Dis turned to her brother, looking up from where she clutched her precious boys to demand an explanation. "Thorin, what is going on here? Who is this?" She sent a glare in the direction of the strange looking elf that stood in front of them, a great beast at her back. She was met by an entirely passive look in response, leaving her mildly surprised that the girl didn't return her blatant hostility. Perhaps she was just taunting them, the elves were notorious for their tricky ways. Before Thorin could reply, Fili began chattering animatedly about his new 'friends'.
"Mama, her name is 'anta and she showed us her animal friends, and she says when we get big she's gonna help us get the bad dragon, she promised!" Fili looked positively delighted, and Kili was nodding in agreement of his older brother's words, a beaming smile directed at his mother. She frowned and snorted at the idea that this elf would offer help to her kind, laughing inwardly at the thought of the skinny girl getting anywhere near a dragon. Placing her sons in the care of her brother, she stood up, training her imperious gaze on the calm elf in front of her.
"Dis, at your service," she stated, surprised when she received a hesitant smile.
I was filled with a mixture of relief and amusement when tiny Fili jumped to my defense against his mother. The little boy prattled happily, Kili nodding along with what he was saying as he told her about our interaction. She appeared disapproving when he mentioned the dragon, and I got the impression she was unhappy with the direction her son's imagination had taken him. Standing tall she introduced herself with a courteous bow, much more politely than her brother had. It gave me some small measure of hope that I might be able to make headway through her. I hurried to reciprocate the gesture.
"Alanta, at your service. I wish to apologize. Had I known the boys were missed, I would have encouraged them to return immediately." I hesitated before going ahead with some of my questions. "I must ask, have I done something to offend you? I do not understand why I have been so forcefully denied entrance to your town." Dis gave me an incredulous look.
"Surely your kind has a better memory than that? You abandoned us when the dragon came and took our home, despite all past alliances between us." She was seething by this point, and I was startled to realize the story Fili had told me was true. I was still confused by the accusation though. I had not heard of any dragon threat, surely my people would have responded had our aid been called for.
"So the lad's story was true? I don't understand. Dwarves have always allied themselves with the night elves, we would never have withdrawn aid had it been asked for." I tried to remember that I was far from home, but mention of a dissolved alliance between our two peoples told me just how far I must be.
"Night elves? Never heard of them, though you do look unlike any elf I've ever seen." Thorin admitted this grudgingly, not retracting blame fully, merely giving me the benefit of the doubt. I pounced on the opportunity.
"I'm not from around here. In fact, I'm afraid I am rather lost. Perhaps you can help me?" I approached them, digging through my bag for a map. Hearing Luna growl behind me, I gave her a warning look. "Luna, enough." She snarled a rude response, and I lost it. Glaring fit to kill, I pointed in the direction of camp. "That, was not very nice. Go, now, and when I require your opinion I shall ask for it." She slunk away, Fili and Kili making a sad noise at her departure. I turned to see the adults giving me another funny look, but I ignored it. "I'm sorry, she's normally better behaved. She is overly protective of me." They just nodded, looking rather confused at the thought of an animal having intelligent feelings, so I moved on.
Finally getting hold of the worn vellum, I drew it out and unrolled it, turning it to face them. Their confusion only mounted as they stared at it. "I do not recognize anything on here," Thorin said at last. I felt my blood run cold, rolling the now useless map up again and placing it carefully back in my pack.
"So I am a lost," I muttered. My eyes fell closed, a single tear escaping at the thought of my grieving sister now truly alone in the world. "Athene, I'm so sorry," I whispered. I sank to my knees, trying to ignore the two dwarves watching me with a mix of uncertainty and pity in the face of my grief.
"Who is Athene?" Dis asked quietly. I didn't answer right away, instead digging through my bag once again before pulling our a slightly faded painting. The smiling faces of my parents looked out of the picture, holding my sister and I in their arms. I held it out for them to see, choking back the tears that threatened at the long forgotten memory.
"Athene is my sister. She is all alone now, I will never be able to get back to her."
"What about your parents?" I bit my lip, drawing blood as I struggled to answer the question.
"They were murdered by a dragon." Dis and Thorin exchanged a look, silently coming to some sort of agreement.
"Ours were too. I am sorry for your loss." I nodded gratefully to Dis before replying bitterly.
"At least I managed to avenge their memories in the end."
"What do you mean?" she asked in confusion.
"I killed the beast, and cast him back into the abyss whence he came. Everyone who fought alongside me took solace in our victory that day, and I will never forget what he took from me, for I took something from him as well. My armor is made from his scales, harder than any metal, his death offering me protection from anything." My audience looked aghast, and more than a little impressed when I offered them a closer look at my scaled armor.
"You killed a dragon?" Little Fili tugged on my hand, wide eyed as he tried to get my attention. I bent down to address him.
"Aye, little one. I have killed many dragons with the help of my friends. I made myself a promise not to rest after what he did, and if your dragon still lives, I will do the same for you one day."
Evening light bathed the trees in fire as we headed towards the town. Dis and Thorin had agreed that I could stay within the walls in return for my aid in protecting the settlement, an agreement I was more than happy with. It gave me a purpose in this new land, and I was grateful for the opportunity to erase whatever remaining prejudice they had against me. We neared the gate when the soft padding of heavy paws reached my ears and I turned to face Luna. Telling the two I would just be a moment, I walked over to her, bringing my face to rest against hers. "I'm sorry for being cross with you my friend. I think these people will make good new allies in this strange world, and I hope you will try and get along with them in future. For now though, it might be best if you went home." She nuzzled my neck, apologizing in her own way before vanishing in a puff of smoke. I gave the empty air a last fond look before turning to follow my new companions through the gate.
I had been pleased to find that my luck led me to become acquainted with the leader of the settlement, Thorin being more or less in charge. It made things a lot easier when no one else dared question my presence as I followed closely behind them, though I still received several strange looks. The town was remarkably well made, stone from the mountain having been cut into blocks to build almost everything around me. We passed many of these buildings by before turning down the lane to a modest two story home set slightly back from the others. It was no bigger than its neighbors, giving me a good impression of the leader who sought to live on the same level as his people.
I could feel that they were still uneasy with my presence, so I immediately offered to sleep in the nearby stable. "Won't you get cold?" Fili asked, before breaking out in a yawn. I grinned, shaking my head.
"No, I don't get cold. Besides it's a beautiful evening, and I shall feel right at home near the animals. I'm sure your mum will be wanting to get you in bed, it's been an exciting day." Thorin and Dis looked relieved, Thorin moving to accompany me to the smaller building nearby. I settled myself quickly on the hay in a warm corner of the building, voicing my thanks to the grumpy dwarf in front of me. Thorin merely grunted in reply before retreating back towards his home, closing the door behind him. I took a better look around now that I was alone, sending a nod of greeting to the two ponies that were housed in adjoining stalls. They were unlike any horses I had seen before, shaggy and sturdy, clearly built for cold weather and their smaller riders. Pulling out my cloak, I draped it over myself and lay back, my head positioned to be able to see out the window nearby. I felt some of my distress over the events of the day ease off at the sight of the full moon glowing overhead. It wasn't long before I had drifted off in a light doze, comfortable enough with my surroundings to close my eyes and rest.
The earth was shaking...I could feel the tremors, knew the dragon was approaching. I readied myself, fear tensing my muscles as Deathwing flew into my sight. Wait a minute...this can't be right. Deathwing is dead...
The dream ended abruptly, my foggy mind coming quickly to the realization that the shaking was in my arm, or rather on it. Someone was shaking me. I leaped to my feet with a yell, dagger in hand, as my eyes flew open. A familiar face greeted me, looking slightly startled and more than a little irritated. I sighed, lowering my weapon. "Thorin. I apologize, I seem to wake up like that more often than not lately. I hope I did not hurt you." He looked ready to say something rude before settling for an indignant snort.
"We are having breakfast. You are welcome to join us." The words appeared to have been forced out, and I wondered how welcome I actually was. Not very, if the look on his face was any indication.
"I don't wish to intrude," I replied carefully. "Perhaps you could point me in the direction of the nearest inn?" He looked momentarily surprised before settling back into his previous expression.
"It is dwarven run. They would probably refuse you service. Besides, I believe if you are going to be here for some while we should hear more about you. There are others joining us, close companions of mine that will need to meet you. Your staying here will not be an easy thing." I hid my annoyance at the thought of being refused service, it would be the first time such a thing ever happened to me. Nodding instead, I began to follow Thorin to his home. I supposed given the general reaction in the town I should consider myself lucky I hadn't been attacked yet. Though that was certainly still a possibility. I felt uncomfortable being in a place where I was so disliked, but it was hardly the first time. I knew if I worked hard enough these people would come to accept me in time, just like all the others.
I had barely walked through the door of the house when an unearthly shriek filled the air and I was hit in the knees and knocked over. I had the presence of mind to tuck my head as I fell, saving myself from a concussion, and looked up from my position on the floor at the gleeful expressions of Fili and Kili. Hearing a snort of amusement, I turned my head towards the sound and found Dis standing by a fire stirring something that smelled marvelous.
"We'll have to work on your reflexes girl. When you're ready to get up off the floor, come help with breakfast." I rolled my eyes, hopping quickly to my feet once Thorin had pulled the excited boys off me.
"Forgive me, I am unaccustomed to being waylaid by small children," I cracked, smiling when Thorin's mouth twitched at my horrible joke. Heading over to Dis, I began to feel a bit nervous. "What would you like me to do? I feel I must warn you, I am a terrible cook."
"Humph, female and you can't cook. We'll have to fix that. Stir this, and don't let it burn." Shoving the ladle into my hand, Dis turned away to finish making a massive batch of biscuits. I relaxed slightly, focusing on stirring the contents of the pot as smoothly as I was able. I still somehow managed to spill some on my armor and winced, wishing I had other attire to change into. It was irritating to have to clean and polish it, and I found myself stepping back as far as I could while still being able to reach the pot. At the sound of someone choking, I turned to see Dis shaking her head and trying not to laugh at me. I let out a huff of air, annoyed at how badly I was embarrassing myself. She finally took pity on me, coming over and declaring the food ready before taking the pot off the fire. Looking at all the food strewn over the counters, I began to wonder just how many people were going to be here. There was certainly enough for a whole army by my reckoning. My unspoken questions were soon answered at the sound of a heavy knock on the door, accompanied by many low voices, and even the sound of a small child.
Dis had requested I sit down before the others entered, placing me so that I had the large table between me and the door. Wondering if it was for my own protection, I sighed and sat back, unconsciously trying to make myself shorter. For all the good that would do. I knew I still looked incredibly odd amongst the other occupants of the room, and short of becoming invisible there was no way I was blending in. I caught Thorin's eye as he was about to open the door, acknowledging the loaded glance he shot in my direction with a nod. I wasn't about to cause any trouble of my own volition, though if the newcomers tried to openly attack me, I knew I certainly couldn't promise to sit there and take it. I kept calm, drawing on the small amount of diplomatic training I had, hoping I would be able to convince everyone that I wasn't some evil traitor. I sincerely hoped that part of this meeting would include them telling me their story, so I could figure out how to begin making some sort of reparations.
I was dragged out of my thoughts when the door opened, the clomping of many heavy boots announcing the arrival of the others. I watched them quietly from my corner, taking in all I could before they noticed me. There appeared to be eight adults, one younger but still relatively grown one, and a small child about Kili's age. The little one immediately ran to join the two boys in whatever game they were now playing in the other room. I smiled at their antics as they worked to sneak quietly past Dis, clearly hoping to sample breakfast before the others, but she was fast. Hooking them by their shirts, she divested them of the stolen biscuits and deposited them in seats near me at the table. I turned to give the newcomer a small smile, amused to see his eyes grow almost comically wide as he examined me with caution. After a few silent moments he drew the attention of everyone in the room with his suddenly loud introduction.
"I'm Ori, who are you?" Trying not to wilt under the weight of all the eyes now on me, I left my seat, bowing deeply towards Thorin's comrades. They all wore varying degrees of hostility, with the exception of little Ori, seated beside his friends.
"Alanta, at your service," I said quietly before resuming my seat to lessen the height difference between us. I nearly jumped up again when the group broke into a rather large argument, shouts of accusation being hurled every which way. It would appear that diplomacy was nonexistent here, the winner of an argument simply being he who could shout the loudest. This was quickly proven when Thorin silenced the crowd of angry dwarves with a few choice words in a language I could not identify. They sullenly filed over to the table, filling the seats while trying not to be the one to sit next to me. As the children were on my right, that left Thorin and Dis to occupy the two seats to my left, Thorin at the head of the table and Dis directly across from me. I pasted my best 'playing nice' expression on my face while ignoring all the glares I was receiving, relieved when Dis announced we would be eating before discussing anything.
The next half hour or so was quiet, the only sounds being the munching of bread and porridge and the slurping of tea and coffee. The little ones finished first, rushing from the table the minute they were excused. They came back a few minutes later when we were still eating, Fili tugging on my sleeve to get my attention. "What is it my friend?" He hesitated for a second before making his request.
"Can Luna come to play?" I chuckled, imagining the poor beast trying to navigate through the small rooms, and the upset it would undoubtedly cause amongst those that hadn't met her yet.
"I don't think your mum would appreciate having her inside." When his face fell, I thought of an alternative. "Tell you what, I'll call on some of my smaller friends for you to visit with. Say, the ones from yesterday?" He nodded excitedly, so I sent out the call, whispering to the air. Within moments Seraph appeared, her jewel bright wings fluttering before she landed on my shoulder. A small kitten I remembered dubbing Creamsicle, and a little rabbit named Thistle followed behind her. I heard mutters of surprise from around the table at the unexpected appearance of my friends, and made a note to explain the phenomenon later. In the meantime, I handed my companions off to the delighted youngsters and watched them scamper out of the room. The children sufficiently distracted, I turned to thank Dis for the meal. "This was excellent, you'll have to teach me how to cook like this." Moving to get up and begin carting dishes over to the sink, I was stopped with a hand on my arm.
"Later," Dis said firmly. "We have much to talk about first." I nodded reluctantly before sitting back down. Thorin began with introductions, and I gazed carefully at each face, trying to memorize them as they were connected with a name.
"Dwalin." A tall, impressive looking dwarf with a mohawk and tattoos.
"Balin." Slightly shorter than his brother, his hair and beard beginning to turn white.
"Oin." Similar in height to Balin, his hair was a steel grey and he appeared to be going deaf.
"Gloin." This one was quite distinctive, his hair and beard a startling shade of red.
"Bifur." He seemed very quiet, his white and black hair rather unkempt.
"Bofur." Slimmer than his brother, his hair appeared to be a dark brown, most of it hidden underneath a rather amusing hat.
"Bombur." Much bigger than his other two brothers, the ginger-colored dwarf was quiet as well.
"Dori." This one's hair was in a very elaborate style, multiple braids securing the grey mane in place.
"Nori." This was the younger one, his hair also very radically styled in a star-shaped design.
Introductions done with, I waited for the first questions. Thorin moved quickly to take control of the conversation. "Bring out that map of yours again so that we might compare it to one of mine." I reached into my bag, drawing out the parchment that was still on top and laying it out in the center of the table. Thorin brought out a map of his own, and I got my first look at the world I was now in. Not one single thing matched between the two, and it did not take us long to put them aside, having no more use for them at present. Abandoning discretion, those around me didn't hesitate to get straight to the heart of the matter. Dwalin asked the first of the questions.
"What exactly are you, and why are you here?"
"I am a night elf. My people live in a land very far away from here, as you can see from my map. As for how I came to be here? I'm not sure I fully understand that myself, other than knowing that it came to pass through some misplaced magic. All I know for certain is that I have no way home, and though this saddens me, I have resolved to make the best of my situation and continue doing what I do best. That being, helping others. I am, more specifically, a guardian, and it is my duty to help any who are in need with whatever they ask." A few of them began muttering to each other other before turning to me again.
"What makes you think we should trust you?"
"On the contrary, I do not expect you to trust me, for I have done nothing yet to earn that trust. All I ask is that you give me a chance to prove myself. I have already offered my services to Thorin here in keeping the forest borders free of enemies, once I know more about what I will be dealing with of course." Before they could respond to this, I decided to ask a question of my own. "I would like to know what caused your distrust in the first place, if you don't mind explaining." I listened carefully as they brought me up to speed on their recent history, the story revolving around a dragon stealing their homeland and the subsequent betrayal of their elven allies. It angered me to listen to it, to hear of alliances being broken so easily, enough that by the end of the story I was frowning in disapproval.
"I can assure you, if I had been there I would not have hesitated to come to your aid, nor would my people. It would seem to me that a very different sort of elves live in this world." Those around the table nodded, looking to be in agreement with me.
"It is true. If your actions are as different as your looks, then you are very different from them indeed. But that remains to be seen. Now, back to this offer of protection. How are you at fighting, what weapons do you use?" I was a little startled with the abrupt change of topic, but it seemed to be their way, so I went with it, answering smoothly.
"Mostly staff work, though I am also proficient with daggers and maces."
"Not bows?" Balin asked in surprise.
"Goodness no," I replied with a laugh. "My aim is hopeless, I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn." There were chuckles around the table, many of them seeming almost relieved at my admission. I wondered if bows were the weapon of choice for the elves around here, it would explain their reaction to my not using one. "I also have...other skills that enable me to be better suited to close combat. None of which I wish to reveal at this time, but rest assured I am more than capable of defending myself." Thinking for a moment I added, "I am also a healer." They looked a little uneasy at this, Oin speaking up now.
"How does your healing work then? Are you familiar with medicines, or is it some kind of witchcraft?" I raised a brow at the derogatory way in which he asked, answering steadily all the same.
"It is magic of a sort. My power is drawn from the earth and plants, and even the sun and moon. The people that choose my line of training are referred to as druids, and are very in tune with nature. It allows us to connect on such a level as to commune with the trees and beasts that walk the earth, and gives us our power to heal almost any physical wound, even as far as death itself, though not without limits." More muttering as they absorbed this information. Next it was Dori's turn to speak.
"I wish to know where those animals came from. It doesn't seem natural, creatures appearing out of thin air." There were nods of agreement, and I hastened to tell them what I could.
"Well, I'm not sure I can say exactly where it is they're coming from. They can appear at will, and wherever it is they go to when they leave me, I cannot follow, so I have never been there. Luckily I am able to speak with them, and they have told me it is a nice place, so even if I do not call for them often, they are happy to be there. I think in the interest of safety, you should probably meet my usual companions, as they will undoubtedly be assisting me in my work." Considering the space inside for a moment I added, "I also think we should do that outside, they will not be very comfortable in such a small space." I stood up, looking to Thorin before he nodded and motioned the others to follow me outside.
Once we reached the clearing behind the house I turned to them. "I must have your promise that no matter what you are about to see you will not attack. My friends follow my lead and will not hurt those I approve of, but if you provoke them I cannot promise your safety. Am I understood?" They all nodded, looking a little uneasy at this, and I watched as several hands twitched towards sword and axe hilts, but they appeared willing to listen. Stepping back a few paces, I held out my hands. "Stay there and do not move for a moment, I will need to explain the situation to them." I backed away just a little further before calling to empty air, summoning the three friends I wanted them to meet. The air exploded around me, massive furry forms filling the space. I heard shouts of dismay from everyone but Thorin and Dis, who had previously met one of the newcomers. The two massive cats and one bear hurried to group around me, uncertain if there was a threat, and I drew their attention away from the dwarves as I calmly reassured them. They relaxed with my explanation, turning to examine to dwarves with curious eyes.
"Everyone, these are my friends. The white cat is called Luna, the tawny one Maren, and the bear Bjonnar. They will understand anything you say to them, though of course they cannot answer you back as readily as they do for me. With their help I should have no problem assisting in the defense of your borders. With that said, I should like to know what sort of enemies you encounter in these parts so that I may be prepared." Thorin spoke up, bringing Dwalin closer with him as the others continued to warily eye the large beasts.
"Dwalin here is captain of my guard, and will be able to show you around the land. Most of what you will be fighting will be wolf packs, and the occasional rogue bear..." Here he trailed off suddenly, looking apprehensive that he might offend the large creature at my right.
"Relax," I smiled. "He has fought many bears at my side, he understands that most are not as agreeable as him. What else can I expect to be looking out for?"
"That's mostly it. Most other enemies do not get out this way, with the exception of the occasional goblin attack. Our walls are thick, and they are normally not interested in attempting to breach them. It has been many months since the last time we saw them. Nevertheless, you should still be aware of the possibility. For now I will leave you with Dwalin to take a tour of the walls and get an idea of the terrain."
"Very well, I look forward to getting to work." I smiled, pleased that I had something to do, and dismissed my companions for a time so as not to frighten any of the towns people as we traversed the walls. Saying farewell to the others, I followed Dwalin up a nearby set of steps, taking in the sight of the forest. It stretched for miles, finally thinning out on the horizon to reveal rolling hills and a glint of water that I thought must be a river. We stayed up on the walls for a couple hours, Dwalin introducing me to some of the men stationed up there. I bowed in greeting each time, wishing to make a favorable first impression before turning to scan the land once again. It was nearing noon when I noticed a shifting of the trees to the north, growing slowly closer. It looked like a heavy wind. With it, my ears picked up an odd almost whistling noise.
"Dwalin, do you often get windstorms around here?" He turned to me questioningly, and I gestured towards the shifting trees. The whistling was getting louder, now and then punctuated with shrieks. The dwarf's face was suddenly grim.
"No, no we don't."
Author's note: Oooh, cliffhanger! Can you guess what's coming? Hopefully I made everyone seem convincing this chapter. I think Dis is going to like Alanta first, her having been quite young when Erebor was sacked so she is not as prejudiced as the others. The others don't trust her yet, but they are willing to let her work there, and they may accept her better soon once certain events happen in the next chapter. I tried to provide explanations to a few different things about her, her appearance and the summoning of her friends (pets and mounts) mostly. I am making it that mounts can fight alongside her, and that she can summon more than one at a time. I know it's not canon in the game, but it just makes sense to me. Some of you may have noticed I didn't mention Bifur's injury in his description. Well, that is because he doesn't have it yet, that will come. Lot of action happening next chapter, I am looking forward to it a lot. Thanks to those of you reading this, and I hope you enjoyed this installment.