She walked back, a little happier, for having visited Rajah. It seemed that the jaguar was slowly getting used to his new surroundings.
Even Thorin had been too occupied in the last two days to be concerned about her. Apparently he had been fully energised from the slumber, that she had coaxed him into, and was combing through the treasury anew for the stone.
The thought often made her stomach churn, because she knew where it was. She was particularly worried that somehow he would be able to see through her eventually.
As she slowly returned to the main corridor near the throne room lost in her thoughts, she could hear an animated conversation taking place.
She just wanted to walk on and perhaps she should have. She had enough to worry about. But she had to stop when she heard a voice that was too familiar to ignore.
It was Arvind.
She walked closer and stood by the large doors listening.
"Thorin, we did not agree to fight a war with elves!" He spoke plainly. "They have made camp just beyond us and do not move. It is disconcerting to my men. The least you can do is allow them better rest and food in here -"
"They are being paid! I have already sent additional payment for all your men. Do you wish for more?" Thorin spat back. "You Easterlings are all the same in the end, enough gold will buy you -"
"No! They do not wish for more!"
She could just about make out Arvind standing before Thorins grand throne.
"In fact no amount of gold will make them wage war against elves!"
"Are they fearful?" Thorin laughed goading him. "The cowardice of men is amusing...considering how short your lifespans are and hence how inevitable death is-"
"I hope you have greater regard for your wife...than others of the race of men!" Arvind retorted back. "The bravado of dwarves is no greater though is it, King Thorin? Or your own Kin would have pledged themselves to your cause! So yes, while we do not ask for more money - and perhaps my men should - you are getting the best bargain a dwarf could ask for. And so, let me be clear, should the elves choose to attack, I will request that my men do not engage!"
"Very well, but you are a foolish man if you believe their kind to be discerning..." Thorin scoffed. "These are the sort who hunted petty dwarf for sport!"
"We shall see..."
"In the meantime I shall withold my next payment, until I have had a chance to send word to your father!"
"Do as you please. My men will not follow order from the King unless I am in agreement," Arvind stood his ground. "Now I would like to see my sister please..."
"Well, she does not wish to -"
She cut off Thorin as she walked in through the grand doorway having heard enough.
"Arvind...?" She called out as she walked in further. "I thought I could hear your voice..."
The throne room was grand indeed. The whole vast chamber was carved into the mountain with ornate marble pillars taller than several houses. And the great central gallery was gilded, while the great stone throne was probably large enough for a troll!
The whole layout was designed to intimidate guests and subjects.
Arvind didn't seem in any way daunted, however. But she certainly felt it!
Both her husband and her brother watched her in complete silence as she approached. It was unnerving.
"My dear Arvind! I have missed you!" She smiled hurrying over to him and throwing her arms around him in a warm embrace. "Is everything alright
..?"
She looked from her brother to Thorin, the latter watching her with a mask like expression, that made her feel like she had clearly done something wrong.
"I wanted to see how you were settling into life as a married lady?" He smiled at her fondly. Despite many days camped out, Arvind still had a mischievous grin on his face. His warm brown eyes crinkled with his smile, and his usual chiselled features were still just as handsome even though he looked a little tired. He clearly hadnt been afforded the time or facilities to maintain his usually clean shaven face, as he had thick stubble covering his cheeks and chin. "It is good to see your smiling face once more, my little sister."
"You look tired, Arvind," she reached up and brushed her hand against his bristly cheek. "Perhaps you would like to stay and have something to eat, or even wash up...?"
She glanced at Thorin, who did not reply, but simply stared at them.
Arvind looked at her and smiled apologetically.
"I cannot stay long, sister. I am merely here to speak with the King, then I must join our encampment," he offered her the best explanation he could, to avoid upsetting her. It was evident that something about their interaction had upset her new husband, and he did not wish to see her saddened. "Perhaps we can find another time to converse for longer..."
She glanced over at Thorin again, who now had a darker look about his handsome features. And so she accepted her brothers decision.
Arvind was always capable of reading others well. Even those who were emotionally constipated! And she certainly had plenty of brothers who were just that, as well as being born to consorts with greater power. It was a devastating combination.
She wasn't sure of Thorin in this capacity. He had never truly expressed his emotions to her other than when they were coupled. So apart from being quite unhinged and his sole purpose of producing an heir to be crowned King under the Mountain, she had no idea whether he truly even liked her or not.
"May I walk my brother to the gates, please, my Lord?"
Thorin looked at her with a scowl initially, before agreeing, apparently a little begrudgingly with a nod.
Arvind gave her a chastising look, before bowing gracefully to Thorin and turning to offer her his arm. Of course she knew Arvind had done this for the benefit of her husband.
"How are you? Really?" She whispered before they had even left the throne room.
"I am a little tired but not too bad. The men are getting comfortable. We have received more supplies. Food is always something to cheer all up and we have paid help from the men of Esgaroth," he replied back quietly. "Is he treating you well? He does not look or seem himself..."
"He is treating me well..." She hesitated, which he picked up on immediately stopping her in the corridor.
"If he dare lays a hand on you -"
"No! He has never!" She corrected.
"Then what is it...?" He frowned. "Are you afraid of coupling...? Because I have been told the first time is always painful...of course I am not a woman, and have never had the…pleasure of a...virgin..."
"By the Gods! I did not need to hear that!" She blushed. "But he can be a little rough with me..."
"Do you mean when he beds you? But he does not beat you?" Arvind frowned again, to which she shook her head. "And does he make you…achieve…rapture…"
She almost choked on hearing his words and could do nothing more than to nod in reply.
"Then you are simply unused to it little sister…"
He then chuckled lewdly.
"I am not the most experienced lover, but I can tell you sometimes both men and women enjoy...the act...with a little more passion..." He began walking again. "If you are sore, let him know. It is a shame you did not get a chance to speak with a courtesan before you left home..."
This time Arvind blushed.
"If I were to be very crude, I shall admit that courtesans touch...themselves...very well. I shall not ask you whether you have - ever! Nor would I wish to hear the truthful answer to this. But I would suggest you take the time to try..." He seemed to choke on his words with a little embarrassment. "And the more you touch and enjoy yourself...well the greater the body is prepared for the act..."
She was fascinated now and wish she had spoken properly with her mother or one of the other courtesans. Although her mother had seemed to shy away from it with her.
"I might also add one more thing before I try to erase the thought of that old dwarf bonking my baby sister..." He gave her a cheeky grin. "Male folk enjoy watching this...so perhaps the next time you do...enjoy the royal bedchambers together...perhaps permit him to watch you...it is a most sensual display for any male to watch..."
"Has Gandalf arrived yet?" She changed the subject as he blushed. It was clear from his face that his memories had raced back to a specific event he had enjoyed in the past.
"No." He frowned worried about that.
"And the people of Laketown?"
"They are dry, and warm as can be in the old ruins of Dale. But we have helped them build a large camp. The children and babes have food. But we do need to help them make better repairs. If there is a storm we will all be in trouble, for our camps may not do well. But one thing must be said of Thranduil, he has brought his craftsmen who are helping to rebuild Dale."
She nodded making a note of it all.
"So the elves are reasonable?" She looked at Arvind worried that Thorin was being beyond unreasonable.
"They are arrogant. But do not wish to fight at the moment..." He sighed in frustration. "It is better to speak with them than to wage war..."
"I need to meet with their King...in secret..." She whispered as they reached the gates finally. "I think I know what he wants."
"I am not sure I like this very much, Shobha. You will be taking a great risk…"
"But I must try - Thorin is beyond any sort of reasonable discourse, and maybe I might prevent unnecessary war..."
...
She followed behind the hobbit carefull as they picked their way through the dark. It was late at night and quiet. Eerily so.
Her brothers men had established a large camp just on the foothills of Erebor. They had access to the stream for fresh water, and were protected by the mountain behind them. There were many small tents up, much like they would have in the deserts beyond Rhun, when they had to fight off invading tribesmen. And small camp fires burned here and there.
The camp was quiet but it was clear the men who were on watch were still vigilant, as they continued to creep along the edge.
She stumbled at one point, when Bilbo caught her hand. Although he was the size of a child for her, he was surprisingly strong.
He held her hand a little longer than he should have. She had small soft hands for someone as tall as her.
"Thank you -"
"Yes, my lady... well...we should have light really -"
"And get caught by Thorin?!" She hissed looking over her shoulder out of habit when mentioning his name.
"This is suicidal enough as it is." Bilbo grumbled, letting her go as she pulled her hood on tighter.
"Have you any better ideas?" She snapped.
But the Hobbit could only shake his head in the darkness.
"I think death may be a good outcome if he catches us," she sighed following him as they set off again. "But we can save ourselves or save hundreds of others..."
"If we are planning to get back, then you had better not hurt that pretty face of yours by falling." He held out his hand, which she took. "I am certain he will be kinder to me if you ask..."
"That is NOT because of my face, my dear Bilbo," she grumbled quietly as they picked their way along the uneven ground in the darkness. She recalled his threat from when she had last left the mountain without his permission.
Eventually they had reached the elven camp. Both woman and hobbit had taken a moment to straighten out their clothing, to look as regal as they could, while about to possible commit a treasonous act.
Their guards were equally sharp as they stood watching the odd pair, as though they posed no threat whatsoever. And while the two discussed how they might approach the Eleven Kings tent, more soldiers had begun to watch them, almost like watching deer or some form of rare birds!
"Right - I am just going to demand an audience, as Thorins Consort-" she stood up as straight as she could and was about to march towards the guard elves, when a firm hand on her shoulder made both of them jump!
Bilbo even let out a small scream, which neither had expected.
"It's just me!" Arvind chuckled as they both spun around to catch the Prince from Rhun, looking quite handsome in his more formal armour. "You didn't think they would take you seriously without me did you?"
"Why the devil not, dear brother?" She tried to sound as authoritative as she could. "I am the consort to the King under the Mountain -"
"He is not yet King. And you two look a right pair - a girl and a child..?!" He stifled a laugh trying not to sound too harsh, and then quickly changed his tone out of pity for them. "Besides, these elven sorts are not really about talking to females...or...shirefolk..."
"I dont have the best impression of Elves right now..." Bilbo muttered.
"That maybe the case, but they certainly love the Grey Pilgrim." Arvind concluded. "So perhaps the Great Ones are behind you both tonight..."
She nodded nervously, not contemplating what he meant, but more concerned about what she was going to say.
"And you are certain you wish to make this trade?" Arvind inspected his sister's face again. "It is still not too late - you can return to the mountain and I can vouch that you visited me...and you wouldn't incur Thorins vexations as much as when he discovers the true reason for your visit..."
She paused narvously, glancing at the hobbit for a moment. Bilbos warm hazel eyes twinkled in the dark as he smiled at her nervously.
"No. I am going to do this..." Her words were definite. "They belong to Thranduil's wife, and they were gifted to me, so they are mine to do with as I please."
Arvind sighed and held out his hand, which she took. And with that, he led them into the camp. This time the guards bowed their heads as they made way for the small group to pass in and another guard held open the flap of the large tent ahead.
As they entered the space it was clear this was the Woodland Kings tent. While the grand space was sparsely furnished, the few tables, and stools were ornate. And in the centre was a grand armchair with a high carved back - rather like a throne!
The tall arrogant blonde elf moved towards them from the back of the tent, where another tall figure stood pouring over a map.
"Welcome, Prince Arvind," he bowed his head. "And to the Queen Consort under the Mountain..."
She stood there taken aback by how polite the elf was.
"Thank you for your welcome, King Thranduil -" Arvind began when she interrupted him.
"If we do this, I would like your word that you will no longer bear a fued against the dwarves of Erebor. Whether it's Thorin, or his heirs." She spoke lowering the hood of her cape.
Her words received sharp looks from both her brother and Bilbo, as the elf certainly stared at her with narrowed eyes. Neither had expected her to launch straight into it without any polite pleasantries. But she wanted it all done, so she could return to Erebor before she was missed.
Bard too had now joined them and was watching, all agog.
"That is quite a demand, Princess..."
"If I give you what it is that you are after, then that is a simple price to pay is it not...?" She spoke with certainty now, since she had validated the history between the elves and the dwarves of Erebor, with both Balin and Gloin who had been without doubt the greatest minds amongst Thorins company.
"You have little idea of what you speak of child." He moved closer in order to look down at her. "I have lived hundreds of times the life that you might ever hope to live. And I know precisely what wrong was committed -"
"Good. Then you will remember that you never did pay for the gold or craftsmanship that you commissioned..." She resisted the urge to step back from his towering form as he stood there scrutinizing her, desperately hoping that he would not hear the pounding of her heart. "Fortunately the dwarves are excellent craftsmen - and in your case it was King Thrors Queen herself who did the work. And they are also excellent record keepers. So I have exact details of how much gold and silver used as well as the time the Queen herself took for the artisanal work. And it is quite spectacular is it not.."
"You have no idea of what you speak." Thranduil pressed sternly.
"Actually, I think I know exactly what it is you seek. But most of all, I am aware of its true value..." And with that she unbuttoned her cape, revealing the necklace that twinkled and glimmered like a galaxy of stars as it hung perfectly around her neck. "And without the perfect art of polishing and setting the stones, that is all they would be: Sparkly Stones!"
A quiet cough from the back of the tent, interrupted the stunned silence amongst her audience, as Gandalf stepped forward, hiding a smile behind his pipe.
"Well, my dear, you present a very valid point," he moved across to stand by her. "I think the time has come to calm down, and discuss this matter with the proper grace it deserves...after all it seems the Princess is here to offer a valuable gift with a generous amount of good will...perhaps it is time that we should repay it..."
The elves had been quick in arranging several chairs around Thranduils grand throne-like chair.
But she had also been quick to explain that she was here to return the necklace. So there was little need for lengthy discussions.
"All I want is your word that all bad blood is erased...and that we have your support if we should ever require it." She was clear on the last point. If there were orcs hunting down her husband - however mad he was currently, they would need more help than the dwarves that had come on the quest with him could offer.
Thranduil watched her like a hawk for several minutes, clearly he was contemplating his options, when he finally spoke after glancing at the necklace that rested around her neck again.
"Very well. But my offer of support is at your disposal alone, my lady." He tilted his head with an arrogant majesty that reminded her exactly of her own husband! It nearly made her laugh, as she contemplated the number of slightly unhinged but handsomely majestic malefolk there appeared to be in these western kingdoms.
"And for you, Master Bard, I have something to help with rebuilding your people's town..." She pulled out a velvet roll from a pocket in her dress and opened it out on the table they had set out. There displayed were various necklaces and head-dresses with large rubies, sapphires, amethyst, and citrine stones set in gold filigree work. They all belonged to her, and many had been gifts from her mother or father.
"This is too generous..." Bard looked at her a little saddened, as he realised the jewels were from her homeland.
"Those are from your mother..." Even Arvind could help but whisper in surprise.
"These jewels were given to me by my mother, and some by my father. They belong only to me," she explained. "Consider it payment for hosting our wedding also..."
The truth was that by giving her own jewels she knew Thorin couldn't be mad at her - although she couldn't count on how rational he could truly be about it all.
"This is still more than what we would expect in payment," Bard was unable to hide his surprise. "It would rebuild our homes three times over..."
"In that case, there is something more you could do..." She looked from the elf to the Bargeman. "We need a safe place...temporarily of course..."
"For what...?" Bard was the most suspicious, questioning her immediately.
"For this..." It was Bilbos turn to stun them into silence this time, as he carefully unwrapped the brilliant jewel that shone like a thousand rainbows even in the dim light of the tent.
"And who might you be...?" Thranduil appeared to notice the hobbit with fresh interest suddenly.
"Bilbo Baggins..." He introduced himself.
"YOU are the missing member of Thorins group..." Thranduil declared thoughtfully. "And now I am gathering that you were also responsible for their escape..."
"Erm that..." Bilbo squirmed.
"I would argue it was wrongful imprisonment..." She frowned, only to received a sharp elbow in her side, from her brother.
"Hardly, after seeing all the death and destruction caused so far..." Thranduil snapped back, staring at her with his strange pale eyes. "In fact I would say it was quite spot on..."
"Destruction perhaps - but not death." She corrected. "And besides which the people of Esgaroth have now been aptly compensated so that they may live more prosperous lives, instead of living in fear forever at the dragon emerging again at some point. So I would say you were wrong in your judgement, King Thranduil..."
The elven king merely snorted at her with disdain, before giving a disapproving look in the direction of the grey wizard, who was watching with an amused look on his face.
"And you have permission from the owner of this have you...?"
Bilbo stuttered nervously for a moment when she interrupted.
"Yes." She confirmed again.
Thranduil paused to speak, when there was an interruption at the entrance to his tent.
A guard entered the tent and spoke something quietly to his King.
Thranduil too appeared to look at Gandalf, as though they were communicating silently before returning his gaze to Arvind and Shobha.
"It appears that King Thorin wishes to have an audience with us..."
"At this hour…." Arvind frowned.
Bilbo and the woman both fell silent each contemplating the worst possible outcome they might suffer at the hands of the Dwarf King.
"Here..." She began to take Thranduils necklace off when he stopped her.
"It will be safer on your neck for now..." He looked at her with some irritation. "I will keep your husband's jewel safe in return...although I am doubtful that the distance will improve his madness."
The next few moments had sped by and before she knew it, she found herself, being pulled up onto the large white antlered beast the Woodland King rode upon.
And in the darkness they moved towards the stone bridge that led up to the great gates of Erebor.
...
Thorin paced the corridor outside the throne room as he waited for the others to return. He was fuming and could barely keep himself distracted.
Then out of the darkness Nori, Balin and Dwalin returned.
"No, Sir," Nori panted."I could not find her anywhere..."
Balin and Dwalin were slow to reply.
"The lass could be lost somewhere...?" Balin offered sympathetically.
"She is not in the stables with her beast. It was the first place I checked..." Thorin growled at the others, as Gloin slowly joined them from the treasury.
"I think we are overreacting, laddie..." The truth was that Gloin had gone through the details of some of the ledgers regarding the values of some of the jewels - in particular the elvish necklace. He suspected what she was doing, but would not give her up for it. "I imagine she will turn up somewhere -"
"Turn up?!" Thorin snapped angrily, before suddenly grabbing Gloin by his fur collar. "You are in on this! I see what you are doing! Betraying me?"
"No! Thorin! I swear on my life!" Gloin raised his hands up expecting an attack of some sort.
"I can see precisely what is going on!" Thorin snarled at everyone. "Well... I know exactly where that treacherous little bitch is!"
He marched past them out onto the ramparts where his nephews and a few others stood watching.
"She will be punished. But what I want to know is who else will be in sopport of her...?"
"Thorin...I do not know..." Dwalin began fearing himself of what the girl might have done. "I know that she is headstrong, but I do not think she would betray you -"
"YOU of all people would have to say that, Dwalin! She was YOUR choice!" Thorin carried on watching in the darkness as the group slowly approached them. "Well...you can watch as I expose her little scheme..."
He paced impatiently on the ramparts, when Fili spoke.
"They are almost here..."
"That's far enough!" Thorin shouted at the group. "You have something that belongs to me!"
"Thorin, son of Thrain, the raven crown of your grandfather becomes you..."Gandalf called out.
"Gandalf! It is a surprise, given how all else that came highly recommended by you have been nothing but a disappointment!" Thorin called down. "Your burglar, finally appears to have done just that and helped my bride escape! Which is a marvel given what an incompetent encumberence he has been since the moment we left the shire!"
"You are not yourself Thorin..." Gandalf spoke quieter this time.
"No! I am not! Because the wife you bartered for me has betrayed me!" Thorin shouted, his deep voice reverberating through the night. "Where are they both, the two cowards?!"
There was an uneasy silence from below. And despite the darkness he could see her well as she sat on the white elk, Thranduil holding her with one arm wrapped around her tiny wasit. The mere sight of it made him see red.
"The halfling has nothing to do with this, my King!" She called out finally finding her courage somewhere between the darkness and her pounding heart. Part of her feared him. And yet part of her relished the thrill of annoying him too after all that she had been subject to! "I am solely responsible!"
Thorin swore under his breath at her disobedience. He could have had his pick of dams from the blue mountains who would have never questioned him let alone defied him! And they would have accepted him keeping a mistress all the same!
"Then return to me, my Queen!" He called out, keeping his tone even so as not to reveal his anger. "You may be willing to give away your own jewels like a wanton whore, but you still belong to me!"
He clenched his fists at his side as he watched the elf drive his large white elk closer to the mountain, before getting down and helping her dismount. It made him sick with disgust to watch Thranduil touch her at all.
"I want Master Baggins left out of this - " she began but he cut her off.
"I shall do better - I declare that from this moment forth, if he ever sets foot in my mountain again, then I shall throw him over these very ramparts!"
"The halfling stays with me!" Gandalf commanded sternly.
"And I want your word Gandalf - an oath that my bride has remained untouched while in the elf camp!" Thorin suddenly spat as he leant down to watch them. "It has not gone unnoticed that you have no hesitation to dress my bride in your wife's precious jewels - that which, you were willing to go to war over -"
"This is not you Thorin! I will not have you insult the Princess like that!" Suddenly Bilbo shouted from where he sat behind Gandalf on his white maress.
"She is MINE to do with as I please!" He yelled back now openly fuming.
It made her panic as she imagined him doing unspeakable things to her in the dungeons!
"And have you 'sold' away my Arkenstone too, wife?" He called down to her. Although his words were now calmer, they dripped with venom. "That which is MY birthright?"
"No! Please, Thorin! No more lives need to be lost or hurt -"
"Perhaps it would have all been fine, had you returned the jewel to me, my poisonous little shrew!"
"And you will have your jewel returned once the Princess is safe!" Thranduil offered.
But their words were interrupted by the shrieking of a particularly large raven, who came to land beside the Dwarf King.
It was hard to see in the dark and from so far below, but she would have sworn that Thorin was having a quiet conversation with the bird.
It made her mind sink into despair further at the thought that he might have been entirely devoid of his sanity!
"Get back on the Elk." Thranduil warned her sternly. "Right now."
He was quick to help her up even while she was not sure entirely what was going on.
"We are about to have company." Thranduil spoke quickly as he returned back to join the others in the small group. "And the dwarves from the Iron Hills have much less consideration for discussion that their more royal kin of Erebor...but I have given my word to your brother - and I intend to keep you safe."
"Will that not make matters worse between you and Thorin?"
"I am hardly worried about that," he replied in his usual arrogant tone.
"You are itching for a fight, aren't you?! But you gave me your word that all your feuding was in the past -" she fought him at first, but he merely strengthened his hold around her waist.
"Not with the dwarves of the Iron Hills," he smirked. "And make no mistake, they will attack first - you shall see..."
Just then the ground began to quake with a rythmic beating from the north.
"Oh Gods! What is that?!" She clutched at his arm, that was wrapped around her waist. It reminded her of the sandworm she had once encountered, long ago as a child. The memory was etched into her mind as if it were only yesterday. And the sound of its approach - that pounding of the earth just before it emerged, still churned the pit of her stomach.
"It is the sound of the dwarves marching here -" he spoke calmly as they joined the small group with Bard and Gandalf.
"Sire! A second army marches up from the south!" An elven guard rushed up to meet them, calling out hurriedly. "Goblins, and wild wolves..."
"Prince Arvind?" Thranduil questioned.
"The Prince is preparing his men already. We have informed the men of Laketown but they have few weapons to fight with. And there is little to spare." The guard replied. He was tall even against the unnaturally large white elk. "But we are gathering what we can, and the Prince has offered what he has to spare..."
"They are taking shelter in Dale - where they will be exposed to attack," she suddenly remembered. "There are women, babes and children there!"
"I will not allow unnecessary losses of our people on the battlefield by spreading my warriors too thinly." Thranduil replied to her coldly. "The men of Laketown will die five days or fifty years from now -"
"So the lives of men are worth less than that of elves?" She cried out angrily. "Let me go and join my brother then - I would prefer to spend my final moments with those who consider me of value -"
"Do not be foolish girl! You know nothing of war! I offer you my protection. And even when your husband is defeated, I offer you sanctuary in my halls," Thranduil held her tightly, preventing her from attempting to wriggle out of his grasp. Even if she were a strong rider, he could not imagine her dismounting from his elk without sustaining an injury.
"As what?! Your whore? Your pet?" She scoffed. "You think you are so noble and generous?"
"I am honest." He hurried his elk down to join his elves in their shiny armour as they stood poised with their incredibly long and deadly looking swords. "Afterall, your brother is no different. You were given as a prize to Thorin, in exchange for the alliance between your kingdoms... and I imagine no small amount of Thrors horde. And even if Thorin does not value it, what a prize you are. You brother is here to protect what he cares for."
His words, as cold and callous as they were, left her in silent thought over the reality of her fate.
"My offer remains," he continued. "And you would be my guest..."
The sound of several horns made them all look to the north, as dwarves in their broad armour with their even broader shields and shiny spears lined up along the northern ridge.
The dwarven horns were followed by the familiar conch horns of Rhun, which reverberated against the mountain deafeningly.
She covered her ears, shutting her eyes tight, while Thranduil joined the front lines.
"I want to see my brother! Right now!" She attempted to escape suddenly.
"Listen to me! Your brother predicted this very scenario. He is in truth an extremely talented general and warrior. And when he arranged your meeting with me the day before you arrived, I gave him my word to keep you safe - irrespective of the fate that may befall your husband," Thranduil hissed at her. "So I need you to stay on my Elk - there will come a time when I will have to fight. Then my elk will keep you safe."
She stopped fighting Thranduil, for she understood why Arvind had requested this. He did not expect to live.
Tears slowly fell from her eyes, as the dawn began to break somewhere far over the valley.
"Take the reins," he offered them to her gently. "He will keep you safe. Is that understood?"
She nodded wiping her eyes quickly and accepting the reins.
"I am going to let go of you so that I may use my sword soon," he waited for her to nod before loosening his grip on her waist. "Good girl. Now compose yourself, you are about to meet your husband's cousin..."
His words were almost a snigger, as she now glanced back to where Gandalf had dismounted from his white horse and stood amongst the front lines of the elven soldiers facing the dwarves
Just on cue, a rather broad and quite ferocious looking dwarf galloped forward on a particularly large boar. His helmet and even his beard were adorned with tusks and spikes making him look quite like the wild looking pig he rode!
"Good morning! If I might just have a wee moment of yer time there - I'd be very thankful!" He spoke with a thick accent, and an air of sarcasm. "Now, I would like to ask you lot standing between me and me Kin over there to very kindly bugger off, or I will water the ground with yer blood until the Celduin runs red!"
"Dain Ironfoot, there is no need for this. All debts past and present have been settled!" Gandalf called out stepping forth.
"Ah! Gandalf the Grey!" The dwarf called out, as Gandalf, half bowed his head in greeting. "It appears not all matters have been settled..."
The dwarf was quick to set his gaze on Thranduil.
"Och look...a Princess with a Princess riding on a Moose!" Dain spat out disdainfully. "Now, if ye could kindly ask this faithless woodsprite to stop playing fairy-god-mother, hand over my cousin's wife to me, and take this rabble with him, I would be most grateful!"
"I will not hand her over like some cheap possession," Thranduil smirked back. "I have sworn to protect the Princess, and will only hand her over to her brother or her husband - if he is suitably dignified enough to come out here and claim her!"
"Perhaps his hair or his Princess crown is blocking his ears from hearing properly? Or perhaps it's just old age? But maybe if he can't understand, I should split his pretty head open...?" Dains words were more of a heckle this time. "Let's see him smirk then!"
"I would like to see him try!"
"This is not helping!" She whispered harshly.
"He will not care for your safety," Thranduil warned. "If you happen to die out here, then they shall have the advantage of proposing one of their own ladies in court as a wife to Thorin, who is unlikely to have any heirs with a dwarf, given his age. And they will gladly hand the throne to Dains son, given the connection."
"Why would you care?"
"Because believe it or not, I have found Thorin and his ancestors more reasonable to deal with than his northern kin!" Thranduil whispered back. "And YOU, are an even better ambassador, quite like the consort of Thrain the first, who was another Eastern Princess... I might even wager that you are, this very moment carrying Thorins heir, which would mean that even if Thorin died, rule of Erebor would go to you, until your child was old enough to take the throne..."
"This is madness! Stand your army down!" Gandalf called back.
"I will do no such thing!" Dain turned his boar and began to gallop back. "Right lads! We're on! Spare only the bonnie lass!"
"You cannot be truly considering this, Thranduil?" Gandalf called out.
"The girl is mine, until her husband or brother claims her from me!" Thranduil smirked at Gandalf before turning to Bard. "Go, have your men defend Dale against the goblins!"
The sound of the elves marching over to form a line facing the dwarves drowned out the cries of Ironfoot as he shouted at his army in their harsh language. She had heard some of the dwarves conversing in this manner, but had never openly spoken in their tongue in front of her. Even then hearing such harsh cries made her skin prickle, as she had grown accustomed to Thorin grunting out words in the height of his rapture!
The great elk pawed at the ground, as though preparing itself.
"Easy now..." She loosened the reins and gently stroked its neck. "Let's look after one another now shall we...?"
The large white beast seemed to understand her, as it leant its head back to take a good look at its new rider.
"Whats your name...handsome one?" She stroked its neck again gently.
"Daer," Thranduil replied back quietly surprised at the beast. "And he appears to like you too..."
"Daer..." She tested the creatures name on her lips. "What does that mean?"
"Great one - in Sindarin."
"Well, my handsome lord of the forest, Daer, what a fitting name for you..." She whispered nervously trying to distract herself.
Suddenly several large spinning contraptions were set off into the air by the dwarves. The strange noise they made as they hurtled through the air was eerie.
"Leitho!" Thranduil shouted steering the elk up and down between the front line and the archers. "Leitho I Philinn!"
Then with lighting speed the archers had aimed several volleys of arrows which went whistling overhead slicing through the offensive contraptions.
"Send in the goats!" Yelled Dain in reply, as the sound of thundering hooves began down the mountain.
"Hold your ground...now into formation, shield - shield, spear..." Thranduil shouted, his elk racing up and down the troop.
The thundering grew closer, as the dwarves emerged out of a dustcloud riding enormous horned rams!
"Those are NOT goats..." Bilbo sounded distressed as he unsheathed his own sword beside Gandalf.
The goat-riders drew closer and closer...
"Swords ready! Spears ready!" Thranduil called. "Hold your ground..."
Watching, she was certain that she would be sick.
Then just as the charge was about to attack Thranduil shouted once more.
"Spears up!"
The elven spears rose like a a wall, from those pointed to the front, forcing the dwarves to leap, but many animals were instantly brought down on the spears, some injured, some dead, as they wildly scattered their riders, who were swinging their axes at the elves who drove them back with shields and swords.
But no sooner had the battle commenced, than the new sound of marching rumbled underfoot.
The dwarves had noticed it first, many holding their weapons mid attack and turning to look back.
The elven warriors too fell in line fast turning to face the new threat arriving from the south.
"To the front!" Dain shouted, as their soldiers moved away to form a new line of attack. "Where is Thorin? We need him!"
The familiar sound of her brothers Akhal horse made her look back as he rode over to Thranduil.
"They are breaking line to flank the town!" Arvind shouted over the din of the approaching monsters. "Get her to safety! We will hold the gates!"
Thranduil was quick to nod and command his own warriors in sindarin.
"Be careful Arvind!" She cried watching her brother return to his men.
"You especially!" He shouted back over his shoulder setting his horse into a gallop.
Her heart ached as she wondered whether she would ever see him again. How she would have loved to embrace him one last time.
"Swords! Ready!"
The elves appeared already low behind the shielded row of the dwarves who held the front line facing the goblins. Behind them rows of trolls growled loudly. They were almost as large as Mumakhil, and each step they took made the ground shudder.
But this time the charge came from the goblins.
She felt helpless, merely clutching onto Daer, and hoping that the Elk would know which way to go.
As the goblins burst through the front line, Thranduil rode in, slicing and cutting down creature after creature running at them.
As horrid as they were, her heart ached at the thought that these creatures too had once been men or elves as her father's Wiseman had once told her.
...
Thorin stood angrily over the stable doors, as her white Jaguar threw itself at the wood repeatedly.
"Even the beast knows our loved ones are in danger out there Thorin..." Kili spoke angrily. "I cannot bear it any more!"
"Calm yourself! You brute! I am having your mistress rescued!" Thorins words only appeared to anger the beast further, as it attempted to jump up at him in response, before turning it's anger back on the heavy doors again.
The wood was begging to splinter and groan under each of its attempts.
"Rajah will hurt himself escaping, Thorin! He loves her! And will fight for her!" Kili warned. "She will never forgive you if you allow Rajah to hurt himself..."
"Fine. Then turn it loose!" Thorin commanded, but when Kili looked at him surprised, he himself turned the gate wheel, raising the doors! "Be gone! See how you survive in our wild!"
But as the gates began to open, Kili fell down into the enclosure.
Rajah, who had once been facing the opening gate, immediately spun round, growling and hissing at the young dwarf.
"It's me! Your mistress' friend!" Kili held his hands out at the approaching beast.
But the gates had risen further, and the jaguar, as though entirely focussed on his mistress now, turned and escaped from the stables, much to the releif of both King and his nephew.
Thorin jumped down after Kili, letting the gates fall shut once more.
"Come. Let us get you back -" Thorin pulled Kili out of the stables getting him back on his feet again. It reminded him of when Kili was still a youngling, always falling and having to be picked up.
"Thorin! I cannae take this any more!" Dwalin had marched over to them, half donning his armour. "I cannot leave the Princess out there on her own - I doubt that tree shagger will do much to protect her - or if he does he will keep her fer himself!"
"See!" Kili agreed angrily.
"I am going out there - ye donnae need me anymore!" Dwalin spoke fastening on his breastplate. "I am gonnae see whether I can bring her back safe and sound -"
"I am with you Dwalin!" Kili suddenly shouted angrily. "I cannot let others fight my battles for me, Uncle! It is not in my blood!"
"Kili! Dwalin!" Thorin commanded suddenly. His deep voice echoed through the cavernous corridor they stood in, making each dwarf halt. "No. It is not in our blood..."
Thorin seemed to suddenly change, his eyes ablaze with clear conviction as he marched out to join the others stood by clearly moping.
"She is my troublesome wife, so you would be forgiven if you did not wish to join me..." Thorin began. "But I will ask whether you will join me once more, to go out there and find that treacherous little thief of a wife of mine...?!"
At first confusion spread across each of the faces watching their King. While they all had the same sentiments of finding their new Queen to be, they were not entirely sure of the energy their king directly towards her - let alone his choice of words!
But soon, one by one, each of his company were on their feet clutching the weapons they had held on to all the while.
...
Dear all
and so it begins - a longer chapter this time.
crystal-wolf-guardian - thank you so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter too!