Apologies for the delay in this chapter. And as always, I only own my OC. Enjoy!


Morning comes too soon and I roll out of bed with in a bit of a mood. I clean myself quickly before going to get some breakfast. I am met by Dis who looks somewhat concerned.

"What is wrong?" I ask when I approach her. I take a seat beside her and wait for an answer.

"Thorin is with father and grandfather. They are discussing if we should continue on or stay for winter. Or if we travel while it snows." Dis tells me. I am not surprised by this news as Thorin brought it up just yesterday.

"Be calm. I am sure the decision they come to will be what is best for everyone." I try to ease her worries. It seems to work a bit but she is still on edge.

"I suppose. But all options are such shite! I miss the mountain." She opens up to me. I frown. I have no words for this. What do you tell someone who misses their home that has been taken by a dragon? There are no words. So, instead, I change the subject and buy her first day's meal. We end up talking about the town and what we would miss and be glad to be rid of and such.

The king, Thrain and Thorin come into the inn where dwarves are waiting around to hear what the decision is.

"We have discussed all options and believe that it would be best to leave tomorrow at first light. It will take time to get to the next town but we want to make it before the first snowfall. Our best chance at succeeding is to leave as soon as possible. So work and let your employers know this is the final day you work. Buy what you need for the trip tonight and get a good night's rest." King Thror announces. I am shocked at this but accept the news and think of how I will break the news to the master. I had only just started working for him again. I hope he did not hate me for this. Or Dis. I liked him and would hate to have him think ill of me.

"Your husband is not here. Perhaps you should let him know, yes?" I say to Dis when she is finished with her food. She nods and leaves the inn to find her husband. Meanwhile, Thorin has since taken a seat beside me.

"Good morning, Alvina. Did you sleep well?" He asks as food is brought and put before him.

"I was restless. Perhaps I knew this was coming and was not ready for it. Either way, I am ready for the journey. And how did you sleep?" I return the question.

"Well, thank you. For this journey, I will secure you your necessities. Save your money if you can." He tells me. I am shocked at this. I am not his betrothed anymore. He needs not do that and I tell him as much. He just smirks before beginning to eat. I suppose I will have some extra coin for when we get to the next town.

I arrive to work with Dis and we get changed into our uniforms before going off to find the master. We want to let him know this is our last day here and how much we appreciate what he has done for us and our people.

When we enter his chambers he greets us with a large smile.

"Hello Alvina. Dis. What can I do for you ladies?" He asks.

"We wanted to inform you that this will be our last day of employ here. Our people are moving on tomorrow. We wanted to thank you for this opportunity and to thank you for allowing our people to find work here." Dis does the talking as it is her people, not mine.

"That is a shame, truly. Thank you for all the work you have done here. Know, should you ever come back, you are most welcome." He says with a smile and nod. We both nod in acceptance and then go back to work. We do our very best that we can to leave a good lasting impression and as a thank you to him.

"Alvina, would you come here for a moment." I hear the master call before Dis and I are to head back to the inn for the night.

"Shall I wait for you?" She asks of me. I shake my head.

"Should not be long. I am sure I will see you back at the inn." I tell her before going to find the master. Dis leaves, her work clothes folded and set on a chair.

I find the master in the kitchen, munching on a snack.

"Sir?" I ask as I enter. He smiles at me and has me sit.

"Why do you travel with the dwarves? They say their people are moving on yet you move with them. Are you married to one of them?" He asks me. It takes me by surprise.

"Umm, no sir. I was engaged to one but that was broken a little bit ago. But he is courting me again, so I go with him." I explain the general situation to him.

"What would you say if I were to ask you to stay? Let me court you instead?" He asks. My mouth must be hanging open because he chuckles at me.

"I… thank you but I am happy with him. I know we will end up wed. I am just punishing him for him breaking the betrothal in the first place." I admit. He laughs again.

"You have spirit. I like that. Are you sure there is nothing I can do to change your mind?" He asks.

"There is nothing. Thank you for the offer though. If I hadn't met him I would surely take your offer." I smile at him, letting him down easily. He sighs in defeat.

"I see. Well, I wish you happiness. Perhaps an invitation to your wedding when it happens?" He asks and I laugh.

"Absolutely." I agree. He walks me to the door and sees me out. I head back to the inn to tell Dis of what happened. But I will make sure she says nothing to Thorin. He would be livid if he knew what had transpired.

At night, I am in bed waiting for sleep to take me. Everyone else is fast asleep, snores filling the room. I close my eyes but they fly open when I hear the door to the room open. I play like I am asleep but leave my eyes open, just enough, to see who it is that is sneaking into the room. Shame it is too dark to see anything more than shadow.

And then I feel it. The person is right in front of me.

It happens so quickly I don't register what has happened until he is gone again.

I sit up in bed when the door closes and touch my cheek softly. Thorin came in and kissed my cheek. Why would he do such a thing? Has he done it other nights and I not noticed? Questions fill my head but they are forgotten by morning. More pressing matters are at hand then.