new chapter, yay! Please review, as usual, and tell me if I should continue... Love to all who have been reading and followed and favorited! Thanks!
MiaraElerina: I'm glad you appreciated that scene... I like it too! It's was awesome. By the way, I have a major inspiration to write a tenth and eleventh walker story for LOTR... Mind if I use you again? I need someone and the name Yavien just fits... Anyway, hope you enjoy this new chapter! Can't wait to read your next review...
Chapter 7
"Mmph. Who is it?" I asked, half-awake, sitting up in bed, eyes closed and hair wildly disheveled.
"There's a messenger waiting for you, my lady." Answered a dwarf's gruff voice.
I yawned and stretched. "Tell them I'll be in the breakfast room in half an hour, please, and offer him a place and something to eat."
"As you wish, M'lady." The click of boots on the stone floor told me that he was off.
Only until I was sure he had gone did I attempt to open my eyes. They landed immediately on my coronet that sat in the vanity, then trailed to Saphira at the foot of my bed.
She was seriously tired after last night, being just a baby. Not to mention that the dwarves had spoiled her with as much food as she could hold, fond pats and rubs, and even a small bowl of watery ale. Yeah... That didn't go over too well. Trust a dwarf to make me be stuck with a hungover baby wolf this morning. She was hiccuping bubbles last night.
I stumbled out of bed and over to the vanity. I sighed at the mess my hair had become and jumped in the shower. Bless the hot water springs of Erebor.
I properly dressed in a dress of red with silver swirls, and a golden belt in the shape of a dragon, whose tail trailed down the front while a blast of golden fire was the buckle, courtesy of the company to me as a gift yesterday. They had left it in my room with a note.
My coronet today was a more elaborate one, but still simpler than the one I had worn yesterday. It was a simple band of twisted, gnarled wood, several of them wound into one, with holly berries scattered in them. Tiny strands of wood fibers looped in the back, with red and white gems hung on them. It was a headache to get the strands settled just right, but after ten minutes I managed to get it right. When it was done correctly, it looked like a feminine version of Adar's crown, but with red and white gems tangled elegantly in the sides and back of my hair, braids scattered throughout. I had had it made because I was fascinated with Adar's crown.
I put it on and giggled at a certain memory that came with that crown, then picked up Saph and brushed her fur. I put on her a collar that the dwarves had also given her as a gift; it was gold, with a few gems scattered in it. She looked up at me with a half-bark as I set her down. She tottered for a moment, then managed to trot to the door. I shook my head as I opened the door and slipped out.
When we both finally made it to the breakfast room, no, wait, breakfast HALL (it really is too big to be just a room), I entered to the sound of a dwarf announcing my name and presence. I stopped and curtsied, then moved on to the table where the company was. "Good morning! Thank you all for your gifts- as you see, we love them!" I exclaimed, twirling and nodding at them.
They grinned and voiced their welcomes. "Looking good, both of you!"
I sat next to Father and kissed his cheek. He looked disgruntled, but gave me a fanged smile nonetheless. I shook my head and looked around for Gandalf. I finally saw him, looking at me with a knowing smile.
"I don't need to say it for you to know what I'm thinking, do I, oh ever wise Godfather Istari?" I asked with an amused smile. He chuckled and winked.
"No, I don't believe so, my dear goddaughter. However, you are welcome nonetheless. I had a feeling you would like that one."
"As I have the feeling that you were explicitly watching to see my reaction." I replied sweetly, filling my plate.
I suddenly stopped, annoyed. "Why do I have this feeling that I am forgetting something today?" I asked, in a rather put-out tone of voice.
"My Princess!" I froze, than turned pale. If you remember, only elves called me princess, and they only called me "MY princess" when the King needs to be stopped from murdering the first person in sight. The dwarves noticed.
"Naryl?" Bilbo, Thorin, Kili, and Fili asked at the same time. I stood hurriedly and motioned the elf over.
"Is he-?" I asks anxiously, grasping his hand. He gave me an apologetic look and shook his head. "It is not as serious, however, he is clearly at a loss at what to do- these are not ordinary matters."
"These?" I asked, baffled. "More than one- what? Can I not leave for two days when males find themselves in some matter one of the opposite gender must fish them out of!?" I asked, yanking a strand of my hair.
"Adar and his blasted, messed-up, cornsilk colored hair and pointy wooden crown." I growled, turning away. I rocked on my toes and heels, looking up into the ceiling with a wistful look.
"This is what I get with being a princess to an unpredictable king and being the go-between for him and all other kingdoms he has estranged himself from." I admitted with a sigh. I had said it to myself, but everyone heard it. "Oh Adar, why did I have to love you? Why can you not be any other Ellon? And why do I love you just BECAUSE you are that way?" I abruptly turned back to him.
"I am afraid-" I raised my eyebrow at him.
"Beren, my Lady." He bowed.
"I am afraid, Beren, that my hands are tied for a while. I have things to do here that will take until noon, at least, but in the meantime will you take a message to the King for me?"
He nodded. I made a Phoenix and whispered to it. It nodded and flew to Beren. "It will stay on your shoulder and will not leave until you are in front of the doors of the throne room. It should calm the King and will make him wait until I am there." He bowed.
"Thank you, Beren. Be safe, ellon." He left swiftly, weaving among the tables until he was out of the hall. I turned back to those at the table so that they could see my face, but I was not focused on any of them. A myriad of emotions flashed across my face, mirroring my thoughts. Seriousness, because of the situation; worry, because I knew how Adar could be; and most of all, weariness.
I sank into my chair and placed my head in my hands, taking a shaky breath. "Naryl? Are you alright?" The voice of Lord Thorin shook me out of my thoughts. I turned to him, eyes unseeing for a moment.
"It is hard, to be who I am. I hold the lives of my people in my hands. Their king is well loved, but he has his faults. I am responsible for their well being because I am the only one that can protect them from their own KING. His temper, when kindled, though rare, is hotter than dragon flame and more dangerous as well. When he is lost and without guidance, I am the one he turns to for help. The heart of an elven King is a fickle thing, Lord Thorin. To soothe his temper, to placate his wrath, to diffuse his anger, to be there in general, for me, is a task I have been given, with or without his or anyone else's knowledge. He is a King. He holds so much responsibility, and as an immortal being, it is more so difficult. It is hard to balance his role as a King with his personal life, just as it is hard to mix fire and ice. Who can truly know the heart of such a person?
I am worried. No elf calls me 'MY princess' without having something to do with the King, and his anger or frustration, at that. He is liable to have anyone who disturbs him executed at such a time. I am the ONLY one who may even ENTER the throne room without imminent danger for my life. Not even his son is allowed to. I have a valid reason to be worried. And this time, I don't even know what disturbs him." I sighed again and my eyes cleared and focused.
"It is a wearying thing, being the princess of Mirkwood." A small smile fluttered over the corners of my mouth. "Forgive me for my long words, but at such be time it is rather difficult not to speak my mind, especially given a chance."
All of the people at the table stared at me, in varying stages of shock- all except for Gandalf and Father, of course.
"You- I have never-" started Thorin.
"She is 150 years of age, Lord Thorin." Spoke up Gandalf, leaning in his chair languidly. "Her body may not be completely developed, as of yet, but her mind is far above even those of her age. It would be wise to remember it. She may act as a child, but it is only her personality that is so. It is at such times that her other, hidden side comes to the light. Even the great Elven King Thranduil takes her council- I would take that advantage as well, if I were you."
I laughed heartily. "Oh come now, Mithrandir, I would hardly say that he takes council from me- not formally, at any rate-"
"Exactly, my dear. But I have the feeling that many of the changes or actions have been- encouraged-" here his eyes twinkled as he looked at Bilbo, "by you, in some fashion- is it not so?"
I rolled my eyes. "Alright, somewhat, oh great bearded one." I admitted, finishing the last of my food. "And Oi, you all, shut your mouths before you find something unpleasant flying in. Lord Thorin- I am ready whenever you deem it wise." I nodded and scurried off. I had to say goodbye to Lady Dîs and pack for the journey back. And Thorin had wanted to talk to me later.
After that was done, I was called to the throne room. I entered to find two dwarves speaking, but stopped short for a moment to see the throne room better, and compare it to what I had imagined it to be, that long time ago when the floors were still covered in gold and I was settling down and getting used to the idea of being the adopted daughter of a dragon.
I smiled at the sight of the tapestries and all of the glitter as I walked forwards again. I swept into a curtsy as I approached the throne, and was waved up by Thorin. I glided up the small flight of stairs and waited.
"Ah, Narylfiel, I would like to introduce you to Lord Daìn of the Iron Hills." I curtsied.
"Pleased to meet you, Lord Daìn."
"And you, Princess Narylfiel." He replied with a bow.
"I called you here, Naryl, because I wished to ask for your help." He eyed me. "I could ask others, but I think I trust you to do this job best."
"If I think I could be of any service, and if it is in my power to do so, then I will try, my Lord."
He nodded and went on. "I appreciate the fondness and familial love you have for my nephews. I know that you, as I and their mother do, want the best for them. It is common knowledge that somewhere on middle earth, there is always a ONE for a dwarf prince, to ensure continuation for the bloodline. It may or may not be a dwarf. My heirs Ones must be found, and soon. I trust you to do this. I have also heard from Gandalf that your task on middle earth is to find a mate for your brother- perhaps I am being presumptuous, but I believe you consider Kili and Fili to be your brothers. Will you accept?"
My mouth opened in shock. "B-but I-I." I closed my mouth for a moment and thought. Then I answered cautiously.
"I am honored that you would think me to be worthy for this task. Yes, I do love them as my brothers. Yes, I want the best for them. I understand that their Ones must be found. But I cannot accept this proposition for the simple reason that I cannot devote my full effort to it." I admitted. "I am busy as it is being an envoy to many different places, and I have my duties in Mirkwood. There are pressing matters there, and as much as I would like to, I cannot devote my full effort to this task. I will try my best and remember wherever I go, and maybe I may meet their ones by chance, but I cannot promise any more." I waited for his answer.
At first he had looked grave, but then his face lightened as I continued to speak.
"Yes, Naryl, that is what I wanted. I understand your argument, and I agree. What you have offered is what I wish for."
I smiled. "Then I will be more than happy."
"Thank you, Narylfiel."
"You are most welcome, Lord Thorin. Is there anything else you would wish to talk with me about?" He shook his head.
"Thank you for your time."
I smiled and then bowed. "I am afraid I will have to leave Erebor soon, my lord, so I will say my farewells until next time now."
He nodded and both he and Lord Daìn returned it. As I left, I wondered if I knew what I was getting into. Well. This was going to be a long day. It wasn't even ten o clock and I had a full list of things to do. I decided to make a checklist. This, was going to be an exhausting day. Thank you, Ilùvatàr, for helping me get some rest last night. Might it be too much to ask for your help today?
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