Chapter 24
I was healing well and we would be moving on to the Mountain early the next morning. Thorin was busy preparing and I had to speak with Bilbo. I found him sitting on one of the docks with his legs swinging above the water. I sat down beside him.
"What troubles you?" he asked.
"This dream that comes to me. It is always the same, only every night it becomes clearer and more is seen." I explained.
"What has Thorin said?"
"It is only a dream. Oh how I wish I could believe him, yet I cannot. Something in my heart tells me it will come to pass."
"I have heard that some among the Dúnedain have the gift of foresight. Perhaps this is what you are experiencing."
I knew he was only trying to be helpful, but this made my fear grow. As I walked around the market there was an older woman who looked at me strangely. I looked at her and she waved her hand at me. Curiosity controlled my feet and they brought me to her.
"You are plagued by dreams." she said.
My eyes widened and she smiled.
"Sit child. I may be able to able to give you the answers you seek."
I sat down in front of her and she studied me.
"Tell me of this dream." She said.
I told her everything I could tell. About Thorin, and Azog and the rain and blood. She looked thoughtful.
"You have a choice before you. Before you depart in the morning, come to me again." She said.
I was confused by her words, but she would say no more. I went back to where Thorin was and lay down on the bed. Thorin took my hand and looked at me.
"You must rest. We have a long journey tomorrow."
I nodded and gave him a kiss. I rested my head on his chest and fell asleep.
As I feared the dream returned. Only there was one very large difference. Thorin was shaking me awake.
"Tawariell! Tawariell!"
I opened my eyes and found his full of fear and concern. I looked to the window and found the sky becoming lighter. I looked at Thorin.
"I have to see someone. I will return before you depart. I promise." I said quickly.
Of course I gave him no chance to object. I sprang from the bed and grabbed my things. I ran through the halls and out the door and towards where the woman dwelled. She had been waiting outside for me. She gave me a look of sorrow. I walked forward and looked at her seriously but gently.
"There is no other way. Is there?" I asked.
She shook her head sadly and I took a deep breath.
"Then that is what will happen." I whispered.
She took something from her pocket and placed it in my hands and then covered my hands with hers. I looked at her.
"You mirror your mother Ireth. But you have the wise eyes of your father Eruantien."
"You knew them?"
"Long ago. Your father gave this to your mother, it is time you had it." She whispered.
She removed her hands and I found a beautiful locket. What was more important was that a picture of my mother and a picture of my father were inside. I gasped for I truly did look like my mother and I had my father eyes, exactly his eyes. I looked back up to the woman but she had gone.
"Thank you." I whispered.
I looked at the pictures of my mother and father and found a third. It was me. She must have placed it there and I knew why now. I made my way back to the others and smiled at Thorin. The locket hung around my neck and shone in the sun.
"Who gave you that?" Thorin inquired.
I could hear jealousy in his voice. I smiled and laughed.
"An elderly woman. It…..it was my mothers. Here look."
I took the locket from my neck and opened it.
"My father's name was Eruantien." I said.
"You look like your mother. Though your beauty is different. It is special."
I smiled and kissed him. We were placed in boats with several rowers, whilst a horse and ponies were being lead around to appointed landing place. I held onto Thorin's hand and watched as the Mountain drew nearer.
I know what I must do. I only hope it is enough.