Lament

Chapter VIII

The End of a Long Rest

Refuge in The Last Homely House pt. 2

The light of the next morning flooded into the room with a brilliance that refused to be ignored, and the chilled air held a hushed secret waiting to be discovered. Stretching awake and sitting up, Devina couldn't quite explain the sensation. It was as if something had changed, had happened. It made her feel both excited and anxious. Hurrying out of bed and piling her hair into a high loose bun with which she secured with ribbons and still dressed only in the night gown Devina began to head where dinner had been served the night before but heard a ruckus behind her from the balcony. To her amazement all the dwarves had clearly slept there instead of the comfortable beds that had been provided for them. Not so much as a pillow had been borrowed. And they were cooking bacon and potatoes over a pile broken and burning furniture. She was horrified.

Rushing over she grabbed someone's drink and doused the flames. "What in the name of all that is Holy is wrong with you all?!" She cried in dismay. Everyone was too busy objecting over her abuse of their breakfast to really answer her.

"Are any of you even remotely capable of being polite and gracious guests?" She snapped, slapping away Dwalin's hand as he made to take back his now empty cup.

"You are certainly defensive about a few pieces of useless furniture" Someone grumbled.

"That's because-oh never mind! Do as you will!" She said in exasperation before spinning on her heel and storming away toward where she assumed the dining hall has been. She'd almost made it around the corner when a door opened behind her.

"What has you in such a whirlwind of fury this morning?" That gravely voice asked sending a shiver down her spin and causing her to stop abruptly to face him.

"Only twelve dwarves hell bent on-" her mouth went dry. Thorin had clearly heard the commotion, she didn't think he'd be standing there as he did other wise. He stood there leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, shirtless. His pants clearly had been pulled on only moments before because they hung loose and low on his hips due to being improperly tied.

She could feel her cheeks reddening with a fire that melted all the way down to the pit of her stomach. Even with the chill in the air it felt too hot in the open breezy hall way. "I- What I meant was- well they..." She babbled incoherently, unable to meet his gaze because she currently couldn't tear her eyes away from his well sculpted form. Devina was vaguely aware that he stood there staring at her before looking back at the others. He must have figured it out for himself because he only chuckled.

"I have food in here if you care to join me?" Nodding dumbly she followed him into the dimly lit room, allowing him to shut the door behind her. Before she was aware of what was happening she found herself pressed up against the wall beside the door being kissed fiercely by the young King. Both of her hands being held above her head in one of his large ones, the other raking up and down her right side. "I've seen the way you look at me," he said between the searing kisses that he trailed across her jaw towards her earlobe. "I've wanted to do this to you since the trolls" It was when his hand grazed her breast that she let out a small gasp, which he took perfect advantage of by plunging his tongue into her earnest mouth. His kiss felt as if he were trying to devour her soul and she moaned in answer. The feel of his beard against the delicate skin of her lips scratching in just the right way. She let out a squeal of surprise when he abruptly drops her hands and hoisted her up, her legs wrapping around his hips. She could feel him pressed against her. The next thing she knew he was carrying her to the bed. Dropping her onto the shee-

BAM

Devina woke with a start and a throbbing shoulder. She'd been dreaming about...with a groan she realized what happened with perfect clarity. She'd been having yet another passionate dream about Thorin Oakenshield. This would make the fourth time this week, and the first time she'd actually fallen out of bed and bodily onto the floor.

"Oh come on! What have I ever done to you?!" She yelled at the ceiling in anger. Ever since their first night in Rivendell she'd caught her gaze following him whenever he was around. It was after the fourth night that the dreams started. The night before she hadn't slept at all and had dragged the whole day. Bombard and Balin thought she was coming down with a cold and insisted she come lay down for a short while. So here she was, nearly two weeks in Rivendell having only the most passionate sex ever literally in her dreams at roughly five in the evening. With a frustrated sigh Devina pulled herself off the floor and straightened her silvery tunic and slipped her books over her feet and leggings. A quiet walk near the waterfalls would help calm her down and hopefully allow her to think straight. Tying her hair into a high ponytail she grabbed her journal and pencil and headed down the corridor, passed one of the many dining halls and down a long staircase away from the guest rooms.

She had wasted no time heading through the gardens and over a narrow little bridge that crossed the stream that ran from her destination. She wanted to get away from any prying eyes that may be around, and for the past week the waterfalls has remained isolated during their stay. They were beautiful and she found them relaxing. It really was only one, but someone had had the brilliance to encase the sides of the lowest level with large marble, giving the impression of a natural pool. And above it a set back ledge that could be reached if one chose to climb an over hanging willow. Which Devina frequently did. Once when it was dark and with the light of. Surrounding lanterns and the full moon she's acted daring and stripped from her clothes and lounged in the lower level. The water had been warm and soothing. Hot tubs had nothing on this place.

If she were honest it had little to do with the waterfalls and far more to do with the valley itself. As if by magic her companions were at ease. Full of songs and laughter. Not even Thorin found one thing to complain about after those first few nights. He was often seen in council with Elrond, Gandalf, and occasionally Balin or Dwalin. She could only assume they were discussing the journey ahead though he seemed in no hurry to leave this place. Most nights they dined with the elf lord and others, but there were a few when the dwarves craved the company of themselves and congregated on the balcony outside her room. Her days she spent between training with Gloin, Fili, and Kili, speaking with Gandalf about what would happen in the near future after their departure, and trying to find some time to herself. Everywhere she went they were there. The dwarves, Bilbo, Gandalf, and elves. She was rarely alone.

It was this isolation and peace in the nearly dark sky that she craved and had her hesitating as she neared her last turn. There were people there. Rounding the corner she let out a shriek and ducked back behind the building. Most of the dwarves were running, splashing and fighting in the falls. Completely naked! They clearly had not heard her over their banter and play so with a heavy sigh she turn back the way she came in search for another place to think.

As she returned back over the bridge she was happy there wasn't a soul to be seen as she made her way out into the lush gardens again. She stopped in front of a narrow little gazebo tucked between a couple is trees. In the centered showed a veiled maiden. Shrugging she walked over and sat down behind the statue. At least this way she'd be hidden from any passers by. Flipping through the pages she'd filled in since that first dream Devina blushed. Several pages we dedicated to high definition sketch work of two bodies pressed together like something from a like art class with a nude model. The faces were missing, each sketch ending at the base of each character jaw. Though long hair occasionally was included in the frame, and it was the intricate braid and clasp that gave away the male inspiration. At least it was obvious to her. Sighing she felt rather silly, she'd never seen the man shirtless, much less naked. "Talk about high school fantasies...scratch that college fantasies...definitely didn't have this dirty a mind back then" she said demurely.

Flipping to a blank page she began writing the first words in days, breaking the spell of imagery her journal had been dominated by recently.

Drinking in the morning sun

Blinking in the morning

What made me behave that way?

Using words I never say

I can only think it must be love

Someone tell me how I feel

It's silly wrong but vivid right

kiss me like the final meal

She paused with her pen poised above the page. "Shit even the words are about him and these dreams. Twitterpaded alright. " she was about to tear the page out and try again when she stilled, listening. She thought she could hear footsteps and the murmur of hushed voices. Then she was sure she had.

"Of course I was going to tell you. I was merely waiting for this very chance." It was Gandalf. "And really I-I think that you can trust that I know what I am doing!" He sounded annoyed if not amused at whatever is counterpart had questioned him on.

"And do you?" Elrond. Suddenly she felt very guilty for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and however unintentional it was, ease dropping.

Standing Devina would have stepped out from behind the statue if she hadn't heard what Elrond said next. "That dragon has slept for sixty years. What will happen if your plan shall fail and you awaken the beast? Can you be certain this young woman has any ability to make a difference?" He asked, his entire tone clearly stating that he believed they were all fools and would not succeed.

"and what if we should succeed?" Gandalf asked simply. "If the dwarves take back the mountain, our defenses in the East will be strengthened." He encouraged Elrond to see the importance of their quest. They were entering the gardens by this point, so she shrank slowly back out of sight. "Why would they even be discussing this again? Hadn't that been handled their first night there?" She thought to herself.

"It is a dangerous move Gandalf," Elrond was saying, he sounded less sure than he had before, but not convinced.

"It is more dangerous to do nothing. Now come, the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright. What is it you fear?" Gandalf snapped gently, clearly having enough of the circles they were taking in their discussion.

"Have you forgotten?" Elrond asked in earnest, they had come to a full stop just at the edge of the bridge leading towards the waterfalls. "A strain of madness runs deep in that family." He cautioned. Shocking Devina. "Just what in the hell is he on about?!" Her mind hissed, enraged at the talk that was taking place. "Hasn't he been doing nothing but helping us prepare ourselves for the road?" She asked before realization dawned on her. "He's trying to keep us here, run out the clock so even if we leave we won't be in time for Durin's Day"

"his grandfather lost his mind, and his father scrummed to the same sickness. Can you swear that Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall?" She'd had enough, she made to stand but hesitated a moment, unsure of what she'd do.

"Gandalf these decisions do not rest with us alone." He was saying sounding almost apologetic, as his he was telling a child he couldn't go play with his friends while he had a cold. "It is not up to you or me to redraw the map of Middle-Earth"

Sucking in a deep breath she stepped out of the gazebo and onto the path. They weren't twenty feet away from her.

"No but it is up to me." She said clearly and loudly enough for them to hear. Surprisingly and satisfyingly both actually looked ashamed at having been over heard. But it was short lived, while he was kind and gentle, Elrond was also a fierce warrior in is own right, and she could see that persona in his eyes? But she could also see the fear seeping through. He truly was fearful of the repercussions of their actions. Of Thorin's. Gandalf was smiling, and she got the feeling he was grateful to her for whatever reason.

"And what brings you to believe you have such a right?" Elrond asked her, his voice low but still inquisitive.

"I have every right if not more than anyone in this world!" She spat. "You clearly know all about me. You know that the fates of this world is written out in the form of a story. I am the only one who can change the course of your futures and I refuse to allow it that future to happen. Thorin will reclaim Erebor, he will never go mad. I'll die before I let anything or anyone" she added pointedly "get in the way of that happening. Elrond and Gandalf were now standing next to her. Elrond stared down at her, studying her. "While it may be true that even the smallest person can change the fate of the world, I do not have as much faith in this situation. From what Gandalf tells me, you're foreknowledge of events has not been completely accurate and has put you and your companions in mortal danger not once but twice." Devina took a step back and felt her heart skip a beat with dread. She couldn't deny that but while she couldn't explain why those details had varied, they were still similar enough that she knew she could see them through the end alive.

Gandalf said something else but she missed it. She knew she had to tell Thorin the story. The world was on his shoulders, and it was doing everything it could to crush him beneath its weight. The least she could do was make sure he had as much help as she could give him without telling him the ending. Keeping it all from him would get them killed. She clearly didn't know everything, not everything was exactly the same. They also had to leave. They'd wasted enough time here.m

They were speaking again, but she heard none of it. Cutting them off she pushed past them. "While the information I have may not be entirely accurate, it's also not wrong. Any danger we met is entirely my fault for not having been more forthcoming sooner. But I will tell you this. Thorin and the others will make it to Erebor, and Smaug will die, with or without my help." Hurrying away she left then two ancient men to mull that over.

She hurried back towards their rooms, the others were long past asleep on the balcony. The embers of a fire glowing, she peeked around them trying to find Thorin but he wasn't there. His bedroom door had been left open and the bed empty. Shoulders slumped she decided to give up for the night before she realized she'd forgotten her journal in the gazebo. Turning round she stared at her feet as she made her way back and hoped the elf lord and Gandalf were gone.

The garden was blessedly deserted when she returned.

"Thats one less awkward conversation." She said to herself. Reaching behind the gazebo she grabbed her book and made to leave, only to collide solidly with someone, kicking her off balance and causing her to stumble backwards. Strong hands braced her by the arms and steadied her.

Thorin stood at the stairs long after Bilbo and the others had left the gardens and retired for the night. He didn't blame Bilbo for rushing off as politely but as quickly as he could. The hobbit looked at him with pity and Thorin hated it. He'd felt the weight and danger if he were to inherit the sickness that had plagued his grandfather and father. He was confident he was stronger than his forebears, that he would rule Erebor and not destroy it all out of insanity.

While he'd been shocked at the topic of their discussion, he was even more surprised when Devina had appeared out of the shadows and defended him, even declaring to sacrifice herself to ensure he succeeded. The past two weeks he'd felt her eyes on him constantly. time drew on he felt within himself a desire to merely touch her. He'd been agitated at first by it but grew to draw reassurance from it. He wasn't blind, he could tell she was growing an attachment to him. What exactly that meant in regards to her feelings he didn't know and didn't think he cared. Though at that very moment he felt so indebted and humbled by her. Any and all doubts about her intentions, if they lingered at all, were obliterated by her declarations. Shaking his head he stared at the spot she'd appeared from and as the clouds rolled away from the moon, the light filled the gardens below revealing her coming back to the garden. Had she come back in search for the elf?

It didn't matter, she was there, and he was over come with the urge to speak to her, thank her, something. He made his way down silently but quickly, hoping she hadn't left before he could reach her. Fortunately she hadn't gone, but was crouched down reaching for something behind a statue. Curious as to what she was looking for he approached her but before he could say anything she stood abruptly and turned right into him. The force of which nearly knocking her off her feet.

Quick to grab her before she could fall, he gave her a moment to catch her balance.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his hand raising of its own volition to brush the hair that had fallen loose from her hair tie, causing her to blush brightly.

"I-um-I forgot my journal. I only came back to get it." She explained dumbly, holding it up as if for proof. He smiled softly at her before taking a step back, his hands lingering for just a moment longer before dropping to his sides. "So that's why she had been hidden before. She was scribbling away in that book of hers."

"I wanted to speak with you, if you would allow me a bit of your time?" He asked her.

she nodded, staring up at him while his hands rested on her shoulders.

"I wanted to talk to you too."

Thorin stepped back and motioned for her to lead the way, letting her decide where they went. She thought for a moment before heading back towards their rooms, deciding talking in the open wasn't the wisest of choices. Not since she realized they were being stalled.

"What did you wish to speak to me about?" He asked her, breaking the silence as he followed her.

She remained silent before coming to a stop at the end of the hall to their rooms.

"I realized tonight that our staying here isn't entirely out of kindness and hospitality." She explained as she turned to face him. "Thorin we need to leave Rivendell now but not before I tell you what's coming and I can't do that out here." She finished looking unsure of her decision.

"You mean your book?" He asked anticipation and a small amount of fear filling him. He wanted to know what this author from her world had written about their fates, but he was also fearful of what that fate would be. Devina only nodded her head.

"Can we go to your room or mine? I don't want to be overheard, in case what I tell you causes them to try harder than merely making us too comfortable to leave," He didn't wait to be asked again and made his way a round her and opened the door to his borrowed room as it was the nearest to them.

Devina hurried into his room. She was surprised to see a small fire burning in a hearth next to the large bed. Where her room had been open and airy, full of golds, light colored wood, and creams, his was the opposite. He had the same wide open space and large window that opened up onto a ledge, but the colors where dark. Deep shades of rust dominated the fabrics too bright to be called red but too dark to be called orange, contrasting royally with the light tones of the wood that could be found all over Rivendell. All the metal work were bronze instead of golden. Her room also didn't have a fireplace. She watched as he walked past her to sit down in a chair near the fire. Looking around she realized there weren't any more seats in the room and reluctantly went to sit on the only available seat. The edge of his bed.

She felt utterly silly, there was nothing intimate about where she sat, it's not as though there were many options. "Still.." Fiddling with the edges of her journal she thought of where to begin. "Might as well dive right in"

"As you know we have to cross the Misty Mountains, there's no getting around that." She began and when Thorin only nodded she took a deep breath and continued. She told him of the giants in the mountains, of the goblin King beneath the mountains, of their escape with the aid of the great Eagles. She had just come to the part where they would meet the shifter Beorn when Thorin interrupted her.

"I know of your argument with the Wizard and our host. I heard you telling him we would reach Erebor, that Smaug will be defeated," he paused, the expression on his face serious, as though he weren't sure he wanted to give life to his question. If he'd heard everything like he said, then he would have heard her refusal to allow that future to happen here. Devina wished with all her might he wouldn't. She would not lie to him not matter how much she wanted to, not now.

"In your book I'll fail to reclaim Erebor. I'll fail my people." His face was unreadable, his tone flat and serious. It hadn't been a question but a statement. She moved to the floor and knelt before him, her journal falling with an unheard thud to the floor. She laid her hands on his knees and stared up at him, her eyes pleading for him to trust her.

"No you don't fail them. Erebor is restored, your people return and florist more than they ever did before. It's just...you weren't around to see it." She had always thought the ending unfair, unnecessary. To not only kill him but his heirs, leaving Dain to reap the spoils and leave nothing but a monument of Thorin behind.

"Then Fili and Kili will do what I could not. That isn't a bad exchange. The sons of Durin return as it was foretold." She looked away, bowing her head against her legs. After a moment she shook her head no. "They won't either." Her voice said, muffled. Thorin stood up sharply, knocking her back with the action and turned towards the fire, his hands on the mantle, head bowed. He was angry, rightfully so. They stayed that way for a long while, Devina didn't know for how long. She stayed there on the floor giving him time to wrap his mind around the information she'd shared. Her heart went out to him, to the pain and anger he must be feeling.

She heard him moving but didn't have the heart to look up at him until his large rough hands came into view over her own. He pulled her to her feet silently and together they stood there staring at each other his hand clasped over hers against his solid chest. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she was annoyed by her reaction to his touch. "This is really the most inappropriate time to have butterflies and nerves over a ridiculous one sided crush!" Her mind snapped at her even though she stepped up closer to him, turning her hands to press her palms against his chest. His heart beat pounding a steady rhythm beneath the soft fabric of his tunic. "

"To hell with it all" she thought when he didn't pull away but instead allowed his now free hands to trail up her arms and down her back to rest high on her waist. Raising up onto the balls of her feet she pressed her lips softly against his, half expecting for him to push her away but taking the risk anyway. Instead he pulled her closer and allowed the chaste kiss to deepen.

The moment the kiss deepened she gave up any internal attempt to deny the feelings that were growing for the harsh dwarf in front of her. It didn't matter that she'd only known him for a little over a month. It didn't matter that he could be a very vivid form of her imagination. What mattered to her what that at this moment he was real, that his life was in danger if she didn't help change things, and that she felt herself falling for him. She didn't dare call it love but it certainly was more than lust. She respected and admired him. His devotion and loyalty to his family and people. Even to those forced upon him like herself.

And then he was pushing her away, holding her at arms length.

"Get out," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Wh-what?" She was stunned. He had kissed her back, had pulled her closer to him, every indication that he welcomed the kiss.

"I said get out." He said louder, his voice hard. Crestfallen she ran to the door and flung it open, but hesitated before leaving, looking back at him one last time.

"I'm sorry," she called before leaving, the door left wide.

A/N: well here is the second half! He knows the truth now, and there was finally a moment between the two, though I think Devina would have preferred one of her dreams to the reality of being kicked out afterwards with no explanation!

How to you think this will effect their relationship?

Happy reading and hope to post more soon!

Also thoughts. Would you like a few drabbles that depict random scenes of their time spent in Rivendell? I deliberately left a considersble gap from their arrival to now. I thought I'd offer up the job to my gorgeous readers? If you wish to create something with Devina, the company and the elves of Rivendell then just submit a link on the comments and I'll be sure to share the links to my favorite 3 in my profile.

Cheers!