Disclaimer: J.R.R. Tolkien owns all save for characters not in his original works.

Chapter Fifty-One

They woke to the sound of birds. Or at least, Nuil did. She breathed in deeply, lifting her head from Thorin's shoulder and blinking towards the entrance of the watch tower. The early morning light streamed in through the opening and every now and then a shape would cross the doorway, the shadow filling the space. She would have sat up, save for Thorin's arm wrapped tightly around her waist. Her hand was over his breast, the neck of his tunic undone slightly. His coat lay over them both along with a mixture of their cloaks and spare blankets.

When it became apparent that she would not be going anywhere soon, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to the side of his mouth.

"Thorin," she whispered. He grunted, his light snore stopping abruptly. A smile pulled at her lips. She hated to wake him, but she needed to get up. Fisting her hand in his tunic she pressed a kiss to the base of his jaw. The arm around her tightened.

"Nuilweyil," he murmured sleepily, opening his eyes to gaze at her. His eyes were half lidded, but he was awake. "Will you not lay here a little longer?"

She smiled at him, pressed a kiss to his lips. "I wish to rise, my lord," she told him. "But I am held prisoner by a beast."

A brow rose in response, and the arm around her tightened. "Is that so?"

"What must I do to free myself?" she asked a coy smile growing on her face.

"Perhaps you should tame the beast," he offered with a smirk. A long suffering sigh left her lips, before she leaned down once more.

"Like this?" she asked, pressing her lips to his forehead. "Or this?" She kissed around this mouth, then his cheek.

"Mahal, woman!" he growled, rolling them so that she lay on her back. He rested over her, an arm bracing himself up. "You will bring me to wrath!" Nuil smiled, a light laugh passing her lips. He smiled at her before lowering his face to hers, his hair falling in a curtain around their faces. Thorin pressed his lips to hers, savoring in the softness of her lips.

Nuil buried her hands into his hair, pulling him towards her. His other hand rested on her hip as he deepened the kiss, biting her lip before teasing her lips apart.

"What's that sound- MAHAL!" came a cry. Thorin broke away from Nuil, both breathing heavily as they looked towards the horrified voice. Kili sat wide eyed, his face beet red, as his eyes firmly on the ceiling. "Please tell me you're not-"

"Kili!" Nuil cried aghast. Thorin sat back on knees, giving his nephew a stern look.

"We are not wed," Thorin growled. If possible, Kili turned even redder. Nuil glanced at Thorin at his words, her cheeks getting warm. "You would do well to remember that."

"I'll . . . just go . . . outside," Kili said scrambling to his feet, eyes firmly averted. How embarrassing, she thought with a slight trace of amusement. Nuil did not wish to feel like a young girl, caught kissing a lover in the bushes, so she rolled her shoulders and sat up. Resting her weight on her hands she watched Kili move towards the door.

"What is that sound?" she asked, stilling Kili's escape and bringing Thorin to awareness. Outside was the sound of rushing wind, flapping of wings and cries of several birds. It was loud, growing with each passing minute, fading suddenly only to grow again. She scrambled to her feet, striding past Kili towards the door. Just inside the door she reached down and pulled her knife from her boots, in case of an attack, before stepping outside.

In hindsight, she probably should have just stood in the doorway and looked to see what was going on. She didn't know what she was thinking, stepping out in broad daylight without at least checking to look outside. Perhaps it was her overbearing urge to protect those within the watch tower. What was done. was done, and she fell back with alarm as a set of talons scratched her cheek, and a feathery black bird dived towards her.

Kili suddenly appeared at her side, pulling her by the arm until she was safely back inside. Thorin pulled her from Kili's grasp and took her face in his hands. His eyes narrowed at the scratch on her face. Then he turned his gaze towards the door.

"Ravens," he murmured lowly, brow furrowed. "But why would they attack you?" He was not happy about her being attacked.

"Perhaps, it is because I am not a dwarf?" she offered with a tight smile. "They may be protecting the mountain?"

Thorin grunted. Neither agreeing nor denying her words. Instead he approached the door and stepped out. Nuil followed but Kili grabbed her arm before she could leave the safety of the watch tower. He shook his head.

"Please don't go out again, Aunnie," he murmured, his eyes flicking towards Thorin, trepidation filling his brown eyes.

"What's going on?" Fili said approaching the two, rubbing the sleep from his face and pushing his hair out of his eyes.

"I think the Ravens are here," Nuil told him. His eyes landed on her cut, brows furrowing.

"What happened?" he asked coming to stand beside Kili. Nuil sighed. They could be really sweet sometimes, but she was sure before the morning was over that she would have to repeat herself many times. "It's bleeding."

"I think the Ravens thought me to be a threat." She did leave the watch tower, armed. "Thorin has gone outside, hopefully to speak with them and not confront them." Without letting them stop her this time she stepped back out into the open air, cold wind pulling at her hair and clothes. She approached Thorin who stood a little ways away from the door, arm held aloft with a large black raven perched there.

It squawked warningly when it saw her.

"Mortal woman! Trespasser!"

"Nay, my friend. This is Nuilweyil, a dear friend and close companion of mine," Thorin said to the bird. Nuil paused, slightly uncertain if she should stay where she stood or come to stand at Thorin's side. The bird regarded her with new interest, its beady black eyes glittering.

"Kings . . . woman?" it tried. Thorin nodded after a moment of brief hesitation.

"Aye."

The Raven bobbed its head. "Roäc mistook Kings Woman for foe." It was an apology she realized, a moment later and bowed her head in acknowledgment.

"It is well, not harm done," she replied. She heard a snort from behind her, and glanced back to see Kili glaring at the bird while Fili elbowed him in the ribs. Roӓc did not look at Kili instead he turned his head to look a Fili.

"Golden dwarf, he is a son?"

"My sisters sons."

Roäc bobbed his head in understanding before finally acknowledging Kili.

"Rude dwarf, as well?"

"Aye," Thorin said, a smirk crossing his face. Kili frowned as the name. "What news is there, Master Roäc?"

The raven bobbed his head before stilling. "The city of men on the lake is burned, the great dragon Smaug felled by the black arrow. Bard the Bowman slew the beast. Bowman slew the dragon."

Relief filled them, exclamations of joy passing their lips and drawing their sleepy companions out of the watchtower. When they heard the news they too rejoiced. Nuil embraced Fili and Kili before smiling at Thorin, glad to see the smile on his own face. Genuine and relieved.

"But the men of the lake do not like the dwarves," Roäc said. "They come, come with elves."

Thorin's face darkened considerably. "When will they be here."

"Days. The sun will rise the sixth day, they will be at the mountain."

"And they want repayment?" Thorin asked frowning. "They wish their share of gold?" Anger lined his voice, and his eyes grew wild. "They will not have it! Not while the Arkenstone has yet to be found. They bring armies to take it by force-"

"He did not say armies, Thorin," Nuil cut in, worry filling her. He gave her a glare.

"But they come, in great numbers, to take what is not theirs. Thieves."

Nuil drew in a breath, shaking her head. His mind was running away with him. Perhaps the fresh air and being out of the mountain was not doing him any good. The gold still held him in its grasp.

"Master Roäc, might I ask of you, to send word to my cousin in the Iron Hills, Lord Dain, to send his armies to our aid. We have reclaimed the mountain and I call him to my side. No longer can he deny me, for the mountain is ours."

Roäc nodded his head, "if the king wishes it, it will be done." He spread his aged wings and rose into the air. Several other ravens joined him, flanking his sides as he flew towards the west, growing smaller and smaller with each passing minute. Thorin turned to them, drawing in a deep breath and looking at them evenly. He looked normal, but Nuil knew better.

"We will return to the mountain, fortify the gate and prepare ourselves," he told them, before heading back towards the watchtower. He entered through the door, leaving them to stare after him, frowning to themselves. Nuil watched him go, knowing that he would not escape the grip or the madness upon him any time soon.

They returned to the mountain. Thorin pushing them while Nuil dragged behind them. She was the last to enter the mountain and the crumbling front gates. She stood staring up at the mountain before her, dread pooling in her stomach. The cold air bit at her exposed skin felt better than the stale air within the mountain that stank of dragon and death. And gold.

"Nuil?"

She startled at the sound of Bilbo's voice, looking at the hobbit. Bilbo stood with his hands shoved into the pockets of his faded blue coat, staring at her with his worried blue eyes. Nuil watched him carefully looking for the slight bulge in his chest pocket that held the Arkenstone.

"Is it safe?"

"Y-Yes," he said, caught a little off guard by her question.

She nodded. "Good. I've been able to keep quiet." She sighed, looking up at the mountain dispiritedly. "I do not wish to go back. I do not wish to-" the image of her decaying mother flitting across her eyes. "This mountain is death."

"Nuil-"

She rolled her shoulders. "There is nothing for it. This was once my home . . . crowned with stars . . ." She patted his shoulder before climbing the broken rocks to enter the mountain. The dwarves were rushing about and Thorin was nowhere in sight. Balin and Dwalin as well. Fili came to her.

"We are to fortify the wall," he told her, "Thorin's orders."

She sighed. "Of course." She kicked the rubble with her feet before muttering under her breath. "And he is with his gold, planning for war and the like."

"What did you say, Aunnie?" Fili asked, brows furrowed.

Nuil looked at him. "Nothing. Just tired . . ."

He gave her a tight lipped smile. "Aye. I know for myself that I could use a good nights sleep in a bed." She laughed lightly, turning to began to help clean up the rubble around the larger stones. She knew that she would not be any help in lifting them, and cleaned what she could. Many hours later she heard a clang, lifting her head to see Dwalin storm from one of the halls.

His heavy booted feet kicked at a pile of bent armor, pulled away from the collapsed stone gates, the bones burnt to ash years ago. He passed her, standing on the slowly growing wall, crossing his arms and glaring out into the night. Balin followed slowly, head hanging as he came from the hallway.

She went to him, knowing that he was more likely to speak with her and less likely to stand still as a statue. "Balin," she murmured, touching his arm. He raised his weary eyes to her. She saw the glimmer of unshed tears in his eyes, and knew whatever it was, was not good. "What happened?"

"He's- He is not-" he sighed despondently. "Thorin is not himself. He and Dwalin shared words, and Dwalin grew angry that Thorin was not seeing what he is becoming."

Nuil pressed her lips into a thin line, worry lining her brow. Her heart sank, fear gripping her. What if she could not pull him back from the edge? Save him from himself and protect the others. Protect Bilbo. Her eyes turned to the hall, where down it lay Smaug's bedroom, where Thorin was with all the gold. Balin saw her gaze.

"I do not think it wise," he murmured. "But he no doubt needs your comfort. Dwalin and he-"

"Are the closest of friends," she said, looking back at him. "I remember." She offered him a sad smile. Balin patted her back moving away towards his own brothers side. Nuil turned away and went to Smaug's bedroom. She passed the torches, her worn boots scuffing the ground. The closer she came to the gold, the worse the air smelled and the worse she felt.

Finally she stood in the entrance, her eyes on the now familiar piles upon piles of gleaming and shining gold. He stood with his back against a pillar, eyes shut tight as he clutched his chest. Keeping her eyes averted from the gold as best she could, she approached him. When she stood before him, she reached out and placed her hands on his face.

Thorin flinched at her touch, opening his eyes before relaxing when he realized it was her. His eyes were sad, heavy and oppressive as he looked at her. "I saw Dwalin," his eyes moved downwards. "I spoke with Balin," he drew back from her touch, brushing her hands away from him. "Thorin . . ."

"And if they are true?" He asked her. "If I am not myself, and . . ." he was lost for words. She placed her hands on his face once more, rubbing her fingers over the skin of his cheekbones and down into his beard.

"Thorin, I know there lies strength in you." She brushed his hair away from his face. "You are not your grandfather. You are Thorin, son of Thrain. You have brought us home."

He reached out for her, caressing her skin with his hands, fingers trailing up the column of her throat. His eyes were still sad. "You are a jewel."

"Will you hoard me away as well?" She raised her brows at him.

"Only if it will keep you by my side," he replied pulling her into his embrace and tilting her head back with one of his hands on the back of his neck. She was pliant under his hands, accepting of his advance. "Would you be my queen, ruling by my side?" His lips ghosted over her own.

"To my last breath," she murmured breathily, closing the gap between them eagerly.

He asked to braid her hair that evening. They sat together on the first watch when he took her hand in his, stroking his thicker fingers over her slim knuckles. "Would you allow me to braid your hair?"

She looked at him, turning her gaze away from the night sky beyond the growing gates. "Are you sure?" She knew that dwarves braided for reasons that were more intimate than her own mother had braided her own hair. Even her dear friend, Dis, had never braided her hair. She had seen Gloin's marriage braids, and knew the different kinds there were.

He cupped her face with the palm of his hand. "Aye, may I?"

She turned her head and allowed him to make the braid. The courtship braid was made and laid on her hair. He kissed her hand, her lips and then woke the second watch before they laid down on their blankets together.

Two days passed before they received any visitors. Nuil sat with Bifur, helping him check over the armor that would be worn. The others worked on the gate, lifting and placing the broken stones to fortify the broken gate. Bilbo sat on Bifur's other side, speaking softly to Ori who wrote in a new book. Thorin was with Balin in Smaug's bedroom, still looking for the Arkenstone.

His amorous advances had ceased once more. His entire mind set on finding the kings jewel. But he slept by her side, wrapped her in his arms and murmured his love in her ears. But as soon as the sun came up he was back among the piles of gold, searching.

A commotion on the rising wall draw their attention. Nuil looked up, eyes narrowing as Bofur shouted something down the other side and she thought that the men and elves had arrived. But Kili, standing at Bofur's side turned and clambered down the steep steps they had created. He rushed towards her.

"Aunnie! There is a man asking for you," he said. "He calls himself, Nogoth-"

She stood suddenly, the armor in her lap clattering to the ground. "Nogoth . . ." she breathed before rushing past Kili and up the wall. She was out of breath by the time she reached the stop, hands grasping the rough and broken stone before looking down.

A man stood below, dressed in worn and travel stained clothes. His hair had grown wild and long, tangled and uncombed. His beard also. His hazel eyes gazed upon her knowingly and a smile pulled at his lips.

"Nuil!" he called up. "Dearest sister!"

"Nogoth! Why are you here? How did you come here?" she called down.

"I was sent to bring you, please, Nuil, come with me," Nogoth said. He held out his hands beseechingly.

"This is your brother?" Bofur asked peering down beside her. Kili stood on her other side while Fili joined them. They had seen her brother, Nedoheen. But not the other two.

"Yes, closest now to me in age now that-" she stopped, unwilling to bring up her other brothers. "There is one more, though I do hope we do not meet him yet."

"Nuil!"

She peered over the wall. "I am still here."

"Will you then?"

"Will I what?"

"Come with me? Back to Nedoheen and Noledhe?"

She paused, knuckles going white. "Nogoth . . . I cannot leave."

Nogoth frowned. "Nuilweyil . . . please."

"I have promised," she said.

"You're life? Is that what you promised? To die for this heap of rock, and a king blinded by gold?" he said desperately. Nuil ignored the mutters that erupted around her at her brothers words. Nogoth had not known the mountain in its prime. When it was in its glory. He did not know Erebor and the wide halls of green hued stone. He had not been taken from his bed, late in the night to see the crown of stars around the mountain peak.

"Nogoth-"

"I will not have it!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the stone.

"Nogoth!" she shouted in reply. "I made a promise! Would you have me break my word so easily? Would that be what I was taught? That the children of Nolen break their word?" Her voice rose with each word.

"Of course not!"

"What is going on?" came a rough voice from behind her. She turned, watching as Thorin came to the top of the steps. There was a scowl on his face and she knew he was not happy to be drawn away from the gold. He came to her side, his hand resting on her back as he looked down at her brother. "I do not believe I have met this one," he murmured to her.

"Nogoth, now he is the closest in age to me," she murmured. She was not sure why she told him that, but somehow it was important. She turned back to her brother. "Surely you can understand my reasons?"

Nogoth shook his head. Raising his eyes solemnly. "You heart is blinded, sister. I shall not move from this post until you see reason and come with me. You can still leave, come with me. Come home." He spoke slowly and pleadingly, knowing that his anger would not sway her. Guilt tugged in her chest and stared down at him with tears in her eyes. But Thorin did not like Nogoth's words.

"She will go nowhere," he called. Nuil looked at him, alarmed by the heavy look in his eyes. His held her by her upper arm.

"You are not her kin and cannot say that," Nogoth said, seeing that Nuil winced.

"She is to be my wife and Queen Under the Mountain. She will not leave."

"Thorin- stop," she gasped, when his grip became so tight that she nearly fell to her knees. He swung towards her, eyes wild.

"You will not leave, Nuil, I will not allow it," he said fiercely. She cried out when he held even tighter.

"Uncle!" Fili cried, rushing forward as her knees gave out and she sagged in his grip. He caught her while Kili pulled his hand from her arm. Fili held her tightly, worried blue eyes on her before looking up at Thorin. He shook his head. "Uncle. You hurt Aunnie."

Thorin stared at him uncomprehendingly. Then down at his hands with growing horror in his eyes. They shook as the wild look fled from his face and it was replaced with alarm. Without a word he turned away from them and rushed down the stairs, his great cloak billowing out around his shoulders as he hurried away. Nuil grasped her arm, fighting tears as she pushed herself to her feet. Fili and Kili hovered anxiously at her shoulders as she took a deep breath and looked out at the worried face of her brother.

She dearly wanted him to wrap him arms around her and tell her everything would be alright. But if she went to him, he would take her far away from Erebor. She had chosen where she would stand. And would stick by that choice.

"Please, little sister."

"I love you, Nogoth. But I cannot, leave while you can and flee." She turned away from the wall, ignoring his calls for her. Tears blurred her vision as she descended the stairs, his voice echoing off the stone.

"NUIL! No. Come back! NUIL! NUILWEYIL!"

Her eye met Bilbo's from where he stood beside the armor. There was pity in his eyes, and he reached out for her but she shook her head, turning away to wander through the halls of Erebor.

Nedoheen rode beside the red haired elleth, Tauriel. The pace that the Elvenking set was a fast one. They would be to Dale in less than a day. They had come to the shores of the lake to find that the people of Laketown had gone. The only place for them was the ruins of Dale and so the elven company followed. He had not spoken to any save to thank those that brought him food and water.

The Elvenking's son, Legolas rode on his other side and he tried not to be ruffled by their distrust. Yet they ignored him for the most part, speaking in Sindarin to each other as though he were not between them. But more often than not, he caught the elleth's eyes straying to the mountain. He wondered what would draw her interest so. He knew why his gaze strayed there. His younger brother and sister were there. Hopefully leaving as well.

"You are troubled, son of Nolen," Legolas murmured after a time.

"There is something fell in the air," he replied. The elf frowned at him and Nedoheen raised his eyes skyward. "Carrion birds. They come by the dozens."

"Many died in Laketown. No doubt they are feasting there," Legolas replied. Tauriel made a face at his words, looking displeased.

"Then why are they flocking to the mountain? Surely you do not think that King Thranduil would offer his aid so willingly for nothing? There is gold in that mountain and rumors of gems that he has coveted for many a year."

Legolas nodded. "White gems of starlight, I know." His face darkened. But Nedoheen paid him no mind.

"I wonder why he wants those gems so desperately. They are just rocks."

"They were my mothers," Legolas murmured, eyes trained on the mountain. "Once, many years ago."

Nedoheen wisely did not say anymore on the matter. He too had lost his parents. His fathers greed blinding him to the danger of living in a mountain with so much gold. But he doubted that Thorin Oakenshield would just hand over his gold and gems. Any gold that had long been brooded over by a dragon was cursed.

They arrived in Dale in the late evening. He did not sleep, standing and watching the gates of Erebor as great fires burned there. In the morning they were found by the people of Laketown. His brother and Bard approaching them. Noledhe pulled him into a fierce embrace.

"I worried," he murmured pulling away.

Nedoheen rolled his shoulders, settling his weight on one leg. "I would not let you down, brother. Where is Nogoth? Nuil?"

At this Noledhe's lips tightened and he sighed. "I have not seen them. I had thought that Nogoth would return before this, or at least sent word. But I have not seen or heard of him. Nor our sister."

"She is no doubt still in that mountain," Thranduil said approaching them. "She and Thorin Oakenshield are close. I doubt he would let her out of his sight."

Noledhe's eyes narrowed. "We are well met, King Thranduil, your aid is much appreciated." He bowed his head stiffly.

"I did not do it for you," Thranduil murmured. "There is treasure within that mountain that I too would have."

"Only a fair share of promised payment," Bard murmured joining them. "That gold is cursed and I would not take more than what we were promised."

"Be that as it may," Thranuduil said. "Part of that treasure is ours."

Bard did not look like he agreed. "I do not think that Thorin Oakenshield would part willingly with his gold should you go demanding it," he said. "He was not pleased by his imprisonment in Mirkwood." Thranduil's face twitched at the mention of his home.

"Then we will fight for it."

"Fight?!" Bard said alarmed. "For gold? Jewel's? There are women and children here, winter is upon us. We cannot afford a war."

"Do you think there is any other option, Dragon Slayer?" Thranduil asked.

Bard seemed stunned by the name before he gathered his thoughts. "Let me speak with Thorin. There must be a way to avoid war and death." Thranduil inclined his head. Bard quickly left and Thranduil moved to his tent. Nedoheen turned to his brother.

"Where do you think Nogoth is?" he asked worriedly.

Noledhe gripped the hilt of his sword, turning his eyes towards the mountain. "I do not know."

Sorry for the delay. I've been busy and finals were crazy. Then flew home for Christmas, and I've been Christmas shopping. So yeah. I have the rest of the month off with nothing in my way so I'm hoping to finish this by the New Year. Saw the BOTFA last night. T.T I can't believe it's over! I didn't sob hysterically in the theater, but I definitely got teary eyed. I knew how it was going to end, but I don't really think that prepares a person for how their favorite character dies (Just so you know, my favorite character was Fili). I still can't get over it, but I can't gush because I don't want to spoil it for others who haven't seen it yet.

I'll try to have another chapter posted by this weekend/during. Winding down, so it's almost over.

Thank you to all who have been reading this and reviewing! I really appreciate it, I know I suck at updating.

~filimeala