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A/N:
- Had to add this. Sorry if my editing is even worse than it usually is, but I worked on a different pc and I am not home and I am knackered... :(
-This chapter was born from StephCalvino's suggestions. Thank you my friend. Always the angel of this story and I am not going to forget...
*********** HAPPY BIRTHDAY *************
The mirror
They remained in the Shire for three more days by Thorin's decision. He just couldn't get enough of how much this village suited Eilin's disposition and how happy she looked when she was here. Yearning to sustain that happiness for her as much as he could he overlooked the demanding situations back in the Lonely Mountain, just to see her smile. Finally after three days where he kept reassuring her that they were going to leave soon, but always postponed, she took the initiative to arrange their things in the carriage that brought her to the Shire. It was her turn to tell him with a serious countenance that it was time for them to face their demons together. That she feared nothing as long as he was next to her. Her initiative warmed his heart and he felt a fierce protectiveness of her and their child. He took over all the arrangements forcing her to sit aside and do absolutely nothing. That annoyed her to no end, but she knew he was trying to keep her safe, so she allowed him to take control. At the beginning of the fourth day, just before departing they were surprised when an escort of ten royal guards arrived at Bilbo's home.
The small delay in their departure had been not only to allow Eilin the pleasure of experiencing the Shire a bit more, but to also command a squad from his guard that had remained back in the Blue Mountains as a royal escort for Eilin. He wanted to ensure that their passage would be safe and untroubled. When she realized that all these armed Dwarfs were there for her, she hid her embarrassment under the heavy tent of their carriage. It was going to take her a long time to get used to this kind of attention and she wasn't sure she was ever going to make it.
They bid Bilbo and Gandalf a warm farewell with the promise to return after the child was born so they wouldn't force Eilin to travel through harsh conditions in her precarious state. Bilbo was sad they were going to miss the spring fest, but was content enough to know that they promised to return with an adorable baby tagging along. At the beginning of the journey Eilin felt so guilty for discommoding these men, so she kept asking Loa to make them some tea when they stopped for rest.
It was the austere words of Thorin that stopped her. "These men are trained to protect the royal family. Allow them to do their job."
Eilin cowered under the tent with a cringe of regret and allowed Thorin to take command of this journey. It took them not one, but almost three weeks to pass from the Misty Mountains and that was because Thorin didn't want their progression to become too tiresome for Eilin and was stopping every time he had a feeling she was becoming too stiff and bothered.
To the confusion of his soldiers he led the progression through the southern parts of the Midland Ranges which would take them far longer to reach home after entering Rhovanion territory. Something that also captured the interest of Dwalin whom aligned next to Thorin's horse and looked at him intensely for several moments in complete silence.
"What?" Thorin raised his brow.
"We are way too south, what the hell are you doing? I thought you wanted Eilin back in Erebor as soon as possible." Dwalin said.
"Didn't you hear Ási's report?" Thorin pressed his lips and looked back at the carriage that was following them slowly. The tent was protecting Eilin and Loa from the elements, but he didn't feel secure enough to travel during the night. They needed to find shelter soon, especially with all these Orcs that were over running the Brown Lands near Helm's deep.
"Wargs were growling too close to our camp last night...yes...so what?" Dwalin flicked his shoulders.
"We are not alone on this trip Dwalin. It's not just me, you and a bunch of soldiers. I've got my wife and unborn child in that carriage. Not to mention Lis' mother, whose husband died in my bloody arms." Thorin rebuked dourly.
"I am aware of the danger that is why I would have preferred the shortest way to Erebor, not the longest." Dwalin rejoined.
Thorin humphed. "That would have been following the path of that pack of Wargs...plus..."Thorin hesitated and shifted uncomfortably upon his horse.
"Plus?" Dwalin raised his brow.
"Elrond tried to lure us into Rivendell,when we traveling towards the Shire. Did you forget?" Thorin mentioned with a flick of his brow, as if Dwalin should have realized sooner what he had been doing.
Recognition dawned on Dwalin's features. "Oh, damn. Are you trying to avoid Lord Elrond?"
"That nosy Elf will take us in the moment we pass through his vicinity and I don't want to travel further up north through the passages of Mount Gundabad. That's asking for trouble."
Dwalin nodded. "Now you are passing too close to Lórien, though."
"The Lady of the woods isn't as meddling as Elrond. We'll have a much quieter passage through here, I am sure." Thorin rejoined thoughtfully.
Dwalin sighed and looked around him as they were nearing the river Nimrodel, but was not as certain as his friend. He refrained from speaking more though as they neared a cluster of trees and decided to make camp. It was way into the night when Thorin climbed into the carriage and drew the tent closed behind him carrying a bowl of stew for her. He remained next talking quietly as his guards arranged their own small tents. When she finished and gave him back the food he cringed clearly dissatisfied.
"Why don't you eat some more?" He said and cleared some tendrils away from Eilin's cheek.
"Honestly I cannot. I've eaten enough for two..." she raised her brows at him.
He pursed his lips. "You need nourishment...for two."
"Are you trying to fatten me up?" she smirked.
He discarded the plate and then pushed her down. He came over her and gazed at her eyes lovingly. "It would fit you rather well actually..."
"Thorin come on..." she hit his shoulder.
"I am just worried that you look so fragile and thin. You need strength for yourself and for the baby." He frowned down at her.
She pulled him down and pecked his lips softly. "I feel fine my love. You don't allow me to do any manual labor, you don't allow me to ride and you barely allow me to walk. I am not a made out of glass...you know."
He closed his eyes delighting in the softness of her lips and reciprocated her gentle kiss for a few moments before pulling back. "You are already laboring for the health of our child, what more do you wish to do?"
"I don't know...like maybe you'd give me the opportunity to go out tonight with Loa and cook for you?" she twisted her elegant fingers around his warrior braid.
"No way..." he scowled.
She threw her head back and exhaled. "See? I want to do things Thorin! I am not an invalid. I am just pregnant!"
His nose nuzzled close to the soft skin of her neck and she instantly tensed. "I am aware and I will not deny you the opportunity to do whatever you wish back in Erebor, but during this journey I want you to sit back and rest. These rough roads are not easy on your body and I don't want to risk your pregnancy for anything in this world. It has gone through hell already. A hell I've placed you in." As he spoke she felt each breath of his sending goosebumps down her back. Her feet curled inwards instinctively.
"Please stop swimming in guilt..." her fingers pulled him closed to her by one braid until her other hand got hold of the other and did the same.
"No one shall risk your health and the health of our Little Gem. Remember what I told you?" He said quietly and when he felt her fingers pulling him roughly on her, he opened up his mouth and nibbled her hungrily.
She exhaled in bliss and her legs wrapped around his hips. "I know you are doing this to protect me, but I feel like I am suffocating..."
His tongue came out and drew slow wet paths along her neck until it reached the top of her chest where he lingered, enjoying how quickly it was undulating under him. "Suffocating?" he whispered.
She muffled a moan and nodded. "I need freedom."
"You'll have it back home, but not out here with hoards of Orcs and men of questionable ethics and intentions, roaming free."
"Who would dare approach our caravan tell me? You've got fifteen ruthless soldiers armed to the teeth and your reputation proceeds you." She whispered and flushed her body up to his wanting to show him her need. She knew he told her that they shouldn't risk her pregnancy for anything and he'd shown her his intentions of not becoming intimate, but still she could hope, couldn't she? Hope that in some manner she could lure him in. If not to receive pleasure, then at least to offer. Something that he denied ardently. Her thigh muscles brought him down in order to feel him.
He huffed and his hand sailed down her thigh until his fingers could curl under her knee, keeping her in place. "Eilin, I think that's enough. Both about your alleged freedom that I am suppressing and the fact that you have me in a thigh lock that has almost cut off all my air supply."
She realized that she was squeezing him too hard and released him only slightly making sure he wouldn't pull away completely. Her fingers released his hair and came around his shoulders clawing him roughly. "Okay about the first part, not about the second..." she whispered and found his mouth.
"We are inside a bloody tent, surrounded by my soldiers." He spoke in a hushed tone, but the moment her tongue came out to lick the seam of his lips and her hips rocked against him he closed his eyes with a groan of pleasure.
"We'll be silent," she probed him gently until he opened up for her.
"No risk to your pregnancy...orgasm, convulsions,...Loa...said it..." he spoke softly between the gentle touches of their tongues that got involved in a slow dance of pleasure.
"Fine...I'll do all the work...you make sure you keep silent..." she nipped his lower lip.
His breathy moan of passion sent her mind reeling. "No...forget it."
"You can't be silent?" she whispered and rocked her hips against him so firmly that he reciprocated once before leaning his forehead on her temple out of breath.
"Damn you..." he said defeated.
"You want this as much as I want it..." she whispered.
He shook his head. "I don't take pleasure unless I give it back to you." His words were meant to sound austere, but they sounded thick through his hoarse voice.
"You need me," she hissed at him lustfully.
"What I need to do is get you out of these damned dresses you borrowed from Bella and into something totally unattractive!" He spat truly annoyed with her teasing.
She snorted. "You like them?"
"They make my thoughts go all hazy..." he grumbled.
"Then maybe I can find more dresses to tease you with to see how far you will manage to go before you break for me..." She bit her tongue.
He exhaled through his nose. "Be serious for once. We need to be careful." He pulled back in a desperate need to control himself and her at the same time. He tunneled his fingers through her hair gently wanting to sooth her.
She felt this shift of energy and tried to shake him off. "No, don't turn all fatherly on me now...I can feel your need." Her eyes seared through his and she rocked against him one more time.
He pulled back slightly and closed his eyes. "Do you have the misconception that I cannot control my urges around you? What do you think is most important to me? Pleasure of intimacy, or the pleasure of seeing you well and blooming with our Little Gem safely in your belly?"
Her sexual tension began dissipating under his loving words. She felt her eyes tearing up and she leaned her head back with an exhalation of defeat. "The first?" She teased quietly.
He raised his brow. "The first of course."
She jerked back and her eyes popped open.
A grin appeared on his mouth.
She closed her eyes and bashed his chest. "Oh, come on.."
He snorted and caressed her head firmly. "It is my job to adore and protect your pregnant body like treasure. Not arouse it and have my filthy ways with it now that it is housing our child."
"Nevertheless it is getting aroused only too easily by you." She pressed her lips testily.
"Come let me calm you down my little fiery whirlwind." He smiled at her sweetly.
She relaxed back as he began a smooth massage on her head, something that she adored. Her hands molded his shoulders savoring on their firmness and she closed her eyes abandoning herself to his attentions. She remained silent under him as his hands left her head and came down to her temples. That is when she decided to reveal her thoughts. "I may seem all too eager to become intimate, but I am also afraid, just so you'd know."
"What do you mean?" he frowned momentarily taken aback from his intense concentration on relaxing her.
"It may seem that I cannot control my hormones...which I cannot..." she smiled.
He spoke over her and they said the same thing. "Which you cannot..."
She chuckled and her thighs that hadn't yet released him tightened once more around him. "Stop it..." she warned.
"Fine...continue..." he allowed her with a smile.
Her face fell. "I am afraid of the blood."
He looked up at her sharply and stopped his tender laboring on her biceps.
She opened her eyes. "I am afraid of it so much Thorin."
He swallowed heavily and looked at her cherry lips as she spoke.
"I fear that one day it's going to return and this time the grey wizard won't be there to stop it." She spoke quietly.
"I will be there," he abandoned her arms and his fingers traced down her forearm until they could steeple through hers.
Her hand came up and caressed his forehead. "I know my love. Promise that you will be there for every moment."
"I promise," the look in his eyes was so doting that she felt her heart bursting from happiness.
"Do you think the blood is going to return?" she whispered.
"No" -he said decisively- "because the Little Gem proved its resilience already. It has taken after its mother. I have never met a stronger woman in my life. You entered hell and came out the other side untouched and pure. So did the baby."
Her eyes pooled with tears, but an inviting smile appeared on the hairpin of her lips. "I love you..."
He closed his eyes and huffed. "Me too men gehyith." He pulled her in and buried his face on the croon of her neck as her thighs kept him safely there. One hand remained above hers and the other burrowed between them until he found her bump and stroked it lovingly.
It was thus that Dwalin caught them when he flipped the tent aside. "Thorin I need to talk to you!" Something he hadn't been expecting apparently for he jumped back, threw the tent back in place and averted his eyes. "Damn it! You ass licking bush screwer..." he muttered and rubbed his forehead feeling totally embarrassed at catching his best friend in the act.
Thorin came out of the tent very composed and straightened his tunic and hair. "What is it?"
Dwalin turned around and pointed behind him. "Couldn't you have found a better place to become intimate?"
Thorin frowned. "Get a hold of yourself, it was nothing like that."
Dwalin exhaled through his nose. "That was the last thing I wanted to catch you doing. That image cannot be unseen!"
"You didn't catch me doing anything, now tell me what's up." Thorin said calmly.
Dwalin's eyes woke up in sudden remembrance. "Oh, yeah right. We've got problems."
That is when Eilin poked her head out of the tent. "What's happening Thorin?" she asked worried.
"Please stay in, I will tell you when I find out." He told her and followed Dwalin. The moment they reached the outer protective circle of their camp Thorin saw the trouble first hand. He stopped and crossed his arms with a testy exhalation. "I see."
Dwalin crossed his arms likewise. "It's because coming closer to Lorien was safer than passing closer to Rivendell. Elrond's elves would have tried to lure us in, whilst these ones wouldn't bother." He poked.
Thorin pressed his lips annoyed. "Shut it."
Dwalin raised his brow. "I won't say I told you."
"Then don't!" Thorin rebuked.
The leader of the Elven troops approached. "You have camped very close to Nimrodel, which belongs to our people, Dwarf Lord."
"I am aware, but we didn't do anything to bother your lands. We didn't even hunt your animals." Thorin rejoined calmly.
The Elf bowed his head slightly. "We have witnessed your respect."
"Then why do you bother us?" Thorin frowned.
"My name is Haldir, marchwarden of the Lady of Light."
Thorin raised his brow. "Should I care?"
Haldir continued calmly. "I am here to welcome you to Lothlorien on behalf of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, King under the Mountain, King of Durin's Folk and friend of King Thranduil."
Thorin sighed deeply. "Let's overlook all this unimpressive unloading of titles and come down to the nitty-gritty."
Haldir frowned slightly.
"I am not interested in visiting the Lady of Light so let us be on our merry way and you go onto yours." Thorin shooed him indifferently.
Haldir's countenance tensed. "I am afraid I cannot allow you to continue until you follow us to the realm of Light. Orders."
"Of course," Thorin threw his hands in the air and then placed them on his belt. "I don't want to fight you, really. My friendship with Thranduil and my respect for your Lady unfortunately doesn't extend to me being dragged with force to her presence. I follow no one." His brow rose haughtily. Dwalin stiffened next to him and so did all his soldiers.
"We didn't come here with such intentions." Haldir rejoined trying to keep himself in check.
"No, you came here with strict orders for us to follow. If we don't will you return to her empty handed?" Thorin asked him with a tilt of the head.
Haldir hesitated.
"You won't, therefore where does that leave us?" Thorin continued unfazed.
"A fight," Dwalin flicked his shoulders.
Thorin got ready to agree when a melodic voice made him stop. "I want to go my heart, please."
He turned around so fast he got dizzy. Eilin stood there enveloped in a long black coat with golden embroidery on the lapels that bore his sigil on the arms. Her thick reddish hair was flowing freely around her and her cheeks were rosy. His heart mellowed up immediately.
"We need to go back home as soon as possible Eilin." His tone had a hint of warning.
She walked up to him and steepled her fingers through his gently. "I'd like to rest a little bit if these gracious Elves can indeed offer us some shelter."
Haldir touched his chest gently. "That is the wish of the Lady of Light."
Thorin cringed. "Don't get lured in by their ways...we don't want any distractions at the moment."
Her free hand came up to rest on his shoulder and she squeezed gently. "Please my love. I'd so much appreciate a comfortable bed and a quiet night's rest after so many days on the road."
He swallowed heavily and looked back at Haldir who was waiting patiently. Then back at her. "Do you wish for it so much?" he whispered.
She leaned her head on his shoulder and nodded. "I do." Then she drew their joined hands onto her belly. "Please."
He felt his heart already defeated.
Dwalin tried to intervene. "No, Thorin no." Thorin raised his hand and stopped him. Dwalin pursed his lips, but fell silent.
He looked up at Haldir. "Lead us to your lady." He said after a few silent moments.
Haldir inclined his head with a small smile.
It was impossible to take the Elven paths with their carriage, so Thorin mounted and took Eilin upon his horse. Dwalin helped Loa on his and they followed the Lorien archers with half their troops. The remaining soldiers stayed back to protect the elaborate carriage and their provisions until their return, which Haldir reassured them was going to be whenever they chose. The fell into a single file on very narrow dirt path through a forest that held a vibrant life force inside it. It felt so different from Mirkwood that was dense, difficult to access and felt suffocating. This one was airy and so beautiful that Eilin couldn't stop smiling even though the darkness hid most of its beauty. When upon their path she saw a small cluster of fireflies she squeezed Thorin's arm and turned to look at him above her shoulder.
"Look!" she pointed.
He nodded with a soft smile.
"So beautiful." She whispered. She leaned her head back to his shoulder and observed them nostalgically. The fireflies represented her first real date with Thorin at the enchanted lake. She would never forget that magical night between them, when she danced for him and he admired her bewitched as hundreds of fire bugs flew all around them. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift back to that memory, while the arms of the man she loved were around her.
When they finally entered Lorien they were asked kindly to dismount and their horses were taken away. Eilin clasped Thorin's hand and looked around her mesmerized at the Forest of Light. They stood upon a big wooden platform and they were surrounded by dozens of trees that reached up to the heavens. Their barks were as big as houses and whole corridors and archways had been build around them leading upwards to the safety of the sky. A blue hue was shrouding the realm that instantly calmed down the spirits of Eilin.
"This way, please..." Haldir said and pointed elegantly in front of him.
Thorin inclined his head and looked at Eilin. "Will you be able to climb all the way up?" He looked at that daunting task.
Eilin touched her belly. "More than able..." she smile reassuringly at him and she was the one that moved first, pulling him by the hand. They walked slowly up the winding corridors and Haldir led them towards an intricate flet that was surrounded by brightly lit archways of the same enchanting blue hue. Thorin followed Eilin, mostly keeping his eyes upon her to ensure that she was feeling alright, but when his eyes strayed around he felt his own soul quieting down with a totality he had never experienced before.
He was a man that was usually fully alert. He had been born and bred to be battle worthy every single moment he was awake or even asleep through years of training, nevertheless inside this place he felt all his defenses collapsing and his body unwinding. He looked behind at Dwalin who was escorting Loa. She was looking around her in awe. As for his ever stiff soldiers they had removed their helmets and were admiring the stunning ancient giant trees filled with wonder.
So much was Thorin allured by the elegant architecture that he didn't notice Eilin stopping abruptly and he fell on her, forcing her to take an unwilling step forth.
"Hey!" she scolded in a low tone.
"Sorry," he cringed and then looked up with wide eyes full of admiration.
The Lady of Light was already there waiting for them upon the royal flet with her hands crossed and a sweet smile painted on her beautiful lips. Her husband Lord Celeborn was standing next to her in quiet calmness. The very light that was washing over her realm seemed to emanate from the body of the Lady and Thorin felt his lips parting in amazement. His hand tightened around Eilin's and she reciprocated, but neither could tear their eyes away from Galadriel. Dwalin stood next to Thorin and pulled closer poor Loa who was trembling, securing her. "Steady woman..." he told her and she nodded quickly without removing her eyes from the Lord and Lady that were patiently waiting for everyone to arrive.
Haldir passed in front of them and bowed to Galadriel. "My Lady, King Oakenshield and his company." He moved his hand towards them elegantly.
Galadriel tilted her head gently. "Welcome Thorin the second, King under the Mountain."
Before he had the chance to reply she spoke straight into his mind with a voice that took over every turn and twist in there rendering him mute.
Welcome father of Durin the deathless...
He felt his eyes immediately tearing up and his mouth parted in order to take in a quick breath.
Son of Durin ... he wanted to correct her, but was unable to utter a single word. They kept each other's gaze intensely, until she continued in his mind.
You faced the evil of the East several times over King Under the Mountain and you prevailed, but the darkness hasn't been eliminated. It shall return and then it will be the turn of your ancestors to fight it. They shall do so courageously and only time will tell if they will prevail also, but they shall step onto the roads you paved for them which will prove far too important for the fate of Middle Earth. You created the Northern Alliance and your heirs shall honor, keep it and embellish it even further. You try to cower away from your own fate, but you won't be able to do so for much longer. It awaits for you on the third ring of the trumpets...embrace it.
Thorin's brows wavered with uncertainty and he felt his hands numbing down, but the Lady withdrew her penetrative stare from him and looked at Eilin sweetly.
"Welcome daughter of Men and Dwarves, Queen Under the Mountain." Galadriel gave Eilin her hand.
Eilin inhaled sharply and looked at Thorin for confirmation.
He smiled and squeezed her hand, but he still felt lost in thought as he tried to make sense of the Lady's words. When Eilin's other hand was captured by Galadriel she felt her heart overflowing with so much love and acceptance that her eyes teared up.
"Thank you..." she faltered.
You have beauty incomparable. The wisdom of Vala Aule has blessed your birth. You have suffered much and you are weary, but rest is not in your fate. You have chosen motherhood. You have allowed your heart to roam these lands outside your body till the time comes for you to pass from this world. Fear not though for you have unlimited strength emanating from within, but also standing next to you. -Eilin turned and looked at Thorin and her heart filled with love- Embrace your fate daughter of Dwarves and Men for it is brilliant and will shine so bright that it will light up the path of many future generations. You are the unique amalgamation that will enlighten Middle Earth. You will be looked upon as the one leading the future, for you have been chosen to mother mighty sons and daughters. May the star of Eru continue to shine your path.
Eilin wiped a stray tear that run down her cheek and looked at Thorin again. He was gazing at her carefully trying to understand why she was so emotional all of a sudden. She shook her head and smiled. "I am okay," she reassured him.
Galadriel turned her benevolent gaze upon Dwalin. "Welcome brave and courageous Son of Fundin."
Dwalin pursed his lips and bowed his head.
Protector of the weak and of the strong alike. The fire that burns in your heart is unstoppable. You may feel like you have found your purpose next to the mighty Kings that rule Middle Earth, but your fate holds more adventures upon which you shall claim the honor to lead other Kingdoms, recently abandoned and make them flourish under your command. You shall live long enough to face the darkness of the east once more and the bravery of yourself and of your heirs will assist the alliance of the west. The strength that resonates from within shall be needed by those you are currently supporting but hurry not. Time will be needed...for everything to unfold ... Dwalin looked at Loa whom he was supporting with a deep confused frown.
Galadriel then turned to Loa who was trembling and she instinctively squeezed Dwalin's hand. "Welcome daughter of Eilívur."
Loa felt her breath catching. "How did you know? I never spoke of my father's name..." she muttered.
The Lady smiled softly down at the dwarrowdam.
You've lost the love of your life in fire and ash, but his death hadn't been for naught. It ignited another fire into the heart of a mighty daughter who will leave her own legacy under the Mountain. Don't weep for the loss of a life, instead rejoice for the weaving of a scared path in front of your daughter's feet. She would have never come across mighty Kings and Queens hadn't it been for the brave sacrifice of your husband. Everything happens for a reason daughter of Eilívur. Your family's name shall henceforth go down in history alongside legendary names of Middle Earth. Take the support that shall be offered when the time comes...
Loa cupped her mouth and a loud sob escaped her. Thorin and Eilin turned at her worried, but it was Dwalin that steadied her. "Calm down dear woman...she does that. She speaks into everybody's mind. I swear she wishes to drive us all mad." Dwalin sounded annoyed.
Galadriel looked at everybody in the eyes calmly and smiled sweetly. "Welcome to the realm of Light. May you find rest here where rest cannot be found anywhere else in Middle Earth." She offered.
Thorin inclined his head majestically. "I will only require a room for my wife as her fragile condition doesn't allow her anymore hardships. Her pregnancy had been risked more than once already."
Galadriel looked at the marchwarden. "Lead the Queen to one of our most quiet rooms. Give her care to Elbereth."
Haldir nodded and raised his hand for Eilin to follow him. Thorin clasped her hand and passed next to Galadriel when her ethereal hand fell onto his shoulder. "Forgive me for speaking so little to you, King Under the Mountain for we have more to say to each other."
"I assure you I mind not. Thank you for allowing this rest for Eilin."
Galadriel raised her brow gently, but didn't say anything more as they followed Haldir.
The Lady gave rooms to everyone, even the soldiers, ample food and the opportunity to bathe and change clothes. Something that Eilin took eagerly. After so many days on the road she hadn't had the opportunity for a good bath. The Elven lady Elbereth who proved to be one of the best midwives of the realm of Light offered to bathe Eilin and help her, but she denied.
She asked for Thorin to assist her and he did so eagerly. He cleaned her with care and took a long time washing her hair and combing through them with a reverence that she would never be able to get used at. Eilin changed into one of the semi transparent airy nightgowns that Elbereth gave her and ate a light dinner with Thorin as they discussed in quiet tones about the beauty of this place and about the words that Galadriel has spoken into their minds. Eilin told him every word, he told her few. When they were finished he noted that Eilin's eyes were drooping and led her to the beautiful bed. He covered her up and upon request he embraced her as the bewitching voices of the elves sang gently outside until she fell asleep peacefully.
Ai! laurië lantar lassi súrinen,
Yéni únótimë ve rámar aldaron!
Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
mi oromardi lisse-miruvóreva
Andúnë pella, Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni ómaryo airetári-lírinen.
At first he thought that sleep would come to him as easily as it did when he was back in the Shire. He closed his eyes expecting to get drawn quickly into the world of dreams, but that proved a much more difficult task than expected. It was as if something was nudging him to remain awake. He tossed and turned, debating on taking a second bath in order to calm down the restlessness of his body for a long time after the elven voices has seized their mesmerising chanting.
When he finally decided to give up on sleep he gave one more careful look at Eilin and closed the door gently behind him. He found himself roaming the realm without knowing where he was going, but not wanting to bother anyone for directions. Just walking amidst those breath taking giant trees and feeling the softness of the breeze on his hair was enough to soothe him down. He wondered if he leaned against one of those huge tree roots, would he be able to sleep? With these thoughts he walked for a long time, truly having no direction until he came out to a small clearing that had a large pedestal in the middle that was entwined with thick foliage.
Thorin's lips parted and his brows came together as he looked around him. He was alone. He approached quietly knowing that he shouldn't be sneaking like this. He placed his hands next to a deep silver plate that was at the top and frowned. It was empty, yet something kept his gaze stuck in it until a well known enchanting voice broke the spell that had taken hold of him.
"Shall you look in, King Under the Mountain?"
He looked up sharply and pulled back so quickly that he almost toppled over. "No...no..." He shook his head and rubbed his forehead. "I am sorry, I don't know what took hold of me. I shouldn't have approached this way."
Galadriel picked a silver jug and filled it up with water from a waterfall that was behind her. She drew near the pedestal and stood in front of it. "Approach." The command was clear and Thorin's nature tried to resist obeying.
He didn't move.
A smile dawned on her lips and his eyes admired her long golden hair with the soft silver tendrils shining through. "Please..." she added.
He felt his heart giving up and moved near the pedestal.
"Do you wish to look?" she smiled.
"There is nothing there, for I looked already." He rejoined quietly.
"There are things to see..." Galadriel drawled.
Thorin scowled and placed his hands on the cold marble.
"Things that were, things that are, and things that may yet be." Her smile seemed untroubled.
He got ready to say that no, there is nothing there, but when the water settled down he saw the first images appearing and he exhaled in disbelief. He looked up at her with a slight frown.
Galadriel pointed back into the mirror. "It holds the answers for you. Not me." she whispered.
Thorin got drawn into the water. He saw his body falling dead up on Ravenhill and witnessed rather indifferently the heartfelt tries of his comrades to bring him back to life under Gandalf's command. When the images changed and showed him Kili's pale mask of death though his composure cracked and allowed threads of renewed despair to slip through. Then it was the turn of Eilin's beautiful face to float into the water as she was leaning above him when he was recovering from his mortal wound. He remembered opening his eyes after eons of oblivion and feeling his heart fluttering with those first timid sparks of admiration. He worshiped her ethereal figure as she danced for him in the burial grounds so alluringly, drawing him away from his darkness with her bright life force, but the beautiful memories weren't to last long. They were followed by the accursed day at his office when he emptied Eilin to the floor, blinded by the pain of her supposed betrayal and his eyes teared up quickly. Seeing what he did to her now that he knew that she was carrying his child slashed his heart mercilessly with sharp daggers of guilt.
Then everything got faded away behind a white mist that revealed a handsome face of a young warrior. He had his dark hair in a loose long braid that was tossed above his shoulder and he was holding in his hand Orcrist. His eyes were bright blue and his beard was long and was held together with a golden bead that had the Longbeard sigil carved on it. The handsome warrior beamed up to him. "Father..." and Thorin discerned with amazement himself opposite the young man. He hadn't aged a single bit except from his hair that had grown more grey than black. He opened up his arms and the young warrior rushed and embraced him fiercely.
Thorin's heart melted and tears ran down his cheeks that he was unable to hide in front of the Lady. He was seeing his son wasn't he? The one that Eilin was carrying in her now and Thorin admired how majestic and mighty his boy looked, but nothing would have stirred his already awoken heart more than the words he spoke onto his son's ear then. "Durin my son..." Thorin's fingers tightened around the basin to keep himself from collapsing and he looked up at Galadriel breathless. The Lady directed his eyes back into the water. Thorin lowered them and counted each wild thud of his heart internally. Durin?...his son? He opened up his mouth confounded and that is when his son pulled back and pointed behind him where a gorgeous young woman stood. She had the same colors as his son, but her eyes were the most beautiful shade of green he had ever seen. Her body was smaller than your average dwarrowdam and her face was completely hairless, much like Eilin's. She waved at him and smiled brightly and then his heart did a somersault of bliss.
"Little Gem?" he whispered.
The young lady beamed and ran up to him. She slipped by Durin and buried herself into Thorin's arms. He squeezed her tight and closed his eyes afraid that he was going to break her. Thorin lifted his eyes and saw two tall shadowy figures standing in the darkness patiently. His eyes got lost and he made to walk towards them, but the mighty hand of Durin clasped his father's wrist and kept him in place. The young woman in his arms didn't allow him to move either.
"Patience father." Durin said solemnly.
"The shadows?" Thorin looked back at his impressive son.
"They are not with us yet...you have to wait." His beautiful lips curled up into a bright smile that resembled the young lady so much.
Before Thorin had the chance to see anything else the image dissolved to give it's place to another one that loosened his legs under him. He saw the pale face of Eilin, still beautiful in death as it was in life. Her hand was protectively around her large stomach that was housing their child, but her heart was not beating anymore. A pool of blood was under her. He felt the pain of that image so deep into his heart that he pulled away with a thundering cry and averted his eyes that were flowing with rivers of tears. He walked quickly down the path and leaned his hand against the bark of a tree trying to get a hold of himself. The image of Eilin's mask of death was enough to undo him. He didn't hear the footsteps behind him, but the voice penetrated his mind that was trying to protect itself from what it had seen last.
"You saw darkness..." Galadriel whispered.
"Why did you show me that?! I didn't ask for it!" he snapped without turning to look at her. He wanted to bury the image of Eilin's death deep into the darkest corners of his mind.
"Yet you did..." Galadriel crossed her arms patiently in front of her.
Thorin turned around furious. "I never asked to see the death of my beloved!" he cried unable to keep a hold of himself.
"What you saw is your past, your future and the fears of your mind. Rest your worries King Under the Mountain. You saw things that have not came to pass, things that could have been...yet have been avoided"
"If I hadn't acted so foolishly none of this would have ever happened...I cannot forgive myself." He whispered and averted his eyes from her, needing to hide the emotions that were plainly obvious for everyone to see at that moment.
"Your beloved is safe..." Galadriel said quietly.
"She could have died...like this..in a pool of blood..." he whispered and clutched his chest feeling the guilt choking him.
Galadriel. "She's alive and blooming."
He closed his eyes.
"When I helped you back in Erebor I saw an internal fight burning, tearing your heart in two. You and the guilt of the past. That was a different past that you have conquered through, yet now you are repeating yourself. Instead of looming over what could have been, why don't you concentrate on the future, because the mirror showed you part of that also." Galadriel said wisely.
Thorin felt his heart slowly calming down and he turned around. "The young man..."
"The man you saw...yes." Galadriel smiled.
"My son.." Thorin frowned.
"Durin..." she tilted her head.
He shook his head. "That cannot be..."
Galadriel smiled gently. "An ancient soul waiting to be reborn from the loins of a worthy man and a worthy woman."
Thorin didn't answer.
Galadriel crossed her hands. "You hold the future in your hands King Under the Mountain and you have the trust not only of your kin, but also mine."
He swallowed hard. "Thank you..."-She smiled- "for saving my life." He added quickly and searched her eyes.
Galadriel tilted her head softly. "Just a small step of faith towards the trust that can be built between our races King under the Mountain. It's all up to you now."
She kept his eyes for several moments until he had to avert them under her intensity. Then she turned around and left him with silent footsteps that didn't seem to touch the thick foliage of the forest bed. Thorin leaned his body against the tree and his eyes remained upon the marble pedestal for a long time as he tried to put the images he saw and his thoughts in order. When he felt that there was nothing else down there for him he tried to find his way back to his rooms.
When he closed the door behind him quietly he leaned on it and looked at the bed where Eilin slept carelessly. She had turned in her sleep and the silver quilt was tangled between her legs. Her thin nightgown had revealed part of her smooth thigh and her breath was steady and deep. He didn't want to bother her repose nevertheless the image of her dead face came to undo him once more.
He neared the bed and sat down next to her, longing to dissipate the image of her demise by admiring her beautiful face in sleep. He touched her temple gently and felt her steady heartbeat under his finger tip. Something that comforted him beyond any words could describe. Just having her there under his hands alive made the grim outcome of her death a distant memory that he didn't want to be reminded of. She could have died along with their baby alone in the Shire, yet she didn't.
She was still there alive and warm under his fingers. Sleeping tranquilly, bereft of his distress. His fingers sailed past her forehead and slipped down her perfect nose until the caught the softness of her mouth. His thumb skimmed along the seam of her parted lips and he closed his eyes wanting to feel the warmness of her breath on his skin. When he was satisfied he moved his forefinger down her chin and past her smooth neck until he could place his palm on the center of her chest between her full breasts that peaked timidly behind the see through material of her nightgown. On any other occasion his throat would have grown dry from that sensual image of her half naked body, but tonight he simply felt blessed to feel her thudding heartbeat under his palm. He counted those beats up to a hundred and only then he felt satisfied enough to move his palm subtly down her ribs that were too prominent for his taste and past her flat stomach until he could touch the firmness and fullness of her baby bump.
He remembered the words Galadriel had spoken to Eilin. That she was chosen to mother mighty sons and daughters and a shudder of exhilaration ran down his spine. A handsome warrior and an astounding young lady. A spitting image of him and Eilin. Was there a daughter also? Was there going to be one maybe later on? What were those other two shadows that he had to wait for?
After everything he had seen he felt more confused than enlightened about Eilin's pregnancy. Without wanting to come into any conclusions just yet, but with the seed of many beautiful possibilities already planted deeply into his mind he leaned down and his lips rested on her bump offering their child a tender kiss as his thick long mane covered her hips like a blanket. He touched his forehead to her belly and closed his eyes. "Will I be indeed blessed to meet you?" he whispered at her belly and remained there for several moments, feeling that firmness elating his heart to the highest heavens.
Should he really care who was in there? If it was the ancient spirit of Durin or the most beautiful, yet frail young lady he had ever seen? It was his child and his heart was already beating hard for it. When he pulled back his eyes fell adoringly on Eilin's long silky thigh that was exposed. His fingers rushed to delight at its softness until they got hold of the airy nightgown between forefinger and thumb. He pulled it down and covered her up respectfully. He stood up and drew the quilt over her making sure she was well tucked in before he went around the bed and took off his boots and tunic. He then lay above the quilt and turned to look at the back of her head. He reached up and captured her long red warrior braid between his fingers. He twisted it gently around and moved his fingers through it concentrating on that sensation alone and nothing else until his fingers caught his golden bead at the end.
Just before he had the opportunity to close his eyes she stirred and turned around in her sleep. She tossed the quilt off her body and her nightgown climbed up to her bottom as she pulled herself up to him. She burrowed into his arms and her hand cupped his neck as her forehead butted his collarbone. She inhaled deeply, exhaled and her breathing became steady again. His arms lingered momentarily away from her body before they came down and drew her in fervently. He closed his eyes and exhaled a whole bout of relief as his lips found her forehead and offered it myriads of small pecks of adoration. One hand followed the small of her waist and took hold of the hem of her nightgown, bringing it down upon her naked thigh. Then he tucked the quilt once more around her and settled on the pillow. That is how sleep found him. With Eilin buried deep into his arms and his mind overflowing by the images he had seen in the mirror of Galadriel.
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