Coming Of Age – Chapter 13
Not wasting anytime, they began their work with the text. As Thorin and Lee settled a routine in the basement, in the little room, she found much to learn and do.
Lee was quick to grasp the intent of the script text which was mostly and introduction of how the Dwarves were created;
Before the First Age, Vala Aulё was said to create the first seven dwarves because he was impatient with the elves who were still not awakened, having being created by Ilúvatar. However Ilúvatar was angry with Aulё and told him to destroy all that he had created! But just as he was to smite his creation with a great hammer, Ilúvatar decided stopped Aulё and let him keep his dwarves.
Here, Lee giggled as she began to understand why her kind was shorter than the elves!
Thorin had glanced her way with an arched look when she laughed but she schooled her looks and continued on;
Ilúvatar had wanted the elves to awaken before so he sealed the first seven dwarves into seven stone chambers awaiting their time.
Lee frowned at what she had translated and read again; so that was why throughout the ages, the Elves had always held such low tolerance towards us dwarves!
"Well! Excuse us, dwarves!" she muttered as she glared at the text as she continued on…
After the Elves awakened, the Stone chambers of the Seven Dwarves were allowed to be awakened as well, the Eldest of them all, Durin founded the city of Khazad-dûm in the caves of the three peaks of Baranzinbar, Zirakzigil, and Bundushathûr.
Lee was having slight difficulty translating as best she could the names of the three peaks and realized there were dwarven words.
"Anything on the whereabouts of the Arkenstone yet, Lee?"Thorin asked softly.
She looked up and frowned, then smiled as she realized it was Thorin talking to her; she was so engrossed in the text that she found herself transported into Durin the First's world that for a moment, she didn't recognize Thorin or where she was at.
"Hmm? No, Thorin, I'm just this moment interpreting your ancestor Durin the First. Cirth language is not as easy as it seemed. Especially some of the prints are beginning to fade."
Thorin nodded, to show that he understood and then he heard a sound, getting up, he put his papers away and locked them back in the box
"I'll be back," he left the small room.
Lee nodded and went back to her text; history had always held a fascination for her thus she delved back into the text excitedly.
It wasn't before the city was populated by Durin's folks whom also became the Longbeads. They grew and prospered during Durin's life whom he lived a very long that he was called Durin the Deathless. He led such a long life that it was rumored he died three times but came back again, it was called reincarnation.
Lee frowned at the word; reincarnation. To die and be born again, how is that possible?
This portion of the text ended abruptly without explaining how Durin the First died, or if he did.
Lee began to flip the text over, but here was no more mention of Durin the First.
It continued to mention the other Elder Dwarves; far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great dwarven cities ofBelegostandNogrodwere founded inEred Luinor, the Blue Mountains, during the First Age.
Lee stopped writing as she began to rub the back of her neck.
She then stood up and walked around the room, her legs were cramping from sitting...hmm? How long had she been sitting here?
Then she realized Thorin was not in the small room with her. A small panic rose within her as she left the small room and walked into the first room and saw him;
Lee smiled; Thorin had fallen asleep on the bed. She also saw a tray of food on the small table by the bed; she remembered the tap they heard earlier, it must be one of the servants sending down some food to them.
Rubbing her eyes, Lee yawned once as she watched Thorin slept, he looked so young and peaceful that she was tempted to crawl into his arms and curled into his warmth.
The bed was beckoning to her and she was getting tired, having little sleep the previous evening, so she stealthily moved near him and sat next to him silently and lain beside him, not quite touching which was almost impossible as the bed was quite narrow. He didn't stir so stretching alongside him, she lay down on the bed near the edge as her heart was beating furiously, not believing her boldness! What would he say if he awakened now? But he didn't as he continued to sleep; his breathing was steady and deep. Hearing his rhythmic breathing began to lull her to sleep as well that before long, she too fell asleep.
Thorin was having a very peaceful and wonderful sleep when he felt a warm presence. He slowly awakened to find Lee sleeping right next to him. A wide smile spread warmly on his face as he put his arm on her and gathered her into his body, she groaned and murmured as she burrowed deeper within him as she continued to sleep peacefully.
Thorin continued to watch her sleeping; he found that he liked this new and different feeling; sleeping with her right beside him. She was so warm, so cozy, and so loving. He felt protective of her; his heart sang as he slowly moved his arm up and down her back.
She moaned and almost sounded as if she was purring contently into his beard and neck as he leaned down to kissed her lightly on her forehead.
He realized she was awake when she moved her head up and reached up to kiss him back softly.
"Hello, beautiful, "he greeted her softly as he kissed her again.
"Hi," she smiled back.
He ran his hand over her soft cheek and along her jaw...
A tap on the outer door interrupted his motions.
He smiled at her and sat up, "I'll be right back, sweetheart."
She nodded as he got out of the bed and left.
Less than a minute later, he came back.
"We're expected to dinner in a bit. Your father, Crimm, you brother, my parents and you and I are having a small dinner."
Lee's eyes were wide and then slowly she smiled, "Really? Then we need to get going, I would like to freshen up."She hoped out of the bed.
Thorin grinned as he reached over and grabbed her, "Hey, wait, "he held her hands. "We still have time."
She laughed as she fell into his arms and let him kissed her for long while until it was time for them to head back above the surface.
…
Lee cleaned herself as well as she could; she wrinkled her nose as she told herself that a bath would be nice but there wasn't any time at the moment as she used a wash basin in the guest room.
She was nervous; her father and Jor meeting the King and he Queen! As well as Uncle Crimm.
She laughed as she recalled earlier when she and Thorin had emerged from the basement, Crimm was waiting for them, his hands were wringing together which were an indication of nervousness.
"Thorin! I must be excuse from this dinner! I am but a mere servant in your father's service!"
Thorin clapped his arm about the old dwarf, "Crimm! It's just a family dinner! You're not about to be executed."
Crimm glared at the younger dwarf, "I feel like it. Come Thorin, let me be excused."
Thorin shook his head, "No. You are family, or soon to be. Are you not happy for Lee and I?"
He nodded, "I can be from my quarters, I can celebrate in my quarters with you and Lee later."
Thorin shook his head, "You are not getting away so easily, beside you're not going to disappoint Lee."
Crimm was about to argue again when he let that fact sank in, his should sagged, "Very well. I'll see you in a bit."
Thorin laughed, "That's right, we'll see you later!"He waved at him before he dashed away to his room to change.
That evening as the sun set, everyone except for Erimm and Jor were at the dining Halls. Lee was waiting for them impatiently. Thorin was holding her hands, keeping her calm but he could sense her nervousness.
"Here, drink something," he handed her a mug of beer. "It usually calms me down."
She eyed him, "The last time you got me drunk, I woke up with such a head sore, it took me more than a day to recover. No thank you."
Thorin shrugged, "Fine, I'll drink for the both of us, then."
Finally, the doors opened, and Lee's father and brother showed up.
It was agreed that Thorin should do the introduction as he was less nervous and would not botched the whole thing.
Erimm and JoraLee were as nervous as Lee was as they stood with her.
King Thrain and Queen Nur were amazed when they looked from Lee to Jor and back, their resemblances were astounding.
They began to ask Erimm many questions about the twins; they were fascinated about their uniqueness. They talked until it was time to dine.
Lee was able to talk to her twin who informed her that he was setting out with Balin and Dwalin the very next day!
"Tomorrow!"She exclaimed.
Jor nodded excitedly as he began to talk about the weapons he had packed and hoped to show off to this Master Odin. Thorin wished him good journey and advised him about the travelling and to be aware of orcs and that Balin and Dwalin were the best dwarves who could protect him and that they were best traveling companions.
Crimm tried to be inconspicuous but his brother would not permitted it, he included him in the conversation as the king and queen talked more of the twins' upbringing. There were plenty of laughter and blushings as tales were exchanged. Of course, Nur began to talk about Thorin's embarrassing childhood as well. Thorin tried to stop her from telling everyone when he was a wee dwarf of two years of age running all over the palace dodging his nanny wearing nary a stitch of clothing, showing off his bare bottom! The entire party was reduced to tears, except for Thorin whose face was so red that he hid within his future intended's hair and neck.
After dinner, Thrain and Nur led Erimm, Crimm and Jor to the family room for a more intimate family discussion.
The royal couple had agreed that it was time that Crimm should not be made to serve the family anymore as it was not appropriate, Crimm began to panic, but Thrain assured him that soon, he would be almost part of the family, to serve the Durin family would certainly looked awkward.
Crimm was therefore awarded something akin to a retirement and given a house to live. But Crimm declined a house, he had discussed it with his brother Erimm whom he would be living together, two elder dwarves living till their ending days for they were past 250 years each.
Lee and Jor were sad to see their father aged so quickly but they are older now, and leading their own life. Lee would be soon wedded, and it was agreed that she would be living in the palace and she would have her own living quarters until her union with Thorin.
"Jor, you will be back for my union in a year, won't you?"Lee pled her twin.
Jor shook his head, "I don't know, sis. If Master Odin accepts me, I'll be out of touch with everyone, so I am sorry."Then he spoke again, "Or I can go another time"
Thorin shook his head, "It will be all right Jor, This training is much more important. Your sister will understand your absence, right Lee?" He squeezed her hand gently.
She looked at Thorin who nodded at her encouragingly; Jor had been looking forward to the trip and if Master Odin were to accept him it would have been hard to leave again until he was finished with his training with the very old dwarf, and Jor might not get another chance if he did not go now.
The older dwarves were sitting as Thrain and Nur were holding an impromptu court with Crimm and Erimm.
"Master Erimm, I understand you're a metal smith." Thrain asked.
Erimm nodded nervously.
"And you are quite good at smithing swords?" Erimm nodded again.
Stroking his long beard thoughtfully, the King continued, "I wondered if I could ask you to smith some swords for my army?"
Erimm began coughing hard.
Crimm had to pat his back for him.
"Are you all right, Master Erimm?"
"Yes your Highness. Yes, I'm sure I am able to make those swords you requested, although my forge is too small to accommodate the supply you requested."
Thrain waved his hand as they spent the rest of the evening discussing the amount of order Thrain wanted, Crimm began to input his ideas of making stronger swords. Erimm nodded, pleased that the King had entrusted him and his brother to work on the army's weapons.
Dis was brought into the room by her nurse to be introduced to the new extended future family members. She remembered Lee's voice and let her hold her as Jor leaned in and chatted with the baby too. Dis was very intrigue with him as she raised her hands up to him; Jor gingerly held him as he smiled at her rammed her hand into his mouth and gurgled in laughter. As the nurse tried to take her away for her evening meal, Dis cried and fussed until Jor offered to hold her again, she was placated and laid on his shoulders all evening as he patted on her back gently till she drifted off to sleep.
"What's with our children and their being so attracted to the twins?" Nur asked laughingly as Jor offered to take the baby to her room to lay her down to her bed, the nurse leading the way.
Lee smiled and told them that Jor had always been fascinated with babies. To him, they were the most intriguing tiny beings that were always laughing or crying and always eating.
When Jor came back, Erimm announce that it was time to leave as the hour was drawing late.
They all stood and took their leave, Thorin and Lee accompanied her father and Jor to their ponies.
The King and Queen had left for their private quarters after they bade them a good evening.
Lee was walking with her father; she knew he had wanted to talk to her alone
"Lee this is very sudden, are you sure this is what you want?"Her father looked closely at his only daughter.
She nodded and looked at Thorin who talking to her brother.
Erimm nodded as he continued, "Look into your heart carefully, my daughter. What does it say?"
She stopped and said, "It is telling me to love, father."
He smiled softly at her and reached over and kissed her forehead, "Then it's telling you the truth. I'm happy for you, child. Are you happy?"
She nodded as she smiled.
"As long as you are, then I'll be as well. Be safe. Now let me talk to him."
She nodded as she walked to her brother and intended.
"Thorin," he turned to her. "My father wishes to speak with you."She gave him a nod.
He arched a brow and nodded, gave her peck on her cheek and walked away.
Jor watched him and their father and then looked at his twin sister, "So, you've been well?"
Lee grinned, "Yeah, you?"
Jor nodded, "Excited and nervous at the same time."
Lee said sadly, "Jor, you will take care of yourself, won't you?"
Jor frowned and nodded nervously, "Yeah, I will." He said quietly. "Take care of father, okay?"
She nodded, and then she hugged her brother tightly.'
He returned her hug as he tried not to shed any tears as she was doing now.
They knew that this was the first time they were to be separated and it would be a long time before he would be back again, the strange sensation of not seeing her brother ever again came over her. She felt an urge to tell him not to go, that something ...that she would never see him again, came over her but she held her tongue. He had been looking forward to this trip since the other dwarves had invited him, it would be cruel of her to hold him back just because of an unwarranted feeling.
Thorin approached Erimm and took a deep breath; he didn't know what to expect from her father. So far, Erimm had been friendly since he had met him but that was before he and Lee became a couple...well, engaged. Now, he might not take the sudden news quite well, especially when he, Thorin barely knew Lee! The old dwarf might use one of his own swords on him for all he knew!
"Your Highness," Erimm began.
Thorin shook his head and interrupted him, "Please call me Thorin, after all I'm engaged to your daughter and will be ...er...your son after marriage. So to address me so formerly would be absurd."
Erimm nodded, "You're right, Thorin," he nodded. I 'm not sure what to ask you as I hardly know you. I am however, glad that your father and mother agreed that you and Lee are too young to wed now and that it is best to wait. Thorin, I want you to know that I'm old, and that I might not be around for long. I am past 250 years old, so you see, it won't be long now before I join her mother. I am entrusting you to care for her..."
Thorin reached out and touched the old dwarf's shoulder and said, "Sir please, you'll have many more years with us. It would please Lee most if you're still around when we wed. And more so when you hold her children. I assure you and her blessed mother that I pledged to uphold my eternal love for her. You have loved only one woman in your entire life and that is her beloved mother, and I pledge to you and the great Aulё that I will honor ThoraLee's love for eternal."
Erimm nodded, a tear on the edge in his eyes as he turned his gaze up in the star-lit sky and smiled, "Ah, Emmerlina, you hear that? Your new son have pledged his promise to care for your little ThoraLee. We are now at peace, my dear..."
Before Erimm could say more, a shooting star shot across the sky coming fast from their left flying as fast as their eyes could see as it faded into the horizon to their right...
Erimm and Thorin smiled at each other as if this was a sign from Emmerlina, a good sign that she approved of the forthcoming union.
Lee and Jor saw the shooting star as well and looked at one another; the last time they saw a shooting star, they were ten and were leaving the wood elves, never to see them again. Lee frowned at Jor; she read it as an omen as a confirmation that she would never seeing Jor again.
Changes
"Don't read too much into it, Lee" Jor said quietly as he mounted his pony. "It could be nothing, nothing. You hear, Lee?" He said vehemently.
Lee nodded woodenly as she held his pony.
"Oh, I almost forgot to give this to you, something I made a while back," Jor handed a package to her.
Lee took it from him and opened the white cloth and smiled.
It was a bracelet made of silver and he had put several small green emerald and amber beads intricately entwined into the silver metal.
"It's lovely Jor, thank you."She admired it smiling at it as she slid it into her hand. It fitted perfectly.
Lee felt Thorin slipped his arm on her shoulder as Erimm mounted his pony and with a wave, father and son left the palace.
Thorin looked at her hand, admiring the bracelet.
"This is very fine metal craftsman work," he commented.
She nodded as she leaned back lying against his chest, reveling in his warmth, Thorin smiled as he tucked her within him.
...
End of Chapter 13