*Thorin Oakenshield's Perspective*
How could such a child have such hardships in her life already? Little Aurora was positively darling in all honesty and so preciously small, that all I desired was to simply hug the poor lass close. She was just a tad taller than my waist and had round features, not plump, that could allow one to easily tell that she did her best to stay well fed. Her rounded face was accented by a rather small nose and a bonny smile along with positively adorable baby blue eyes. Her pale white skin greatly contrasted with her hair, and those black ringlets cascaded over her shoulders in silky waves of obsidian. Her curls bounced with every step she took, and it positively hurt to see such a beautiful child face such hardships.
She simply refused most of our help, and my Company and I sat in her rather magnificent dining hall, pampered with luxurious seats made of the finest wood and with the softest cushions I had ever seen. Despite how different our worlds were, I could not believe this was the house of a mere peasant. There were golden framed portraits lining the walls and a rather magnificent chandelier hanging above the table. The walls of the extremely large room were made of some sort of plaster, and they were the bold color of the sun, while the plush flooring beneath us was a soft beige. I ran my hand along the large table curiously, wondering how even the simplest matter of wood could be so different between worlds. It was glossy in appearance and magnificently smooth to the touch without a single scratch or fault. I looked up, a smile playing on my lips as I saw our tiny hostess exit her cooking chambers holding a large bowl in her arms with Bifur just behind her, an amused smile on his lips as he watched her like she was one of his own.
"Is there anything I may assist you with, Miss Aurora?"
She shook her head, standing on her tiptoes and carefully hefting that large bowl onto the table beside me. "No, no… I've got it. It's no trouble."
The way she said that made me shift restlessly. She sounded too mature for her age, like she had already seen war despite how ridiculous that sounded.
"Aurora, where are your parents? Do they not dine with you?" Dori piped up in concern, bringing her to him and acting like the overprotective fool he was with Ori. He pulled her into his lap, tucking her head beneath his chin. "You poor child; you look cold. Come in close…"
"My parents?" Aurora blanched at that, all color draining from her features, and I thought that perhaps she had seen war. "May we- May we not discuss that?"
"Of course, Little One, I'm sorry if I upset you," Dori apologized earnestly, stroking the hair from her face gently. "I did not mean it."
"I-I know you didn't. It's just- I-" She shook her head in protest, her small hands clutching at her hair. "I can't. I'm sorry, I can't."
I gave Dori a look, hoping he'd catch on, and soon the little child was settled against my chest. I shifted her into my lap, her little legs off to my side. I held her head in my one hand, guiding it close. Still, she struggled. It was not until I began to hum soothing thoughts in her ear that she calmed, and I would not allow her to leave my arms.
"Poor lass," Dori hummed sadly, shifting closer with his plate in his hands. "Come now, Dear, open up."
She buried herself closer to my chest, a fond feeling spreading in my chest as she mumbled into my shoulder, "No, m'fine."
"You must eat, Little One," I scolded gently, using my one hand to tenderly raise her chin so she met my eyes. "It's alright. You're safe here. None of us think any less of you if you need help."
She looked up at me, and I was shocked to find her eyes well up with tears. She whimpered softly, and I positively melted, unable to help but recall how Kili and Fili used to huddle close to me when hurt as well. "Lemme go…"
"Ssh… Hush now, Lassie," I soothed, stroking the tears away from her cheeks tenderly. She was warm to the touch, and I felt my heart absolutely shatter. She was working, preparing food for us, when she was ill? I pat her back lightly, saying, "Dori, I think she's fine now. She's just being put to bed after this."
I shifted her into his lap, unable to help but feel something was missing when she left my arms. I paid it no mind, simply keeping a close eye on her as she was settled into Dori's comforting father-like hold.
"Oh, you poor dear," he crooned once she was fed. "You're burning up."
"But m'cold."
"What you need is a lukewarm bath," Dori decided with a thoughtful hum, poking her nose as a fond smile played on his lips. "Used to always do the trick for Ori. What do you say?"
She shook her head, burying herself even further into his hold. "M'just tired."
"Then I suppose you are all but ready for a nap, eh?" Bofur chuckled fondly, plucking the small girl out of Dori's arms despite her protests of being held once again. "Let's get you all settled…"
"She's so cute!" Kili practically swooned once the two were gone. "Just look at those big eyes!"
"You weren't so fond of 'er an hour ago, Lad," Dwalin snorted in good nature, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Very true. You looked like you thought the lass was about to slit your throat."
Kili glared (more like pouted) at me, defending, "You saw the Orc! How was I supposed to assume that she wouldn't do the same to me."
"Yes, yes, that's very true, Lad…"
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the follows/favorites! Feel free to drop a review; I accept any form of criticism, especially any on formatting issues. (Am I spacing this correctly? I am just so confused...) Anyways, thanks again, and, in the case that you have yet to notice, I will be switching POVs between Aurora and Thorin throughout the story. I thank you (yet again) and bid you all adieu!