You are so lucky!" Fili smiled widely.
"I wouldn't mind one of those," Dain crossed his arms, but when he saw two of his soldiers messing around with each other too hard he took out his axe and threw it between them, breaking them apart, "keep it down back there!" He grumbled at them and they quivered in their boots.
"I won't thank you," Dwalin's eyes narrowed on him, but his face was the happiest Thorin had seen in a long while.
"I don't want you to thank me," he rejoined.
"I will get you so drunk you won't be able to walk straight though!" Dwalin thundered at him and then laughed heartily.
Thorin smiled, "I can't wait. Now tell me, where is my maiden?"
Dwalin sobered up quickly and threw his guarded gaze on Dain and Fili that had turned their attention on the struggling soldiers, "over by the gates. Choosing the best meat from the hunt," he pointed.
Thorin looked up and nodded. "Talk to you later," he said and put his horse into a trot.
The moment he arrived at the families that were gathered around the hunt, he didn't notice how many dams leaned close to each other in order to whisper behind their hands. His eyes were solely for the one that was hiding all her breathtaking beauty under that furry hood. People stepped aside, making way for him to pass, before they closed the circle behind him, wanting, needing to know what the King was doing here, amongst them.
When his horse stopped next to Eilin a fresh wave of whispers arose that Thorin didn't hear.
"Good evening," he said quietly.
She felt her body shuddering and raised her pretty green eyes to him, "my Lord," she said and bowed in respect. Loa and Lis did the same.
"How are you Loa?" He turned at the widow.
"Relatively well my Lord, thank you for asking," she said respectfully.
"You Lis?" He smiled at the little girl.
"I am fine! Oh, Oh…uhm I learned about boars and bravery and good Kings today sir!" The girl said eagerly.
He tilted his head majestically, "you certainly learned more than me."
Lis clapped her hands gleefully, but when Loa clasped them she stopped and cringed knowing that she shouldn't have spoken so openly.
Thorin turned his attention on Eilin and untied the tall palomino beauty. "Her name is Yrsa," he threw the reins at Eilin who caught them bewildered.
"Yrsa?" She looked at him confused.
"You need to take good care of her from now on," he offered her a calm lopsided smile.
"I do?" Eilin frowned still unable to understand what was going on.
"She's yours," he pursed his lips and backed up his horse. The circle behind him opened up.
Eilin's eyes grew wide in sudden realisation, "what?" She whispered.
"Have you finished with your work?" He tilted his head at the hunt.
Eilin looked around her confused, "Uhm…not yet."
Loa smiled and pushed her away, "She's done my lord. She's told me what to take care off."
Thorin looked at her for a few thoughtful moments before leaning over and beckoning her close.
She approached holding the reins tightly in her small hands.
"There is an enchanted lake that waits for us. Will you ride alongside of me?" He whispered.
She felt her breath catching and the blood run wild in her veins, "Yes!"
He straightened up on his horse and backed it up until he was away from the people. Then he kicked it's flanks and it stood up on its hind legs. He gave her a single precious smile that she longed to imprison with her lips, before dashing down the road like the wind.
She felt such freedom even at the thought of getting on this intimidating horse that she didn't notice that everyone was looking at her with searching eyes. The hesitation lingered for a brief moment before she climbed on it with an ease she didn't thought she possessed and dashed quickly after him. The moment Thorin passed from Dwalin and his friends, he took off his heavy coat and let it fall into the snow. Eilin's horse thundered over it as she followed him closely and Dwalin was unable to hold back a battle cry that tore from his chest with adrenaline filled pride.
Thorin and Eilin rode like the wind in Erebor's long road. He was leading if only barely and she was following with a heart that was drumming like crazy. Her facial muscles were almost in pain from the wide grin that was imprinted on them as she kicked the flanks of Yrsa, urging her on, wanting to reach him and why not pass him. Under the heavy snowfall her hood fell off her head and her bun got loose freeing her long heavy mane onto her back.
He turned and looked at her and his heart complained at the unrestricted happiness of her face. She wanted so much to reach out to him even though they were in mid gallop that she kicked Yrsa's flanks pushing her harder. The beautiful horse Thorin purchased proved to be equal to his horse, if not faster. Soon enough Eilin aligned with him and her hand reached out for his reins, but she was unable to get them. She laughed and he reciprocated with a wide smile before reaching out and grabbing her reins with ease. He pulled Yrsa closer and Eilin's hand managed to grab his reins, allowing them to gallop side by side.
"She's amazing!" She cried as the frozen wind whipped her face painfully.
"Push her more, get in front of me!" He nodded towards the road ahead.
"You'll let me win?" She smiled brightly.
"No, you'll try to win me," he said and released her reins.
"Fine!" She gritted her teeth, but her heart flew in the skies as a feeling of euphoria covered every single cell in her body. She pushed Yrsa, who reached Thorin's horse easily and then slowly bypassed him. When she was certain that his horse was unable to get the lead she raised a tight fist in the air. Thorin laughed behind her, not ever thinking to challenge that victory away from her. He was just joyous to see her so free and unhindered of all her previous fears. So far away from the trembling girl in the river side, shaking like a leaf in front of a frightened pony, while trying to communicate her deepest fears to him through a few painful words. As they passed from the burial grounds quickly he didn't turn a single moment to search for Siv's grave. His eyes were solely on Eilin and he felt blessed to see the difference in her blossoming like the prettiest flower in front of his admiring eyes. This woman here was open. Giving and taking equally. She was not afraid to express herself and show him her feelings. He was proud to see all that tremendous change in her and he didn't know if he was the one that caused all this shift, but he didn't want the dark Eilin to return in the stead of this amazing woman riding so fearlessly a thoroughbred horse in front of him.
When a couple of times she turned her head searchingly at him, because she clearly didn't know the way, he pointed at the right direction, but didn't take the lead. Only when they finally entered Mirkwood did he get in front and led them carefully through the deep vegetation and thick trees onto the enchanted lake that she remembered so well.
"Wow, that was breathtaking," she said panting.
He stopped his horse and waited for her as her animal came next to his. Her fingers encircled his forearm and he reciprocated with a gentle smile, "You like her?"
"She's an amazing animal," Eilin said breathlessly.
He looked at her bright red cheeks and at the wild curls surrounding her face and wanted to bury his face in them, "not more amazing than you."
Her fingers tightened on his forearm, "Is this part of the dwarven courting?"
He could see the playfulness in her eyes and his stomach bubbled up, "Most definitely."
"Did you really just gift me with a racing horse?" She snorted and bit her lower lip.
"Yes and from the looks of it I can judge horses better than Thranduil," he noted.
"Did you let me win?" She raised her brows.
"No, the race was honest. Your horse is faster," he winked.
She licked her bottom lip and felt her stomach tightening with anticipation, "You gave it to me in front of all those families and everyone was looking at us. You do know that, right?"
"My eyes were solely for you," he said softly.
She looked down in hesitation, "you know Loa told me there are rumours circulating about us."
He frowned, remembering the conversation with Balin.
Eilin noticed, "people know that there is something going on between us."
He nodded slightly, "I am being told likewise."
She licked her lower lip, "Does that scare you?"
"No, does it scare you?" his eyes seared into hers as doting as ever.
She gave him an uncertain nod, "Yes."
"We will face whatever comes our way, one moment at a time," his deep voice send a soothing wave of reassurance through her stomach.
"By giving me such expensive gifts in front of everyone, we are only feeding these rumours," she met his eyes steadily.
"I don't care Eilin," his brow creased.
"What will happen when everyone turns on us, asking for answers Thorin?" she felt her heart almost palpitating at the thought.
"We will answer. Do you perchance believe I am not being rammed with questions already my sweet?" his eyes became solemn.
She shook her head, "do you have answers for them?"
"Most certainly," a small sweet smile appeared on his lips.
She cringed with uncertainty, "Can I hear them too?"
"When the time comes, you will." His promise lingered as their eyes seared into each other.
"I didn't know Loa's husband died in your arms," she whispered and her eyes fell to his lips.
He pressed them, but remained silent.
"Thank you for taking care of his family. You are such a good man Thorin," she spoke softly.
"Not a good King?" a ghostly smile formed on his mouth, half afraid of her answer.
"I am not looking at the King anymore. Only the man," she doted him with a smile of affection that touched his heart.
He tightened his fingers around her small forearm, "that pleases my heart so much."
"Thank you for today," she reached up and caressed his warrior braid for a moment, before touching his cheek lightly.
"My pleasure and my honour," he pulled her forearm and she leaned closer.
"Thank you for all the days before," she felt her voice flattering as he brought his face closer to hers.
"My pleasure and my honour," he whispered.
"and for all the days that are to come," she muttered as his lips barely touched hers.
"No, thank you," he whispered.
She closed her eyes and her core twisted deliciously around itself in excitement, "about what? I have only given you a flower crown."
"For giving me yourself. The most precious treasure of Erebor," he said softly and his finger came up to caress her cheek.
She opened up her lips, inviting him and when he delved into her warm wetness they both moaned softly. His finger gave way to his hand that cupped her cheek and his thumb drew gentle circles under her earlobe. They abandoned each other into the kiss, forgetting the enchanted lake and the dark forest around them. The frozen snow falling onto their heads and their animals huffing and puffing after the strain of that monumental race. They almost forgot their names, their pasts and their presents, so engulfed they were onto each other. They heard nothing more than their heaving breaths and they felt nothing more than their tongues and lips playfully entangled in a dance of passion. So when a sharp arrow pressed into Thorin's thigh, it took him more than a few moments to register the feeling and pull away from Eilin.
She opened her dazed eyes. "Did you intent to kiss me to oblivion and then make a run for it?"
He frowned, "No."
His serious face alerted her that something was off. She lifted her head and looked around, "Ahhh!" She yelped and cupped her mouth in sudden terror. They were surrounded by several elven warriors. Their arrows were pointed at them and their horses.
"Thorin?" Her voice trembled and she clawed his leather forearm shield.
His hand tightened around her thin arm. "Keep calm," he said quietly.
"What do they want?" She whispered, but the answer came from the elves.
"King Oakenshield, you are expected to follow us to King Thranduil's realm," the tall elf said coldly.
"Apparently," Thorin winced vexed.
"Get off your horse," the elf ordered and nudged him with the pointy end of his arrow.
Eilin yelled. "No, leave him alone!" She made to alight also, but the elf near her pointed the arrow at her waist.
"Keep still my lady."
Thorin turned at her, "play along." She frowned. Something was off on his countenance. His eyes didn't seem as afraid as they should have been. She frowned in confusion, trying to figure him out. Wanting to ask him, but a slow shake of his head told her to keep silent. She inhaled deeply and felt her eyes overflowing with tears. She tried to draw them back and stand by his side bravely as he alighted. She managed a good job for as long as no one was touching him, but the moment she saw elven ropes tying his arms behind his back she felt her chest exploding in fear.
"No no no," she chanted quietly behind her palm.
"Follow me," the leader said and one elf took hold of Eilin's reins leading her animal in front of Thorin that followed on foot, with two arrows pointed at his back. Another elf was leading his horse at their rear. Eilin turned and looked at him above her shoulder. Their eyes met. She expected to see anger, fear, annoyance, darkness in them. Something eerie that would be completely justified in the disadvantageous position they had found themselves in.
She saw nothing of the sort. Only a slight gleam of playfulness that was followed by a lopsided smile on his handsome lips.
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