Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not my own, yadda yadda yadda. I'm not making any money off of this. (Though I wish I could.)
Thorin had left then, uttering a soft goodnight before he stepped out of my room and left me standing, cold suddenly now that he was not there. My heart ached and I was left feeling more confused than ever. The thought that Thorin may have actual feelings for me made my heart race and I thought back to the conversation with Fili and Kili. Was that what they had been trying to hint at?
I fell asleep rather quickly once I laid down and for the first time since Beorn's, I slept well. I tried not to dwell too much on the reason why.
When I woke up the next morning, the sun was already out and I could hear movements from downstairs. I slipped out of bed and adjusted my cloak before making my way downstairs. Grunted 'mornings' came from the majority of the dwarves, with only Bilbo actually smiling and wishing me a hearty "Good morning, Talya!"
Bard was in the main kitchen making eggs that he must have bought with some of the dwarves' payment. His face was serious until he saw me. Then a smile broke out on his face.
"Good morning, Talya,"
"Good morning, Bard,"
He reached out for a clean mug then poured a stream of tea out of a kettle on the stove. He quickly brought it to me. I accepted it gratefully and sipped on the beverage, glad for the heat on this cool morning.
"I am making eggs. Do you have a preference in how they are prepared?"
"No. I'm not picky." I answered, taking another sip of my tea.
"How come he didn't ask us how we wanted ours?" Bofur grumbled from behind me.
"Cause we aren't women-folk, you dolt." Nori answered.
I rolled my eyes at their grumblings and was about to take a seat near the counter when I noticed Thorin push a chair out between him and Bilbo. I raised my eye brow when I noticed Bilbo's small smirk but said nothing of it. I walked over and sat down between the two. Thorin shifted a little too casually and rested his elbow on the arm of my chair. Fili and Kili snorted across from me and I looked up with a frown. I glanced back at Bard, who was watching the interaction a little too seriously.
Males.
I leaned back in my chair and stretched.
"So whats the plan for today?" I asked, mid-yawn.
"I don't think anyone is quite sure yet, lass. We need to get our things together and decide just how we are going to leave here without anyone noticing." Balin answered, dipping a biscuit in a dark brown liquid I suspected was some sort of coffee.
"As long as we don't have to ride in any more fish barrels." Dori said.
"Or come out of any more toilets…" Dwalin grumbled under his breath.
Bard came around and set a plate of scrambled eggs in front of me, with a side of fresh toast. I smiled my thanks and began to eat heartily. I heard Thorin grumble next to me.
The rest of the eggs he plopped in the middle of the table in the large griddle he had been cooking them in. I grinned and watched as the dwarves began to bicker over who was to be served first. The argument reached all new heights when Gloin stabbed Nori's hand with his fork after Nori attempted to steal Gloin's plate.
"Oww! What in Dwalin's name…?!"
"Don't think I didn't see what you was up to, Nori, you quick-handed thief."
The two glared at each other before first one, and then the other grinned and slapped each other on the backs. I rolled my eyes at the display and pushed my plate away now that I was done with my portion.
Bain, Sigrid, and Tilda came downstairs then. Bain immediately made his way over to the stove where he poured himself some of the coffee, whereas Sigrid and TIlda all but tip-toed around the dwarves, as if scared they would be eaten.
I smiled warmly at Tilda and she offered me a small smile back.
"You seem fond of his children," Thorin grumbled softly. I chuckled at his tone and shrugged.
"I love kids, and they are sweet. Tilda is a quiet little mouse until you get to know her. Then she opens up and becomes very animated. Sigrid is sweet-spoken and is really amazing at keeping house. And Bain… he is growing up to be a very hard working man with a mind for numbers. Much like his father, really."
"You say that as though it's a good thing," He muttered. I thwacked his arm gently and he scowled.
"Don't be rude, grump-ass." Thorin snorted and leaned back, only to find Tilda staring at him. He suddenly looked very startled.
"Are you the beast in Talya's story?" She asked sweetly. I groaned and damn near smacked my palm on my forehead.
"Tilda…" I groaned. She looked over at me innocently.
"What? He is really grumpy and hairy."
Holding in my laughter was physically painful at this point. Thorin glared between Tilda and I for a moment before he let out a long pained sigh.
"Oh for Mahals' sake, let it out before you hurt yourself."
We set about cleaning up from breakfast after that. Bard had started to do dishes at this point, and I was about to offer to help when Bilbo suddenly stumbled in front of me, bewildered.
"Ah… Uh… Mister Bard… Let me help you out there." He said, glancing behind me for a moment. I turned around to find Thorin walking away and Fili and Kili practically doubled over in silent laughter. I frowned and rolled my eyes.
We spent the rest of the morning fixing the companies' clothes now that they had been washed and cleaned. Once we broke for lunch, I helped lay the table out with what food there was to be had and settled myself in a chair. Bard sat down next to me and threw a very poorly concealed glance over my shoulder before smiling at me and taking a sip of his water. I turned my head and glanced out of the corner of my eye to see Thorin standing there with his eye brows narrowed. He walked over and sat directly across from me.
Once we were done with our lunch and the table had been cleared away by the children, Thorin stood and crossed to the window. I watched as he went from very serious, to suddenly in shock. He muttered something to himself and I caught Bilbo crossing the room to look at him.
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
Balin stepped up next and I listened as he told the story of Dale. Thorin's face became stony and he watched out the window, his eyes far away, as though he was reliving the moment.
"Had the aim of Men been true that day, much would have been different." Thorin said, finishing the tale. Bard had stood and had started to make his way to them. He crossed his arms.
"You speak as if you were there." He said, almost accusingly. Thorin narrowed his eyes and he turned to look at the man.
"All dwarves know the tale."
"Then you would know that Girion hit the dragon. He loosened a scale under the left wing. One more shot and he would have killed the beast." Bain said suddenly. I had not seen him come in. Dwalin laughed bitterly.
"That's a fairy story, lad. Nothing more,"
"Theres a lot to be said for fairy stories, Dwalin." I said softly. Dwalin just glared at me and I wondered what the hell his problem was. He had been a lot more abrupt with me lately then usual. Before Mirkwood, he had at least been less of a jerk.
"You took our money." Thorin said suddenly, striding up to Bard. "Where are the weapons?"
Bard looked over Thorin and nodded slowly.
"Wait here."
He turned and left, going down the stairs to the lower levels of the house. It didn't take him long to return, a sodden package of wrapped leather in his arm. He dropped it on the table and began to unwrap it, water dripping steadily from the trappings.
When finally the crudely made weapons were revealed, Thorin snorted in disgust.
"What is this?" He asked, lifting a three tipped spear with the prongs facing back at him.
"Pike-hook. Made from an old harpoon."
"And this?" Kili was holding up something similar to a hammer, but on crack. It was easily three times the size of my fist.
"A crowbill, we call it. Fashioned from a smithy's hammer. It's heavy in hand, I'll grant you, but in the defense of your life, these will serve you better than none." Bard replied, defensive.
"We paid you for weapons. Iron-forged swords and axes!" Gloin snapped.
"This is a joke," Bofur added, throwing his… well, whatever it was he was holding, back on to the table. The rest copied the movement.
"You won't find better outside the city armory. All iron-forged weapons are held there under lock and key."
"It's not like you guys have anything better." I added. "This is the best Bard has."
"Thorin… The lass is right." Balin said from across the table. He walked up to Thorin's side and as they spoke, I watched Bard's face wrinkle in recognition. I inwardly groaned, knowing that he was going to find out the truth. I knew that he would see this as a betrayal on my part, since I had basically begged him to bring the very dwarves who planned on unleashing Smaug into his house.
"You're not going anywhere." Bard snipped. Dwalin bristled.
"What did you say?" The dwarf stepped forward, his posture menacing.
"There's spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in the town. You must wait until nightfall."
Dwalin glared, but stepped back. I shook my head and watched as Bard left.
"You guys are assholes." I snapped, pushing up from my chair. "Half the town is starving to death and the other half is barely scraping by a living, and here you are bitching that the weapons he offers aren't iron-forged. You guys are fucking warriors. Make do with what you are given."
"Why do you defend him?!" Thorin snapped, turning to look at me.
"Because he's risked a hell of a lot to help you guys. The least you could do is try to be at least a little fucking grateful."
"We paid him to bring us here!" Dwalin argued.
"And a hell of a lot of good money will do for him and his kids if he's locked up for treason, or whatever other charge that damned ass-wipe of an official comes up with. Don't forget, either, that he saved my ass."
"Don't be foolish. The only reason he did that was to get after whats between your legs!" Dwalin snapped back. I narrowed my eyes and felt a wave of anger crash over me. I stalked forward.
"I am SO sick of everyone referring to whats between my legs as some god-damned magical, mystical object. News to you. Every female has it. You all doubted me because of it. That fucking goblin wanted to gift me to Azog because of it. The Master wanted me for it. Bard has been the only one who has seen me for me, and not acted like I was weak or unworthy because of my gender. So if I defend him, Dwalin, it's because hes a damn decent person."
Dwalin was left speechless, and I couldn't even be bothered to laugh at the near comical look of shock on his face as I turned around and stormed away. Once upstairs, I turned into my room and flopped on my bed, fighting the over whelming urge to childishly yell into my pillow.
A few minutes later, I heard the creak of a floor board and I glanced to the door to find Bilbo there. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it.
"Is this wear you threaten to stick a sock down your pants again?" He asked, with a wry grin on his face.
"Ah… so did hear about that." I let out a dry laugh and sat up.
"He's jealous, you know. Thorin, I mean. He thinks you have feelings for Bard."
"Bard is a great guy. If it wasn't for…. Th… the circumstances, I probably would."
"If it wasn't for Thorin, you mean?" He asked softly. I looked away. Bilbo shook his head.
"You are just as bad as he is."
"What, did you have this little talk with him, too?" I snapped, sarcastically. I winced then. I didn't want to be angry at Bilbo, of all people.
"Yes," Bilbo said simply. Oh.
"I simply told him that if he was so afraid of losing you, he should not drive you away."
"Is he? Afraid of losing me, I mean."
"You did not see him in Mirkwood. When Thranduil told Thorin of his intended fate for you…. I have never seen him so full of rage, even when he was sent against Azog. I believe he would have killed the elf-king where he stood, had he been able. And after… When Tauriel gave him your chain and your message… He leaned against the back wall of his cell and ran his fingers over the tags. There was a tenderness there I did not think he would be capable of."
"Why are you telling me this, Bilbo?" I asked finally, after a long silence.
"Because I know how stubborn you both are, and also how blind. Like you, Thorin believes you could not possibly have feelings for him. No doubt Fili and Kili broached the subject with you, but Thorin was sure you could not possibly mean anything by your gift to him."
I thought back to the night before and the brother's prodding questions. I sighed and leaned back, unsure what to do with this knowledge.
"So what do I do now?" I said, not really expecting an answer.
"Now, my dear, you get up, and we go on a little jaunt across the city to steal weapons from the armory before continuing on our quest to slay a dragon, reclaim lost gold, and all that."
I shook my head and slipped out of bed. I adjusted my cloak and followed after Bilbo once he opened the door and started downstairs.
The company was gathered and Thorin glanced up at me. He lifted a single brow.
"I do not see a sock," Muttered Kili. Fili punched him and I swore Thorin was trying not to smirk.
I frowned and crossed my arms.
"We must tread carefully," Dwalin started. "If there are truly guards posted everywhere, as the… Bard said." Dwalin glanced at me as he said that.
"Nori, you take point." Thorin said. Nori nodded once and made his way to the front.
"I won't let you go." Bain said softly, stepping up in front of Thorin, his hands across his chest, trying to look so grown up.
"You can not stop us from leaving, boy." Thorin growled, turning to face him. Bain flinched, but stood his ground.
"My father told me not to let you leave." Bain's voice was a little shakey, but I was proud of him for standing up to Thorin.
"Move. Now, before I knock you to the floor." I frowned at Thorin's threat.
"Stop being a bully." I snapped as I pushed my way to the front. I glared at Dwalin as I passed. "He's still a kid."
"I am not!" Bain growled. I sighed and looked up at him.
"Bain, please. Move before you get hurt."
"I will not. My father may have feelings for you, and my sisters may adore you, but that does not make you a member of this family. You have no right to tell me what to do!"
"Don't be foolish, Bain." I snapped, my patience growing thin. His words had stung a little and he was acting like a child. I stepped closer to him. "Move. Now."
He bit his lip and I suddenly felt just as bad as Thorin, bullying a 16 year old kid. When Bain stepped aside, he would not meet my eyes, and it made me feel worse. I shoved the emotions aside, and turned to follow Nori as he quickly made his way out the back door.
It was well into the night when we finally reached the armory, despite the fact that it really wasn't all that far away. We often had to dodge guards, and a few times we had to wait, hidden in a corridor, for an hour or more. Thorin ushered Bombur, Gloin, Oin, and Dori ahead. They dropped to their hands and knees and formed a platform for us to step up on. Nori made a running leap up to the window and, upon grabbing a hand-hold, hauled himself up into the opening.
"Talya, go," Thorin said softly. I followed after Nori, who had turned and was holding his arms down for me to grab. I leapt and took hold, and he quickly pulled me into the window. I took no time in sorting through the swords, axes, and other weapons there.
One by one, the others followed until nearly everyone was in. I tried to convince Kili to hold back, but he stubbornly ignored me and pushed forward. I frowned and watched as he was loaded with weapon after weapon. I knew it was only a matter of time before he fell.
I was in the middle of lifting a bow from its place on the wall when it happened. Kili's leg gave out and suddenly he was tumbling down the stairs. The resulting din of the metal crashing down caused us all to freeze and cringe. Moments later, an alarm call was raised.
Guards rushed in before we could flee and surrounded us in seconds. Despite the fact that we were now armed, there was no way we could fight against fully armored guards who outnumbered us, just in the building, two to one.
"What do we have here?" One of them growled out. He flicked his sword point to me and another guard stepped forward.
"Ah. Lady Conner, isn't it?" The guard looked me over. "Master will be right pleased to get his hands on you, after all the times you've turned him down."
He leaned forward, roughly grabbed my upper arm and shoved me forward. Thorin and the others bristled at my treatment.
"Its fine," I hissed as I passed. "Don't do anything stupid."
We were marched, with me in the lead, towards the Master's house. As we went, a crowd started to follow behind us, the townsfolk whispering and murmuring in hushed tones.
"What is the meaning of this?" The Master demanded as he walked out of the front doors, tugging on his cloak as he came forward.
"We caught 'em stealing weapons, sire. And look who was in on it." The guard who had been leading me snagged my arm again and dragged me forward. The Master was nearly shooting daggers at me before he looked over the rest of the company.
"A bunch of mercenaries if ever there was, sire. No doubt she's their spy." The Master's councilor said, leering over me. I sneered at him, but he just smiled menacingly at me.
"Bring her to my chambers. I shall question her myself…" The master began. He was cut short by a loud and angry voice,
"You will release her to me." Thorin snarled.
"And who are you, thief, to make demands on me?"
"Hold your tongue!" Dwalin finally snapped. "You do not know to whom you speak. This is no common criminal. This is Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror!"
Thorin stepped a few paces forward, ignoring the sudden whispers from the crowd.
"Let her go." His voice was pitched very low. The Master, stunned, nodded slowly and my guard stepped out of the way. I resisted the urge to kick him I passed. Thorin gently touched my shoulder as he passed, pushing me towards the safety of the company.
"We are the dwarves of Erebor." He strode towards the Master and turned to look at the crowd. "We have come to reclaim our homeland. I remember this town and the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake! This was the center of all trade in the North!"
There were cries of agreement from the crowd. They were all shuffling to get a better look at the Dwarf-King.
"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!"
The response from the crowd was astounding. They were cheering and clapping.
"Death!"
The word was loud and angry. The crowd looked around, falling silent as they looked for the man behind the voice. Bard pushed forward and he looked at me angrily, then turned to face Thorin and the Master.
"That is what you will bring upon us. Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all!"
"You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this. If we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountains. You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!"
"All of you! Listen to me! You MUST listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale?! Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm!?"
The crowd was back to murmuring now, a few of the older generation answering his question with a resounding 'No!'.
"And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a mountain-king so driven by greed he could not see beyond his own desire!"
Man and dwarf sneered at each other.
"Now, now, we must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame." The Master called out, stepping forward. "Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast!"
The Master pointed accusingly at Bard and he looked away as the crowd became frenzied. Thorin was staring at Bard, a mixture of shock and anger written there.
"Its' true, sire. We all know the story; arrow after arrow he shot, each one missing its mark." The councilor added, stepping forward accusingly. Bard ignored him and turned to Thorin.
"You have no right, no right, to enter that mountain!"
"I have the only right." Thorin answered, his voice dangerous. "I speak to the Master of the men of the lake. Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people?"
The crowd fell silent and I watched on, all too aware of Bard's accusing glare.
"What say you?"
The Master peered at Thorin, contemplative for a moment, before he smiled widely and pointed at Thorin.
"I say unto you, welcome! Welcome, and thrice welcome, King under the Mountain!"
The Master opened his arms in a grand gesture of welcome, and the crowd cheered.
"Come! Let us find you accommodations fitting of your station, my liege." The Master called out, waving his hands at his councilor. "Tomorrow, a feast in welcome!"
I watched as Thorin turned to us. Though his face was its usual stoic mask, I could see the relief in his eyes.
"You must know this quest is folly." Bard came to my side and looked at me pleadingly.
"Bard… Thorin is the heir to the throne. He is destined, whether you will it or no, to reclaim Erebor."
"He is a greedy king, desiring nothing more than the riches within!" Bard snapped.
"You don't know him!" I retorted "He is a good man!"
Something shifted in his eyes and he suddenly took a step back.
"Dwarf. Hes a dwarf." He studied my face, searching for something. When he spoke again, his voice was accusing. "It's him."
"What are you talking about?"
"He is the one who has your heart. How could you choose him over one of your own?!"
"Bard…"
"Don't." Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the crowd. I felt tears gather in my eyes and I wiped them away angrily.
A timid hand touched my shoulder, and I turned to find Bilbo standing there.
"Are you coming, Talya?" He asked, glancing to where Bard disappeared to, then back to me. I sighed.
"Yeah…"
The Master, his councilor, and several others lead us to a large house, almost as large as the Masters' own home. Once inside, there was much rushing about as maids and all manner of people began to clean out the place, setting out beds and food. Tailors came and went, showing us all clothes and measuring us for sizes. When finally people began to clear out, it was near midnight.
"Come, Lady Conner. I will show you your rooms." The councilor smiled at me, though it wasn't pleasant. He offered to take my hand when Thorin came up behind him. The councilor wilted, as though he could feel the dwarf's presence behind him.
"She stays with us." His voice was still the low pitched dangerous tone it had been.
"Oh… of course. As you wish, your highness." The councilor bowed and, sending a withering glare my way, backed away and left.
Thorin glanced away from me and sighed.
"I hope I did not speak too rashly, Talya. If you would prefer to sleep in your own rooms…"
"No, its fine. You should know by now I sleep better when I'm with you guys. Once you are serenaded to sleep by a king's snores, and those of his princes', well… Nothing else could compare." I said teasingly. I smiled despite the heavy feeling I had in my heart from Bard's words.
"I do not snore," Thorin argued grumpily, though I could see a small smile play at his lips. It faded all too quickly, though, and he raised his head up suddenly, our eyes meeting. He looked as though he wanted to speak, but he faltered, and the moment passed.
"We should go to our rest. It has been a long day and I am weary."