Chapter 66
Aragorn looked up startled at the words that passed through Haldir's lips. Surely we were able to pass, Galadriel had to know we were here. I moved slightly, and Aragorn laid a hand on my shoulder, and then walked forward. They argued for awhile, and we were left to just wait and see what we'd do next. It took a long while, but Haldir slowly walked forward and looked at everyone. We all glanced up at his approach, and I sighed softly.
"You will follow me," he ordered. "Come."
Moving forward, Legolas pulled me to my feet and we started the long trek through Lothlorien. I glanced at the trees around us, and time seemed to stand still. I hummed quietly, and kept pace with Aragorn. Haldir glanced back, and his head tilt had me walking forward. I fell into step with him easily, and put my hands behind my back for a moment.
"The years have gone well for you, Lady Arina," he rumbled.
"They have. It's been a long time," I mused.
"Aye, it has. It seems you have been softened," he teased.
"Try me in battle, and you might find yourself taking back that statement," I chuckled. "Does she know we come?"
"Of course she does," Haldir nodded. "She knew the moment you all entered this wood."
I fell silent at that, and moved back to walk with Aragorn. For a long while we walked in silence and the weight of loss hit me hard. I ended up slipping my hand through Aragorn's arm and trying hard not to let the grief consume me. Not yet. He reached up and laid his hand on mine as we walked up the winding steps. It was dark when we got to where we needed to go. The entrance of Lady Galadriel and her husband was beautiful, but it was something I had seen before.
I did not interrupt them at all when they all began to speak and Legolas spoke of how Gandalf fell. The Lady spoke to each member of the Fellowship and bid them to rest. I noticed Gimli had not said a word as he had laid eyes upon Galadriel. That almost made me chuckle, but I kept my head down. As she dismissed them all to leave, her voice in my head had me stopping. I shuddered at that, not enjoying the invasion. She always knew how to get my attention though.
"I do believe that is the longest you have ever been silent," Celeborn said, with some amusement.
"I am glad you can still find a way to tease me, Master Celeborn," I replied coldly. "Even when I am heavy with grief."
"The loss of Gandalf weighs on all our minds, Arina," Celeborn sighed.
"He is not all I grieve for," I murmured.
"Do not let the fall of Moria fill your heart with sadness," Galadriel said gently. "The world is full of peril, and the days grow darker still. Keep your hope, Arina. It will see you through the hard times."
My fists clenched and I felt my nails pierce my skin. The tears that I had been holding back suddenly spilled over and I was angry that I was crying again. Celeborn walked forward then, and put his hand around my shoulder. It was rare to have him comfort someone other than his wife, or kin. His fingers warmed my skin at the contact, and I found myself leaning against him a little.
"I am sorry, Lady Arina for your loss," he murmured honestly. "I apologize for teasing you."
"I need to return to Erebor," I whispered, taking the comfort he provided.
"Go," Galadriel nodded. "You will rest here for the night, and you can depart in the morning. This is not over yet, Arina. You will find your way back to them, you must. I will tell you when they depart from here."
I nodded my head at her words, and once Celeborn released me, I turned and faced Haldir. The elf smiled at me and offered his arm. It had been about a hundred years since I had been in his presence, and he didn't tease me this time. Maybe he had heard how bad it had gone with Celeborn, and he chose to keep quiet.
"I am sorry, about Moria," he spoke quietly. "The most we can do, is give you a room and meal. The Lady tells me you will leave in the morning. I am sure our paths will cross once more, Lady Arina."
"I am glad to see you well, Haldir. Thank you," I nodded.
He led me to a room, and opened the door for me. After thanking him again, I slowly shut the door. I was provided with clean clothes and a fresh bath. Once that was done, I was given something to eat, and I left the room I was in. I made my way down to where the others were camped and by then they had eaten and cleaned up. It was a much needed rest after the months of traveling.
Gimli looked over at me when I walked down and he hastily rose to his feet. I glanced down at the dress I was wearing and sighed a little. He bowed to me, and I patted his shoulder. Going over to Sam, I was happy to see that he instantly moved and grabbed the book out of his pack.
"Thank you, Sam," I said gently.
"Of course," he flushed, nodding.
Aragorn and Legolas both turned around when I got to my feet and I sighed quietly and held the book tight to my chest. I took a breath, and looked back to the company. We had spent about two months together, and I had grown fond of many of them. Even Boromir, though not as much.
"For now, my journey with you ends," I said quietly. "I do believe we will meet again. It is not over with yet, but I must deliver news to Erebor. I cannot wait."
"Until we meet again, then," Aragorn nodded.
I bid them all farewell, and took the shape of an eagle. Taking flight, I started my journey home. Clutching the book in my feet, I spent the whole night flying. As I passed over the Greenwood, I found myself screaming. The voice was not my own, but that of an eagle so at least it wasn't such an awful sound. To me however, it gave into the very grief that strangled me. No, I guess my journey with them was not over. I was going to get revenge, and make them pay for Moria.
As the sun began to rise, I came into view of the mountain. It was quiet, and I glided down from the clouds and to the front gate. Horns sounded of my arrival, and I landed gently. Turning human, I knelt and picked up the book. I looked at it for a long moment and closed my eyes. Dori and Nori were going to be so upset. I clutched it tightly and then looked up when the gates opened. Gloin was also going to be broken when he heard of Oin, they had been inseparable for years. Until Oin had left for Moria.
I was greeted by Thorin, who came rushing out of Erebor with a few guards behind him. The joy that flooded me at seeing his face had me rising to my feet. His arms came around my waist tightly, and I was suddenly wrapped up in his embrace. He pressed his lips to my own and the happiness blinded me for a moment. Reaching up, I touched his cheek with a hand and pressed our foreheads together.
"I am glad to see you home," he whispered.
"I am afraid I won't be staying long," I answered. "I've...I've come bearing news..."
When Thorin looked at me, the happiness left his eyes and I was suddenly staring at the King. He moved a step back, and I slowly offered him the book that was in my hand. He took it, and slowly opened the cover and went to the first page.
"Ori..." he whispered.
"I've been to Moria," I said quietly, my voice shaking. "And I've seen what happened. Balin is dead, Thorin. He's been dead for thirty years and we didn't even know."
He didn't look at me for a few minutes, and instead chose to stare straight at the book. I saw his hands shake briefly, but he turned and ushered me inside. I followed him, nodding to those who bowed to me. We went to a private room, and he sent for Dwalin, Nori and Dori.
"How?" Thorin asked, his voice quiet.
"Orcs and goblins," I said softly. "They woke something in the depths of the mountain. We went in through the West Gate...the Door of Durin and we entered a tomb. The whole mountain was in ruin. Balin had been buried, and Ori had locked himself and several others in the room until they died..."
"What..."
"A balrog of Morgoth," I continued. "A demon from the ancient world was dwelling beneath the mountain. They woke it Thorin, and it killed everyone who was left. Balin had died before the attack of the demon. Ori wrote about it, in the last pages of the book. Those who survived fled over the bridge of Khazad Dum and most likely were killed off by Orcs. I do not know..."
"A demon...how?" Thorin looked at me.
"I do not know," I repeated the worlds slowly, trying hard to control the emotion that swirled through me. "We fled over the bridge, and Gandalf…"
When I couldn't finish the words, Thorin sucked in a soft breath. My silence was answer enough to what had happened to the wizard. I closed my eyes for a long moment until the door suddenly swung open. Dwalin was the first one to enter, and Dori and Nori soon followed.
"You're back," Dwalin rumbled, laying a hand on my shoulder. "Good to see you have...what's wrong?"
I didn't have the heart to retell the story, so I went over to Thorin as he set the book down slowly. Dori's face immediately scrunched up and tears spilled down his cheeks. Dwalin was silent for a moment before his eyes shot to Thorin.
"What of Balin?" Dwalin demanded, and glared when the King didn't answer right away. "What of him, Thorin?"
"He's gone...Dwalin," I said quietly. "No one knew what had happened. No one paid any attention."
I saw grief and rage consume the dwarf before me in just seconds. Tears came to his eyes, and then his hand turned to a fist and a low growl erupted from his chest. Balin had always been much more free with his emotions, while Dwalin held them in. To see him be reduced to tears had me turning away. Thorin walked up to him, and grabbed his friend firmly.
"We will sing for them, Dwalin," Thorin rumbled, his voice heavy.
For a moment, all four of them were wrapped up in their grief and I let them be. Sitting down slowly, I looked at the book and all that it held. Nori was silent as he stared at the table, his hands resting on it. I reached across and laid my own over his. He looked at me, and I gave him a comforting look. I had no idea what we would do now. Thorin also had to relay that Gandalf had also perished, which sent even more grief through them.
"I do have news," I sighed. "Sauron's forces are focused on the Ring. He knows the area of where it is at, so we may yet have some time. The eye is fixed toward Lorien right now, and so are all courses of evil. We may yet be free of this war. If not, I believe it will be Easterlings who come for us. There is much still I do not know, but I was told I must meet back up with the company that remains in time."
"How long?" Thorin asked, turning back to me.
"I honestly am not sure," I replied quietly. "The Fellowship just lost Gandalf...I...I assume they will be grieving for a short while."
Thorin nodded his head and crossed his arms. "We will have a feast tonight," he rumbled. "In memory of them. Nori, can you go inform the kitchens of that?"
"I can do that," he nodded slowly. "Come Dori, you can help me."
Dwalin slowly sat down, looking at his hands as they rested on the table. This had been something I had never wished to deliver. I looked to Thorin for guidance, but he just shook his head quietly.
"I'm so sorry, Dwalin," I murmured. "I really am."
"Thorin said you went into the Mines?"
"Aye, I did," I replied slowly.
"Can you tell me of it?"
"It's not something you'd want to hear, Dwalin. That place is nothing but a place for the dead right now," I said, shaking my head. "I have no doubt it was once a mighty city, but now it is just a ruin."
"It was all for naught," he hissed out.
"He had peace for thirty years," I said quietly. "But after that, I do not know what happened. The demon that was awoken was beyond any of us. Even Gandalf didn't defeat it. It was like looking into death...that creature was something I have never seen. It's the horrors you only read about."
"So now what do we do?" Dwalin asked, looking to Thorin.
"We continue preparing for war," Thorin rumbled seriously.
"And I will leave once I am informed of the Fellowships departure," I replied. "I will not let his death be for nothing. This battle will be won."
Dwalin slowly nodded his head, and finally got to his feet and left the room without another word. My heart reached out to him, knowing he was in much pain. Sighing tiredly, I looked down at the table.
"You have a half day to sleep," Thorin murmured gently. "You have to be tired. Come, I'll take you to our chambers."
"All right," I nodded, getting up.
He wrapped his arm around my waist gently, and so I returned the gesture. We walked through the halls, and I was glad we didn't run into Akira or Thane. I wanted to be at least rested before I saw them, or any others for that matter. He drew a bath for me and I stripped out of my clothes and sighed.
"Forces are moving far beyond our control," Thorin rumbled. "If we fail..."
"If we fail, Black Speech will be heard through out the West. Erebor, Gondor, Lorien, Rivendell…it will all fall," I said softly. "Life as we know it will end with death. And I won't be giving up just yet."
Thorin looked at me as I sank into the hot water. He pulled up a stool and sat down, studying me for a long moment. Part of me wondered what he saw when he looked at me.
"These two months have changed you," he commented, and I moved across the bath to be closer to him.
"Yes," I sighed. "I've seen how weak men are, and also how strong. I've watched innocent young ones being thrust into something they are far to young for. But they have shown such courage. It's also made me realize how much I wanted to just stay here with you."
"We do not blame you for joining them, love," he rumbled.
"I know, and I know it was for a reason..." I trailed off, and looked down.
"What's important, is that you are here for now," Thorin answered, touching my cheek. "That's what matters right now."
"I saw Bilbo."
"Bilbo?" Thorin asked, leaning forward. "He's still..."
"Aye. The Ring prolonged his life," I muttered. "He sought refuge in Rivendell. His nephew, Frodo Baggins is now the Ringbearer. Your gift of Mithril saved him in Moria."
"Good, at least I did something for Bilbo," Thorin muttered.
"You were a good friend. He says hello, and that he misses us all," I hummed.
Thorin smiled at that, and offered to wash my hair. I enjoyed the contact and the soothing comfort he provided. I wanted nothing more than to cry for the loss we had all just gone through. Once he was done, I finished up and got out of the water. Getting into something comfortable, I went to bed and laid down on Thorin's side. He followed, and leaned down to press a tender kiss to my temple. Reaching up, I grabbed his hand and laced our fingers.
"Oh, by the way," I smiled softly. "I love the gift you had made for me."
"Ah, so you got the sword?" he asked. "I'll have to look at it when you are among the living again."
I laughed softly, and leaned up to kiss him on the lips. "I loved it. Best weapon I've ever had. Thank you, for thinking of me."
"You know I always do," Thorin rumbled.
"You mean the world to me," I whispered.
"And you to me," he said gently. "Best you bring yourself back to me at the end of this. Or I'll have to come find you."
I smiled at his words, and kissed him on the lips. He returned it just as passionately, before breaking away. When he did, I was happy to see the flush to his cheeks. Giving me a look, he hurriedly turned away.
"Best you take a nap, before I don't let you," he grunted, and I chuckled.
THORIN'S POV
Dead. Balin was dead. So was Ori and Oin. Gloin, had anyone told Gloin that Oin was gone? Thorin watched as Arina closed her eyes, unable to hold them open any longer. He smiled a little, knowing that at his jest she had wanted to, but he was glad that sleep took her. She looked exhausted. He didn't want to be responsible for keeping her up any longer. He quietly shut the door and walked down the hall and back within the mountain.
Dead.
He blinked as he came to a sudden stop and the breath left his chest harshly. Grief hit him, pure and raw, so hard that he almost reached out to steady himself. So that was why they had heard nothing. Balin had been so stubborn, so sure this was what he had wanted to do. Thorin grunted, and continued walking. He had sent his dear friend to his death. His hand clenched, balling into fists again and another wave hit him.
No. No he didn't send him to his death. They had no idea what had laid in the mountain, there was no way that could have been told. It didn't matter now, Balin was gone. Taking a breath again, Thorin found that he could not continue his duties at the present. A maid quietly walked into view, having left doing something. She paused when she saw the King and bowed to him.
He glanced to her, and then took a breath. "Find Thane," he ordered. "Tell him to take over my duties for the day, until this evening. Prince Fili should also be in formed. I will be in my chambers, and I do not want to be bothered."
"My Lord," she nodded, and hurried off.
Part of him felt weak for not being able to continue his duties. Arina had said that everyone grieves, no matter how important they are. Thorin was no different then anyone else. During battle, when he had lost his grandfather and his brother there had been no time for grief. It was either die or continue fighting. He had no choice but to continue fighting, but he had grieved after. Now, he had a chance to grieve at the present and get it over with. He never liked to linger in emotions like that. If he grieved for too long, it'd take away all of his motivation. His thoughts would turn dark, and it'd be much harder to get back to being himself.
Turning swiftly, he went back to his chambers. His wife had been gone for two months and he had wanted nothing more then to crawl into bed with her. He was going to do just that. He had help. Thane, Akira, Fili and Kili could run the mountain for a few hours. He would tell them if Dwalin didn't get to them first. Reaching for the door, he quietly opened it again and walked inside.
He took off his boots and put them aside and then shed his coat and belt. Turning his head, Thorin looked over to see Arina sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed. That had his eyes crinkling in a smile. Walking over to the bed, he got in and pulled her close to him. He had missed her while she had been gone and he knew she had felt the same.
She hummed when he pulled her against him, and she instantly turned herself. He knew she had woken enough to know he was here. Arina opened her eyes tiredly to see him, and she reached out and wrapped her arm around him. She pressed her head against his chest, and he pulled her as close as he dared.
He cried briefly, and all the while her hand moved through his hair. She let him grieve, and no words passed between them as he was free to feel the anguish that took him over. Balin, dead. He figured she had cried with him, but it didn't take her long to cry herself into slumber. He soon followed and they were both able to sleep a little easier.
I couldn't wait! I hope you enjoyed it! Stick close, it's about to get bumpy!