If anyone had told me before our trip to the lake that relaxation was more stressful than the work we would leave behind, I would have choked laughing. As it was, I now saw how right that saying was. It felt intensely satisfying to fall back into routine. Morning patrol, afternoons at the tannery, evenings in training with the boys. I would have to stop saying that soon. They really were young men now, though it was hard to see them that way with all the mischief they continued to get into. Not a day went past that they weren't pulling some prank or other, until Thorin increased their training time out of sheer frustration. I found myself continuously amused by their antics and the wholehearted love of life that they displayed. Looking back now over the time I had spent with them, I could feel the scars of my past begin to fade and I amazed even myself with how deeply I had thrown myself into this life. I felt happier here than I had in years, surrounded by the ones I thought of as my extended family.
My routine changed slightly one day when I was at work in the tannery. I was sitting just outside, enjoying the sunlight as I embroidered a pattern on an almost finished belt when I heard Karn calling. Tucking the work under my arm, I headed into the interior of the building, blinking at the loss of sunlight. Just as I neared the back room Karn poked his head around the doorway, his trademark grin plastered on his face.
"There you are. Got a job for ya if you're done there."
"Almost finished with this one," I replied cheerfully. "I can complete it this evening. What did you need?"
He held up a leather tunic, examining it with an experts gaze as he spoke. "I want to fasten metal plates to this, but we're all out. I was hopeful you could speak to Thorin about it and see when another shipment is due from the mines."
"Of course, my pleasure." I headed for the door, leaving my work on the counter to be picked up later.
"No need to hurry," Karn called after me. "Take your time and enjoy yourself, it's a wonderful day!" He chuckled to himself at the rapid pace I had set in leaving out the door, knowing well by now how much I enjoyed the sunlight.
I made good time getting to the forge where I expected to find Thorin working. Upon my arrival I found myself once again momentarily entranced by the sight of him skillfully working metal into the shape of a sword. It never ceased to amaze me, and I felt awed by the level of dedication he put into his work. I didn't pause to consider the physical sight of him as part of it, though perhaps if I had kept better check on my emotions I would have.
Once he had finished what he was doing and had placed the partially finished weapon in water to cool, I called his attention.
"Thorin, how are you today?"
He looked up with a confused smile. "Fine as ever I suppose. Is everything all right? I didn't expect to see you until this evening."
"Everything is fine," I reassured him. "Karn sent me actually. We are in need of more metal for plating on the leather armor."
"Of course, the miners should have a shipment ready for pick up now I believe." He turned to head out the door before stopping to look back at me as he considered something. "You've never been to the mines have you?" When I shook my head he smiled, beckoning me to follow. "Come, it's high time you saw them. They are not as glorious as that of Erebor, but still a sight to see." He explained more of what they did there as we walked towards the great doorway placed in the face of the mountain itself. The entrance of the mines was impressive, flanked by life size statues of dwarven warriors standing guard on either side. I paused to admire them for a moment before following Thorin inside the cavernous depths.
It was dark inside, the shadows broken up by flickering torchlight coming from the many pillars that supported the ceiling of a large entry hall. From there the mines themselves split off in small corridors, the clang of hammers ringing up their length. I was surprised to see Bofur come hurrying out of one such tunnel, streaked with stone dust.
"Bofur! What are you doing here?" Thorin asked, equally as shocked as I was. "I thought you had your shop to mind."
"Bombur took over for me today. I thought I'd take a look up here and see what progress we've made with a new vein of silver." He was about to tell us more when another dwarf bustled towards us, interrupting our conversation with a bow. "Excuse us a moment," he apologized, adopting a look of professionalism that seemed odd on the constantly jovial dwarf. They pulled to the side, conversing in whispers, the other gesticulating frantically about something. Leaving them to their conversation for a moment, Thorin began to point out the finer details of the works in front of us. He had begun to lead me towards the tunnel Bofur had appeared from to examine things closer when the two behind us abruptly ended their discussion. Bofur hurried over to us, blocking the way down as worried explanations flowed from his mouth.
"I'm sorry, but you can't go down there right now."
Thorin gave him a sharp look. "Why not? Is there something I should be aware of Bofur?"
Barely managing not to wilt under his leaders stern look, he hurried to continue his defense. "It's nothing I'm sure. There are just some slight stability issues down that tunnel right now, and we would like to be sure it's shored up properly before anyone else goes down there."
Nodding in understanding, we turned back, handing our request for the needed metal over to Bofur as we headed for the door. He was quick to guide us over to an open chest, full to the brim with chunks of iron all ready to be smelted down and fashioned into the plates and rivets I would need. Thanking him, Thorin took up the shipment in strong arms, muscles bulging with the strain, and we made for the forges. I didn't bother to offer my help this time, remembering his indignant snort when last I tried to extend my aid. I had quickly learned that dwarves considered such an offer a direct insult to their pride, and made a note of it even as I chuckled at their stubbornness.
We spent the rest of the evening in the forge, Thorin expertly demonstrating the art of smelting iron as I looked on. Tomorrow he would craft the plating and I would be able to bring it to Karn this time next evening.
My patrol the next morning was hurried. I wanted to get back to the town swiftly so that I might finish the belt that had been abandoned in light of my tour and subsequent smelting lesson. With patterns floating through my head, I strode purposefully through the gates, nearly knocking over a frantic Bifur as he yelled at me in Khuzdul. I grew increasingly worried, trying to calm the distraught dwarf so that I could get him to converse in a way I could understand.
"Bifur, what is wrong? I can't understand you!"
Calming slightly when he became aware that I was listening he signed rapidly at me, most of the words lost in his panicked haste. What I caught was enough, sending me sprinting towards the mines, Bifur dead on my heels.
Rock fall. Bofur trapped.
My heard clenched with a knot of dread, the signed words ringing in my head as if he had shouted them at me. I reached the door in record time, pushing roughly past the frightened people crowded around. I could see Thorin inside, conversing with some of the miners. He looked relieved at my entrance and the return of Bifur.
"I came as soon as I heard," I gasped. "What are we dealing with here?" I was quickly updated on the situation, Thorin speaking with a forced calm even as he paced the floor.
"The new silver vein was dug into too quickly, the shoring collapsing under the weight of unstable stone."
"How many trapped?" I clenched my fists as I waited for his answer. He in turn looked to one of the others for confirmation.
"Eight, miss."
Nodding, I approached the tumbled rocks, noting the small gap that lay near the ceiling with relief. At least they would be getting fresh air. I examined it speculatively, measuring with my eyes. I turned to the group at last, my path determined.
"I'm going in." When I received looks of shock all around, I continued. "I can make sure they are safe and stabilize any injuries while the rest of you work on removing the rockfall." I didn't bother to wait on their replies before cautiously climbing up towards the gap. I was grateful now for the fact that I was lighter than them, and much thinner, for I could see straight away that I was the only one who would fit. It was a tough squeeze, and I was forced to unbuckle my knives before dragging them in after me. Lowering myself down the other side, I stood upright without thinking, wincing when I bumped my head on the low ceiling.
It was utterly dark, the light from the other side dying out within a few paces. Crouched down as I was, the trip to the end of the tunnel would be excruciating. I found the solution to my dilemma in the form of one of my companions, a small wisp that was really nothing more than a bright light that would bob in the air by my side. Her brilliance threw the walls around me into sharp relief, and I noted with dismay that the ceiling got lower if anything. Shifting to the form of a cat, I instantly felt more comfortable. I would now be about the height of a dwarfs shoulder, lessening the risk of bashing my head again. I was also able to take my weight off my knees, to my intense relief.
I went swiftly down the tunnel, shifting back when I began to pick up sounds from the trapped miners. "Bofur?" I called softly. An answering groan had me crawling as fast as I could, ignoring the small cuts and bruises that accumulated on my legs. The wisp beside me shone it's light on the still forms, causing those that could move to shield their eyes from the sudden glare. I wanted to cry at the sight before me. All were still alive, but none had escaped harsh injury. Broken bones were evident and their clothes were tacky with dried blood. Bofur looked almost cross eyed, and I could tell he had a concussion from the way he slurred his speech.
"Good seein' ya lass," he mumbled.
"Hush," I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm going to do my best to help you. Thorin is coming behind, they are working to open the tunnel wider as we speak. Best keep talk to a minimum, we don't want noise to start another collapse." The dwarf nodded minutely, closing his eyes and leaning against the wall as I began to look for the worst injuries. When I had ascertained that no one was in immediate danger of dying I began closing cuts and mending bruises. I saved the bones for Oin to set, feeling it prudent to keep some of my energy to help get them out of this prison.
When I had done everything I could without Oin's help I slumped back, exhausted from the physical strain of calling on so much magic. There were still badly injured dwarves, many of whom couldn't walk and I needed to get them out. "Bofur," I whispered, shaking him gently awake. He struggled to focus on my face. "Do you have any rope?" He stared at me in confusion, finally understanding when I had repeated the question several times.
"In my bag," he slurred, gesturing vaguely towards a small sack nearby. I opened it up to find a large coil of the stuff, perfect for what I had in mind. What I had planned next was a struggle, but with Bofur's help I was able to tie one of the dwarves to my back, groaning under the weight. I called on another wisp, leaving one with the miners along with my promise to return before shifting forms once again and padding along on strong paws. I somehow managed to get myself untied near the cave in, leaving the dwarf within sight of the dim light filtering in. He was far enough away that any rocks that fell in would not reach him, but he could still see the light coming from a slowly widening hole.
I completed several more trips this way, ending with Bofur. Once we were all near the entrance to the tunnel I popped my head out to check on progress, earning low cries of relief from those outside.
"Alanta, thank Mahal. You found them?" Thorin stared at me with such a desperate hope, flanked by Bofur's brothers, so I gave them a quick smile.
"Yes, they're all here. Badly hurt, but alive. Send someone to Oin and tell him to be prepared to set a lot of broken bones once we're out of here." I hadn't finished speaking before Bifur ran out to carry my message, looking much calmer now in the face of his brother's almost safe return. "How much longer do you think before we're clear?"
"An hour maybe," Thorin said optimistically. "We're making good progress." Nodding, I ducked back down to keep watch over my hurt companions while we waited for rescue. I spoke softly to them, disregarding the fact that most were not conscious. I felt they might be able to hear me anyways. Bofur appeared to be the only one still partially lucid, and I worked to keep him that way, telling stories and asking him simple questions to keep him alert.
Finally an hour passed, and with it the last of the rubble was cleared out of our way. I passed the injured dwarves along to those waiting with stretchers. Bofur had been put on one, but as he was being carted away he grabbed for my arm. "What is it, my friend?" I asked.
"My pick... left behind... please."
I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll get it, you just focus on getting better." Seemingly reassured, he passed out, dropping my hand. I made my way back into the tunnel one last time, my little wisps floating behind me to light the way. I didn't notice Bifur watching after me worriedly, having returned from speaking to Oin. I made it to the end of the tunnel quickly enough, but my hands and knees were now more sore than ever. Picking up the equipment that had been left behind, I fashioned it into a bundle, tying it off with rope and slinging it over my shoulder. It bounced awkwardly on my back, causing me to stumble slightly as I made my way back. I was unable to stop my sharp cry of pain when my uneven gait led me to bash my leg into a sharp rock, and my heart stopped as the sound reverberated down the tunnel. The answering rumble had me picking up my pace frantically. I wasn't fast enough. Hardening my skin as a last reflex action, I felt myself jerk to a stop when several large rocks landed squarely on my back, threatening to crush me to the floor. More small ones pattered down in front of me until the only thing visible from the entrance would be my hand jutting out of the pile. I could faintly hear my wisps outside, the sound growing fainter as my head became muddled from lack of air...
Thorin turned at the sound of another collapse, swearing in annoyance at the increased delay this would bring to mining operations. His mental tirade was swiftly interrupted by Bifur practically screaming at him incoherently in Khuzdul. "Bifur, your brother will be fine, get hold of yourself, he's already out and headed to Oin!"
But the dwarf kept blabbering in agony. "Alanta is still in there!"
"What?!" Thorin's eyes darkened in fear for his friend, and he abandoned all reason, running full tilt into the collapsed tunnel. He was brought up short just out of range of the outside light, almost face planting the new pile of stones in his way. The little wisps that had followed Alanta out earlier were hovering near the base, chiming softly in dismay. He followed their erratic movements, spotting a hand sticking out of the rocks. Letting out a choked cry, he summoned his last reserves of strength, furiously tearing rocks out of the way. He was joined by Bifur, and together they uncovered the unconscious form of the elf. He hesitantly placed a hand to her neck, letting out a shaky breath at the feel of her pulse fluttering under his fingertips. It was irregular and faint, but it was there, and he took heart as he began to drag her outside.
I woke up feeling rather disoriented, lying on a bed. Looking blearily down to determine the owner of the hand that clasped mine, I was startled to see a head of dark hair framing a usually stern face. It's owner was relaxed in sleep, his features smoothed of all care. I squeezed his hand softly, bringing Thorin jerking awake. He wasted no time in glaring at me furiously. "What were you thinking! Why in Mahal's name did you go back in there?!"
This time I understood the reaction. What's more, I knew I had earned it. I gave him a sheepish look, my lips twisting weakly in imitation of a smile. "I'm sorry," I whispered hoarsely. "Bofur was asking for his pick, and I didn't even think to wait for help. I'm an idiot."
"Damn straight you are," he growled back.
"Now that's enough Thorin," Dis sternly reprimanded him as she approached. "She's still recovering, she doesn't need you grouching at her." Giving me an understanding smile, she added thoughtfully "it's good to see you awake dear." I grinned softly in return as Thorin's glare fell on her before he got up with an abrupt huff and stormed out. Dis merely rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"It's ok, I know he'll come around," I offered.
"I'm sorry."
I placed a hand over the distraught dwarf's mouth, snorting in amusement. "For the last time Bofur, it really wasn't your fault. You're not the one who went charging back into an unstable mine to rescue a pick." Bofur had regained consciousness several hours before me, and was only returning for a checkup when Oin had pointed him in my direction. Once he had heard what happened from his brothers he wasted no time in proclaiming his undying gratitude, and spouting endless apologies. It was getting rather irritating at this point, especially considering the fact that I had just been about to sleep some more when he barged in. Thinking quickly, I decided to give him an impossible task just to get him out of my hair.
"Look, if you really feel bad and you want to make it up to me, see if you can cheer up Thorin. He's angry with me, and it is making me sad." The dwarf brightened considerably and left, armed with a job to do. I wondered which one of them I should feel sorry for, knowing how stubborn Thorin could be, and how persistent Bofur was.
"That was mean," Dis snickered, stepping out of the corner where she had been watching our conversation. I just grinned tiredly, not feeling at all sorry.
"Just make sure Thorin doesn't kill him will you?" I mumbled before falling asleep.
I took it easy for the next couple months, spending time with Dis when Dwalin and Karn had both ordered me to take some time off. Thorin still wasn't speaking to me, and it was the only sour note in my days. Summer was drawing slowly to a close, leaving the air feeling crisp at the advent of autumn. I was still trying to think of a way to mend the distance between us when he announced that he was leaving for Bree on a short journey. The day he left we all gathered at the gate, worry evident on our faces at the fact that he chose to travel alone. I watched the farewells from a slight distance, sadly wishing I was a part of them. He turned to me last, searching my face with a strange expression. I couldn't understand the almost longing look in his eyes as he decided what to say to me.
"Stay out of trouble," he said gruffly, at last. His hand twitched towards me before he turned sharply and mounted his pony before heading out the gate. When he was out of sight, I called softly for Seraph. The little bird flitted to my shoulder with a happy chirp, bobbing her head eagerly at my request before zipping away. I held up a hand in farewell, both to her and to Thorin before heading back to my house to await the day of his return.
Thorin trotted along quickly, muttering to himself. "Stay out of trouble?" he snorted in irritation. "That's the best you could come up with eh?" Shaking his head at his own stupidity, he silently prayed that his friend would be safe while he was gone. He found himself thinking of her more than he could account for, wondering at the turn his emotions took whenever she put herself in danger. The side of him that still despised elves warred with the side that screamed that she was nothing like them, and in fact that he liked her very much. Too much, maybe. He had a mission after all, and couldn't afford distracting thoughts like that. The rumors of his father roaming near Bree had been impossible to ignore, though he had spoken to no one about his reason for leaving. To speak it aloud would be to get his hopes up, and he wasn't ready for that yet.
He wasn't far down the road when a familiar chirping sounded near his ear, followed by a fluttering of tiny wings as the little bird landed on his gloved hand. He smiled at the implication of her presence. "Seraph, you are coming with me?" At the trill of assent his eyes lightened in happiness. He couldn't understand the creature, but he knew only one who could have sent it, and he also knew that when he returned he would make sure she knew he had forgiven her.
It was a month before Thorin began to feel overwhelmed by discouragement. There had been no sign of his father anywhere, not a single trace. He was still far from home and he had never felt so alone. He longed to feel a friendly presence at his side, his thoughts inexplicably drifting to a certain female before he shook his head in frustration. He had needed to tell himself several times that he had no time for distractions, never mind the fact that she wasn't there with him anyways. The only light shining through his darkening mood was Seraph, and he found himself once again grateful for the little bird's company. As he looked up to acknowledge the creature's chirping he was made aware of the fact that evening was drawing steadily near. Luckily he was near enough to Bree to make it there before night fell.
As he approached the inn he failed to notice the men following him. He had set a fast pace for the gates to make it there before they would close for the night, and he arrived just as the lamps were being lit. He dismounted just inside, leading his mount along the road in search of the inn. He finally came across what he was looking for about halfway through the small town. The sign swinging over the doorway declared it to be the Prancing Pony, and from the boisterous sounds within it promised to be a popular establishment. Handing his reigns along to the stable boy he stepped inside, and was assaulted by noise. Men crowded the bar and occupied almost every table, filling the place with cheerful conversation and drunken song. There were smaller folk as well, hobbits he guessed. He took no interest in the soft creatures, fair of face and defenseless looking as they were.
Striding through the room with his usual dignified gait, he acquired one of the last tables just before the roaring hearth and sat down with a tired sigh. The barmaid appeared soon after, and was quick to take his order, her flirtatious attitude ignored by the grumpy dwarf. He was far too busy taking the time now to casually examine the other patrons. Most paid him no mind, consumed in their ale. His eyes roved around the room, occasionally making contact with another before moving on. He spared the returning barmaid a nod of thanks as she placed a generous portion of food and a large tankard of ale in front of him. She in turn kept half an eye on him, partially out of interest, but also to be sure he didn't require anything else. He had just begun to eat when the hair on his neck tingled, and he glanced to the sides of the room, noting the three grim individuals that were paying an uncharacteristic amount of attention to him. Unconsciously his hand drifted in the direction of his sword, sighing inwardly at the unwelcome intrusion.
The waitress had been watching the scene unfolding from a distance, becoming increasingly worried at the prospect of imminent blood shed in the tavern. She was responsible for keeping things calm to the best of her ability, and she desperately glanced around for inspiration. To her delight, her roving eyes fell on a tall form entering the building. An old man, clothed in grey and using a walking stick. She recognized the wandering wizard, remembering his penchant for assisting with troublesome customers whenever he happened to be around. She hurried up to him.
"Gandalf, thank goodness."
The wizard in question crooked an amused brow at her. "I take it this is more than a friendly hello then? Who is troubling you?"
Pointing subtly at the lone dwarf, she indicated also the source of the trouble. It was clear even without her having said anything, and Gandalf smiled knowingly to himself at the sight of Thorin sitting there. He had been expecting to find the dwarf this night, and he was not surprised in the least to find he wasn't the only one. Giving the girl a reassuring look, he moved swiftly through the room and sat himself across from Thorin. The men shot him a dirty sneer before making their way outside. Thorin himself had relaxed at the arrival of the wizard, recognizing him from the few times they had met before.
"Gandalf," he grunted by way of greeting. "I'm assuming you are not here by chance."
"You would be right," the wizard replied, concern evident in his tone. "You are being hunted Thorin." He drew out a dirty scrap of cloth covered in unintelligible markings. "This is black speech. An order for your head, more precisely. What are you doing here?"
Thorin shot him a black look. "Searching for my father." He didn't fail to detect the slight flinch from Gandalf at the mention of the lost king, and frowned. "You know what happened to him. Does he yet live?"
Gandalf's face fell, his expression betraying him. "No, he does not. I am sorry Thorin. When I found him... I am just glad it was I that did and not you. No one deserves to see a loved one so fallen." He hesitated for a moment before pulling out a large, intricately carved key. Thorin's eyes widened at the sight, momentarily pulled from his grief. "He gave me this, to give to you. It opens a hidden door in the mountain."
"Do you think it is time then?" Thorin questioned him eagerly. "Are we to reclaim Erebor?"
"Yes, I have no doubt that the time is at hand." Placing the key in Thorin's palm, he leaned forward and lowered his voice. "Recruit who you can, but keep it as quiet as possible. We will need one other I think for this venture. A burglar of some skill who I hope to procure for you. Gather those wishing to follow you to the mountain and meet me in the Shire on the first day of spring. I will leave a mark on the door of the house that belongs to our final member."
"Very well, I will leave for Ered Luin in the morning to make my preparations."
"I think I shall accompany you, at least part way," Gandalf responded. "Just so that you have no more trouble from stray mercenaries."
Nodding in agreement, the two bid good night and Thorin headed to the room he had rented for a nights rest. His dreams were filled with new hope now that he was finally making a move to reclaim his lost home. He closed his eyes, succumbing to sleep and thinking eagerly of the morning.
Author's note: At last, we are at the cusp of our adventure! I decided to take a bit of creative liberty with the Gandalf/Thorin scene. I was rather irritated that Gandalf would withhold the key past the first meeting with Thorin, and especially upset that he didn't speak about Thrain. I'm guessing based on the key that Gandalf found him as he was dying, and it seemed to me to be unnecessarily cruel to lie about that to Thorin like he did, so I changed it. I hope you also appreciated the interference by the waitress, it seemed like something that would happen. Thorin and Alanta are both becoming rather aware of their changing feelings towards the other (about time I know, it's been seventy years). They still have a long way to go though, and many distractions on the quest to keep them from doing anything. I'll try to make it interesting as I pick up the pace on that front. There is just one last (probably shorter) chapter to go before we head to the shire, mostly fluff I'm predicting now. Thanks to all who are reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!