I wasn't going to post this week, due to timing and lack of inspiration. But I was able to get out this little piece that needed to happen, but didn't really fit in a larger chapter as well.
Enjoy!
There was not an idle moment to be had from that point onward. The three armies began to prepare for the on coming war. The leaders planned their battle strategy, the warriors assembled their weapons, and everyone else tucked themselves away in the safest corners they could find. Except, of course, Emi.
"You will not be fighting." Thorin said with authority as he walked through the halls down to the temporary war room.
Emi kept pace, striding angrily beside him. I'm not going to just sit by while everyone risks their lives Thorin!
"You know I can't hear you, Emilie. But it doesn't matter. There is nothing more to discuss. You will stay within Erebor where it's safer." He continued walking.
You idiot! If I'm hiding, then who's going to watch your back? Emi snapped.
"In truth…" Thorin admitted, "If I had my way, I would send you back to the shire and come for you once this was over."
You can't be serious.
"However, the journey itself is too dangerous and Gandalf cannot be spared. But we will make sure not a single orc breaches the walls of Erebor."
Thorin, I want to fight!
"Every dwarf here would rather die than see orcish filth enter these halls." The dwarf lord stopped as Emi stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
I won't sit by hoping you won't die. She shook her head.
"This isn't up for discussion." Thorin growled. "You will not be fighting."
You can't decide that! Thorin, why won't you understand? I'm not doing this because I like fighting! I'm doing this to protect you!
"I can't understand you." He looked away.
You could at least try! I love you Thorin, you idiotic fool! Why can't you see that? The dwarf lord brushed past her, continuing along his path to the war room. Emi had had enough. Heaving an exasperated sigh, grabbed Thorin's arm, pulling him to face her and grabbed the front of his coat, lowering him into a kiss.
It was shorter than the others had been, and tainted with the anxiety of the oncoming war, but Thorin seemed not to notice. When they at last pulled away, the dwarf's eyes were open in stunned surprise, rendered momentarily as speechless as Emi, who stood back with a satisfied smirk.
At last, Thorin found his voice. "If your trying to convince me to let you fight," he said breathlessly, "You're doing a very poor job of it."
Emi smiled back and mouthed her words slowly. If you love me, you will let me fight.
Thorin's eyes softened as he gazed upon the hobbit, understanding and sympathy appearing upon his face. "Talk to Bofur to see if he can find some suitable armor for you." He sighed at last, shaking his head as if he knew he was making a terrible mistake. Emi continued smiling. Meeting his eyes once again, the hobbit gave a little bow of gratitude and turned away walking back the way she had come in search of the hatted miner.
Yes, I know. Too short. But hey, next chapter should be much longer!
Reviews are always super helpful!
Next chapter: The Battle of the Five Armies.