Chapter 18

Ember awoke the next morning happy and content. She had never felt so complete, as if all the pieces of her life had fallen into place when she and Kili had declared themselves to each other. She glanced up at him, lying peacefully beside her in sleep. His long black eyelashes dusted his cheeks, and he looked so contented that she hesitated moving. However, certain calls of nature needed to be addressed. She lifted her head slowly, attempting to free herself from his arms, which were wrapped securely about her. He tightened his grip and she froze, not wanting to wake him. She slowly moved again and his grip tightened even harder. Puzzled, she looked back to see his cheeky grin. "You're awake, aren't you?" she said.

"Yes…and where did you think you were going?" He opened those forest eyes, raising an eyebrow. She leaned back down, kissing him softly.

"Well, there will be times we will need to be apart." She retorted.

"Never." He mumbled, inhaling her sweet smell.

"With all due respect, miz khurdu, if you don't let me go, you may regret it!" He chuckled at her mock attempt to be stern and planted a kiss to her hand as he released her. He followed her with his eyes as she entered the bath chamber. She still wore her dress from the previous evening, and with his braid in her hair, she was a vision of loveliness. A sharp knock on the door caused him to groan. Elrond, Gandalf and Thorin would want to start training again today, and while he understood the importance, he simply wanted to spend his time wrapped up with Ember. The knock came again, longer and sharper. Kili rose from the bed and opened the door. He saw with surprise that it was Lindir, and he did not look impressed to find Kili in Ember's room.

"Where is she?" the elf asked quietly, barely controlled menace in his voice.

"Hiding." Kili cheekily replied. "We were just playing a little game of hide and seek when…" Kili stopped as the Elf growled, approaching him threateningly.

"Do not toy with me, Dwarf," Lindir growled. "What have you done with her?" Kili glared back, stepping into a fighting stance, when a voice stopped them both.

"That's enough!" Embers voice rose angrily. She stood in the bath chamber doorway, a look of rage on her face, and they both looked slightly guilty. "What are you doing here so early, Lindir?" Kili turned to see the elf looking almost embarrassed by his behavior.

"I apologize, my Lady, I was simply asked to inform you that your vakha and Mithrandir are awaiting you in the arena for training. I did not realize you had…company." He bowed politely, shot a look of pure anger at Kili, then turned abruptly and left the room. Kili closed the door softly, as Ember sighed.

"He wants to kill me, doesn't he?" Kili asked with a grin. Ember rolled her eyes.

"It probably has something to do with you being in my room first thing in the morning." She smiled as she approached him.

"He had better get used to it," Kili whispered as he brushed his lips against hers.

"As much as I would like to continue our conversation," she murmured into his ear, "I need to get changed." Kili smiled wickedly at the thought and she laughingly pushed him away, opening the door. "I will see you in the arena. I will make sure food is brought there." His stomach rumbled at the thought. She smiled, and kissed him tenderly, before closing the door softly behind her.

When Ember entered the large open elven arena, the Company had just sat down to a large breakfast that had been prepared for them. She smiled happily at her dwarves, and then giggled as they all saw the intricate braid in her hair. Their heads swiveled from her, to Kili, to Thorin, to Elrond, then back to her. All of a sudden, there was a great cheer. Dwalin scooped her up in a bear hug, followed quickly by Bofur, and Fili. Bifur stroked Ember's hair in a fatherly fashion, before touching his forehead to hers, quite a feat given the ax in his head. She took her seat beside her hrun, placing a light kiss on his cheek. The others teased Kili, who was now a bright shade of red. His uncle grinned at him fondly, before turning to Lord Elrond, who smiled back at him. Though neither was terribly over fond of each other, they loved their children and were overjoyed to see their happiness. They dipped their heads in silent acknowledgement to each other as they turned back to the meal before them.

"Well, lassie, it's about time someone tamed young Kili," Dwalin teased. "I reckon ye didn't get much sleep last night."

"Actually Dwalin, I slept a lot better since I didn't have to hear you snoring!" She shot back. He laughed heartily, as Gandalf approached the table.

"When everyone is finished, we are ready to begin, Yuula," he said with a smile. She nodded and they quickly finished the meal before them. It was going to be a long hard day. As they rose, Kili kissed her quickly, touching his forehead to hers.

"Have fun, vol kaon," he grinned.

"And you, miz hrun," she smiled back. With that, he trotted off to the far end of the arena where the other dwarves were gathering. She turned to see her two protectors studying her intently.

"A'mael harma, Gandalf and I feel that it is best if I work with your abilities that stem from your human line, while he will assist you with your Firestone power."

"As I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor, it will be my honor to teach you how to call upon your power, how to wield it, and how to ensure that it does not consume you." Gandalf smirked as Ember choked on her water.

"Consume me?" she asked, with a small smile.

"Indeed. Fire consumes everything, so a wielder of fire must know how to control it and prevent it from consuming themselves. That is why you always feel so thirsty after you have inadvertently used it. If you are ready, let us begin."

Several hours later, Ember was exhausted from effort and had very little results. While her skills with Lord Elrond seemed to grow stronger, she had very little success with Gandalf. The power inside her was pulsing with energy, but whenever she tried to force that energy away from her, she would cry out, and nearly faint. She finally sat on the ground in frustration, watching the dwarves exercise their fighting skills. Currently, Kili and Dwalin were sparring. The battle was intense, both dwarves grunting with the exertion. Kili's eyes flicked to hers and she smiled. Suddenly, Kili hissed as Dwalin's sword smacked his arm.

"Watch it Dwalin!" Kili yelled in anger.

"Focus on the battle boy, and not your woman!" Dwalin growled back, but Ember barely heard their exchange. When Kili had hissed, she felt a surge in power, and before she could stop herself, a small burst of flame flew from her fingertips, heading for Dwalin. He yelped as the flame burst against his backside. Everyone in the arena stared at Ember in shock. Dwalin sat on the ground, smothering the fire, then looked at her. "Um, Lass? Did you just set my pants on fire?" he asked confused. There was silence, then Ember managed a weak nod. The Company roared with laughter as Gandalf approached Ember with a tall glass.

"What did you feel? Focus on your power. How did you manage to wield it?"

"I'm not sure," she replied, taking a long drink of water. "I accidentally distracted Kili, Dwalin struck him, and then it just….surged. I couldn't control it." She glanced over at Dwalin who was now chuckling along with the rest of the Company. "Sorry about your pants, Dwalin." He shook his finger at her in mock consternation.

"You do realize this means war?" He growled as he rose to his feet, grabbing one of his long axes in mock anger.

"Bring it on, oh fierce warrior," she mocked cheekily. Gandalf watched their exchange in deep thought. As Ember went for her daggers to spar with Dwalin, he had an idea form. It would be dangerous, but he had a feeling that it was the only way for him to understand how her power worked. He motioned to Fili, Kili and Bilbo, whispering to them for a moment. The dwarves nodded, grinning wildly, though Bilbo was a little hesitant. If this worked, it would be of great help to the Company. If it didn't…well, Thorin might kill them.

Ember flowed through the warrior dance with Dwalin. After exercising nothing but her mind all morning, it felt wonderful to exercise her muscles. She was stiff from where the Warg had gouged her, but her motions were still fluid. Dwalin was more of a brawler, going for heavy, strong blows that she avoided with ease. A harsh shout caused her to pause, and she turned to see Kili sparring with Bilbo. Bilbo was holding his own against the dwarf, when she saw Fili creep up behind the hobbit, preparing to strike him. She gasped at the danger to the hobbit, he couldn't know how to defend on his blindside!

"Bilbo!" she yelled as she felt a surge of power flow up from inside and sparks flew towards Fili, who yelped as they seared his pant leg. Again, they all turned to her. Before anyone could speak, she raised her daggers sensing Dwalin came up behind her. She dropped to her heels, spun around, the dagger stopping mere inches from his exposed stomach. The match was over. She rose in silence, knowing everyone was staring at her. Gandalf, however, was chuckling.

"I have it!" He laughed. "You wield your power when those you care for are in danger…or perceived danger!" Ember was stunned.

"You mean…that was a stunt?" she asked, looking at the dwarf brothers and Bilbo, who were looking a little ashamed.

"Yes, my dear," Gandalf replied, handing her some water. She shoved the glass from his hand, where it shattered on the floor.

"We are done practicing for today." She stared at him coldly, before racing out of the arena. Kili made to follow her, but a look from Thorin made him suddenly become interested in his boots. Bifur grunted his displeasure in Khuzdul, and Thorin agreed.

"That was a dirty trick, Gandalf. She could have hurt Bilbo…and my foolish nephews." Thorin stood in anger, glaring at his boys.

"Master Thorin, I needed to be sure. If that is the only time that she can control her power, then it will be of great use to the Company, for she will be able to protect you in times of peril."

"But if she can't control it, how can we trust that she will be able to do so?"

"All it will take is a little practice, Thorin." The dwarf glanced around at the rest of the Company, and noticed a lone elf exiting the arena, following Ember. He did not appreciate the Wizard tricking the girl as he had. He felt that more practice would only lead to more situations that were beyond his control, not to mention Ember's. He was already on edge about the news of her lineage. He eyed Balin, but his face was unreadable. His eyes came to rest on Kili and he made a decision.

"No more practice. We are leaving in the morning."

After racing back to her chambers, Ember tossed off her fighting tunic and trousers in anger, before she decided to slip into a hot bath. She was furious. No one knew better than Gandalf how unpredictable her power was, or how strong. What if she had missed? What if she had hurt Fili? Or the others, for that matter? And what had Kili been thinking, agreeing to such a stunt? She growled in frustration. The love of her life would be lucky she didn't kill him if he ever pulled a stunt like that again. Plus, now she was so thirsty! She hadn't stopped to take a drink and she felt as if her mouth was parched. There was a loud knock at her door, and she groaned. It was probably her insufferable dwarf. She debated making him wait, but she slipped from the bath with a sigh, pulling a silken robe around her. She opened the door, and was surprised to find it was not the person she was expecting. "Lindir?"

"I saw what happened, my Lady. I wanted to know if you were…" he trailed off, his eyes taking in her damp skin, and the soft robe that clung to her. He suddenly pushed himself into the room, slamming the door. Ember was stunned.

"Lindir, what are you doing?" His dark eyes glared at her, with what she realized was a burning longing. Lust. She backed up slowly. "Please, Lindir, you are my friend!"

"Friend? Friend?! You know I have been more to you than that! My feelings have been trapped for too long!" he cried menacingly as he approached her. She knew that Lindir had fancied her. He had been one of the few elves who knew of her dwarven heritage and had not shunned her. She darted towards the bath chamber, but he grabbed her arms, pressing his body to hers as he forced her up against the wall. For the first time, she realized he was out of control. A wave of terror swept over her. She turned her eyes towards him.

"Lindir, release me," she whispered with authority. He stared into her eyes, feeling a strong wave of calmness come towards him. Without warning, he struck her cheek. She cried out in shock, her eyes filled with tears of pain and betrayal.

"Not this time, ai kurunin. You have refused me long enough!" He tried to kiss her as she screamed. He ran a hand down her gown, squeezing her breast harshly. She screeched in pain, when suddenly rough hands pulled him off of her. Dwalin yanked the elf away from Ember, tossing him to the far wall as Kili struggled against Thorin's strong grip. Ember sank to the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. Lindir raised his head, his eyes glazed. He began to rise but Dwalin towered over him, his ax raised and the elf sat back in defeat.

"Let me go!" Kili snarled with murder in his eyes, struggling against Thorin.

"No, mi makk, tend to Ember," Thorin growled. Kili turned to the small figure weeping on the floor. His anger turned to pain as he rushed to gather her into his arms.

"Vol kaon," he asked gently, "are you alright?" He stroked her hair, as she sobbed into his chest. Elrond stood in the doorway, followed by two guards. He had watched the scene unfold in silent rage, and strode over to Lindir, who now sat with his head in his hands.

"Lindir…" Elrond spoke with such a cold black menace to his voice that even Thorin looked at him in disbelief. "Gi fuion! Ci ben-ind?" He reached for the elf, who cowered in fear. "Edledhio uin ndôr nîn!"

"No Herunin, it was not his fault." Ember spoke softly. Every head in the room turned to her in stunned disbelief. "I have tried to avoid Lindir's feelings for me in the past. I must have used my power to calm him to often, lock his feelings away…although I did not consciously know I was doing so." She rose to her feet, Kili wrapping his arm about her waist. "With my being gone, then injured, then in…in someone else's arms, his feelings became too much and erupted." She looked at her friend, once so loyal to her, now staring at her in silence. "We don't truly know how my power affects others…" she trailed off with a sob. Kili rubbed her back gently; he could feel the overwhelming guilt that she foolishly carried. Elrond studied her for a moment, then reined in his anger.

"Lindir will be taken to his room and remain there under guard. I will decide in the morning what a suitable punishment will be." His tone still held a cold fury, but he knew any further decisions must wait until Ember had been cared for. Lindir stood carefully as two guards approached him, Dwalin's ax still held menacingly close. Though the elf's eyes showed complete remorse, there were no words he could speak. For whether it is Dwarf or Elf, a crime against a woman such as he had attempted was unforgivable to either race. Dwalin turned to Lord Elrond as the elf was led away.

"You should have let me finish him," he growled. Lord Elrond smiled at the protective dwarf.

"I may have to consider that option, Master Dwarf," Elrond replied wryly. He looked at Ember and opened his arms. She moved towards him as he enveloped her in a loving embrace. "Boe gi nestad, a'mael harma?" he whispered quietly, stroking her hair gently as he had when she was a child. She shook her head, holding him tight. He kissed the top of her head, before releasing her with a kind smile. "Come," he said, "Let us put our minds to other things for the time being. You have always loved the crystal caves near the waterfall. Master Oakenshield, allow Ember and I to take you on a tour through the beauty of Rivendell." Thorin glanced at Kili and Dwalin, before nodding in agreement.

"Herunin, may we have a moment?" Ember murmured softly, gesturing to her dwarves. He smiled at her request, stroked her cheek lovingly before he turned and strode away.

"I will meet you by the fountains," he called over his shoulder. She turned to her friends, the agony, the fear, and the gratitude washing over her face. Without a word, Dwalin, Kili and Thorin wrapped their arms around her.

"Thank you," she whispered.

miz khurdu - my heart

vakha - guardian

a'mael harma - beloved treasure

miz hrun - my One

vol kaon - blue eyes

ai kurunin -my little witch

mi makk - my son

Gi fuion! - I am disgusted with you

Ci ben-ind - are you insane?

Edledhio uin ndôr nîn! -I banish you from my land!

Herunin - my lord

Boe gi nestad a'mael harma - Do you need to be healed, beloved treasure

OK..so I need some reviews...thoughts. For all Lindir lovers, I apologize for being mean, but there is a purpose behind this. The way her power affects someone whom she has used it on over a long time...what happens to those emotions...and where do they all go from here. I own nothing but Ember. Hope that my translations are correct