Over 300 hundred reviews! Thank you! I never thought this story would get this much response. Thank you all again.
So in this chapter we're finally (it seems like ages to me) going to be moving onwards in the whole story, so yes, they will be leaving Rivendell!
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'Can I open them now?' Daisy asked. Thorin had made her shut her eyes a good five minutes ago, and she kept thinking she was going to fall over.
'Just a second.' Thorin replied and Daisy heard shuffling around her. 'You can open them now.'
Daisy gasped when she saw the sight before her. They were high up the side of the valley, on a ledge that was connected to a main building by a rope bridge. There were little lights hovering around them, a cross between fairy lights and fireflies. There was a dinner laid out on a small rug and Thorin stood looking impressed with himself.
'I don't know what to say,' Daisy smiled. No one had ever done anything like this for her.
'Don't say anything,' Thorin put a finger to her lips as he led her over to the rug.
'It really is beautiful here. When did you discover this place?' Daisy asked, curious. Thorin didn't seem the type to go around searching for romantic places in an elvish settlement.
'Ah, well. That is me for me to know and you…to find out at a much later date.' He said slowly. Daisy laughed.
'I won't question it.'
'Good. Now, how was your day after I left you?' Thorin asked, pouring a drink for Daisy and handing it to her.
'After you left Bilbo and I walked through the gardens. We had a talk, he seems…' Daisy trailed off, not sure if Bilbo wanted her to reveal all his worries to Thorin.
'Seems what?'
'No matter, I'm sure he will tell you. Though I think we should all include him a bit more. He is your burglar and he is very thoughtful and kind. We shouldn't cast him aside as he has been lately.' Daisy explained.
'I suppose you're right.' Thorin sighed. 'Though the halfling should try and make an effort to become more involved.'
'I'm sure he will.' Daisy simply said, not wanting to dwell on the matter. 'After Bilbo and I talked Ednam came and said that my ribs should be healed by the evening, but if they hurt I should see him.'
'And do they hurt?' Thorin asked, concern rising in his voice.
'Oh no, they're perfectly alright.' Thorin let out a sigh of relief, though Daisy wondered if there was more to the sigh than he was letting on.
'I'm glad.' Thorin told her and handed her a plate. 'Some food?' Daisy nodded and soon they were just eating and making pleasant conversation. Curiosity got the better of Daisy and she asked after they'd finished eating:
'What was your childhood like?' Thorin looked up at her and Daisy was worried he would be angry at her for bringing up a personal matter. Thorin surprised her by shifting so she was in his arms and looking at her.
'My childhood,' He began, looking down at her. 'Was what any child could have dreamed for. A kingdom, food, toys, and being a prince helped a bit. Before the fall of Erebor, I had a home. I was forever exploring; the mountain seemed to go on forever. My grandfather used to have toys made for me and my siblings, and we used to pretend we were father going on a battle to fight Orcs.' Thorin chuckled softly at the memory and Daisy felt his chest shake. She felt happy for Thorin, but a little sad that she had never had the chance to be a proper child.
'It sounds lovely,' Daisy told him.
'It was. The kingdom grew stronger and when I got older I could see that my grandfather Thror loved his gold. But he loved it too much, and as it grew I could see that it was all he thought about. Erebor's vast amount of gold must have attracted the dragon Smaug, for one day I was on guard when a huge wave of fire descended down on the mountain, destroying everything in its path. Smaug took my home, the lives of innocent people and forced the rest to live out in the wild. I was twenty-four.' Thorin paused and Daisy realised that his story was not too different from hers. They had both been through very difficult times, and been alone.
'What did you do then?' Daisy asked quietly.
'I led the remaining dwarves to the Blue Mountains, where we forged a living of rocks. Most of us went to work in forges for the neighbouring towns of men, the few women stayed in the mountains and tired to make suitable living accommodation. It took us a while, but we managed it. They are still living there, you know. After all this time. That is mostly my childhood tale.' Thorin finished, leaving out the battles he had fought in. He stopped being a child when the gold sickness grew on his grandfather, but he felt he owed Daisy an explanation.
'I'm sorry that happened.' Daisy whispered.
'And I'm sorry that what happened to you happened.' Thorin said as he kissed her hair. 'But enough woe tonight, let us talk about something more light hearted.' He felt Daisy nod as she turned up to look at him.
'What would you like to talk about?'
'Well, while I was training with my men, Ori came up with a little suggestion.' Thorin began. 'He said I should try this out with you, but at first I was worried that I would get it wrong. And only this morning did you accept my love. But I have decided that as we are courting, I shall present you with this.'
'With what?' Daisy asked, confused. Thorin sat her up straight. 'You won't make me close my eyes again will you?'
'No, don't worry,' Thorin laughed as he reached a hand inside his pocket. Daisy watched as he withdrew two small silver beads. He handed them to her and she held them up to get a closer look. They were both very finely detailed, with a small engraving on each one.
'Oh they're lovely,' Daisy smiled at Thorin. Although they were indeed lovely, Daisy wasn't sure what she was meant to do with them. Sensing her confusion, Thorin held out his hand.
'Here let me explain. I'm sure by now you have noticed the many braids each dwarf, except Kili because the poor lad is yet to grow one, has in their hard and beard.' Daisy nodded, and Thorin continued. 'Each braid has a different meaning, though only those familiar with Dwarven culture know what those meanings are. When a dwarf is in love, he will offer two beads to be carefully woven into to his chosen lover's hair in a braid, which will symbolise his love to all who know.'
Daisy was left a little speechless at Thorin's words, knowing now that he really did love her. She smiled softly at him, that warm feeling inside of her growing all the time.
'If you do not mind, I should like to braid these into your hair.' Thorin said nervously, but relaxed when Daisy smiled and turned around so he could braid easier.
'I would like that very much,' Daisy said shakily, not really believing that it was happening.
She felt Thorin's hands softly part her hair so they could begin braiding. Daisy barely dared to breathe as Thorin carefully pulled her hair into intricate designs, sliding on the beads as he went.
'There, I hope you hold them dear to you,' Thorin whispered in her ear. Daisy ran a hand over her braids and felt how detailed they were.
'I will always hold them dear.' Daisy said firmly. 'For as long as I live. Thank you.' She turned to face him only to discover that he was closer than she originally thought. Her breathing stopped altogether, as had Thorin's.
Slowly, ever so slowly, Thorin's head moved closer to hers and after what seemed like an eternity, their lips touched. It was a soft and sweet, and perhaps Thorin lingered longer than necessary on Daisy's lips before pulling away, worried he'd been too forward. He met Daisy's eyes and to his relief she let out a small smile.
'I love you,' Thorin said all of a sudden, but he meant it. Daisy's heart fluttered. 'I'm sorry, I know this is quick and i-'
'No,' Daisy said firmly. 'I will say it. I love you too,' And Daisy really did mean it. She could happily spend the rest of her life here in Middle Earth with Thorin. She knew she could trust him, and he showed her so much care that she couldn't help but return it.
At her words Thorin grinned and kissed her again, only this time it was longer, and Daisy felt herself growing nervous about what might happen. She needn't have worried, for Thorin pulled away.
'I do not want to rush things.' He whispered before holding her close. They stayed like that for several minutes, Thorin gently playing with loose strands of her hair.
Daisy was about to open her mouth to speak, but she was interrupted by a shout coming from the rope bridge.
'Thorin!' A voice shouted, as quietly as was possible. Thorin was alert as he tried to make out who the figure was. 'Thorin!' It called again.
'I'm here. What's wrong?' Thorin called back, letting go of Daisy. The figure came into the light and they could see Dwalin standing before them.
'I'm sorry for interrupting, but it has been confirmed. Gandalf is in a meeting with the White Council, now is our only chance. We have to leave.' Dwalin explained and Thorin nodded. Leave? Daisy thought, her eyes wide.
'Are the men prepared?' Thorin asked.
'Aye, they are gathering supplies as we speak.' Daisy's eyes kept flitting back and forth between the two. Thorin sighed.
'Tell the men we leave within half an hour. We make for the mountain pass.' Thorin ordered and stood up. Dwalin nodded and turned on his heels.
'What's happening?' Daisy asked as Thorin helped her to her feet.
'Oh Daisy, I'm so sorry.' Thorin apologised, leaning his forehead against hers. 'But the elves are trying to stop us from reclaiming the mountain. We could not leave when Lord Elrond was watching. There were rumours that he would be in a meeting for several days, and we saw it as the best moment to escape. I have to say, I am glad your ribs have healed and I'm sorry for not telling you sooner it's only that we were not sure of it ourselves'
'Thorin, it is fine.' Daisy reassured him. 'I am healed. My only regret is that our time here in peace did not last longer.' Thorin nodded.
'Aye, I agree with you. We must hurry; I will take you to your room so you can pack.'
The couple moved quickly down the hillside, not wanting to waste anytime. Daisy was still a little startled by how quickly they had gone from being peaceful to running away from something yet again. She only hoped that once they were on the road Thorin would still love her.
'I will be back for you within a few minutes,' Thorin told her as they reached her room. 'Pack only what you need.' He kissed her goodbye, though on the lips this time and she watched him dissapear before hurrying inside.
'Hobbit dresses, where are they?' Daisy muttered to herself as she searched high and low for the clothing she came in. She opened the wardrobe doors in frustration, and to her relief she saw two of the dresses she had packed when she left Bag End. They wouldn't last, but she could always pack an elf dress so she didn't run out of clothes. She quickly changed out of her dress, ripping at the button, and into one of Bilbo's mother's ones.
'Daisy? Are you done?' Thorin called from outside the door. 'I have your pack here.'
'Yes,' Daisy replied, straightening out the dress. 'Thank you, you can come in you know,' The door opened to reveal Thorin, who had his large coat on with his armour underneath.
'I have brought you a coat. It is not much to look at, but it will keep you warm dear Daisy.' Daisy nodded as he handed her a large black over coat, which was lined with fur. It was very thick, and smelled of Thorin.
'Thank you Thorin.' Daisy smiled as she stuff her clothing into the pack Thorin gave to her. Thorin suddenly enclosed his arms around her middle and turned her to face him.
'We may not get this privacy for a long time, I just want to savour the moment as long as i can.' Thorin sighed as he pulled her close. Daisy hugged him back, fully aware that he spoke the truth.
'Will we meet Gandalf again?' Daisy asked, slightly concerened that they were leaving without him.
'Yes of course. We will meet him in the mountains.' Thorin replied and Daisy let out a sigh of relief. 'Are you ok?' He asked softly.
'I'm just, just a little nervous about stepping out again onto the road. We are still being hunted, are we not?' Daisy asked, her voice a little shaky.
'I'm afraid we are. But i will not let anything happen to you, I promise.' Thorin said firmly.
'I know.' Thorin took her face in his hands and kissed her full on the mouth for one last time. No sooner had he pulled away, Kili walked in the room to say the others were ready.
'I'll just leave you to it.' He said, amusement in his voice.
'We're coming Kili,' Thorin growled and picked up Daisy's pack for her, before following Kili out.
They met the others in the courtyard, and Daisy saw Bilbo looking a little frazzled. Daisy was thrilled he'd decided to come.
'Bilbo, you are here!' Daisy cried and Bilbo sent her a smile.
'I didn't want to miss out,' He replied weakly.
'We must hurry if we want to escape under the cover of the darkness.' Thorin told the others as they began to move.
'Bilbo,' Daisy whipsered.
'Yes?'
'I didn't say goodbye to Ednam!' Daisy told him, as realisation dawned upon her. She had liked the elf, and she may never see him again.
'I'm sure he knows why you couldn't, do not fret about it Daisy.' Bilbo told her, and she sighed sadly but carried on walking. Thorin walked near her, his hand always hoveringaround her lower back so he could catch her incase she fell.
'Mister Baggins!' She heard Thorin call. 'I suggest you keep up!' Daisy shot him a look.
'Don't be too harsh, please.' She begged him.
'I won't, I promise.' Daisy smiled, content with his answer.
They reached the top of the valley well under the cover of night, and Daisy cast one last look over Rivendell, which shimmered below the stars. She had regretted not being able to see everything, but knew the needs of the quest.
Thorin softly pulled at her sleves to get her to come, and she regretfully truend her head away and marched on into the night.
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So there we go, they left Rivendell! Hope you like it, and next chapter will be Goblin Town!
