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A/N:
-As always let me thank StephCalvino for her beta reading this story and for the amazing effort she puts into her reviews which I would advise people to read. They offer amazing depth into the already written material. It takes a lot of dedication to offer such insight, especially since it is done by a professional. Something that she's not obliged to do. As always you have my deepest appreciation my friend *.*
-I want to thank every single reviewer for leaving their comments also. Even if it is a simple word it means a lot to me. There are few readers in this story and I appreciate and hold sacred each and everyone that takes time to give this story a chance. Thank you all *.* Even those of you who read without ever commenting ;)
Born from dreams
Once upon a time there was a man, a wandering soul
Lost in the realm of our kingdom
They say he was a king who fought a great war
When the dragons came into our kingdom and burnt everyone with a roar.
Once upon a time there was a kingdom, a beautiful one
Surrounded in darkness of an ancient war
They say there was a king, this wandering soul
Who's cursed by a demon, forever, to watch his own realm rise and fall.
-.-
The entrancing voice of Eilin resounded around the rolling hills of the Shire making several neighbouring hobbits that were taking care of their gardens stop and listen mesmerised. She continued humming and repeating the verses as she picked up some hyacinths that Bella had planted on the field in front of mister Bilbo's house. Their blooming meant the coming of spring and Eilin couldn't wait for it. She had enough of the winter storms up north. It was the deeply serene voice of Gandalf that made her look up.
"You seem to be singing about a King we both know well." He sat down near her.
She stopped her singing to the dismay of her audience who raised their hands in the air with a disappointed exclamation. "Of course I am." She smiled.
Gandalf reciprocated. "You look so much better. Refreshed and well rested, but above all luminous."
"Luminous?" her lips twisted playfully.
"You are shining from within." Gandalf rejoined.
She picked up the last flower and placed it carefully in her basket. Then her eyes lifted at the bright blue sky that was bereft of any sign of darkness. "How can I not be? Look at this beautiful weather. It reminds me of springtime, not the middle of the winter."
Gandalf looked at his pipe and winced. "The Shire has mild weather all year round. After that insistent rainfall the scent of nature and it's colours feel so vibrant. I cannot get enough of this place."
"Me neither," she agreed wholeheartedly.
Gandalf allowed her a few moments of happy recollection before he spoke again. "I have a feeling that the cause of your happiness is not due to the weather, but because of the King that your song was talking about."
She huffed and caressed her cheek. "You are right."
Gandalf nodded thoughtfully. "Everybody is already assuming by your countenance that he managed to right his wrongs."
She bit her lower lip, but remained silent.
"I say assuming, because you don't talk and of course no one is able to talk to him in order to learn any details either. Both west and north await news from him impatiently and the man has been sleeping for seven days straight!" Gandalf chuckled, but only partly amused.
"I cannot wake him up. He cracks his eyes open just to make sure I am there, or have a sip of water and then goes under again. It feels like he's hibernating, stupid as it sounds." She winced and cleared some long locks that were floating in front of her eyes.
"I think that is exactly what he is doing. I don't think Thorin Oakenshield has ever had the opportunity to have such a carefree rest in years. Only now did the two century old tempest inside him abate enough to allow him to slow down. I think all this was your doing."
"Mine?" she frowned.
"You forced him to face his demons and walk through the fire. I think our King felt cleansed enough from this adventure to let all his guards down finally. This is the reason he's sleeping so heavily, cocooned in the safety of a small Hobbit's house. Isn't it ironic though?"
Eilin smiled widely at the wizard. "What is?"
"That such a mighty King has found his rest in such a humble abode around such loyal and modest people who love him so dearly?"
Eilin face fell. "I don't want us to leave Hobbiton master Gandalf. Sometimes I pray that Thorin doesn't wake up. That he will remain my sleeping beauty there in that room. That he will allow me to keep him in the Shire for the rest of our lives. I daydream that he agrees to raise our child here in this peaceful environment. As much as I love Erebor and my kin I don't want to return there. I fear the tempest in him will wake up once more and consume him the moment he comes under the influence of his rule. The Shire brings out the peace and quiet in all of us. Even the most fiery dwarven blood can settle down here."
Gandalf looked thoughtfully at a crow that was perched on a tree above them. "Those are fears I cannot soothe for you young lady, but I can tell you with certainty that the angry King in Exile that left the Blue Mountains to reclaim his homeland a year ago, is not the same man as King Thorin who is sleeping in your bedroom so peacefully right now. That at least I can vouch for."
A small smile appeared on Eilin's beautiful lips, while her hand caressed her stomach tenderly. "I hope you are right master Gandalf."
That is when a sleepy voice drew their attention. It was Bilbo who was stretching and yawning in front of his door. "Oh, hey Twofoot! How's that olive tree growing? It doesn't seem to be taking up roots very well," Bilbo teased his neighbour who turned bothered.
"Can you shut up? I prefer to hear that girl's singing than your ugly voice!" Daddy Twofoot retorted.
Bilbo placed his hands on his waist and puffed up his chest with a laugh. "I am sure you do."
"As for the olive tree it will take up roots, give me olives and I will make sure to pelt you with them every morning! Damned Took..." Daddy mumbled under his breath and went in his hole, making sure his door crashed with a satisfactory sound behind him.
Gandalf snorted and lit up his pipe.
"Good morning. Bloody Dwarf is not waking up...I tried again." Bilbo said and opened up his gate in order to join them.
"Please don't bother him mister Bilbo. I gave orders to Loa to look out for him. This morning he was much more receptive to me. I think he is close to waking up on his own, but I don't want us to stop his repose. He needs it so much." Eilin's voice was so full of affection that Bilbo grinned.
"You're fiercely protective of him." Bilbo sat down next to Gandalf and stretched his legs, feeling the morning dew upon the grass highly refreshing under his feet.
She smiled embarrassed. "I was about to go to the market to pick up some food for him. I want to make him a hefty breakfast. He is going to be famished after so many days of starvation."
"Make sure you get lots of eggs!" -Bilbo pointed at her- "and bread and cheese. He will pillage through my stack when he wakes up. One of them is enough to undo my whole house. Remember Gandalf the last time all thirteen were here?"
Gandalf laughed. "They made it up for you."
Bilbo tilted his head. "Dwalin has already consumed every single egg I have. His hunger is insatiable."
Eilin stood up. "I'd better go get some fresh ones then. You need anything more for the house mister Bilbo?"
"Are you sure you are in shape to do this?" Bilbo looked at her suspiciously.
Eilin beamed down to him. "I feel perfect!"
"Hey mister Baggins! Hey darling!" Mrs. Gamgee waved and walked up the path to their house.
"Hello Bella, how is Hamfast?" Bilbo said with a lopsided smile.
"As always getting on my case for not allowing him to eat meat more than three times a week. He's getting too fat for health, you mark my words" -Bella raised her finger and then she turned to Eilin- "Where are you off to this morning, all blithe and bonny?"
"To the market, want to join me?" Eilin grinned.
"Sure, I need some vegetables for noon" -Bella said and engaged Eilin's elbow- "come we'll find some chance to talk about the two impressive Dwarves that are hiding in your house for a week now." She gave Bilbo a knowing glance.
Bilbo scrounged his lips. "Dwarves are private people. They keep in the company of their kin Bella...I am not hiding them." He felt piqued.
Eilin laughed lightly and pulled Bella quickly down the path. She gave a happy look at Bilbo and Gandalf above her shoulder.
Gandalf looked at her thoughtfully for several moments. "The girl is doing brilliantly. Our dear King Thorin has indeed managed to right all his wrongs master Baggins. Finally."
Bilbo raised his brow and placed his thumbs under the armpits of his vest. "I think you are right Gandalf. Finally the world seems to be in order once more...much like the weather."
It took Thorin several tries to open up his eyes without seeing everything around him totally blurry. Even more so to try his voice that sounded even deeper and huskier than usual.
"Eilin?" When he managed to spell out her name, there was no answer. He turned around in the bed and felt the heavy quilts along with his clothing too warm. His hair too tangled and his body too heavy and numb. It didn't feel like he was waking up from sleep, but more like he was returning from a deep fainting spell. He lifted up his head and looked at Eilin's cozy room. The fireplace held a strong fire in the hearth and the brown armchairs were overflowed with scattered clothes. The small nightstand had a cup of water and a burned out candle. The bookcase at the side of the wall has several half open books on top of it and two casually thrown to the floor. He gazed at the small window through which the bright light of the sun was throwing shadows at the foot of the large four poster bed. The pot of the bloomed up barley made Thorin's lips curl up.
For the first time in centuries he felt the need to stretch instead of spring out of bed as if the house was on fire. He felt his muscles responding pleasurably to that stretch and instantly his mouth yawned in satisfaction. His body yearned to turn around, find a comfortable position and close his eyes again in order to abandon his mind in the blessed oblivion of sleep again. The only thing that stopped him was that Eilin was not there this time to reassure him as all the other times he had woken up. He remembered vividly her beautiful face smiling down at him when he woke up from his slumber to offer him loving words that dispelled his fears or feed him water. Now that she wasn't here the need to get up and find her won over the need to sleep even more. He grumpily sat up in bed, mercifully unaware of how messed up his hair was or how youthful and rested his handsome face looked. Every single dark circle of sleeplessness and line of worry had vanished under the safety of Eilin's presence.
The only thing his heart longed for now was to find Eilin and pull her back to bed in order to embrace both her and their child before he allowed sleep to overtake him once more, to the end of his days if possible. He pushed himself up and stretched unwillingly once more. Another yawn woke up the muscles of his face and sent signals to alert his brain that he needed to pull himself together. He found his boots at the end of the bed, but also a clean pair of trousers and a tunic. Without even knowing how to begin searching for towels in order to wash himself, he decided to simply change clothes and take care of that later on. Nevertheless the inevitable visit to the bathroom made him throw plenty of water on his face and hair in order to tame them. When he managed a pretty decent job out of them he came out and began searching the house. It was Loa who saw him first as he was passing from the kitchen.
"Good morning my Lord," she smiled.
He stopped and leaned his arm on the archway. "Good morning my dear woman."
Loa turned her attention to some tomatoes that she was slicing. "You hungry my Lord?"
Suddenly he felt his stomach doing a summersault. He frowned. "Famished."
"I'd fix you some breakfast, but I cannot." Loa flicked her shoulder.
"Why is that?" Thorin's frown deepened.
"Miss Eilin will take care of that when she comes back from the market. She was very clear on that order. No one makes you breakfast, but her." Loa smirked.
A sweet smile came over his mouth and he bit his lower lip. "Then I shall wait. Is anyone else awake?"
"Master Bilbo and Master Gandalf are outside in the garden. Lord Dwalin is in the living room." Loa rejoined.
Thorin nodded and went to find his friend. He was sitting in front of the fire with a pipe hanging out of his mouth and a large book cradled on his thighs. When he saw Thorin he smiled. "Welcome to the world of the living. We've been expecting your return impatiently."
Thorin rounded the second armchair and sat down briskly. "I won't say I missed you, for I didn't."
"Me neither." Dwalin turned his attention to the book again.
"How long have I been asleep?" Thorin yawned again and reached out to take Dwalin's cup. When he tasted it he was pleasantly surprised it wasn't mead, but a warm cup of tea.
Dwalin closed the book and leaned back. "How many days you mean."
Thorin sipped the warm liquid that felt like smooth silk on his throat and stomach. "Days?" he raised both eyebrows surprised.
"Seven days you've been out. Was beginning to get a bit worried." Dwalin rejoined.
"What?" Thorin lowered his head shocked.
Dwalin pursed his lips. "No one bothered you, by orders of your One. She's taken over the protection of your repose like the most devoted guard. No one could approach your door without her approval."
Thorin's lips curled up into a loving smile.
Dwalin scrounged his lips though. "This place is so peaceful even a demon would be able to rest peacefully."
"It is, but it wasn't the peace of the house that allowed me to sleep. It was the knowledge that Eilin and the baby were alright." Thorin rebuked and placed the empty mug on the foot rest.
"This adventure cost us all dearly. It almost cost Eilin her husband and father of her child. It almost cost you, your wife and unborn child. As for Erebor unfortunately it cost us our King." Dwalin sounded disheartened.
"Almost Dwalin...almost." Thorin looked at him quietly.
"Not the King part unfortunately. You managed that one pretty well." Dwalin raised his brow.
"That sounds reproachful."
"It is. What's gotten into you I wonder..." Dwalin began, but Thorin spoke over him.
"Not this again. We wanted the unity of the seven families didn't we?"
Dwalin frowned. "Of course."
"It would have never happened without me giving up the throne. Fili's rule is fresh and he will be a much more balanced ruler than me Dwalin. Let the boy have a chance to do what I have failed to do. Let him unite us all." Thorin spoke peacefully as if all this meant little to him, when Dwalin knew it had cost him dearly to give up Erebor's throne.
"But it won't be Fili managing this unity, but you...with the ultimate gesture of your abdication. You don't understand do you? It's you that managed all this. Not any other ruler." Dwalin rejoined.
Thorin inclined his head. "It matters little who did the job, only that the job is done."
Dwalin inhaled deeply. "This is a folly. The worst you've ever done."
Thorin countenance cracked. "My worst folly was believing that scum Nyrthrasir instead of Eilin. It was almost killing Eilin and my unborn child for a bunch of lies. Everything else comes a distant second. The unity of the seven families, Erebor and it's throne, the alliance to the Elves, the security of the North...even fighting against the darkness of the East."
Dwalin nodded and caressed his beard. "Eilin helped your abdication..."
Thorin tensed.
Dwalin continued unfazed. "You sacrificed your throne for the unity of the families. A noble cause, but did you also break your chains in order to allow you and Eilin to have a peaceful life away from all the obligations that go along with your titles?"
Thorin scrounged his lips and looked at his crossed hands. "Perhaps."
Dwalin nodded thoughtfully. "You won't manage that so well Thorin unfortunately."
Thorin's brow clouded. "I know."
"Your name stands high in the order of command of Erebor. Even if King Fili remains the ruler, you'll be asked over. The people will demand that, I will demand that." Dwalin said sternly.
"Even if I beg you to release me? To give me a chance to be free from all that?" Thorin's eyes looked at him wearily.
"Even then you won't be able to erase the fact that you are Thorin the second, also known as Oakenshield. King in Exile, King under the Mountain, King of Durin's Folk...even after abdicating you will still carry these titles. Do you think life has in store for you a quiet life in Hobbiton as a sword smith like Eilin probably dreams?" Dwalin spoke calmly, but his words were piercing Thorin's heart.
He frowned crestfallen.
"Have you talked to her about it?"
"I haven't talked to anybody about anything. I could barely keep my eyes open long enough to look at her." Thorin smiled.
Dwalin reciprocated. "You should talk and soon enough for there are things that have arrived for you three days ago."
Thorin's brows came together. "Like what?"
Dwalin dug up through the pocket of his vest and brought out a scroll. "One of Roac's kin brought it for you. Forgive me for going through it."
Thorin's lips twisted disturbed and he opened up the scroll to read it. When he finished his eyes seared into Dwalin's.
His friend inclined his head. "No matter how pleased I am that you, Eilin and your unborn child are well, I cannot hide from you that the things written in this message must be taken care by you. Not King Fili."
Thorin sat back and lowered his scrutinising gaze at the message again.
"Uncle,
You need to return to Erebor as soon as your other obligations allow. I followed your orders to the last letter even though mother is unable to understand why I offered Karunn an official invitation from the Royal family. She keeps crying that this woman almost killed her brother, her sister in law, an innocent baby and almost her nephew or niece. I cannot stop her from planning to kill Karunn in her sleep, even though I told her I was acting on your orders. She named you a brainless wolf many times over. Don't give her any notice please.
Uncle Dain is even worse than her. He is aware of what happened., but is short on the details. Balin and Bjarki have a great difficulty keeping him from storming Karunn. He demands you to return and clear up the name of his family. I don't think Karunn will remain alive if she falls into Dain's hands and we have a hard time keeping him away from her upon your orders. He demands us to keep Valdis away from her sister, but that cannot happen unless we reveal what has happened and arrest her. Forgive me, but I trusted Durar with part of the truth as he seems to be the only one physically able to contain Dain. Also I think he speaks to him in a way my uncle can comprehend. If Karunn is still alive when you return you need to thank Lord Durar!
We placed Rhiannon in one of the Royal rooms with two guards outside and no one is coming into contact with her. Nyrthrasir was sent into isolation upon your orders. Unfortunately he woke up and we can barely contain him. He learned about the loss of his baby and throws himself into the walls, screaming Karunn's name day and night.
Finally and most importantly we have an uprising of the common people against the Lords of the seven families on our hands! Don't ask me how that happened for I swear I don't know! You really need to get back in order to understand. No words from me will explain adequately the magnitude of what's taking place right now in all the common areas.
I hope Eilin and my little unborn cousin are alright. Please send news back about her with the crows. Me, mother, Balin and above all your newly self appointed protector, little Lis, are very worried.
With undying love,
your nephew Fili."
Thorin inhaled deeply. "Well..."
"Well you cannot avoid the news that is knocking at your doors. Nyrthrasir is awake and trying to commit suicide again, the filthy woman who almost destroyed you is prancing around like a Queen in your domain, Dis is ready to get rid of her by any means and Dain will join her soon or possibly precede her."
"Tell me you don't think I am a brainless wolf also..." Thorin raised his brow.
"I know you well by now. You never do anything without reason. You didn't want to imprison her so you could keep Fain and the Ironhills off Fili's case, but you wanted her in the confines of Erebor within your easy reach, right?" Dwalin looked at him thoughtfully.
Thorin tilted his head.
"Keep them off Fili's case...till you return and take over, correct?" Dwalin leaned forth.
Thorin raised his brow.
"Don't look at me like that. What about Erebor? Are you going to pretend blindness about the riots that Fili was talking about? He didn't use the words, but that is what's happening under your absence." Dwalin continued.
Thorin humphed.
"Meanwhile you sleep like a log for almost a week while the world around you comes to ruins," Dwalin continued.
Thorin felt anger making his nape crawl. "I didn't leave Erebor ungoverned, now enough. Point made."
Dwalin inclined his head. "Thank Mahal's holy beard. What are you going to do about all this?"
"I will return..." Thorin's voice sounded disheartened.
Dwalin sighed. "You fear Eilin won't want to follow?"
It took Thorin a few moments before he nodded. Then in an afterthought he crumbled up the message and threw it in the fire.
"What shall you do then my friend? Follow your heart or your mind?" Dwalin contemplated.
"I will not abandon Eilin for anyone in Erebor Dwalin. If needed I will return and sort out everything alone, before returning to her whenever she chooses to take abode in. Even if it's here." Thorin's voice didn't waver.
Dwalin pursed his lips. "I must admit I wasn't expecting that."
"Will you judge that decision?" Thorin looked at him steadily.
"To abandon your people and the kingdom that you longed to rule ever since you were a child in order to settle down in the Shire with your family?" Dwalin said coldly.
Thorin raised his brow.
Dwalin's lips upturned. "No...I will follow you to the end of the world. Remember? Even though the simplicity of this place will surely drive me mad after a point."
Thorin's mouth formed a grateful smile and he reached out to grasp Dwalin forearm. His friend reciprocated. "Thank you."
"As I will follow you back to Erebor so you can solve this mess with that witch." Dwalin continued.
"I hope Fili will keep up the pretence until we return." A dark curtain fell in front of Thorin's eyes.
"I know you well enough to recognise the wheels turning in your mind. When you are like this I am not to question anything you decide. There is always a purpose to it."
Thorin's lips turned down and his eyes seared decisively into Dwalin's.
Dwalin nodded. "Yep, it's that mood alright. I recognise it. Although I have to say that Karunn must be rather pleased that she managed all her evil schemes and she still belongs to Erebor's court."
"I assume she's more pleased that Fili has taken over rulership and I am nowhere to be seen."
"That mainly..." Dwalin nodded.
Thorin sighed thoughtfully and that is when the door opened up and Bilbo came in with Gandalf. "Come, I'll make us some tea." -They turned and saw Thorin with Dwalin sitting by the fire- "Oh, would you look at that! Welcome back to the world of the living."
Thorin exhaled and stood up. "Got that welcome already master Bilbo. Now go to your room. I've left a little something on the bed for you. Something you forgot back at Erebor's royal armoury."
Bilbo crossed his arms. "What did I forget?"
Gandalf sat down with a clever smile. "Maybe a certain Mithril shirt?"
Bilbo frowned and turned at Thorin who walked to the open door. "No, you shouldn't have brought that back!"
Thorin waved him off and walked out. "Silence. Don't get me entangled in any conversations right now. Let me be."
Gandalf inhaled deeply and raised his brow at Dwalin. "I think the King is trying to avoid us having a serious talk about what he actually accomplished in Dol Guldur before coming here."
Dwalin reciprocated the expression. "I think he is trying to avoid any serious conversation as I just had one with him already."
Thorin leaned against the casing of the door. He crossed his arms and looked up at the bright blue sky.
Dwalin pointed a menacing hand at Gandalf. "Not that I blame him. I don't want to talk about what he did in Dol Guldur either! I have no idea what possessed him to ask for the help of those pointy eared sissies!"
Gandalf raised his brow. "They are your allies now master Dwalin thanks to your King's shrewdness and you'd better thank the Maker they intervened so quickly in order to save him from certain death. You would have taken much longer to reach him."
Dwalin crossed his arms and humphed. "He wouldn't have come to any harm, had he revealed to us his dare-devilish plan to storm that stronghold instead of bashing my head to keep me from following him."
Thorin sighed and shook his head with a small smile.
Gandalf leaned back and relaxed. "What should matter most is that King Thorin and King Thranduil cleared up the darkness of Dol Guldur for good and that the alliance of the North is secure finally. The White Council is immensely pleased with his expert manoeuvring through these very difficult situations. He established himself as a very skilful ruler, even though he's very hard to control...nay impossible."
Thorin cringed feeling deeply annoyed. "Your scheming never ceases Mithrandir and that tires me. Even in the most peaceful environment you cannot hold your tongue. Let me have a moment to rest." He chastised.
Gandalf inhaled smoke from his pipe. "Very well. I shall not speak anymore, but that doesn't mean there aren't things that need to be said."
"I am well aware of their existence so let them remain unspoken." Thorin rebuke sternly.
Gandalf inclined his head. "As you wish."
It took several moments of introspection for Thorin to speak again. "The only thing I wish to do is thank you for saving Eilin's life...for saving my child." His face became solemn.
A small appreciative smile came onto Gandalf's mouth. "That child is very important King Thorin..."
Thorin's brows creased confused for several moments.
"Not that the lady by your side is less important..." Gandalf smiled knowingly.
Thorin's lips parted in mild uncertainty. "I shall never forget what you did."
"I know you won't, but that won't help me with your stubbornness. I will always have a difficulty changing your fixed plans and ideas of how things should be handled." Gandalf replied calmly.
Dwalin pursed his lips towards the wizard and stood up to get some weed for his pipe. "There is only one person in Middle Earth who can control Thorin and that person is neither in Erebor, nor in this room." He rejoined cleverly.
Gandalf exhaled the smoke with a knowing smile. "Oh, I know."
Bilbo laughed.
Thorin scrounged his lips and found the opportunity to walk a few steps more and allow the door to close behind, separating him from the annoying voices that continued inside. He placed his hands on his wide belt and closed his eyes, enjoying the fresh smell of the ground after all that heavy rainfall.
The door opened and closed and Bilbo stepped out. "Did we make you mad?"
Thorin shook his head. "I don't want to ruin the peace I feel right now. I need it."
Bilbo shuffled his naked feet on the stones of his porch in order to draw Thorin's attention. The King didn't open his eyes. He kept his head tilted upwards towards the warm sun. "I knew you would enjoy the mild weather of Hobbiton. I knew it would do you a world of good to get out of that stormy environment and bask in the sun for days. Okay or maybe sleep for days..."
Thorin chuckled softly.
Bilbo grinned. "You look a hundred years younger already."
"I feel absolutely wonderful. You were right my dear Bilbo. This place is amazing. I wish I could remain here forever."
"You can..." Bilbo said casually.
Thorin turned at him with a lopsided smile.
"You've got mountains of gold. You can buy the whole Shire!" Bilbo presented him the magical rolling hills and the lake.
The King humphed. "I wouldn't dare destroy this beauty with my gold. It needs to remain untouched by everyone in Middle Earth. Would I choose to live here it would be under Hobbiton's peaceful rules, not mine."
Bilbo seemed pleased. "You'll never be able to tame your dwarven blood in order to keep out of trouble for long Thorin. The Shire might help settle your spirits, but in the end your fiery blood will seek out great adventures...it will seek out the Lonely Mountain and it's deep caverns, it's bottomless pits and it's endless mines won't it? It will need the companionship of your kin and the solemn songs reverberating deep into the bowels of the earth. You've been born and raised a King my friend and a King you shall die even if it's here in humble Hobbiton. Your heart will call you back to your people soon enough, like my heart called me back here in the end. It's inevitable. I'd love for you to take abode a few houses down Bagshot Row and see your children run and play free in the fields, but I know in the end your heart will fall miserable and will wish to see Erebor again. Then nothing would be able to keep you tied down to the Shire. Not even it's beauty and peace."
Thorin crossed his arms. "That was profoundly wise and true."
Bilbo allowed a few silent moments between them, were each enjoyed the beautiful weather according to his own nature. "You should keep the Mithril shirt. You need it more than me. I don't intend to get into any more wars, which I would dare assume is not true about you. You're itching to pick up a war axe and bury it onto someone's head, correct?"
Thorin laughed out loud this time. When he settled he looked down at Bilbo with a bright smile. "Let fate take its course master burglar. Maybe this shirt will protect you or someone you love in the future. Maybe someone who's fate will be more important than mine in the history of Middle Earth. There was a reason this ended up in your hands, therefore you must keep it. Besides I have kept your acorn seed. So keep this part of Erebor close to your heart."
Bilbo looked at him lovingly and reached out to clasp his wide shoulder. "Since you put it this way, I'll keep it."
Thorin nodded with a lopsided smile. "Good."
Bilbo squeezed Thorin's shoulder. "Thank you for trusting me with Eilin."
Thorin's face closed up slowly and became solemn. He fixed his eyes on the small Hobbit. "I would have never trusted anyone else with the most precious treasure of Erebor, but you."
Bilbo's eyes welled and he wiped off his nose with his forefinger. "Ah...don't you just love the smell of the ground after the rain?" he changed the topic quickly.
Thorin turned his attention onto the green hills and the smooth lake waters that reflected the bright light of the sun. "I love everything in the Shire master burglar, but above all her..."
Bilbo turned his eyes to where Thorin's gaze had fallen and grinned widely. "I can certainly see why my friend."
Bella's hand squeezed Eilin's forearm and stopped her. "Have I ever told you that I believe your child is going to be blessed with great beauty?" she said suddenly changing the topic about Hobbiton's ponies and their interesting colours that had been created by interbreeding.
"What?" Eilin frowned taken aback.
Bella raised her brow, but her eyes fell intensely in front of Bilbo's door. "The baby in you...it's going to be utterly irresistible."
Eilin beamed down at her and cleared some long tendrils from her face. "Thank you..."
"Judging by the enchanting beauty of the mother, but also the gorgeous looks of the father..." Bella fanned her face needing to cool down the sudden flush on her cheeks.
Eilin frowned. "Oh...the father yes..."
Bella pulled her arm and gestured towards Bilbo's door with her head. "Assuming that exceptionally alluring Dwarf Lord that's standing imposingly outside Baggin's door eating you up with his eyes, is the father of course."
Eilin's stomach clenched and she turned her eyes to the house. There her heart stopped for a moment when she saw Thorin looking back at her affectionately before it began racing with excitement. "Oh, he's awake!" She whispered.
Bella pulled her over and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Then she turned Eilin around and fixed her wild hair, before taking care that the purple bow on the back of her dress was properly tied up. "You look breathtaking. Now go to him. I'll see you later. Thank you for the company and the talk."
Eilin turned and looked at Bella absently above her shoulder. "What? Oh, yes, thank you too..."
Bella smiled and waved at Eilin. Then she turned and waved at Bilbo who decided to leave as quickly as Bella did. "Have a nice rest Baggins!"
"Thanks Bella, you too!" Bilbo rejoined and closed the door behind him.
Thorin's eyes never left Eilin who ran up to him out of breath. She stopped in front of him and lowered her eyes feeling suddenly very embarrassed. Her cheeks blushed. She caught her basket that was full of food by both hands and brought it in front of her. "Hi..." she whispered not daring to look him in the eyes. For some reason her heart was bursting with excitement.
"Hi..." was the quiet reply and his hand came up to take the basket from her. He placed it on the stones and his warm hand enfolded hers in it.
She raised her eyes slowly to his and the moment his azure gaze captured her the world stopped turning. "Did you sleep well?" she whispered.
He shook his head. "That was the best sleep I've had in ages."
She smiled and pressed his hand. "I thought you were falling ill. You worried me."
His other hand came up and sailed over the softness of her neck until his thumb caressed gently under her earlobe. "This dress suits you very much."
A wave of heat rushed onto her face and she tried to avoid his eyes again. "I don't know why, but I am highly embarrassed by you right now, which sounds silly, doesn't it?"
A small cute frown passed from his brows and he leaned down to capture her lips in a soft kiss that made her body come to attention. "I love seeing you embarrassed. Makes me want to do things that will embarrass you even more." He spoke onto her lips with a hushed voice.
"Like?" she murmured.
His hand released her and dug into his pocket. He allowed the golden dove to dangled next to their faces. She turned and looked at it breathless. "Oh..." she murmured.
"Found it on the nightstand. Does that mean you don't wish to wear it?" his eyes were eating her up, searching for her reaction.
"It means I wanted you to do it...maybe you've changed your mind in between I don't know..." she whispered and twisted her fingers nervously in front of her apron.
He grasped her shoulders and turned her gently around. "Pull up your hair..." he spoke in a hushed tone.
She did so and the moment she felt his fingers grazing the soft skin where her shoulder met her neck she shuddered and closed her eyes. When she felt the softness of his lips gifting her with a tender kiss there she gasped. He pulled back and opened up the necklace. When the cold metal rested a few inches above her cleavage she bit her lower lip and looked eagerly down at it. It's precious gems were sparkling under the bright sun. His fingers secured it and then ran the length of it's thin chain in order to straighten it.
She turned around. Her previously flushed cheeks were now deep crimson. He smiled down at her. "Ah, that's beautiful."
"The necklace?" her lips parted.
A small frown tainted his clear brow. "You." He whispered and his hand pulled her onto him by the waist. Then he dipped down and his lips opened up in order to allow his tongue to come out and gently probe her for entrance. A soft moan escaped as her fingers circled firmly around his wrist, holding him for support. The moment he felt the slickness of her tongue touching him, he pulled her in firmly and opened up his mouth to offer her a captivating kiss that released waves of heat into the pit of her core.
She hadn't been kissed so thoroughly by him for so long that she yearned to experience every thread of his insatiable longing. Her soft palm skimmed across his bearded cheek and her fingers squeezed his skin making sure he would continue the magic that he was working on her mouth. They kissed like mad in front of Bilbo Baggins door allowing their tastes to fuse and blend into endless pirouettes of sensations that consumed them both. He devoured her in order to convince himself that she was there indeed and not cold in death and she opened up for him like a bud. His touches were what she needed in order to bloom. His hand planed down the flat of her upper stomach until it found the bump on the lowest part of it under the purple apron of her cute dress. Then his lips lingered breathlessly above hers for a few moments, trembling as tears released from his eyes and ran hot between their joined skin. She felt them and opened up her eyes. She frowned and cupped his cheeks. "Don't cry please."
His mouth captured her lips again in a greedy manner that ignited the fire in her loins, but before she had the chance to allow herself to enjoy this fresh sensual advance, he pulled back with a low hiss. She got ready to ask him what was wrong, but his actions answered all her questions at once. He fell on his knees in front of her and gave a firm kiss to her lower belly. "How do you feel my love?" he whispered.
She felt her own eyes overflowing with tears and her heart welling. "I feel in heaven Thorin. You are here with me. I need nothing else in life."
Another gentler kiss was placed on her belly and then rested his cheek on it and closed his eyes. "How's the baby?"
She leaned down and enfolded his head onto her lap. Her hands ran down his broad shoulders and back in order to show him all her love and appreciation. "No pain, no blood, but a lot of nausea still, although I think I am now getting the hang of it finally."
He looked up at her dotingly. "All that stomach trouble back in Erebor was the baby not something you ate, right?"
She laughed lightly and wiped away the tears. "Yes..."
"Why didn't you tell me earlier Eilin? Why?" He frowned.
She caressed his hair gently. "I was afraid I was going to lose it. I didn't want to enthuse you with a possible pregnancy only to have you go through such a loss a few days later. Early pregnancies are very fragile. I wanted to spare you the agony if such a thing ever happened."
Another pained hiss escaped him and he leaned his head on her stomach again and closed his eyes. His fingers felt the bones of her hips and he frowned. "Why did you lose so much weight? This cannot be healthy for you and the baby."
Eilin smiled down sweetly at him and her fingers caressed his jawline. "Your child is as overwhelming on me as you had been ever since I met you. It won't allow me to keep a morsel of food in me. Loa says that in a month I will feel better with all the puking."
"I am sorry I made you go through all this..." he frowned regretfully.
She smirked. "Are you truly asking forgiveness for getting me pregnant?"
A huff escaped his mouth and he smiled. "I think I am, yes."
She shook her head fiercely. "My silly warrior. Never ask forgiveness for giving me paradise. Besides I don't fear how overpowering this child will turn out to be anymore. You'll be there to take on the heat alongside of me, right?"
His arms tightened around her waist. "Till the end of my days."
Her eyes shone bright. "Then our child will have formidable competition."
"I love you." He reached up and pulled her down onto his mouth hungrily.
"I love you too," she cooed and they kissed vigorously, getting pulled once again into their own little world.
That is until a voice full of insinuation interrupted their loving exchange. "Give her a flower before devouring her like this! Sweet Eru the trouble we are going to have by having all these people in our lands now. Where is the world coming down to?"
They pulled apart and looked at Hamfast Gamgee standing in his front porch with his pipe balanced between his lips. Bella was punching his shoulder rather uselessly. "Leave the people alone to love each other, what's gotten into you?"
"Dwarves from beyond the Misty Mountains, aren't they? The Shire is brimming with rumours. Of royal descent, aren't they?" Hamfast humphed.
"Yeah, so what?" Bella placed her hands on her waist.
"Dwarves and Elves and Dragons and such. What do we have to do with such things? Tatters and tomatoes are better for us Bella. Don't go get mixing in the business of your betters or you'll land in trouble too big for you!"** Hamfast wised and his critical eyes pierced through the royal couple.
"Oh! Shut up Hamfast and turn your head the other way if you don't approve of what you are seeing. As for me, I will mix with whomever I want, understand?" she leaned towards him menacingly.
Eilin snorted and pulled Thorin up by the hand.
"It's that Baggins. He's always bringing shadowy people in our lands. First that wizard, then Dwarves, then will come Elves and in the end we'll get visits from the Black Riders themselves, you mark my words woman!" Hamfast continued his tirade, but did open the door to go into his home.
Eilin's arms wrapped under Thorin's armpits and grasped his shoulder-blades tightly. He enclosed her cordially to his heart.
"Don't mind him my dear Eilin. He's always grumpy about something even though he's still relatively young."
"No problem miss Bella." Eilin waved at her.
"I am sorry Sir," Bella said to Thorin with a respectful bow.
Thorin inclined his head majestically, but remained silent as Bella got lost into her home.
After a few silent moments Thorin spoke into Eilin's hair. "Well that dismantled Bilbo's notion that the Shire is full of non judgemental peaceful hobbits that mind their own business."
Eilin giggled and rubbed his back firmly. "That's a dream. People like poor Hamfast can be found everywhere, but one should not judge him either. He probably sees trouble in us. Is he so wrong? Look at your life...trouble pours out of your ears. Your name spells trouble backwards, forwards and sideways..."
Thorin huffed, "Alright, alright, enough..."
She snuggled against him. "And I love your trouble. Can't live without it."
Thorin leaned his cheek on her soft red curls. His fingers drew firm circles on the small of her waist. "Loa told me you wanted to fix me some breakfast, but I don't want you to get tired."
That animated Eilin who pulled back surprised. "Oh damn! Forgot about that one completely! I went to the market to buy you fresh eggs, bacon, cheese and bread. Are you hungry?"
He bit his lower lip. "I am famished."
Eilin laughed and grasped his hand. "Come I'll make you the best breakfast you've ever had," and she pulled him into Bilbo's home.
It was close to afternoon when the door of Bilbo's home opened up again. Eilin came out first pulling Thorin by the hand. She had indeed cooked him not only a hefty breakfast of eight eggs, ham, sausages and cheese, which he devoured, but also lunch which he also ate to the last morsel. She helped him bathe and then led him again to the bedroom where she forced him to take a nap even though Thorin insisted that he couldn't sleep anymore. She rebuked his refusal by telling him that it was a law here at Hobbiton that everyone should sleep at least a while after lunch. He didn't believe her, but he burrowed under the quilt and embraced her snuggly. The last thing he had been expecting was for his eyes to close down quickly and allow him to be drawn into another restful sleep until late afternoon.
Now as Eilin opened up the gate of Bilbo's porch and pulled Thorin onto the gravel path he felt more rejuvenated than he had ever felt in his life. She clasped his hand tightly and began hopscotching down the path like a young girl. That made his heart smile. "You look so carefree here."
She stopped her spirited walk and aligned with him. Her other hand circled around his forearm and her head leaned on his deltoid. "This village is made out of dreams. Don't even think about Hamfast and his grumbling this morning. Most people are so friendly and approachable. It's so quiet and peaceful. You wake up in the morning by the roosters and when you come out the door and sit on the bench with a cup of tea you can hear the birds singing as the village slowly wakes up. Children are playing, carriages are passing by to sell you fish or meat, neighbours are talking with each other, dames are hanging their clothes to dry out, dogs are barking..."
"I get it," he chuckled and his free hand came up to encircle hers that was occupying his arm. "It's irresistible."
"Don't you feel so too? You've slept so well here, you look so well rested." She gazed up at him affectionately.
His lips twisted and he inclined his head. "I cannot deny that this place has a way of settling the worries in my mind. I am left with no wish to fight against anyone."
"Good!" She beamed up to him.
He pressed his lips. "Unfortunately though Eilin I am not a carefree dweller of these rolling hills, minding my tomato patch or my tatters..."
She cupped her mouth and giggled. "You could be!"
"I could be, but must I?" he raised his brows.
Her lips lost their smile and twisted thoughtfully.
"There are things askew in this world and it is up to me to straighten them out." his brow clouded.
She bit both lips and her eyes fixed on him. "Your fight isn't over yet is it?"
"Our fight isn't over...there are things you don't know. Important matters that are taking place back in Erebor and need my attention." His voice fell.
She felt her throat drying out. Even the thought of returning to the place that caused her so much pain caused her nervousness. "Matters I don't want to know about..."
He stopped and looked down at her solemnly. "Is that why you never asked me the questions I've been preparing to answer through my whole trip here?"
She nodded and averted her eyes. "Yes. I don't want to know if the truth was revealed to you about me Thorin by someone. I don't want to know who created this web of lies in order to destroy us. I don't want to have to go back to Erebor in order to face any of that. I just want to be here with you, free of all doubt and fear. Just you, me and our child. A new beginning." Her hand searched for his and their fingers steepled tightly.
He brought her hand to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on it's back. "I cannot hide here with you my love no matter how much I wish for it, at least not yet."
"You abdicated, nothing can keep you chained to Erebor now...right?" her green eyes were eating him up with a silent fear.
"My abdication does not eradicate my order of command in the Lonely Mountain. I am still one step under the King."
She frowned. "Thorin I don't think I want to return..."
He pressed her hands. "Nor does our need to escape the nightmare we've been through eradicates the fact that your best friend Rhiannon is currently under Oin's care and waiting impatiently to see you again."
She looked up sharply at that and yelped. "What?!"
A small smile appeared on his lips. "Your friend Rhiannon was one of the witnesses to reveal Karunn's plot to destroy us."
Eilin's bright countenance on hearing the name of her best friend was tainted when she heard those words. "Why are you revealing to me things I don't want to know...not about Rhiannon...but the rest...Thorin don't..."
He pressed her hands again. "She almost killed you and my child and she will pay dearly. I shall not rest until I see her destroyed. I cannot remain in the Shire Eilin as long as Karunn is alive in my stronghold." The pitch of his voice dropped and send ripples of apprehension to Eilin's back.
She swallowed hard and forced herself to look at him. "Is Rhiannon okay?"
"I was notified that she is recovering and asking for you all the time." He rejoined carefully.
Eilin felt a timid wave of anticipation waking up in her stomach. "I want to see her so much. I thought she was dead."
"She almost died, by Karunn's hand." Thorin's jawline flexed.
Eilin shook her head. "No, don't!"
"The same hand that almost killed you and my child. The same hand that almost killed me. The same hand that caused Nyrthrasir to attempt suicide and took the baby out of his wife's womb. That woman needs to be eliminated and I won't rest until I do it. I've seen a lot of darkness in my life, I've fought against the most vile filth, yet this woman is the embodiment of the demon of Morgoth. Him out of whom all evil stems..." He said and the darkness that oozed out of his voice and eyes was terrifying.
Eilin's fingers began shaking. "Why did she do this to us? What have I ever done to her?"
He frowned and his thumb came up to wipe a tear that was sailing down her cheek. "No reason is good enough in my books to make someone create such hateful vengeance to so many people."
Eilin kissed the palm of his hand as it rested on her cheek. "Still what did I do to her?"
"I don't think that demon's revenge was against you my love." He spoke over her.
She raised her pained eyes to him.
"You were just the means for her to get to me...which she managed very well." his brows clouded by dark thoughts.
Eilin released his hands and wrapped her arms around his body. "I don't want you to go back and face her."
His arms enfolded her caringly. "You don't want to leave the Shire do you?"
She shook her head fiercely. "I fear what will happen back in Erebor Thorin. What you have to face with your abdication and with this monster. I fear you will be consumed by all these people again and I will lose you. I cannot handle losing you anymore. Have mercy on me. Erebor will suck my Thorin dry...it will take you away from me." she whispered.
These words reminded him of the day they broke up at his office. When she begged for mercy and his rage was not allowing him to see her pain as his was unbearable enough to blind him. One strong arm kept her close to his heart the other came to caress her belly. "I will not do anything that will displease you my love. If your wish is to remain here blissfully unaware of the trouble in Erebor I will allow you to remain."
"But you will not remain with me right?" her arms tightened around him painfully.
"I will have to return if only temporarily. When I tie up all the loose ends there I will return to find you at the place of your choice." These profound words were spoken with such a hushed tone that she felt her heart stopping.
She pulled back and sought his eyes. "What did you just say?"
"What you heard." He gave her a soft smile and his thumb and forefinger pinched her red cheek gently. "I will return and take abode wherever you choose in order to raise our child in peace."
Her bottom lip began trembling and tears choked her. "You would? Truly?"
He leaned down and captured her lips in a gentle kiss that send a signal of surrender through her body. "Truly. Choose and I shall follow you to the end of the world."
Her arms disengaged his shoulder-blades and came up to run deep through his mane. Her mouth became firmly assertive and gifted him with a frenzied kiss that made him see stars behind his closed eyelids. When she pulled back he was heaving hard upon her mouth. "Wow," he whispered.
She beamed up to him and her fingers clawed his scalp proprietorially. "Not only shall I follow you into Erebor my love, but I will also see and talk to that devil Karunn!"
He frowned at the sudden shift in her. "Eilin you really don't have to do that. Remain here and keep our child safe. Enjoy the peace of the Shire and I will return for you, I promise. Not even death will be able to keep me away from our family."
She closed her eyes and shook her head fervently. "Me and the baby belong with you. No matter my fear of returning to Erebor, I shall stand proudly next to you and face all the difficulties henceforth. I will start that by facing the woman who destroyed us."
His teeth gritted. "No! I don't want you to be in the same room as her."
She pushed him back. "I will ride back with you and I will talk to her. I will ask that accursed -why- into her face and you will allow me to do so. You will allow me this closure, before you bring everything down in a blaze of destruction."
He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead on hers possessively. "I don't like this. I don't want to endanger your pregnancy more. Either through a long journey, or with any emotional overload. Nevertheless I will do as you wish my heart. Whatever that is."
Her face mellowed and her fingers entwined through his hair. "Very well then, when do we depart?"
"I was thinking of joining you to the immigration flow that is coming up from the Blue Mountains. It will be much safer for you, than riding along with me and Dwalin on a horse." He exhaled feeling her smooth touch relaxing every single muscle on his body that had tensed up from the conversation about that she-demon.
She shook her head angrily. "Forget it Thorin. I will not be separated from you again! I will ride back on Yrsa."
"Think about your pregnancy..." he lifted his head and his eyes burrowed into hers intensely.
"I am coming back with you. The carriage. We'll use the carriage again. No debate!" she frowned up at him decisively.
A small smile cracked at the side of his lips. "What have I created? Where is the scared little maiden that didn't dare to look me in the eyes that night at the river?"
Her face softened. "You showed her that she doesn't need to be afraid anymore. That she is worthy to be loved and cared for. That she can indeed win over the love of such a man as you and sustain it with her value. That even though she was born to unknown parents and lacks the proper heritage her self worth will not be defined by that. You showed me how to become strong Thorin and I love you for that. I love you for everything."
He closed his eyes with sigh of relief. "About your heritage...I might need to discuss that with you at some point." the words were spoken carefully, making her smile.
"What did you dig up about me?...I don't care about it. I belong to the Longbeards now. Nothing can change that." she touched his temples lovingly.
He smiled brightly. "I love you so much. You and the child in you. I never felt that I would be worthy of such treasures."
"Why not be worthy? Oh, Thorin...learn how to forgive yourself. Let me teach you how to do it, like you have taught me how to be fearless...most of the times..." she giggled in an afterthought.
He chuckled. " Most of the times?"
She nodded. "I am still scared of many things. I am scared of going back to Erebor and losing you to all these people that demand a part of your attention all the time. I am afraid of facing the demon who almost destroyed us. I am afraid of the rejection I am going to get from most people there for ever daring to claim their King. I am afraid of being a mother..."
He frowned and his palm rested lovingly on her neck warming her up. "You fear motherhood?"
She nodded fiercely and he found the lost look in her eyes utterly adorable. "I am more afraid than I have ever been in my life but also so excited! I am carrying the heir of Durin! How about you my fearless warrior? Doesn't that sound daunting for you?! Are you ready to become a father?"
He grinned and bit his lower lip. "I've been ready all my life."
She laughed and came up to rub her cheek firmly on his chin. "See? You are teaching me again how to be fearless. Therefore allow me to teach you how to forgive yourself."
"How would you do that?"
"By showing you how worthy you are of forgiveness. For everything that happened in your past or between us." She whispered.
He nodded gently and his arms enclosed her tightly on his body. "Thank you my precious." She snuggled on the croon of his neck and their fingers steepled as they walked quietly through the beautiful gravel paths of Hobbiton for a long time. When finally she sat down on the grass of a rolling hill that overlooked the lake and pulled him down with her, the stars had already made their appearance in the sky. She inhaled deeply and browsed the lights coming out of the hobbit holes, their porches and from the fishing boats in the lake. Thorin's attention on the other hand was drawn to a porch close by where a Hobbit had set up a small forging station and was trying to fix a tool for his shed.
She looked back and smiled. "What are you looking at?"
"He'll never be able to forge that hoe. His grip on the hammer is all wrong and the metal is not heated enough." He rejoined thoughtfully.
"Will you truly spend this magical evening scrutinising the forging ability of a hobbit instead of enjoying these magical lights with me?" she sounded piqued.
He looked at her with an adorably uncertain smile. "Forgive me."
She bit her lower lip and laid down on the grass. Then she reached up and cupped his nape, pulling him down on her. "Sometimes there are things that you cannot fix Thorin, you need to learn how to let go of them. What if that Hobbit cannot forge? He'll either learn or he won't, but that's not your responsibility. Let go. You don't need to intervene and save the day for everyone." She whispered.
He swallowed a suddenly dry throat and kissed her lips softly. His fingers caressed the side of her waist as his hushed voice spoke, "as you command my lady." She smiled and allowed herself to float free under him. She had missed so much his furious kisses and his beloved scent. His broad chest pinning her against the ground and his assertive fingers that were making their presence known under her puffy skirt as they skimmed on the smooth skin of her thigh. Soon enough her chest was heaving as his lips were coasting the smoothness of her bosom, playing around with her diamond necklace. Her fingers entwined through his mane and she crushed her lips onto his pointy ear. "I want to make love to you so bad right now."
He chuckled and pulled back. His eyes were dilated and he was slightly out of breath. She didn't doubt that if her hands planed down the front of his trousers she'd feel his erection throbbing. She tried to act on her thoughts, but his hands released her thighs and came down to encircle her wrists. He brought them up and pinned them at the sides of her head.
"Oh, I like your rough side, remember?" she cooed with delight.
He shook his head. "Not today young lady."
"Ohhh, why?" she whined and kicked her legs angrily.
"Because we won't do anything to endanger the baby. Your pregnancy has been through enough already." He raised his brow austerely.
She released her hands from him and frowned. "You mean I have to wait another six months to have you?"
His lips twisted into a side smile. "We both have to wait if that's any consolation. I asked Loa and she advises against any intimacy."
"She told me already. So, can you be that patient?" she bit her lower lip and playfully ran her finger down his open tunic, tracing the dove tattoo.
He nodded casually. "I am sure I can. How about you?"
She huffed and slapped his chest. "Thorin you are pissing me off..."
He leaned back to the grass and pulled her on him. She rested her head on his shoulder. "Calm down men gehyith. We have plenty of time for this. Let's take care of what is most important now."
The comfort she felt there in his arms under the stars was indescribable. She would change it for nothing in the whole wide world. "Let's do that my love." They remained silently embracing listening to the sounds of a village that was getting ready for the night when out of nowhere a soft voice from far away lulled them both free of every thought.
"When the cold of winter comes
Starless night will cover day
In the veiling of the sun
We will walk in bitter rain
But in dreams
I can hear your name
And in dreams
We will meet again
When the seas and mountains fall
And we come, to end of days
In the dark I hear a call
Calling me there,
I will go there
And back again" ***
A/N:
* The Realm of the Fallen King - BrunuhVille
** A small easter egg for whomever recognised it.
*** The Breaking of the Fellowship - Howard Shore
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