AN: Spoiler for those who haven't seen Desolation of Smaug yet.
Examining my daggers once again, I sat on the edge of the bed I had procured as I listened to the quiet bustling of the Dwarfs preparing outside my door. Finding my weapons to my liking of sharpness, I stowed them away my belt. Standing up, I adjusted it so that I could easily grab them with my left hand – my dominant hand. Glancing at my bed, I compulsively started to fix the covers.
Quickly finishing my task, I raked my fingers through my hair briefly. My hair's fresh softness was soothing to me, as well as the dry state of my clothes. I had washed them as well and then dried them over the fire, worried that they wouldn't be dry the next day. I was able to sneak a bath later in the night last night, once I had thought that all of the Dwarfs were asleep. Yawning, I went to leave my room. Opening the door wide in a naturally fluid motion, my eyes widened when I saw a Dwarf standing outside it, just about to politely knock.
"Good morning, Balin." I greeted him politely, tipping my head slightly in question. He recovered from his own surprise quickly, and spoke.
"Good morning to you as well, Charna." He returned my prompt with the same politeness. My sharp eyes watched him, unsure of what this Dwarf was doing. "I was just about to inquire if you were awake, and if you were going to attend breakfast with us." He asked curiously. My eyes widening slightly, the true meaning behind his words clicking shortly afterwards.
"I will still be attending breakfast, yet." My tone held a warm quality to it, yet it was slightly neutral at the same time – 'breakfast' was clearly substituting 'quest' in this situation.
Seeming pleased with this, he gave me a polite smile and quickly left. Stepping out of the threshold of my room, I silently closed the door as I watched his form retreat down the hallway. He is reluctant to have me on this quest. And yet he goes out of his way to inquire if I will be participating with them… I chewed over this mentally. Was he pushed to do this by his own feelings? Or someone else? Surely he had known that I would not be deterred from this.
Either this Dwarf, Balin, has little patience… Or he realizes how essential I am to this quest. At this thought my lips quirked upwards in amusement. It was nothing to make fun of, truly. I was simply in the feeling of being needed once again. Another Dwarf – Dwalin – strode past me, and our eyes connected. His powerful stride did not falter, despite the coldness he expressed with his eyes. I returned it evenly, quickly wiping the small smirk off of my face. It seems that the resistance has started. I realized. Perhaps they were all in shock last night? I teased the idea mentally as I waited a few seconds before following after the tall Dwarf.
The scent of food was pervasive throughout the entire house, but it was concentrated in the kitchen. The Dwarfs were gathering in the dining room, grouping together as they either sat or stood while talking. I was amazed at how quiet they were – compared to last night, I had thought this group hopeless at such a needed tactic. I sat at the corner spot of the table, inadvertently next to the head – where one leading Dwarf was now staring at me.
I leered back at him, debating internally if I should slide over or keep my position in some sort of rebellious act. I'm staying. I thought determinedly as Gandalf appeared around the corner. His eyes landed on me as we glanced each other, and I suddenly had the feeling that he had been searching for me. Taking a seat next to me, I was left to wonder as to how the tall Wizard navigated this small space as he spoke.
"Ah, Charna." He started as I watched him evenly. I was feeling less trustful and more on guard due to how my day had started off. "I came to inform you that you did not have to worry about purchasing a pony, as I have already done it for you." He informed me, and I raised an eyebrow.
"You could've just told me that I needed one." I rebuked gruffly. "You did leave me to pay for that large amount of tankards you drank." I informed the Wizard, who now winced.
"Yes, well, I knew of your habit to hoard gold." He returned wryly, and I felt my lips twitch in amusement.
"It should seem that our companion has a few habits that she will need to watch." Thorin, who had apparently been listening to our conversation, suddenly spoke. Immediately my eyes turned on him, agitation prevailing in their emerald depths.
"Are you suggesting something, Thorin Oakenshield?" His name easily slipped off of my tongue, much like the blood of one of the victims I had caught when I was a dragon. His eyes narrowed at me and I returned his challenging glare easily with a strong yet neutral one of my own. This would not be my first clash with authority. The only difference here would be that I wasn't actually looking for a fight – trying to murder or be murdered by the leader of this Company would not put me own anyone's favorite list.
"Now, now…" Gandalf tried to soothe our brewing argument. Giving me one last glare, Thorin relinquished for now. Setting my gaze back on the Wizard, I could see his agitation with Thorin plain as day. Apparently this isn't the only time Gandalf has had to 'calm' the Dwarf… Gandalf gave me a reprimanding look before pulling the map that he had shown last night out. Unraveling it, he gently placed it on the table. "Charna." He addressed me, and my eyes flicked up to his face questioningly before I looked at the map once more. "I would be interested in knowing how you would go about traveling to Erebor."
Hearing a sigh next to me, my eyes flicked to Thorin once more. We stared at each other before I decided to indulge the Wizard. Bringing the map closer to me, I let it sit on the table between the Wizard and myself. My eyes raked over it as I recalled what terrain went where. This wouldn't, in a way, be my first trip to Erebor. I had passed close to the mountain before, but never found myself brave enough to challenge the beast within.
"We could take the Great East Road." I supplied, and chose to ignore the sudden tenseness of not only the King sitting next to me, but of the other Dwarfs who had gathered around to listen. "It will lead us directly out of the Shire and to Rivendell-"
"But the elves, Charna!" Bofur exclaimed from behind my shoulder. I looked up at him in surprise. It seems that the Dwarfs had all gathered around curiously, eager to hear my own plan of attack.
"Oh." I realized. "Dwarfs still hate the elfs?" I questioned, and from the various grumbles I heard, I was able to quickly draw my conclusion. Looking back at the map, I amended my plan. "Rivendell will be easy to bypass." I informed them. "I've done it before, and although I doubt I've made it past their guards undetected every single time, it can be done if we circle around enough." I now pointed above Rivendell. "It'll be more dangerous, but we can travel through the Troll Forest just before the Last Homely House. Then…" I trailed off, looking at the Misty Mountains. "These will be difficult to pass…" I muttered under my breath, my eyes narrowing as I tried to recall set paths in them. Eventually, I sighed. "There is only one set path that I know of through the Misty Mountains." I revealed to them, not noticing the widening of more than a few pairs of eyes.
"There is no set path." Dwalin disagreed, sitting across from me.
My eyes briefly flicked up to him as I explained. "To someone who hasn't lived as long as me, I'm sure." I easily rebuked, and the Dwarf settled for crossing his arms when Thorin held up a discreet hand to silence him. "Either way, it's possible – it'll be slow going, but if we work hard, then I am very hopeful that we can get across." I informed them.
"You hope?" Fili questioned, and I nodded.
"I'm not the only bed time story that used to take residence in those mountains." I warned them, choosing to ignore the suddenly grim atmosphere of the dining room. "Either way once we get out," I now pointed to the other side of the Misty Mountains where I approximated we would find ourselves at. "We can then find the Old Forest Road and use that to get through Mirkwood." I finished, my finger quickly railing up the path and tapping on Erebor.
There was a brief silence before Balin spoke. "Charna…" He started, his voice grim.
"Clear the table!" Bombur suddenly entered the dining room, holding extremely large plates of food. Where did these come from? I stared at them with wide eyes. When I had gone to rummage for leftovers halfway through last night after my bath there was nothing! Putting my own grievances aside, I quickly set out to fill my plate, just like the rest of the Dwarfs.
This morning the dining was quieter. No food was thrown, there was no shouting and the ale was drunken with the silence in mind. I observed that the Dwarfs were also eating at a very fast rate – they must be very eager to set off on their quest. Copying them, I quickly found myself full. Standing, I took my plate to the kitchen, just as I had seen the others that had finished do. Setting it in the growing dirty pile, I glanced at Bombur as he easily washed the dishes, humming to himself. I listened with interest, recognizing the tune with shocking ease. Stepping back, I found myself pausing with self-doubt. I frowned at this, knowing the source of this feeling. However much I know I'd love to keep them in the dark… I can't. Not forever. It was impossible that they'd never find out.
Stepping around the Dwarf, I somewhat awkwardly leaned against the counter. Making sure we had a good amount of distance between us, I listened as he hummed quietly. My eyes misted over as I recalled the words that used to haunt my heart with every breath, waking or not.
Once
long time ago,
There was a prince.
With the sun for hair,
And the ocean in his eyes fair.
This prince had everything;
Gems, crowns, bears,
And yet he was missing something.
One day, his guards brought in a peculiar trespasser –
With sharp emerald eyes
And short black curled hair.
This woman was not particularly charming
In fact, she was quite vile.
The prince took an interest in her
And had her by his side
For her amusing ways.
Slowly,
Day by day,
Hour by hour,
The two became inseparable.
And they fell in love.
Then, one day, a dragon appeared.
He spoke with the prince,
His maniacal voice swaying the human towards his ways.
The prince began to spend long nights away from his love,
To which she anguished.
Growing tired of it all,
The woman searched for the prince.
She found him preforming
Something unspeakable.
The prince had learned dark magic,
And was now using people to create
The most beautiful gem…
For her.
Rage overcame her;
She struck the prince down with a sword in her fit.
Realizing what she had done,
The woman fell deeply into anguish,
Never to forget her wrong.
The woman took the gem,
And searched to hide it from all prying eyes
Until she found a way to undue
The mistakes her love had done upon those people.
She hid the gem
Deep, deep underground
Where it 'twas never to be found…"
My throat caught as I realized the words had slipped out of my mouth somewhere along the line. Blinking, I quickly came to and realized that I had a small audience. My cheeks immediately began to burn in shame, my tan complexion now tinted with a pinkish red. Fili, Kili, Bofur and a few others had paused just inside the kitchen, apparently having gone to dispose of their plates on the counter.
They were silent, and I found my eyes trailing to the ground in shame. This topic was very dear to me – putting it on display for all to see, even accidentally, was a grave mistake. I was shocked when Bombur saved us – namely me - from the awkward silence. "I never thought that it was your fault." He informed me, and my eyes widened as I looked to my side and at him. "It was the prince's fault that that fate befell him." He continued, and I numbly nodded.
I was silent for a few seconds, not knowing at all what to say. "Thank you..." I managed, surprised that he would say such a thing. It was my fault after all – nothing could change the fact that I killed him. Bombur accepted this with a nod before he glanced back at the small crowd.
The Dwarfs who had previously been stock-still quickly went to put their dirty plates in Bombur's now empty pile. I watched as most of them left, but my eyes shined with apprehensive curiosity as I saw Bofur and the twins pause and glance back at me before they left. The glances had been casual, save Kili – I found his entire head twist slightly amusing. "I have a feeling that Fili and Kili have never heard my tale before." I found myself speaking freely, feeling more in tune with Bombur after our accidental duet.
"Your story is slipping away, these days." The Dwarf warned me, and I looked over at him.
I sighed lightly. "It's about time…" I mock grumbled quietly.
Taking a new dish and washing it, Bombur spoke after a few seconds. "Do you still feel that way?" He questioned, and my eyes unconsciously narrowed in reserve. "After all of these long years?"
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to answer back evenly. "I do." But won't I always? I reflected sadly, recalling the glimmer of that terrible, terrible stone.
"Bombur." Thorin stepped into the kitchen, and immediately the Dwarf turned to the side to look at him as he dried his hands. Despite noticing that I was there, Thorin's eyes locked with mine once before he continued to speak to the Dwarf – no, Bombur. "Get ready – we're setting off at once." He informed him before leaving just as quickly as he came.
Holding myself steady, I continued to lean against the counter as I watched Bombur bustle about, putting the dishes where they had been previously before he picked up a pack from the small table. Looking back at me, I took the cue and followed after him, my arms uncrossed and my posture more open than earlier.
The other Dwarfs had already gathered outside the house, and I was the very last one out the door. Making sure that it was locked, I closed it behind me as my thoughts shifted to Bilbo. I hadn't thought about him at all yet today, despite using his things and eating his food – this caused a small amount of guilt in me.
Quickly finding Gandalf due to his almost humorous height, I saw that the chestnut colored pony he wasn't packing things onto was meant for me. I walked up to the animal, letting it sniff my hand before I rubbed it on its head. The pony whined loudly, and at this Gandalf took notice. "She was called Lily." He enunciated her name, and I scoffed. I looked back at him.
"Who in the world names a pony Lily?" I questioned. Gandalf merely blinked, as if trying to find an answer to my question, before he gave a small shrug. I allowed myself a small chuckled, coming upon the realization that my mood had greatly improved compared to last night and earlier today.
Going to mount my pony, I was surprised to see that it had a saddle on it. I looked questioning at Gandalf, who after realizing I was looking at him explained. "I was unsure if you used them or not." He supplied. Looking back at the saddle, my eye twitched as I could only vaguely recall how it worked. Letting off a small sigh, I stuck my foot in the… stirrup? I mounted with little difficulty. Taking ahold of the reins, my pony grunted as I spurred it into action, taking advantage of the open gate, which was held by Kili as his brother guided their ponies out onto the road.
Yawning as my pony stepped onto the road, I raised a hand to cover it. Blinking the sleep out of my eyes, I was suddenly reluctant to leave the comforts of the Hobbiton that Bilbo had so graciously offered. It's just like any other time. I reminded myself, my eyes trailing over the lush grass and rolling fields that made up the Shire, recalling the last time I had been here. It had been a long time ago – nearly a hundred years. However, this place remained untouched. It was like it was cut off from the rest of the world – its own little world. It's an absurd idea. I reflected as my eyes went to watch Kili as he prepared his steed. But then again, so are most ideas.
"Have you been here before?" Fili suddenly asked, and my eyes flicked to him. I nodded, stifling another yawn. He paused, gathering another question as I watched him. Others started to bring their ponies onto the road, either mounting them, preparing them or both. "Mind telling me about it?" He asked, wistfully looking over the Shire as Kili mounted his pony. Lily snorted indignantly, and I glanced down at the strange pony before I answered him.
"It was about a hundred years ago, I think." I spoke, gathering the attention of those around me. They didn't look at me, but their ears were sharply listening with interest. "The Shire – or Hobbiton in general, I suppose – has changed very little in the flow of time." I continued. I looked out at the still awakening town of Hobbits. "Not that that's a bad thing." I finished thoughtfully. It was surprisingly enjoyable that this place remained untouched. I could only hope that it continues to be as such.
"The Shire will hopefully remain as such." Gandalf voiced my thoughts, directing his horse to stride closer to us. I eyed the white creature, dubious of the taller being's presence. The horse started to nuzzle Lily's head, to which my pony returned it happily. I leered at the duo, unsure of what to make of this arrangement.
"They like each other!" Kili proclaimed happily, and I continued to leer at the creatures.
"They are quite friendly." I agreed, not bothering to hide my staring.
At this, Gandalf chuckled. "Charna, you may prove interesting yet!" He informed me before trotting away. I stared after him, unsure of what to make of this comment. Did I do something good…?
"Are you saying I wasn't before…?" I wondered, unsure if he was teasing. Are Wizards even allowed to tease? I questioned myself, doubting it. Looking around myself, I was surprised to find that all of the other's had already mounted, and were waiting for Thorin to give the word. I eyed the King as he spoke with Gandalf – that was one pair that I wouldn't like to get caught between.
"You look at them as if they're going to bite your head off." Kili remarked, and I scoffed.
"I've learned not to trust Wizards~" Despite my flowing tone, my words held a fair amount of apprehension beneath them.
"I'm sure that you can trust Gandalf." Ori suddenly introduced himself into the conversation, and I looked at him in surprise – apparently he was planning on riding next to me with the twins in front of us. I glanced at the young Dwarf before my gaze went back to the leaders of the group.
"I wish that I could be so sure." I chewed over the idea, and I was surprised to see Ori's eyes become thoughtful.
"You could try it." He suggested, and I looked at him with surprise. "Only for a day." He finished shyly, and I blinked in surprise. I had not expected any Dwarf to be this shy.
"Um… Maybe another time…" I attempted to skirt away from this conversation. "Have you traveled with a Company of this size, Ori?" I questioned him. Immediately the youngest Dwarf perked up.
"No; it really is exciting, isn't it?" He said with a bubbly voice. I chuckled at this. "Have you done this before, Charna?" He asked me. I paused before answering, trying to recollect if I had once.
"I don't recall the last time, or any time really, that I traveled with a Company of this size." I remarked more to myself than him.
"Are you a loner?" He suddenly asked me, and I looked at him with surprise. I had forgotten that Dwarf ears were so sharp.
Suddenly the Company started to go forward; giving my pony a swift kick, Lily grunted once more before walking with the rest. I also felt disgruntled, not liking the idea of reins. I glanced at them briefly before I held them easily, the motions slowly coming back to me after the years of not riding. I glanced at Ori and saw that he was looking at me expectantly.
Giving in, I finally answered him. "Yeah, I don't usually enjoy traveling with others." I told him gruffly, unsure of how else to phrase it.
"Why is that?" He asked curiously.
"Ori!" Oin warned from behind us. I turned to look back at him, briefly glancing at Nori as well.
"It's fine. Plain curiosity usually isn't a problem." I answered him truthfully, unaware of what I had just brought down on myself. Looking back at Ori, I answered him. "Usually others are slow. I like to travel fast, and I don't like staying in one place for very long." I became aware that I was the only one in the Company talking, but I didn't let this deter me. Not to mention the connections that could form between me and them… Having a bond with a being that has a much shorter lifespan than me is dangerous…
"You didn't bring a sleeping role?" Nori questioned from behind me.
"Or anything really…" Oin remarked, looking at me suspiciously.
"I don't have a need for anything else." I told them sternly. "After years of living in the wild you find the ground and trees enjoyable." I explained, choosing to ignore Oin's dubious look. We fell silent for a time before the Dwarfs started to talk amongst one another. I, thankful, was left alone. I greatly preferred the solitude, at least for now – I was still feeling rather traumatized after my accidental singing earlier.
Amusement sparkled in me as they started to take bets on Bilbo, who had not yet shown up – I stayed silent, waiting for the Wizard to bet. I was going to bet against him, a test to see his reaction.
"I bet that he will." Gandalf told Dwalin, who was the one taking bets. My eyes narrowed at this.
"I bet that he won't!" I called from the back, tossing a small sack of my coins to Gandalf, who passed them onto Dwalin with an expert toss. The Dwarf glanced back at me, but didn't say anything. I didn't expect him to – I wasn't even expecting any money back from him. I had merely placed my bet to prove something to the Wizard – that Charna was not afraid of his race.
I wasn't going to let him dictate me; I would also show him that he not only could be wrong, but could be one-upped by a dragon-turned-human. Gandalf looked back at me with a confused, yet curious look. I returned it with an unyielding look, and after a few seconds the Wizard turned around and took out his pipe, most likely wondering about my actions.
"Wait! Waaait!" Someone suddenly screamed from behind us some time later. The Company stopped, and I looked back with wide eyes. Sure enough, Bilbo was running towards us at full speed, his contract flailing out behind him as he ran. With impressive speed for his stature, the Hobbit made a bee-line for Balin.
"I signed it." He stated, pausing and walking before he gave it to the Dwarf. Balin looked at him before he took the contract, examining the signature critically. How could he possibly expect forgery…? I questioned, wondering about his strange actions. I have a feeling that I'm going to learn quite a bit on this trip…
"Everything is in order!" Balin declared, and the Dwarfs that had bet for Bilbo celebrated while the others grumbled. I, myself, was slightly disgruntled by this. I had honestly expected Bilbo to stay home. He had even less time to decide to go on this quest than I did… Hobbits also had the tendency to be homebodies.
"Get him a pony!" Thorin barked, glancing back at the Company. I suppressed a shiver at the way his eyes saw straight through me. I had a lot of work to do before we could stand on equal ground.
"O-oh, no, no!" Bilbo was quick to deny and I chuckled as the Company started to move alone, regardless. "I've done my fair share of walking holidays," He continued as two Dwarfs leaned down in preparation to grab him by the armpits and set him on his pony. "Even gone as Frogmorten once – Aah!" He gave a small shout when he was lifted up and plonked onto a pony.
I found myself chuckling at this as I watched. Bilbo seems to be a good person. I suddenly realized, surprising myself. The Wizard dropped back to ride next to the Hobbit, and I watched them with interest.
"Charna, what was it like to be a dragon?" Ori asked me suddenly. I looked over at him with wide eyes.
"Y-You want to know?" I asked, surprised. It was a rather strange question for the young Dwarf to ask – are we not going to go kill a dragon? Why sympathize with the enemy? Ori merely watched me expectantly. Sorting my thoughts, I opened my mouth and closed it a few times before I found my words.
"It's like being human, in a way…" I started slowly. This surprised Ori, but he kept silent. I continued. "But much more…raw…at least emotion wise." I explained carefully. "Dragons are intelligent creatures, don't mistake that, but they are more impulsive and emotional than humans will ever be… At least from my own personal experiences." I told him. Ori nodded, explaining.
"It was thrilling to be a dragon – I felt like the world had no limits. That there was adventure around every corner…" I started, my body going onto autopilot as I warmly recalled images from my youth. I was a small black dragon, with sharp emerald eyes even back then.
"I grew up in a large cave near Withered Heath; Smaug was my brother, and our Mother was called Slikta, the Sly Emerald. She was famous for stealing farm animals in the night – half a herd of cows, a few horses if she even felt like giving into her children's demands." I smiled wryly at the memories. Mother always complained about stealing horses – she never liked them due to receiving a harsh kick from one when she was a young hatchling.
"What was Smaug like?" A Dwarf suddenly shouted from in front of us. I looked up in surprise to see Dwalin looking back at me expectantly, eyes critical. "Was he just as much of a calamity back then?" He asked seriously. I swallowed my chuckle and quickly replied, re-realizing that Dwarfs had very sharp ears.
"He was." I answered honestly. "There were a few times I almost starved to death, despite my small size, which made me need and want less food." I winced unconsciously at the memories. "Smaug was always a large hatchling – we can only hope that he does not take after Ancalagon the Black and grow continuously throughout this entire life…" I murmured.
However, Kili caught this. "Ancalagon the Black?" He questioned. "Who is that?" I stared at him, suddenly wondering if I should be thankful for his innocence any longer.
"Ancalagon the Black was the largest dragon to ever life in Arda." I informed the now wide-eyed Dwarf. Fili glanced back at me, revealing that he had lit his pipe and was now chewing on the tip of it. "Both Smaug and I are his direct descendants; Smaug inherited his stature – supposedly – and I inherited his color. I am the only black dragon I have come across, but I have heard rumor of a few others." I informed him, my thoughts lingering on the fact that there was only one true dragon in Middle Earth nowadays.
The Dwarfs thought over this information, and I was left to my thoughts as I delved into this issue. My race will become extinct soon… This was a truth I was since long unable to deny. And soon I will be the last of a forgotten race. My feelings were, surprisingly, still mixed on this issue. The dragons were a violent race – I myself should know. It was not until I became human, and spent time with others of my new species, that I realized what a terrible race we are.
"We give no thought to each other." I spoke lowly, knowing that the Dwarfs were once again listening to me intently. "We will easily kill each other over small disputes – the only real 'love' in our race is the emotional bonds formed between hatchlings and their mothers for the first three hundred years of our lives, before they chase us out with threats of death…"
"I'm almost glad to be playing a part in the extinction of my race." I smiled bitterly. Looking over at Ori, I saw his confused look, and I elaborated. "Dragons are awful, awful things, Ori." I explained to him. "We were created this way, bred by Morgoth to be the very beings of nightmare." My upper lip curled in displeasure. "It's a shame, really."
Ori remained silent for a few minutes, contemplating this. I found the silence welcoming – it had been a very long time since I had shared this kind of information with anyone, and I wished to think over this new openness and companionship I was sharing with the Dwarfs.
"You said that Ancalagon the Black was the largest dragon in Arda? And that Smaug is his direct descendant?" Kili suddenly asked, looking back at me. I blinked in surprise before nodding, not knowing what he was getting at. "Would Smaug not be large for a dragon as well, then?" He asked.
I raised an eyebrow, not having given the young Dwarf the mind to realize he was more than just a child. "It is possible; but it is also possible that his growth was stunted, just like mine." I answered him evenly, recalling how large my brother was to me. At my largest, before I was attacked, I had been a third his size.
"If you are a true descendant of Ancalagon the Black," Fili turned to look back at me. "Then why are you so small?" He questioned.
I gave a small shrug. "Mother's side did this to me." I answered back. "She was the Sly Emerald, remember?" I questioned, but did not pause. "She was small for a dragon as well. Small, but quick." I explained. I had not shown the same speed she had at my age – I was in fact smaller than she was when she was younger as well. Thinking back, I realized that I had never shown any talents as a young dragon – even my wit was average.
"Was there anything that Smaug the Terrible was particularly talented at when he was a hatchling?" Dori asked from behind us apprehensively.
I looked back at him, frowning slightly.
"He did always seem to have an alliance with fire…"
…..
"So you're saying, lass," Bofur handed me a bowl of soup that Bombur had given him. I nodded thankfully at said Dwarf who returned it happily before I turned my attention back to Bofur. We were standing around the fire, having stopped for the day a little ways away from the road. Night had fallen for some time, and everyone was comfortably relaxing. "That as a dragon, you're completely useless!" He looked at me as if I was some kind of peculiar gem. In a way, I guess I was. You never hear about the tiny and fragile dragons like me.
"Yes, I suppose that does about sum it up." I replied somewhat tightly, unsure if I was enjoying this or not.
Bofur only chuckled at me. "Relax, lass!" He assured me, receiving a bowl of soup from Bombur. He spoke as he walked past me, and automatically I followed him to sit next to him, unintentionally setting myself next to Dwalin. I winced slightly as I sat down, sore from the long ride. I looked over at Bofur, was now wrapped up in a conversation with his brother Bifur, who had sat next to him quickly.
Glancing to see who I was sitting next to, when my eyes met a disgruntled Dwalin's, I paused as the gears inside my head started to turn. What do I do? I wondered, unsure of what I could possibly do in this situation. We stared at each other a few more seconds before I broke, taking the plunge. "Hello." I squeezed out a greeting to him.
He gave me a look before getting up and walking away; I was left staring at the stump he had been previously sitting on. I felt displeasure wrap around itself up in a bow inside me, as well as a twinge of disappointment topping it off. I had had the apparently vain hope that talking with this Dwarf multiple times today would somehow win him over. My eyes trailed after him, watching as he retrieved soup and then went to sit next to Thorin, who was a little farther ways away from the fire than us.
"Don't mind him, lass." Bofur suddenly spoke to me, and I looked at him with surprise after I dragged my eyes away from the Dwarf who was now offering soup to Thorin. "Dwalin is just…" He left off, clearly unsure of what to say.
"Thickheaded?" I questioned unsurely, unsure of what exactly my companion was going for and not wanting to be rude.
Bofur only chuckled; "We'll go with that, yeah." He agreed, and I was suddenly happy that this Dwarf in particular was exceedingly friendly almost to a fault. "I'm sure once you prove yourself to him, the rest of the company will accept you as well." He assured me.
At this I looked around, noticing that everyone else sat a little ways off from us – we were given our own little bubble. That is, at least, until Fili promptly sat down where Dwalin had been. I looked up at him questioningly, and he glanced at me before he started to scarf down his soup. Kili joined the spot next to him, sitting on the old log and eating at an equally fast rate. My eyes glossed over the two, wondering why they were doing this.
Realizing my own hunger, I also made quick work of the soup that was now slightly cold. It didn't have a strong taste, and I realized that I would be hunting for the company, if not just for myself, sooner rather than later. "Maybe tomorrow…" I murmured under my breath, staring into my bowl as I tried to guess at how much longer their food stores would have until they were depleted.
"What was that?" Kili asked from Fili's other side. So it's selective super hearing, I thought wryly.
"I was wondering how long it would be before the meat ran out; or the food store in general, really." I admitted.
Kili only gave me a confused look as Fili watched me curiously. "I'm already looking forward to fresh doe." I answered, looking into my now empty bowl. "It has more consistency than the salted meat – even if it doesn't last as long." I explained.
Kili nodded in understanding. "I've hunted doe before as well – their somewhat rare back home, but I've shot a few." He proudly proclaimed.
I looked at him with amusement. "I honestly don't think I'd be alive today if it weren't for deer." I answered with a small laugh. "They seem to be able to live through anything – I like to think I've mastered hunting them." I chuckled.
"You said you only fight with daggers, didn't you?" Fili questioned. I looked up at him and nodded. "How do you do it?" He asked, frowning.
I merely raised an eyebrow at him. "It's obvious their never going to be as strong as a sword and that they're never going to block a mace." I answered him. "But they can be lethal if used correctly. For hunting I've found them rather proficient – but the bow is still best." I tipped my head towards Kili, who smiled cheekily. "But I have poor aim, so I do not use it." I explained, seeing Fili's questioning look. He nodded thoughtfully.
"They wouldn't be very useful against a dragon." Bofur remarked next to me, and I only chuckled nervously.
"That's why I have you all~" I proclaimed almost sassily, gesturing to the company in general as my voice carried a little too easily. I noticed Gandalf watching us curiously from the corner of my eye, Bilbo – the other outsider in the group – quietly sighing at his empty bowl as he sat next to him. "Smaug was always awfully intelligent, and we never even liked each other. I plan on using our familial relations to distract him long enough for someone to kill him." I explained, knowing the plan didn't sound arrow-proof.
"That seems kind of risky." Kili remarked, and I shrugged.
"What other chance do I have?" I questioned him. "All we need is for you all to get your hands on some black arrows – we'll be set then. We'll worry about strategy when we see Smaug." I explained.
Fili hummed. "Black arrows are very rare, Charna." He reminded me, crossing his arms and stroking his beard thoughtfully.
I only nodded. "They have some in Laketown – if I recall correctly, not all of them are in the depths of the water." I frowned slightly, trying to recall who had the last arrow. I was unable to remember.
"There should be at least one arrow left, but I don't remember who has it." I told Fili. "So I really hope you're a good shot." He seemed nervous. Gosh, I wonder why? A small voice chastised inside of my head.
"This doesn't seem like a very good strategy, Charna." Bofur remarked from next to me.
I nodded slowly, agreeing with him. "I know. It's the best I have, though. From what I see I'm basically here to tell you about the weaknesses of my species – which isn't a problem, since the only dragon left is a complete monster – and help you defeat said dragon, Smaug." I clucked my tongue in thought before I continued on after a moment. "I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I died trying to defeat him." I admitted, which caused shock among the Dwarfs.
"You do not expect to live, Charna?" Fili asked me in surprise, and I nodded.
"If I'm going to distract Smaug for long enough, it's inevitable." I explained to him. He continued to look at me with surprised eyes. I only frowned at him before looking at Bofur, seeming the same expression.
"I'm not necessarily expecting all of us to live, lass, but-" Bofur started, gesturing, but I interrupted him.
"I've after Smaug's life for a very, very long time." I gave them all even looks. "And if it means sacrificing my own life to destroy his, then I will gladly do it." I spoke seriously. "Nothing is going to get in the way of me defeating Smaug."
I stared into the fire, which cackled back at me.
…..
Sitting against one of the trees that were a little farther away from camp, I watched as the company lied in their bed rolls. A few were sleeping – others were close, and yet others were wide awake. The others who were still awake were Gandalf, Thorin, Balin and I. Gandalf was also leaning against a tree, smoking his pipe thoughtfully as he stared into the dying fire. Thorin and Balin were sitting across the camp, a little farther than me as they sat towards the road. They appeared to be talking, even if I couldn't hear their voices – I could only wonder which had been asked to do the first watch and who was staying up for the other one.
Balin suddenly gave a small glance back at me – I quickly averted my eyes, but knew I was caught when he slowly turned back to Thorin to say something. Are they discussing me? I wondered, curious as to what was going through the minds of my Dwarf companions. It's obvious that the company distrusts me, but surely they need more reason than that to dissolve my contract? I worried; I was not supremely knowledgeable when it came to politics.
Hearing the sound of someone standing, I risked a glance and saw the King Under the Mountain give Balin one last word before turning away, our eyes automatically meeting. He did not deter, but rather made his course towards me known even as he circled around the sleeping Dwarfs.
He stopped in front of me, but I refused to look up at him – I felt submissive, weak doing that in such a position. Instead I stubbornly looked the other way, turning my head so that I didn't even see his legs.
"Get some sleep, Charna." He directed me gruffly, and instantly my face showed my confusion. I had thought he wanted to argue, or even have a fight. "We start early tomorrow." He waited for a few seconds; when I remained silent, he turned around and went to lay out his bedroll by the other Dwarfs. I didn't attempt to hide my obvious staring; my sharp and bright eyes connected with his dark ones before he lied down as well, on his back.
My eyes narrowed as I tried to decipher what had just happened. What did just happen? I wondered, unsure of what Thorin was doing. I stared at him until he closed his own eyes, almost in a determined fashion. I waited a few moments before my eyes flicked to Gandalf, who was watching me with great interest. I raised an eyebrow, and he merely averted his eyes back to the fire, blowing out a great breath of smoke.
x.x.x.x.x
"This is no chance meeting is it, Gandalf?" Thorin questioned. The Dwarf felt relieved at the Wizard's presence – it had frightened off the shady figures that, moments before, seemed to be after his head despite the merry and loud atmosphere of the Prancing Pony.
"Of course it is." Gandalf replied back strongly, but quickly continued. "What brings King Thorin to Bree, of all places?" The Wizard asked him. Thorin had the strange feeling that the old man already knew, but played into his hand despite this.
"I heard rumors of my father roaming the Dunlands." He responded, feeling the pain that this caused. His father had gone missing a long time ago – yet he still refused to give up hope that he was dead.
"It has been a long time since there was anything but rumors, Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf reprimanded him, and Thorin's gaze hardened.
"I refuse to believe that he is dead!" He retorted, and before the Wizard could speak, he continued. "I know that you went to see him before he went missing – what did you say to him?" He growled. Thorin was desperate for knowledge; he knew that his father was out there, alive, somewhere.
"I urged him to march on Erebor." Gandalf informed the shocked Dwarf. "To take back what is rightfully his." The Wizard glanced around now, leaning forward. Thorin copied him, though suspicion showed in his eyes. "March on the Lonely Mountain, Thorin. Unite the seven Dwarf armies, and take back Erebor!" He urged. Thorin leaned back away from the Wizard.
"They swore to only follow those with the King's jewel." He informed the Wizard, who gave him a look.
"If you were to take a Company, then you can retrieve the stone and unite the armies." Gandalf pressed.
"And how would we do that?" Thorin growled at him. He believed this Wizard may have lost his thought in his old age.
"That's why you need a burglar." Gandalf informed him almost happily; however there was slyness to his eyes that the Dwarf did not completely trust.
"And what would a simple burglar know of a dragon?" Thorin retorted. This plan had many faults – how was a Dwarf, even if he was a burglar, to get past a dragon? How large would the company be? How would they even get into the mountain?
"That's why you need a dragon to help you." The Wizard replied back grimly, startling Thorin.
"A dragon?" He asked in confusion. Smaug was the last dragon in all of Middle Earth – there were no others. Besides, any dragon that 'helped' them could easily betray them all for the treasure of Erebor. Seeing his doubt and confusion, Gandalf elaborated.
"Yes; the only other dragon that still resides among the living…" Once again he glanced around nervously. "Charna." He whispered her name quietly; even Thorin had trouble hearing it.
He watched the Wizard with heavier confusion than before. "That is an old fairy tale, Gandalf." He retorted. "Nothing more." He dismissed, taking a drink of his tankard and glancing longingly at the plate of food at his side.
"Do not be so quick to dismiss that which you cannot prove, Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf warned him. "Look over my shoulder – to the right. Do you see that hooded figure?" Thorin's eyes narrowed as he found the female. She was mysterious, no physical features showing through her deeply obscured and hooded face. "That is the one and only Charna; and she is just as real as you and me." He warned the Dwarf.
"There is a side to her tale that you have not heard, Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf continued, and the King averted his eyes to seem less suspicious. "Do not dismiss her quickly, or easily. Without her… I fear that this quest will fall…" He trailed off with an ominous voice.
"I will find a burglar." He suddenly proposed, seeming to already know that he had convinced the Dwarf. "I will also convince Charna to join us." He gave Thorin a stern look. "Under no circumstances are you to talk to her before we all meet – she is easily scared off." He warned the Dwarf. Giving him one last look, he spoke. "I will contact you when the need arises. Until then – don't contact her!" Gandalf went to leave before pausing suddenly. "Oh! And when you two do officially meet," he paused, making sure he had Thorin's attention. "Do make sure you try to not lose her trust. It'd be better if you gained it!" He stated before leaving in a flourish. This surprised Thorin Oakenshield. How am I to gain the trust of a dragon that would flippantly kill me? He growled mentally.
Thorin was surprised to watch Gandalf easily walk over to where Charna sat, joining her. Returning to his now-cold dish, he discreetly watched the pair with interest. Charna…
The memory played through Thorin's mind with surprising ease. He had at first been shocked to learn that the supposed fairy tale was actually real; he had supposed it too fantastical to ever be true, despite his mother's giving's. He was still not sure if he even believed it to be completely true; so he tried to ignore her at first.
But now, with said fictional person living and breathing in front of him, Thorin had long sense changed his mind throughout the course of the day. This creature was neither human nor dragon – she was on the precipice of both species, swaying this way and that as more of her personality was revealed to him. She had many human-like traits, but they were rivaled by an equal amount of dragon-like traits. She acted and spoke like a human, yet she had claws and the memories of a dragon.
She was isolated; dragon.
She wore no scales; human.
She knew of dragon ancestry; dragon.
She knew how to ride a horse; human.
Thorin was unsure of what to think about this…being. She was a dragon, she can't be trusted – she would easily betray them all and steal Erebor from them. She loathed Smaug, that much was obvious – she was ready to give her life to defeat him at a moment's notice. Both her and Gandalf's words had convinced him of this.
He had expected her to be rude, greedy, possessive, and more…dragon-like. Instead she did not possess these traits; at least not visually. Only time will tell.
After hearing her reveal that the merciless dragon in the Tale of Duality was Smaug, Thorin not only felt his resolve to defeat the beast harden further within him, but he also found himself surprised at her age. This girl was most definitely a dragon; she had lived a very, very long time.
She is able to hold a conversation with Ori, the youngest Dwarf in the company; human.
Thorin was unsure of Charna.
This creature was neither human nor dragon – she was on the precipice of both species, swaying this way and that as more of her personality was revealed to him.
He only knew that she was the key to defeating Smaug; without her, this quest will fall.
So, he grudgingly agreed with Wizard – he was forced to win her trust and compliance.
She had sharp emerald eyes that pierced his flesh even after he closed his eyes to sleep; dragon.
She hummed quietly as she nodded off; human.
