I looked around uncertainly. My surroundings were unquestionably beautiful, but they did not squelch the fear. I did not recognize this place. As someone who had taken pride in exploring the world over, I thought I had discovered all there was to know. This realization that I may have been very wrong was disconcerting. The stronger half of me felt offended by this inner display of weakness, and I decided to explore properly. The trees near me were very tall, and blazing with all the colors of autumn. A slight breeze was the only thing to disturb the quiet of the forest around me, and I relaxed in the knowledge that there were no enemies in my immediate area.
Determining the best course of action, I shifted, pulling feathers around me before shooting up over the trees cautiously. I stayed hidden just above the canopy, not wanting to risk an unseen hunter shooting me down. From my vantage point I could see that I was quite close to the base of the mountains. The forest went on for a great distance, only being split up by a dirt path not far from where I had found myself. Turning to scan the other direction, I noticed a wooden wall around what must be a town. I winged closer, attempting to remain unseen while trying to get a glimpse of the inhabitants. It would not do to accidentally barge into an enemy camp, so I was relieved to note that the guards patrolling the walls were unmistakably dwarves.
I made my way back to the ground, not wanting to startle the townsfolk, before confidently heading for the main gate. I relished the thought of a warm meal and the chance to rest and get directions, I remembered the dwarves of the highlands as being generous hosts. Their inns and taverns were legend, the best ale and roasted meats I had ever hoped to find. I was pleased to see the gates standing wide open, this must be a safe area, though the presence of guards told me they were still cautious. I thought for a moment on what enemies they would likely expect in this area, aside from the usual beasts. It never even occurred to me for a moment to consider myself one such enemy, or I might have been better prepared.
"Where do you think you're going elf? State your business!" I backed up a few paces hurriedly, raising both hands in a gesture of peace towards the guards that now had axes leveled at my chest. I was terribly confused, did they think I was going to attack them? These certainly didn't look like the small amount of dwarves I had been forced to fight before, they were missing the dark gleam of corruption in their eyes. I decided a friendly approach was my best bet, not wanting to antagonize them.
"Peace, friend, I mean you no harm. I fear I am a little lost, and in need of direction." The guards expressions did not waver, hostility clear on their faces.
"A likely story. You'll be getting no help here, best move along if you know what's good for you." 'What?' This was the first time I had gotten such a reaction from those I would normally consider allies. Seeing I hadn't moved, they continued to snarl at me. "Go on, get out of here. Your kind are no longer welcome after what you did to us when the blasted dragon came." Now I was really confused. I had helped as many as I could when Deathwing attacked the land, and I could not remember doing anything to cause offense. Indeed, everywhere I went I was greeted with enthusiasm by those in need of aid. It was perplexing, but I could see I was getting nowhere so I retreated back towards the treeline.
I had made a small camp in a clearing not far from the wall, but still out of sight. It was just past midday now, but I knew I could not get far without a meal and a rest, so I planned to spend the night here. Reaching into my pack I pulled out a biscuit to munch on, frowning slightly at the sweet flavor. It was one of Athene's magic biscuits, and would keep for as long as I left them in the bag. I didn't especially care for the taste, but they would sustain me, so I let it go for now. I reached a hand back in, thinking to see how many I had with me, when my fingers brushed against a cool stone. I felt a rush of relief as I pulled out the rock engraved with a familiar rune. My hearthstone, the rune on it standing for the most simple of concepts. Home. I knew it was the easy way out of this predicament, especially since I wanted to know more about this place, but I thought it more important to return home and reassure my sister that I had not been lost.
Closing my eyes, I thought of the tower where Athene was studying. We both used it as a temporary living space after our house had been destroyed. I thought of the books lining the walls, the faint gleam of magic in the air, and the sounds of water from the fountain outside. I grew impatient momentarily when the rush of air that should have sent me home never came. Opening my eyes, I was greeted by a silent, dark rock. I shook it slightly, willing the familiar glow of magic to appear, or the warm humming when it would tremble on the brink of performing its only function. Nothing happened. 'Can't be,' I gasped. But there was no sign of life from the stone in my hand, and I tossed the seemingly broken object back into my bag in frustration. I had never heard of such a thing happening. For someone to lose one was inconvenient, but for one to stop working entirely? Unheard of, in all my years not once had such a thing occurred, and this was the very first stone I had acquired all that time ago on my choosing day.
I felt a new kind of fear as I recalled the disappearance of a small amount of guardians over the years. Every so often, someone would suddenly go missing, no explanation. They were here the one day and gone the next, and not a trace of them was left behind save a grieving family. None had ever returned that I was aware of, and they were named the lost, their faces preserved in the stone or wood halls of their birth. I remembered their faces, dim memories from over the years. Luckily none had been close friends, but they were comrades in arms, and that made them unofficially family. I began to wonder if I had just joined their ranks, and if the others were here somewhere as well. My thoughts turned to my sister, now truly alone if I couldn't find my way back. I resolved to try and approach the town again in the morning, determined to get some help finding my way home. Calling softly for Luna, I was relieved when she appeared with a puff of smoke. She was still able to get to me, and I basked in the comfort of her presence as the afternoon wore on.
An hour had gone past when my ears caught the sound of shuffling leaves and the giggle of children. I smiled at the sound, catching a glimpse of two small boys running through the trees. The bigger one had golden hair that shone in the sun, the little one his polar opposite. This one was as dark as the first was light, and so small that his toddling steps looked comical as he hurried to keep up with the other. I remained still as they headed my direction, eyes half closed and struggling to hold back a grin as I watched them spy on me. I could hear them debating whether to come closer as they peered around the trunk of a large tree, eyes wide at the sight of Luna beside me. When the older one seemed close to going in another direction I decided to speak up, not wanting them to wander off into the forest alone.
"Where are two brave warriors such as yourselves headed to this fine day?" The little one jumped behind his larger companion, both of them puffing out their chests at the compliment. Gaining their courage they came closer before they began to introduce themselves in what I recognized as a well practiced ritual.
"I'm Fili," the big one spoke up, before nudging his accomplice. When the little one didn't speak he sighed. "That's my brother, Kili." Giving him another poke, they both bowed, the movement of the elder fluid, his little brother only slightly clumsy. "At your service," they both added. I chuckled before nodding solemnly back, in approximation of a bow from where I sat.
"Alanta at yours." I motioned for them to sit, smiling when Kili ignored me in favor of approaching Luna in fascination. Fili moved to pull him back, eying the large cat warily, and I hastened to reassure him. "It's alright, she's quite friendly. Just don't go pulling on anything." Looking somewhat calmer, Fili joined his brother in gently patting Luna, looking pleased when she let out a large rumbling purr. She appeared content to let the small boys clamber over her, lying down smoothly and letting out a yawn that left them both awed.
"Fee, fee, look at her huge teefs!" They sat beside her as she took a nap, pelting me with questions. I decided to ask a few of my own before answering any, wanting to know where the boys parents were.
"What are you two doing in the forest all alone?" They tried to appear serious, contorting their small faces into what I presumed was meant to be a war-like grimace.
"We're gonna patrol the forest to keep the town safe." Fili looked proud of himself, and I guessed it had been his idea. I nodded seriously in return, acting as if I spoke to a fellow guardian.
"Excellent idea, have to keep those wolves and bears away from your homes. I'm sure your mum and da would be proud of your dedication." I was startled to see their faces fall, instantly wondering if perhaps they were orphans. My suspicion was partially confirmed when Fili spoke up quietly as he stroked his brothers hair.
"Haven't got a da," he muttered.
"I'm so sorry." Thinking to relate to them, I told them softly "I don't either." They looked up in surprise, giving a hesitant smile. I thought to divert them to happier topics, but Fili spoke up again.
"Da was killed by orcs before Kili was born. Now there's only Mum and Uncle. We have to live here now, but someday we're going to go back to our real home." I was a little surprised that such a young child knew so much, and felt sad that this place I was in seemed no more free of the pain of war than my own home. I wondered what the last thing he had said meant, had they been driven away by orcs?
"What happened to your home?" I listened carefully as Fili began to recite something that must have been told to him many times.
"Uncle says a dragon took it. He stole our gold and drove us out of the mountain far away. But one day we will go back and take it once more, and he will be king. He says we will be princes, but I don't know if I will like that. I just want to be me." I smiled, thinking his uncle must have been telling him fairy stories. I thought sharing my story wouldn't hurt, even if it did encourage what I thought was their game of make believe.
"A dragon took my mum and da away too. Tell you what. When you are all grown up, we'll go to this mountain and kick that dragon out together." I held out a hand to them, taking both their smaller ones.
"Promise?" They asked, looking hopeful.
"Promise."
The afternoon was drawing on when I heard faint yelling filtering through the trees. I stood up, trying to make out the words. A brow raised as I looked towards my two guests, apparently the source of the far off distress. They were playing with a few of my little friends that had answered my call, oblivious to the building ruckus. Seraph fluttered around them, a kitten and rabbit each in their laps.
"Someone is calling for you," I stated mildly. They both jumped, startling their charges as they gave me guilty looks. It dawned on me quickly that they must not have told anyone where they were going. "You snuck out..." They nodded, shame gracing their features. Scooping up the animals, I sent them off for a bit before turning to my nervous charges. Motioning Luna to stay where she was, I addressed the boys. "Come, we must let them know you are safe." They followed reluctantly, stopping altogether when they recognized the voice calling for them.
"Uncle is going to be so mad," Fili whispered. I collared them before they could run off, eying them sternly.
"Where's my brave warriors who were ready to patrol the forest and protect their town? Part of being a brave warrior is admitting when you've done wrong, and apologizing. Your uncle will be angry because he is scared that you are lost." They looked unconvinced, but once again followed me. It wasn't long before a much larger dwarf appeared, striding along as he frantically called out the names of his nephews. I hailed him, hiding my distress at his instant hostility. "Excuse me, but I believe these are the two you are looking for."
"Get away from them!" He yelled furiously, prompting the boys to scurry behind me in fear. Sighing, I turned away from him, guessing he wouldn't actually attack me with them so near. I put a hand on their shoulders, smiling encouragingly.
"Remember what I told you my brave warriors. Go now and show me your courage." They straightened considerably, moving forward when I nudged them towards their uncle. Placing themselves in front of him, they spouted apologies and promises not to repeat their misdeeds. I watched as the stormy look left his eyes, and he gathered them up closely, burying his face in their hair. Both boys let out a squeak of protest, so he loosened his grip slightly before giving me a look of grudging appreciation. It was quickly replaced with fear as he looked at something over my shoulder, gathering the boys behind him. A sword was in his hand before I could blink, and I whirled around to see what had prompted his defensive attitude.
"Luna," I breathed, giving my companion an annoyed glare as I moved protectively between her and the dwarves. "I thought I told you to stay at camp." She gave a rumbling reply, prompting me to roll my eyes at her protectiveness. "I don't care if he looks threatening, I can handle myself." She snorted, lying down in a huff and I turned to see the dwarf giving me a strange look. He was too busy focusing on me to stop Fili and Kili from racing around him to greet their new friend again. I had to hurry to get in the way of his weapon when he made to charge at the large cat with a yell. I threw my hands up, quickly thickening my skin before his sword could slice though my hand. "Wait! She won't hurt them, please don't attack my friend!" He stopped, my words and the fact that his sword had bounced off my hand startling him. It was just long enough for him to notice Luna laying carefully still as the boys bounced gleefully on her back.
Sheathing his weapon, he stared at me. I decided to try and bridge the awkward silence. Bowing smoothly as the boys had, I introduced myself. "Alanta, at your service." He twitched, a note of surprise crossing his face before he resumed a glare. His raven hair and sparking sapphire eyes only added to the dark look he gave me.
"Thorin," he said shortly. I almost rolled my eyes at the abruptness of it, deciding to ignore the fact that he made no mention of service. It had been drilled into me to be polite to everyone other than my enemies, and I was determined to forge some kind of truce with these people. Questions boiled in my head. Where were we? Why were they so hostile? Even more importantly, why did he think I was going to harm the children? Even our enemies valued the lives of children enough to spare them without hesitation, it was the only thing we had in common. I wanted to ask them all, hoping that he would answer, but we were interrupted by the arrival of another dwarf who looked remarkably like Thorin. She raced towards him, alternately screaming obscenities at me and scolding her family. The boys disentangled themselves from their playmate and hurled their tiny bodies at the distraught woman.
"Mother!"
Author's note: Alright, so I've begun the groundwork for Alanta's introduction to the dwarves. I hope you found little Fili and Kili to be suitably endearing, and Thorin to be accurate in personality. They aren't going to like her for quite awhile, but I think her returning of the boys will be enough to begin changing their minds about her. The appearance and disappearance of mounts/pets will be explained soon. I needed her to have access to her companions, but obviously she cannot have them all tagging along after her at the same time, that would be absurd. The reason for her hearthstone being broken, I'm making it so it is too far away from home for it to work. The thickening of the skin to stop a sword attack is based on a druid ability called barkskin. I'm not sure if they still have it, but for the purpose of this story she does. As for her lack of initial worry on the part of the roaming boys, those of you who have played the game know that children run around all over the place, and are untouchable. I felt it was appropriate to base that on a reverence for young lives that spans across all races. I hope I have explained anything people may be questioning, and my apologies for ending this chapter rather abruptly. There will be more interaction between them immediately in the next chapter, along with a little action. Thanks to those still reading this, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.