Chapter 32

Days passed and still the elven host did not depart, then on one day a group of men and elves came. A man came forward and spoke in a loud voice.

"In the name of Esgaroth and the Forest," one cried, "we speak unto Thorin Thrain's son Oakenshield, calling himself King Under the Mountain, and his queen,"

My eyes widened and I looked to Thorin. Anger burned in his eyes. I placed my hands on his shoulders, he relaxed, though only a little.

"and we bid them consider well the claims that have been urged, or be declared our foe. At the least they shall deliver one twelfth portion of the treasure unto Bard, as the dragon-slayer, and as the heir of Girion. From that portion Bard will himself contribute to the aid of Esgaroth; but if Thorin and the queen would have friendship and honor of the lands about, as his sires had of old, then they will also give somewhat of his own comfort of the men of the Lake."

"Thorin you promised to help them."

"Only if the elves were dismissed and they have not been."

"Thorin….."

"No Tawariell. I promised you I would help them and I shall. But not until they have held up their end."

I thought about what he said and then nodded. Thorin did not even receive a chance to answer for the man had been listening.

"Since such is your answer," he called in return, "I declare the Mountain besieged. You shall not depart from it, until you call on your side for a truce and a parley. We will bear no weapons against you, but we leave you to your gold. You may eat that, if you will!"

"Now see here!" I shouted, "he has not said he would refuse! This Mountain is not besieged! How dare you…."

"I am sorry Lady but such an answer was…WATCH IT!"

I had taken a bow and shot at him. It had smote his shield. I immediately regretted what I had done. "I am sorry I…."

They did not allow me to finish. I fell to my knees and cried. Thorin put his arms around me.

"I know not why I did such a thing!"

"You are pregnant Miss Tawariell! Your emotions are a little unbalanced." Bilbo piped up.

I nodded and then Fili and Kili took me away to rest.

Later on that night I walked off to find Thorin. I found him asleep near the Front Gate with the others. I smiled and lay down next to him.

"Tawariell? Would not be more comfortable where you…"

I stopped his words with a kiss. When I pulled back he smiled.

"I am uncomfortable anywhere you are not." I whispered.

"Then come here."

I smiled and huddled close to him. Resting my head on his strong chest I could hear his strong and steady heartbeat. It had been 2 months since I had found out I was carrying Thorin's child, and I was getting bigger. It was noticeable, but not by much. Winter was coming on and it was becoming colder. Legolas brought me a thicker cloak and Thorin thank him for it.

"You have taken care of the one I love….I owe you a great deal." Thorin said.

"You owe me nothing. She has been a dear friend of mine since we were young. I would do anything for her."

"And for this I thank you. You have my respect."

I smiled at Thorin and kissed him.

"But my father has still refused to leave. I cannot convince him otherwise. I am sorry."

I knew this would happen. Thranduil was stubborn and now I had to convince Thorin to help the Lake men, even though the elves remained.

"Thorin…."

He looked at me but walked off. I followed him.

"Thorin it is not the fault of the Lake men! You can still help them!" I said.

"Tawariell I will do nothing whilst the elves remain!"

I glared at him.

"You stiff necked dwarf!"

He turned and looked at me in surprise.

"Your stubbornness will be your end Thorin! And everything I have done will be for nothing! Silanna will lose her father and I will lose the one I love!" I snapped.

I did not allow him to answer. I turned around and left him there. I slammed my hands against the wall and held back tears. He made a promise! And he was breaking it! It was then I began to wonder what had made Thranduil's will to stay so strong. Something was missing. Yet I could not think of what.

A few days later Bard, Thranduil and Gandalf approached. There were a few armed guards as well. Legolas among them.

"Hail Thorin!" said he, "Are you still of the same mind?"

"My mind does not change with the rising and setting of a few suns," answered Thorin. "Did you come to ask me idle questions? Still the elf-host has not departed as I bade! Till then you come in vain to bargain with me!"

I looked away.

"Is there then nothing which you yield any of your gold?" Bard questioned.

"Nothing you nor your friends have."

"And what of the Arkenstone of Thrain."

My eyes widened and I slowly looked up. There it was in Bard's hand.

But how?

"That stone was my father's, and is mine," Thorin said. "Why should I purchase my own! How came you by the heirloom of my house- if there is need to ask such a question of thieves?"

"We are not thieves!" answered Bard.

"It would appear as though you are!" I interrupted.

I walked forward and looked at him.

"The Arkenstone belongs to Thorin!" I said firmly.

"We will return the Arkenstone in return for your own." said Bard.

"How came you by it!?" Thorin asked in growing rage.

"I gave it to them!"

I slowly turned and looked at Bilbo. He was the last one I would have expected to do such a thing. Thorin grasped him in both hands and shook him.

"You miserable hobbit! You undersized burglar!"

I grabbed Thorin and he looked at me.

"Stop!"

"By the beard of Durin I wish I had Gandalf here! Curse him for his choice of you! May his beard whither! As for you I will throw you to the rocks!"

He lifted Bilbo in his arms and I grabbed him.

"Thorin no! Stop this!" I cried out.

"Stay! Your wish is granted!" cam Gandalf's voice. "Here is Gandalf! And none too soon it seems. If you do not like my burglar do not damage him! Put him down and listen first to what he has to say!"

"You all seem in league!" said Thorin as he dropped the hobbit. "Never again shall I have dealings with any wizard and his friends. What have you to say, you descendant of rats?!"

"Dear me! Dear me!" said Bilbo. "I am sure this is all very uncomfortable. You may remember saying that I might choose my own fourteenth share? Perhaps I took it too literally- I have been told that dwarves are sometimes politer in word then in deed. The time was, all the same, when you seemed to think that I had been of some service. Descendant of rats indeed! Is this all the service I was promised of you and your family, Thorin? Take it that I have disposed of my share as I wished, and let it go at that!"

"I will," said Thorin grimly. "And I will let you go at that- and may we never meet again!"

Bilbo left and was now on the other side of the Gate.

"I am betrayed!" he said. "It was rightly guessed that I could not forbear to redeem the Arkenstone, the treasure of my house. For it I will give one fourteenths share of the hoard of silver and gold, setting aside the gems; but that shall be accounted the promised share of this traitor, and with that reward he shall depart, and you can divide it as you will. He will get little enough, I doubt not. Take him if you wish him to live; and no friendship of mine goes with him!"

"You are not making a very splendid figure as King Under the Mountain! But things may change yet." said the wizard.

Bard had promise to return and I did not doubt it. However Thorin's treatment of Bilbo had hurt me. I was certain Bilbo had a good reason for what he had done. That hobbit was clever. Yet there was nothing I could do but wait to see what would happen next.