Chapter 10

The Reason Why

Thorin's POV

I sat alone in the cell. I heard a soft voice just outside.

"He sounds very strong indeed dear one."

Soon I saw Lin outside the cell. I smiled at her and walked over. She smiled a little and I recognized the red haired she-elf.

"Her mother asked me to bring her to you. I know not how much time you shall have." she said.

She walked away and I smiled at Lin.

"Is your mother safe?"

She nodded.

"She is with Legolas. I think he will try and help us."

I did not believe it, but I would not let her see that.

"That is very good. He is the son of the king after all."

"Thorin he has the same last name as my mother. Are they cousins?"

I chuckled. She was wise beyond her years but sometimes she was a child.

"No my dear Lin. He is your mother's husband."

Her eyes widened and then they were sad.

"Mother always told me she left to teach someone a lesson. I think now I know."

"And what lesson is that my dear?"

She looked at me again.

"She never told me, but I heard her talking with Gandalf. She said he agreed with his father about leaving the dwarves to suffer." My eyes went wide. "And that she wanted to help. She said that King Thror was just sick and he needed healing. She even offered to go to him herself. She said that he forbade her to go and that the dwarves were greed ridden monsters. She told Gandalf she left that night and found a way to the country I was born in."

I thought very hard about this. My grandfather had a sickness of the mind. Caladhiel would have risked her own safety to help him?

"Thorin? Is something wrong?"

I smiled at her and shook my head.

"No, your story has made me very happy. Your mother is a pure and selfless woman Lin. And I know she has raised you to be the same. You, like her, are brave, selfless and strong. If ever I had a true daughter I know she would have been just like you."

She gave me that sweet little smile of hers and I smiled too. Her smile was contagious. I took her hands in mine and nodded.

"You know that you are like a daughter to me do you not? And I love you as such. You have brought great happiness to my life, just as my nephews have. So long as I live nothing bad will ever happen to you or your mother. I give you my word."

"I love you too Thorin. I never had a father. But whenever I would imagine my father, he was a strong, brave and handsome father. Just like you!"

I laughed and nodded. She and my nephews were like my children. I would always protect them. I knew Lin and Caladhiel would never leave without us. I would live for many years, and Caladhiel forever. But Lin did not have an immortal life like her mother.

I must find a way out!

Lin's POV

I found Fili and ran to his cell.

"Lin!"

"Fili!"

He took my hands and I smiled.

"Lin you need to leave here."

I sighed and shook my head.

"I will not leave. Not without Thorin and the others…and especially not without you. Because I….."

I lifted my eyes to look at him. He was staring at me, his blue eyes boring into mine.

"Because you what?" He asked.

Before I could muster the courage to answer Tauriel came for me. I kissed him quickly before leaving with here.

Caladhiel's POV

Legolas and I had dressed and were lying on our old bed. There was a soft knock on the door.

"~Enter.~" Legolas said.

Tauriel opened the door and Lin came inside. I thanked Tauriel and then pulled Lin into my arms.

"What did Thorin say?" I asked gently.

She looked at Legolas uncertainly. I smiled and stroked her black hair.

"You can trust him Lin."

She nodded.

"He told me I was like a daughter to him. And if he ever had a real daughter I would probably be just like her."

I smiled and nodded.

"I can see similarities between the two of you. You have the same hair and the same attitude."

She scowled and I laughed. She now looked to Legolas.

"Why can you not release them? You are the prince!" she said.

He sighed and took my hand.

"If I could then I would young one. Only my father has the power to release prisoners. None can leave here but by the king's consent."

She looked defeated. A look I had never seen her wear.

"Oh Lin we will find a way to get them out. I promise you." I said.

She just nodded and then went into the bathroom. I sighed and Legolas put his arms around me. I knew it was not just Thorin she was afraid for…..but the others as well. Especially Fili.