AN: Thank you to all of my readers and those that have favorited or followed my story! I hope that you continue to enjoy! Please review if you have a moment!
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Mireth slowly came into reality the next morning when she felt Thorins' hand rubbing up and down her arm. She lifted her eyes to see if he was awake and met his blue eyes with her green. Smiling, she stretched against him, "Good morning." Thorin smiled his crooked half smile and pulled her up to his mouth. "Good morning," he whispered against her lips before his mouth claimed hers.
Their kiss was interrupted by a loud clearing of someone's throat. That someone happened to be Gandalf. As Mireth turned her head, she saw Gandalf smiling at them while the other dwarves and Bilbo had begun digging into their breakfast. "If you two want anything to eat, I suggest you hurry before it is all gone," Gandalf said as he turned his back on them and walked to the table.
Thorin kissed her forehead, then stood up offering her his hand. Mireth took it and they walked to the table together. As they sat down beside each other, none of the dwarves said anything and an awkward silence settled over the gathering. "I can hardly believe even my nephews have nothing to say," Thorin said to Mireth as he handed her a slice of bread with honey.
"Indeed, I have known them only a short time, but even I know it is a rare occurrence," Mireth replied before taking a small bite of the bread. A moment more of silence and then, "Are you going to get married?" This came from Kili who was quickly nudged in the ribs by Bofur. "Ow!, What did I say? They spent all night together. I think it is a reasonable question," defended Kili as he rubbed his sore ribs.
All of the group turned to look at the two sitting at the end of the table. Mireth turned her head to Thorin and said with a shrug of her shoulders, "You wanted them to talk." Thorin grimaced, "So I did." Fili then spoke up, "Well?" Mireth watched Thorin struggle with what to say and came to his rescue.
"I think what your Uncle is not saying is that at this moment there are more important things to focus on. We are in the middle of a quest and until we have reached Erebor and killed the dragon we won't be thinking about marriage," Mireth said to the group. She felt Thorin take her hand under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
They had only just reconnected and they would need time to adjust to each other again although she knew it would not be a struggle. Still, they did have enough on their plate at the moment, but it did not stop her from hoping. They finished their breakfast with the usual dwarfish merriment and when they were through, the company journeyed outside to enjoy the sunshine.
Thorin and Mireth walked the garden paths hand in hand until Thorin pulled her to a stop. "I hope you know that I do want to marry you, Mireth. Nothing in this life would make me happier," Thorin said looking into her eyes. Mireth smiled, "I was hoping that was how you felt Thorin, but I know that there is still much to accomplish before we are able."
Nodding Thorin drew her arm through his and continued down the path, "We do have many tasks before us, but I want you to know that when we have succeeded in everything we have set out to do that I fully intend to marry you." As he said this Mireth watched as he slipped off the signet ring and placed it on her first finger. "A promise."
Mireth found it difficult to breathe as a tear slipped down her face. Thorin reached up and caught the glistening drop before it reached her cheek, "Don't cry, everything we dreamed of so long ago will happen for us." Mireth nodded, "I know, that is why I am crying. There was a time I never thought we would get here. We lost so much time." Thorin drew her close and when she had recovered they rejoined the group. They spent the remainder of the morning with the other dwarves, talking, singing and enjoying the peace.
As they sat down for lunch, Gandalf approached Mireth, "The day after next, we will be departing for the Greenwood. I would ask that you ride ahead tomorrow with the hope that you can convince your father, King Thranduil, for safe passage." Thorin shifted in his seat beside her, but Mireth put her hand on his knee to stop him. "Mithrandir, I do not know how well I would be received. When I last left the Greenwood my father threatened to have me imprisoned if I ever came back and that was shouted at me as I rode away. I do not think that my presence will offer any kind of hope for safe passage."
Gandalf nodded, "I understand your reluctance. King Thranduil can be unyielding at the best of times, but you are his only daughter. If anyone can convince him it would be you and we will need to make it through the forest as quickly as possible. I wonder if you would try?" Mireth paused to consider the options and finally came up with an answer, "I think that whether I am with the company or alone we will receive the same welcome, but I think that I at least should try. Mayhap he will receive me alone better than if I accompany the dwarves."
Thorin spoke up at this, "You cannot go there alone, Mireth, I won't allow you." She turned to Thorin, "If I am with you when I first see my father he will only become more angry. If I am to have any chance of convincing him then I must go alone, Thorin. You know this."
Thorin clenched his jaw as he looked from Mireth to Gandalf and back, knowing they would not listen, "Very well, do what you must." He stood from the table and quickly strode out the door. Mireth shook her head sadly as Gandalf put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "He understands, Mireth." She nodded, "I know that he does. I also know that he does not like it when his opinions are not at least considered. I have injured his pride." She stood and followed the way Thorin had gone.
She found him pacing between two stumps and giving one a swift kick every once in a while. Mireth waited until he acknowledged her before approaching. He spoke before she could, "How am I supposed to protect you if you won't remain with the company? If you disappear into the Greenwood again and I cannot get to you?" So this is what was bothering him, she thought. Not that she hadn't listened to him, but that he was worried he would lose her again. Taking a deep breath Mireth reached for both his hands, "Thorin, you cannot protect me forever." He tried to pull his hands away, but she held tighter, "It is the truth whether you will accept it or not. We are on a quest to take back a mountain from a dragon. One of us or both of us may not survive." Her voice broke at the last sentence, but she continued, "I am scared for you as well. It is why I came in the first place, but Thorin I have not tried to stop you and I want to do my part. If I can get us through the Greenwood safely then I must try. If I do not find you on the path or if you make it out of the Greenwood without hearing from me then you will know that something has happened and I have no doubt that you will rescue me should I need you."
Mireth smiled at him and trailed her fingers along his strong jaw, "I have faith in you Thorin Oakenshield and you know now that my heart is true. We have nothing to fear." He gripped the hand at his jaw and brought her palm to his lips pressing a kiss in the center. "You must go, but not yet," he said as he turned, pulling her deeper into the garden.
They did not come back until late afternoon and the dwarves noticed that they returned with more grass stains than they had left with. Mireth approached Gandalf and said, "I will leave in the morning to see what I can do." He smiled and said, "Very good, my dear." Just then a shadow fell over the three of them, it was Beorn. "If you plan on going into the Greenwood you should know that it has changed. It is now known as Mirkwood and it is dangerous."
Mireth felt Thorins' arm encircle her waist, drawing her close. She frowned, "I had heard rumors that a darkness was present in the forest, but did not know it was severe. Surely the elven path is still safe and clear." Beorn nodded, "It is for now, though the evil spreads quickly."
Thorin said no more in protest of her journey for the rest of the evening, but she could tell that he wished to after hearing about the Greenwood. She was more than a little nervous herself though she did not admit that outloud. The dwarves passed the evening with their usual good humor with only Mireth and Thorin remaining more quiet than normal. They sat watching the others, their sides pressed together and their hands entwined, not wanting to waste a moment of their remaining time.
The evening slowly faded into night and the dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf slowly filed off to find their beds. Finally, Thorin pulled Mireth to her feet and sought the corner they had used the night before. They did not speak as they lay down again with her head on his chest, her ear pressed against his heart listening to its steady rhythm. Thorin stroked her hair with his hand, enjoying the softness as it clung to his fingers. He had told her once that there was no gold to compare with that of her hair and he still meant every word. He began thinking about his quest and wondered if it was worth the risks.
With Mireth by his side, did the mountain really matter? It was as if she had read his mind as she spoke into the dark, "It is your birthright Thorin. You will never be completely happy until you avenge your family and your people." Deep down Thorin knew she was right, but at this moment he was completely happy with her in his arms. "I love you," he whispered into her hair. Her arms tightened around him, "I love you too."
/
The next morning, Thorin woke cold and alone. Bolting upright he searched the room for Mireth and saw that it was still mostly dark out with the pink light of dawn just barely creeping into the sky and the others except for Gandalf were asleep. He heard the whinny of a horse outside and walked quietly around the others and outside. Mireth was speaking with Gandalf as she tied her pack to the saddle.
"You would leave without saying goodbye," Thorin accused her as he strode up to them both. Mireth turned and looked at him, "I would not. I was only readying my things before I came in to wake you." Gandalf spoke, "I will say farewell now, Mireth. Safe journey and I wish you success." Mireth nodded to the wizard, "Thank you Mithrandir. I hope to see you shortly." Gandalf made his way back inside as Mireth turned to Thorin.
They didn't say anything as they embraced, clinging to each other. Thorin pulled back slightly, running a hand down the side of her face, "I can't believe I must let you go already. I only just found you again." Mireth leaned her face into his touch, "I know, I don't wish to leave you." They stood like this a moment, just drinking in the sight of the other until her horse stomped impatiently disturbing the moment. "Well, one of us is eager at least," Mireth smiled. Thorin ignored the horse and pulled her in for a kiss so sweet she thought her heart would burst. When he ended it, they stood with their foreheads rested against each other. "I will see you in a few days, I swear," Thorin said.
Mireth nodded, "A few days and we will be together again." Mireth kissed him quickly and then drew away, mounting her horse before he could protest. If she stayed another moment she would never leave. "Tell the others I said farewell and that I will see you all soon," She said looking down at him. Thorin nodded, "Be safe. I love you." Mireth smiled, "I love you too." With that she tapped her heels into the flanks of the horse setting him into a gallop. Thorin did not go inside until long after the sun had risen.
/
Mireth rode quickly to the borders of her homeland, knowing she would need plenty of time if she had any hope of convincing her father. As she reached the edge of the forest, she dismounted in stunned silence and despair. The forest she had known as an elfling was changed. It was as if the trees were overcome with a sickness. She unsaddled her horse and let it return to its master as she settled the pack on her back and walked into the forest with a heavy heart.
She recognized the markings for the beginning of the elven path though it was overgrown with brambles, "What has happened here?" Her sadness threatened to strangle her as she walked deeper into the wood. Her home was not the same as when she had left sixty years ago and though she had thought to never return she had always assumed it would remain unchanged.
Her path was uneventful, though the way had become more treacherous. She found her way eventually to a clearer area as she drew closer to the heart of the elven kingdom, but then her path was blocked by guards.
She quickly identified herself assuming they would grant her passage, "I am Mireth, daughter of King Thranduil and I have come to see my father." Instead of clearing the way, they stood closer together and Mireth felt others at her back. Before she could turn, she was grabbed by an elf at each arm and hauled forward. Mireth hung her head, apparently the order still stood for her imprisonment. She would be no use to the company now and Thorins' worst nightmares were coming true.
/
Her father still struck an imposing figure on his throne with his crown of limbs and berries. He had not changed at all, the cold look in his eyes told her that his opinion of her and her relationship with Thorin was unchanged as well. As she was brought forward by the guards, Thranduil stepped down from his throne and walked to her. The guards began to release her when Thranduil raised his hand, "Do not release her. She is a prisoner."
Mireth shook her head, "Hello to you as well Father." Thranduil hissed, "Do not think that you are forgiven for your folly sixty years ago. Unless you have come to beg forgiveness for your stupidity then there is nothing for us to discuss." Mireth frowned, "After all this time you still cannot put aside your pride and see my feelings for the truth they are." Thranduil took a step back, "Truth?" Mireth didn't see the blow coming and so it buckled her knees. Her father struck her with the back of his hand hard enough to break open the skin above her right eyebrow.
Thranduil railed, turning his back on her, "Your delusions about that dwarf have never been true! You only embarrassed yourself and me by refusing to see! He never sought you after you risked your life in that mountain!" It was Mireths' turn to hiss, "Liar! You cold, unfeeling, arrogant," she didn't get any farther. The second blow bloodied her nose, but didn't slow her down. "Thorin came for me and you lied to him. You stole what wasn't yours and used it to tear us apart!" The third blow rocked her head back on her shoulders and split her lower lip.
Thranduil stood panting over his daughter, "You are a bitter disappointment. I only thank the Valar that your mother can not see you now." "Funny," Mireth said as she spat blood at his feet. "I think the one she would be ashamed of was you. I love Thorin and nothing you ever do can separate us now." As soon as she challenged him she knew she shouldn't have. The company would not be far behind and she had just ensured that their passage would not be safe.
Thranduil walked away from her more calmly than she could have imagined he would and said, "Take her to her room. Do not let her have contact with anyone and bar the doors and windows." Mireth shook her head in sadness as she was lead away. Her father truly had turned his back on her completely. She would be of no use to Thorin now.
/
She had no visitors except for her brother Legolas to which she had been surprised. He looked at her with sadness, asking, "Are you truly set on your path?" Mireth smiled sadly, "Why can no one understand how I feel? I love him more deeply than I could any other being." Instead of the reaction she was expecting, Legolas drew her into a hug, "I have missed you little sister." Mireth relaxed into him after a moment and replied with a strangled voice, "I have missed you as well brother." Tears clung to her eyelashes as she pulled back to look at him. Their reunion was cut short by the sharp knock on the door from the guard. Legolas looked back at her as he opened the door to leave, "Tell him that you changed your mind about the dwarf. He will forgive you and you can return to your place here."
Mireth smiled sadly, "My place is with Thorin and I will not lie about that." Legolas nodded in defeat and left. A few days later, Mireth could hear a commotion coming from somewhere within the castle, but her door was locked from the outside and the one window she had was barred and faced the river. However she did not have to wait long in her curiosity as the guards soon opened her door and ushered her out, one on each arm again. She assumed her father wanted to berate her again and hoped he would not reopen the cuts that had only just closed. She had not been allowed any water to wash them and so she had dried blood still clinging to her face.
As she was led up the stairs to the throne room once more, she heard a familiar voice and her heart sank and rose all at once. As she was led up the last flight of stairs she heard her father say, "I am patient. I can wait." She saw Thorin before he saw her and she noticed he had been stripped of his weapons and armour and had two guards close by. She despaired, if her father had captured them all then there was no hope. No one left the Greenwood unless by Thranduils' leave. Her father then called attention to her, "Ah, here she is, my daughter." Thorin jerked his head in her direction and when he saw her face his anger was palpable, "What have you done to her?!" He spun towards Thranduil, but was blocked from moving any closer by the guards. When he turned to her the same guards blocked him again. "Mireth," he called around the guards. "Are you all right? What happened?"
Mireth struggled against the hold of her guards to no avail, "Thorin! I am so sorry, I have failed. He will not listen to reason." "Enough! Take her back to her room and take him to his cell. I want them to know they are this close and yet will never see each other again after this moment," said Thranduil, flinging his hand at the guards. Thorin tried to push his way towards her as they past and Mireth was able to free one arm, briefly brushing her fingertips against his. "Thorin, if you find a way out, take it!" She shouted to him as they drug him down the steps away from her, "Do not try to find me, just leave!"
/
Mireth paced her room like a caged animal. Knowing Thorin was below almost drove her mad which would have been her fathers' intention. She had no idea how she was going to escape her room let alone get past the guards, all the elves between here and the dungeons and free Thorin. She did not know that at that very moment a very resourceful hobbit was coming up with his own plan.