I apologize if my last chapter was a bit boring. Thrain is a big part of Thorin's life and I want to make sure it is known how much he likes Alvina, because marriage and Thorin's happiness mean so much to him. This chapter should be better as it has the focus back on Thorin and Alvina.
And as always, I only own my OC. Enjoy!
A week has gone by since I found King Thror and Thrain in the woods. Having found them, Thorin had more time to focus on doing things he wanted to do. He didn't have near as much stress on him and it was a beautiful sight. He was smiling more and he seemed to be happier overall.
"Alvina, are you busy this afternoon?" Thorin asks me at breakfast.
"No. I have the day off." I tell him with a curious look. What could he be asking for?
"Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on another picnic?" He asks me and I can't help but smile.
"That sounds lovely. Should I save my appetite?" I ask, wanting to know if I should eat before with everyone else at midday meal or save my hunger for the picnic.
"Save your appetite. I have something special for the picnic." He tells me with a sly looking smile. I want to ask him what it is but he walks away from me before I get a chance to ask. I am extremely curious and look across the dining room of the inn and try to find Dis. When I spot her I give her a look. She is quick to dart out of the room. It would seem my friend is conspiring with the man courting me. I could hardly wait to see what this surprise was.
Midday comes and passes and I am nearly jumping from excitement and curiosity. What in Middle Earth did he have for me? It wouldn't be a proposal. Way too soon for that. He wouldn't, right? Now nerves began to set in. He wasn't going to try to move fast since we had been betrothed once, was he? Now I am curious and nervous beyond belief. It was a thought that came from nowhere but scared me. Yes, I wanted to marry him but I wanted to court still. I want the experience that I was promised from such a young age. I want what other girls get. It is trivial but something I have dreamed of near my whole life.
"Alvina, are you okay? Are you ill?" I am brought from my thoughts by Thorin's voice. I force a smile and nod.
"Yes. Just got to thinking. Let's go!" I say hastily. He ignores my weird behavior and allows me to take his free arm. He leads me to the same place as our first picnic.
Thorin puts the cloth on the ground and we sit together on it. He opens the basket and I am trying to get a peek inside.
"I hope you are excited. I have something in here that I think you will like." He says, being vague about what it is he has.
I bite my lip in anticipation as he pulls it out slowly from the basket.
He pulls a large piece of material from the basket. It is a beautiful color. Green like ferns and looks soft to the touch.
"This is for you." He hands it to me and I take it gently. It is as soft to the touch as it looked and is thick. It is for the winter months, I can tell. I grab two points and hold it up. It unfolds and a beautiful dress is now in my hands, not just a pile of cloth.
"Oh, Thorin! It is beautiful!" I gush at the garment. I lay the dress in my lap and rub the material with my hands.
"I am glad you like it. The tailor from mountain remembered your measurements so it should fit. If not, we can get it mended. I wanted you to have something to keep you warm when winter comes. It shouldn't be too long now." Thorin says and looks to the sky. It is a bit grey and I understand what he means. There is a tiny chill to the air signaling a cold winter and that it will soon be upon us.
"Thank you. Truly." I say and grasp his hand with mine. He gives my hand a squeeze and gives me a handsome smile.
"I have a question for you, Alvina. I would like you honest opinion on the matter. Would you indulge me?" He changes moods soon after his gift.
"Of course." I answer, ready to tell him my opinion on whatever it is he is going to ask.
"How do you feel about us moving on before winter? Do you think we could make it to the next town before it begins to snow?" He asks of me. I freeze.
"Us? 'Us' as in you and me?" I ask for clarification, because it sounds like he wants me and him to run off together. He gives a chuckle and shakes his head.
"I mean my people." He gives me a better answer and I sigh in relief.
"Oh. Well, how long would it take to get to the next town?" I ask.
"We estimate about a fortnight." He answers. I think on it.
"I think we could but it would be a bit risky. It seems like winter may come early. And as the town is more north, it would be even colder there. I am not sure we have the supplies or the money to buy the supplies for everyone to stay warm and healthy should the cold make anyone ill. And if the snow falls early, while we are still on the road, it would be a hard journey with no medicine and warm clothes. I know we could buy some here, but like I said, it would drain us of coin that we could use for other supplies. But, by staying her, we would be stuck here until winter is over. So it would delay us by a bit. But we will be delayed either way because it will be near impossible to go while it is snowing." I think aloud, so he knows what I am thinking completely. I look to him after my answer and he is smiling.
"What?" I ask, embarrassed by the look on his face as he looks at me.
"When did you become an expert on all of this?" He asks me curiously. I laugh.
"I am no expert. I just try to think of all possibilities." I answer.
"You did fantastic. Thank you. I hope you don't mind if I bring your answer to my father and grandfather later. We are discussing what to do in the coming days and I think your answer gives the most to think on and consider." He tells me.
"Of course. Do what you think is best for your people. I will support you no matter the choice." I say with a small but happy smile.
"What did I do to get so lucky?" He whispers but I hear it. I blush and it makes him chuckle. We spend the rest of our meal chatting about everything and nothing at all. Once it gets cold and near supper, we pack our things up and make our way back to the inn. It was the most beautiful day today and it is all because of the company I had. How did I get so lucky?
