Thorin rode through the wild with Clill as they headed to the Iron Hills. Gandalf's words the night before had inspired him. Hopefully the same words could be used to inspire Dain and his people.
"Thorin", Clill said. "How long is this trip?"
"It'll take a couple months or so to get to the Iron Hills from Bree", Thorin answered. "But you're not coming this time."
"What?" she asked. "But, why? What am I to do?"
"I need you to return to the Blue Mountains. Get Balin, Dwalin, anyone that is willing to help us. I will go talk to the seven Dwarf families. It is my right, being the heir of Durin after all…"
Clill nodded with a sigh, knowing they would pay her no mind. She was not of royal bloodline, only Thorin was. He had more of a right to be there than her. Clill supposed it would be a nice visit to her family. She hadn't seen much of them since the battle of Moria. She looked up as Thorin turned away, ready to go on the long trip without her.
"Are you going to be alright?" Clill asked.
"I'll be fine", Thorin said. "What could happen that I can't possibly handle?"
He pulled his pony over to Clill's and pressed his lips against hers. Clill raised her hand to his cheek, kissing him deeply. She hated when he had to leave for long periods of time. Clill pulled away with a sad smile.
"I love you", she said grabbing the reigns. "Please be careful."
"You be careful as well", he nodded.
Thorin took the gem necklace from his wrist and wrapped his around hers. Clill looked at the necklace with sad eyes, being reminded of Sidda. Thorin pulled the reigns for his pony as he rode into the woods, heading for the Iron Hills. Clill sighed as she watched him until he disappeared into the distance. She pulled the reigns on her pony and turned toward the Blue Mountains.
