ALRIGHTY! I'M BACK WITH DESOLATION OF SMAUG!
OH, AND FOR THOSE WAITING FOR SOME FIA (FILI/MITHRA) FLUFF...YOU WON'T HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE LOT LONGER. ME AND MY SISTER HAVE IT ALL PLANNED OUT... IT'S KINDA FUNNY HOW THIS WORKS, CUS MY SISTER BASICALLY CREATED MIA, SO...I'MMA GONNA TALK TO HER, AND BOUNCE MY IDEAS OFF HER. BUT WE PRETTY MUCH HAVE IT ALL PLANNED OUT...MWAHAHAHA...
ANYWAY...ENJOY!
AND TELL ME IF I MADE THE BAILI (BOFUR/AILI) SCENE FAR TOO CHEESY, AND WHAT-NOT...I WANT HONEST OPINIONS, GUYS. DON'T JUST BLOW SUNSHINE UP MY PROVERBIAL SKIRT.
GOD BLESS, AND GOOD DAY!
~LF221
(M) = Mia/Mithra
(A) = Aili
(M): I have one word to describe these past few days; slow. We walked slowly (due to the injuries nearly everyone on the Company had suffered during Azog's attack...I shiver just thinking about it.) and my thoughts flick to Thorin, up in front with Gandalf, as per usual. He's hardly said a word since the clifftop (not unusual in and of itself). That man (oops, Dwarf) was an enigma wrapped in a riddle, and baked in a mystery. I can't figure him out. However, in this past twenty-four hours or so...I have seen many different sides to Aili's stern uncle. It was unsettling, seeing the usually impassive and almost stone-cold Dwarf's face so...soft and conflicted. His eyes had shone with tears on that rock and in them, I saw pain and comfort, worry and relief publicly displayed on the King-in-Exile's face (not all at once, though), which was normally almost icily stony. A lot like Aili gets sometimes, I mused. Must be a Durin thing. I hope Fili never looks that way, though I suspect all Durin's folk have it in them. Sad.
But enough mushy talk. Back to reality. Every once in a while during the day, Bilbo was sent to scout out where that mangy Orc was, him and his henchmen. Each time, he reported that they were getting closer and closer.
Currently, it was twilight, and we were waiting for Bilbo to report back so that we could decide whether or not to camp right here for the night, or press on til dark.
I was leaning against the wall of rock we were hidden behind. And watching as Aili and Bofur, as well as Aili's brothers, were deep in hushed conference. Aili crossed her arms, pouting as Fili heaved at her backpack, trying (and failing) to get it off her.
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(A): "Bofur...I'm fine." I said, voice more harsh than I meant, as I caught his worried gaze, his eyes wondering to my pack.
I am not gonna lie...it hurts to hike with this stupid backpack constantly jabbing me, but I bit my lip and carried on as normally as I could. Bofur (and my brothers, apparently) saw right through my facade, and confronted me about it. They walked over toward me as soon as we stopped to wait for Bilbo, eyes almost angry and definitely confrontational as they played with their pack straps. Bofur now gave me a flat, unbelieving look. After our kiss, my feelings for Bofur have intensified, and now I just wanna kiss him again. But I don't want Fili and Kili involved in my love life. That could only go bad.
"Aili...don't start this again. With...all that's happened..." He said, grinning and winking at me knowingly, "I thought you were going to be more open with, uh, the Company, especially in matters of pain." He said, stuttering slightly.
"Exactly!" Chimed my brothers as Fili's hands descended on my straps, trying to pull my pack off. If they caught Bofur's drift, they didn't say a word about it. I crossed my arms like a child, pouting to complete the picture, too moody to realize that I needed this pack off my back. Fili knew better than to use his full strength on me, and subsequently he could not get the pack off. Bofur sends me a pleading look that nearly has me ripping the pack off.
"Please, Aili...we wanna help yah." I scowled darkly at them, too angry to feel guilty about hurting them. Especially Bofur, but my brothers, too. Deep down, I knew that they were just worried. They needn't be.
"Then leave me alone. My ribs are fine!" In truth, my ribs ached, but I was not going to accept help. I can do this! I'll ask Oin after everyone's asleep if he could make up a painkiller if it gets too painful. I'll ask him not to tell anyone about it. And no one will have to be the wiser.
"Don't hide this, Aili..." Kili said, frowning as if reading my thoughts. He knew me too well. I frowned.
"Oin's ointments only go so far." Fili added.
"It's my problem, last I checked." I snapped, quickly tiring of this confrontation/interrogation, wrenching myself from the gripping hands. Bofur laid his hand against my shoulder again with a sad smile.
"It doesn't have to be only yours." He said gently. "There's no shame in lettin' other people help those they love." He said, blushing, but making sure to sweep his hand toward my brothers as he did, but he winked at me. Fili was frowning, though, as he came forward again.
"Aili..." Whatever else Fili was going to say was cut off as Bilbo came jogging hurriedly back into camp, catching his breath as he keeled over slightly, hands on his knees.
"How close is the pack?!" Thorin demanded before Bilbo had even properly arrived at the camp. I guess he wants to know if we need to run, not walk. I prayed they weren't that close. Running would be the worst thing for my ribs right now...
"Too close." Bilbo squeaked, panting. "Couple of leagues, no more." I gulped. No more taking it easy...guess I really will need a painkiller. Bofur eyed me knowingly, as if telling me not to push myself. I pretended not to notice. Bilbo's face then blanched. "But that's not the worst of it." He added ominously. I set my jaw, swallowing thickly. What could be worse than having an extremely angry pack of Orcs not ten leagues behind us? I dreaded to think...
Dwalin narrowed his eyes. "Have the Wargs picked up our scent?" He growled, hands already grasping his ax's handles. Bilbo shook his head as it lowered. He was still panting.
"No, but they will do." He then heaved a deep breath. "We have another problem." Murmurs arose around the gathered Dwarves. Then it hit me. We may have something else on our tail besides those Orcs...oh, boy...what else can go wrong?!
"Did they see you?" Someone guessed. My heart was pounding too harshly for me to distinguish properly.
"Give him some time!" I barked back, before realizing that it was Gandalf. I then clamped my jaw shut, heat flooding my cheeks. Oops. My hands went to my mouth, eyes wide in horror at what I had done.
"They saw you." Gandalf pressed (apparently ignoring me, thank Durin) when Bilbo did not reply immediately. Again, Bilbo shook his head, but I saw exasperation clear on his face. Gandalf then beamed at the Company.
"What did I tell you?" He chuckled, "Quiet as a mouse..." Murmurs and chuckles of agreement rang around the Dwarves, but Bilbo's eyes narrowed in high irritation. His mouth opened and closed. (he was too polite to try to talk over top of anyone who was already talking. I swear...this Hobbit was too polite for his own good sometimes...) But the Hobbit clearly wasn't done talking yet. And, much as I appreciate Gandalf making Bilbo and his accomplishments more prominent in this gathering...Bilbo looked ready to implode. I whistled as loud as I dared.
"Will you just-" I was drowned out by cheering Dwarves.
"Excellent burglar material." Gandalf added, smiling proudly down, and I almost felt guilty for trying to ruin this moment. Bilbo had never been more popular amongst us...and yet, he also needed to be respected.
"Will you just listen?!" Bilbo practically yelled, and the Company turned to him. It wasn't often that Bilbo rose his voice. He turned back the way he came. "I'm trying to tell you there's something else out there..." Bofur's eyes sought mine with a protective, yet curious glance. I shrugged, as clueless as him. He steps closer. Fili and Kili's protective gaze also flicked over to me. I stare blankly back before rolling my eyes. I was getting tired of being protected like I'm some helpless damsel-in-distress. Which I most certainly am not! Then, Gandalf got this odd look about him.
"What form did it take?" He asked, as if he already knew the answer. "Like a bear?" What...How...did...what don't we know that he does?! He infuriates me sometimes, with his stupid riddles, and his odd, vague manner of speech. Bilbo recoiled, doing a triple take, blinking furiously in his confusion.
"Ye—yes, but bigger." He said, almost sounding like he asking, not telling Gandalf what he saw. "much bigger." He added fearfully. I gulped. Bofur's arm was suddenly around my waist. When did he get this close? He planted a kiss on my temple, and I suddenly couldn't stop smiling, even when I caught Fili's gaze. His eyebrow rose suspiciously, but he made no comment, thank Eru. Kili was too focused on Bilbo to notice me and Bofur. Again...thank Eru. Kili would never let it rest. I mean, neither would Fili, but...Kili's teasing is worse. Much worse. Gandalf said nothing, a disconcertingly blank stare across his face. I hate it when he does that. Bofur sent Gandalf an extremely vexed stare.
"You knew about this beast?" He asked, too polite to make it a demand. I snorted slightly.
"When doesn't he know somebody before we meet them?" Bofur grinned at me. That grin faded when he saw Gandalf's frown as he turned to seemed to seek out something off in the distance.
"I say we double back!" Bofur suggested almost fearfully, to a few incredulous stares, though Uncle was the one who voiced anything.
"And be run down by a pack of Orcs?" He snapped. Bofur dipped his head in respect and shame, and I could feel heat rising in his cheeks. My arm went around his waist and he seemed to relax a little. Murmurs of agreement arose, and I took the opportunity to plant a chaste kiss on Bofur's lips as Dwarves muttered and talked around us. I smiled.
"At least you tried." I whispered. Bofur shrugged.
Gandalf then spoke slowly, like you do when you are not really paying attention to the present, but rather are just lost in thought, replying automatically. Bofur bit his lip nervously as Gandalf spoke. His arm held me again, a bit tighter this time.
"There is a house...it's not far from here..." He said, nodding slightly, "where we might take refuge." The Wizard said, stressing the 'might' like he himself was weighing the risk, and couldn't decide on what to do. There was also a hint of force behind the words. Like he needed us to get there.
Uncle frowned. "Whose house?" He demanded, probably unwilling to trust Gandalf after the 'stunt' he pulled with Rivendell. This situation was too similar to that other one for Thorin's tastes. He didn't like not being in control of a situation, not knowing every aspect of it. "Are they friend or foe?" He added, probably just for good measure. Gandalf got that creepy blank stare again, and I quailed almost imperceptibly under his gaze. Even Gandalf seemed nervous about this, though, as he gave Thorin an answer.
"Neither." He said cryptically, and I frowned. How could someone be neither friend or foe? "He will help us..." He said...with an uncertain edge to it. I gulped. "Or he will kill us." My face deadpanned.
"Very helpful, Gandalf." I said. I was sassing a Wizard who could literally incinerate me anytime he wished. What was I thinking? I looked away, hopeful that Gandalf could take a joke. Bofur was staring at me with a mixture of incredulity and amusement. Mithra scoffed, distracting the Wizard, but I could sense the underlying nerves. Bofur's beard tickled my temple as he nuzzled me encouragingly.
"Heh-heh...When we visited him, Gandalf, he was fine with it, remember?" Gandalf nodded to the Company, clearly holding a silent conversation with Mia. Mia frowned. "I'm sure it'll be fine...I hope." She whispered the last two words so softly, only those nearest her (Fili, Kili, Bofur and I) could hear it. Bofur paled visibly, and his grip tightened in that possessive way that states in no uncertain terms that I won't be let go anytime soon. It sent slight pain up my spine, but then a shiver erased any pain I'd felt. I managed to keep my wince to an eye twitch. Fili, on the other hand, let his jaw hang loose and ran his hand through his hair (At least, the hair that wasn't braided).
"Wanna run that by me again, Mia?" He whispered with a small (like 'I would have you tell me', not 'if you don't, I'll kill you') edge to it in her ear. It didn't escape either Fili's or my notice that she flinched away. Her eyes were twinkling, and her flinching expression turned into a smug smirk.
"Nothing." Fili frowned, but then Uncle spoke up again before he could say another word.
"What choice do we have?" Gandalf was still staring off into space (freaking me out just a little) but he responded to Uncle's rhetorical question anyway.
"None." He said (still staring creepily off into space) and spun on his heel and stalked off. And just then, I heard a great and ear-splitting roar, much louder and fiercer than Wargs, coming from just behind us, it seems.
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(M): Okay, Mia...think calming thoughts, think calming thoughts...
It's just Beorn, right?
He'll be fine, right? Just because he roared at us doesn't mean he's gonna kill us. I mean, he was roaring when it was Gandalf and I...oh, wait...
There was only two people for the older skin-changer to deal with then. Not seventeen. Oh, boy. This could get ugly. But...Gandalf knows what he's doing, right? Of course! He always does. And besides, Gandalf was right; we really don't have a choice. We have no ponies, no supplies, and there's hardly any water left in our waterskins. That, and those pesky Orcs are on us again. Stupid Orcs. Find someone else's life to ruin.
Ah, well...life is what it is.
Running across a plain at top speed isn't one of my favorite activities, mind you. But...neither is getting mauled and dismembered by an angry bear, so...here I am, running for my life alongside Fili, whose gaze flicks to me before he picks up pace. I hardly notice his gaze past the sight of forest, rushing past me, and it's not the small copse we are in. It's a forest back home. The one with an unmarked grave I myself had dug in the backyard, beneath a healthy maple tree. My mother's grave. Gritting my teeth I took off harder, trying to outrun both Fili and the memories I fight against every day. But...there is a part of me that hates these challenges. They're just...my attempt to keep him from getting too close.
After the way...he treated me...I just can't go through betrayal again. I just can't.
I find it easier to prevent pain by never getting close than be left in the dust to deal with the sting of betrayal. So that's what I do. I hide from people, hardly getting to know them so it's easier to cut them away and leave.
So...why am I still here, still hanging with these Dwarves on their Quest?
I wish I knew as I sink my boots in the muddy stream, propelling myself after that blonde Prince, intent on making this last challenge count. But after that...no more. I'm sick of pushing him away. Especially since it only seems to be drawing him in. Maybe by suddenly inviting him in, things will calm down...
Oh, come on! Another stream? Really? That's the third one! Ergh! Anyway, the three streams mean we're close to Beorn's house, if my memory serves.
It hasn't led me wrong before...just...to places I'd rather not tread, if at all avoidable.
Trees and underbrush came into view then, and with my ADHD (or so Gandalf calls it) I am mercifully distracted. Too many memories threatened to bubble forth. Bad memories.
A startled Robin fluttered right past my nose, just as I lept over a log, Fili right beside me. I grinned at him, and he smiled back, nonplussed by my competitiveness. Hopefully, he doesn't expect these challenges to continue. I hate them, but can't seem to stop them from happening. It's just been a thing between us. Fili doesn't seem to mind. He then smirked devilishly (why am I blushing?) and powered forward as we came out of the grove and onto flat-lands again. I raced after him, feeling slightly guilty for using my Elvin advantage here. Gandalf led us toward Beorn's homely cottage, yelling at the Dwarves to hurry as sounds of crashing and more roaring came from behind us.
Right. Angry Beorn on our tail. I hate having ADHD! Then, from out of nowhere, Bombur was passing me and Fili, who were close to being in the lead in this impromptu race.
What the heck?! Where did he come from?! How is he going that?! Fili seems to add beating Bombur to the challenge, and takes off after him, grinning adorably like an idiot. I turn my head to find Bofur and Aili close behind me and Fili as we enter the courtyard in front of Beorn's house. Normally, I would be awe-inspired by the natural beauty, but with our host himself on our tail, I can't spare the time. Bombur crashes into the door, and we all end up crashing into him, and in everyone's blind panic, no one thinks to simply lift the little latch holding the door closed. At least, no one but Thorin, who reaches up and flicks it quickly, and we all pile into the house. Bofur pulls Aili back, whispering something in her ear, and she frowns, but remains where she is, arms crossed.
Then a large, furry head slammed into the door.
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(A): As we tear across the third stream (yes, third.), my ribs start to ache more than ever right now...despite what little healing Gandalf did back there, on the rock.
But I can now see the homely-looking cottage, and that helps power my legs.
That, and the terrible roars from behind. Those worked wonders on my clenched leg muscles.
Bilbo was suddenly beside me to my right, and Bofur raced along to my left.
"Is that thing," I ask Bilbo, panting and nodding backwards, "the 'other problem' you were referring to?"
"Yes!" Came the frightened reply. Bilbo was pumping his little legs as fast as twin pistons, breathing hard.
"Oh, good! I was thinking it was a little rabbit for something!" I quip back. Bilbo scoffed, giving me an incredulous stare, but didn't reply as we ran. Just as well. The beast is getting closer. I pick up the pace, adrenaline working miracles right now. Bofur tears along beside me, eyes flickering occasionally to my ribcage. I roll my eyes. Honestly, he worries too much. I flicker between finding Bofur's concern sweet and romantic, or just irritating and slightly over-dramatic. I mean, he knows I can handle myself, right?
Okay...his concern might not be misplaced. Banging into a wooden door was doing nothing to ease my pain, amazingly. In blind panic, we pound on the door, heedless of the bolt that lays not half a foot above us. Thorin notices, thank Durin (I can't seem to reach that high without my chest flaring up), and we stumble and tumble into the house, just as that giant beast comes crashing out of the copse of trees, gaining quickly, roaring out as it came toward the house. Bofur pulls me aside, behind everyone else (much to my chagrin) and settles me a safe distance from anything that may or may not come through that door.
"Stay here, Aili. I'll not have yeh eaten." He said, in that 'I am very worried for you, so, for my peace of mind, please just do as I say' voice. His lips meet mine for a quick, earnest kiss. "For luck." He whispers. And then he's leaving and, although I don't like admitting it, Bofur...may have a point. It's not like I'm prime fighting material here. My ribs ache too much for me to be quick on my feet, and I feel too drained without adrenaline to properly swing my sword. But I hated the idea of sulking in the background while my One and all my friends (not to mention my family) fight battles for me.
All in all, I hate being side-lined. Especially right after a kiss like that.
And then the beast's head came partly through the door, and (completely disregarding Bofur's stern words, which somewhat surprised me) I raced forward, clutching my sword, dread coiling in my gut as the iron point couldn't rise more than a few inches from the ground. Bofur tried to grip my arm, haul me back, but I wrenched free. If that thing gets in...by Mahal, I will NOT let that happen.
"Ack!" Screamed Mia as she ducked down to avoid the snarling teeth that snapped and bit at her hair and face. Fili then pulled her away, just as the door was closed, and a heavy bolt was lowered across the doorway to prevent the beast outside's entry. Mithra smiled at Fili, and he grinned back lopsidedly.
Ori looked quite pale and frightened as he turned to Gandalf.
"What is that?" He squeaked, eyes popping wide in terror. Gandalf frowned, but did that annoying stare off into space thing again.
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(M): And here I thought our day couldn't get any better!
I just love sprinting for my life and then having a huge set of drooling jaws snapping at my face, spraying spittle all over me. It just makes my day.
"Ack!" Okay...that bite nearly had my nose. I ducked down and then the beast withdrew, and I sagged against the door as the others slipped a heavy bolt over the door to make sure that thing stays out. I feel bad. We just locked Beorn out of his own house.
Probably not the greatest first impression we could've made. I am pleased that Aili disregarded Bofur's warning to stay where she is and at least tried to join us. However, her ribs couldn't have made it easy for the poor girl. I admired her determination, but really, now she's just being too stubborn for her own good. Then, Fili's arm is pulling me away. I then grinned up in relief at him, thankful that we had managed to at least stall our death for awhile. He smiled back. Ori, pale as a sheet, turned to Gandalf.
"What is that?" He squeaked out. Gandalf was doing that weird staring thing. I forgot how utterly creepy it is.
"Our host." He said. Way to be blunt, Gandalf.
"What?!" Came Aili's incredulous exclamation. She was leaning against a post, eyes wide in fear. The entire Company was breathing hard, sending Gandalf mixed looks of hatred and incredulity. I smiled. Gandalf did, too, looking around fondly. What is his amusement with Dwarves? Honestly, it's a bit odd, not to mention kinda creepy.
"His name is Beorn." Gandalf explained.
"Great guy, really." I added, chuckling. Aili sent me an unbelieving stare. Though Gandalf's face grew serious, his eyes never lost their amused sparkle.
"He is a Skin-Changer." He said, to confused glares. Gandalf sent me an amused look. "Sometimes, he's a huge black bear."
"You mean the one outside?" Aili muttered sarcastically.
"Well, yes, but...he's also a great strong man."
"Who could help us with our current lack of food and shelter." I chimed in. Gandalf's eyes grew serious as his explanation took a nosedive into heavier matters.
"The bear is unpredictable, but the man can be reasoned with."
"And he's really a great guy, when you get to know him." I added, smiling. The smile dropped as Gandalf continued.
"However...he is not overfond of Dwarves." Gandalf would be bunt alive if glares could ignite their subjects.
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(A): Oh, this is just perfect! How many people who don't like us is Gandalf gonna take us to?! This Beorn guy sounds like a real headcase.
"Gandalf...we need to discuss your friends before we meet them." I muttered.
"Bit too late to turn back now." Fili replied, sending Mithra a look that said this isn't over. She flinched away under his glare. Gandalf's rushed explanation about Mithra's past was brought to mind. Something about not being treated kindly. What did that mean?
What exactly had this girl been through?
Bofur found me after everything had settled down, kissing me with relief before going back to the door, leaving me with my brothers (thankfully, everyone had somehow missed our kiss. Or if they did, they didn't mention it yet), to make sure the beast wasn't going to try and get in again. My brothers' presence was the only thing that kept me by their side, and not at Bofur's. I would not have them thinking I had abandoned them in favor of my One.
"But we can reason with him, like Gandalf said." Kili said, smiling without confidence. I quirked an eyebrow at him.
"Let's hope so."
"He's leaving." Ori announced, sounding incredibly relieved. Dori came rushing over, grabbing his little brother's arm.
"Come away from there." He barked, dragging Ori a good distance away. "It's not natural, none of it." I then noticed Bofur making his way over to where Bombur stood a little ways away.
"You alright, brother?" He asked. Bombur nodded.
"I'm fine, Bofur. Yeh worry too much."
"Tell me about it." I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"It's obvious." Dori speaks up again, distracting Bofur and Bombur. "He's under some kinda dark spell." Gandalf looked down his nose at the overly worried Dwarf.
"Don't be a fool. He is under no enchantment but his own." I raised a brow at him.
"What does that mean?" Gandalf chose to ignore me, however, as the Company had a look around.
"All right now, get some sleep. All of you." Gandalf said, taking off his hat and walking toward the back of the house. "You'll be safe here tonight..." There was something else he added under his breath, and I huffed, opening up my mouth to ask what it was, but ended up seeking out a good place to settle my pack and roll out my bedroll.
I had forgotten all about the backpack in my rush of adrenaline. I soon found a nice little niche, complete with hay for added comfort, dropped off my pack, grunting in pain when it slid off my shoulders, and almost instantly, my brothers were there, right as I turned around.
"Come." Fili said, hand gripping my arm tightly. I frowned.
"Where are we going?" I asked. Fili didn't look at me as he replied.
"Oin. You need to get those ribs looked at again. He's been worried. So has Bofur." I then huffed, but made no move to resist further as I was led toward the old healer, who was busy trying to get his trumpet back into some semblance of the right shape. Bofur was nearby. He grinned, relieved, when I was sat down in front of Oin. I grinned back, blushing ever so slightly. Oin set his trumpet down and gave me a look. The look that told me he was calculating me, assessing me.
"Ah. I've been worried about you. Yer ribs seem to be bothering you more than you say." My eyes flashed. I didn't need anyone worrying about me, honestly! I'm 75! I can take care of myself. "Don't you even sit there and deny it, Aili. Let's see it then." Oin ordered sternly, but not unkindly. I glared at him, but in the end carefully peeled my shirt off. I glanced down, and was horrified to discover that bruises ran rampant down my torso, and ugly, very slight infected cuts ran down my ribcage. Perfect.
Oin frowned at me. "Why didn't you say anything?" There it is. The demands. I frowned.
"I could handle it just fine by myself. I don't need everyone hovering over me, badgering me, telling me to do this and don't do that. I am seventy-five years old." Oin rolled his eyes.
"That may be, but my point still stands. Yer ribs have been hurting you more then they should."
"Or would, if you let people help you." Fili muttered, arms crossed sourly over his chest as he leaned against a nearby pillar. I sent Fili a darkened glare as Oin bustled about me. I hardly noticed the sting of the cleaning as I kept my gaze squarely on the Dwarves around me. I noticed Bofur slipping something of his down to claim the hay pile in the niche nearest mine. Oh, man! The Company will definitely talk now. Thorin's not dumb. He'll catch on. I don't think I am ready for Thorin's reaction, whatever it might be. I might be able to handle a good reaction (stern words to both me and Bofur, and a warning to Bofur about not hurting me, blah, blah, blah...) but a harsh reaction (an outright refusal to allow me to court Bofur) would crush me.
"He has a point." Oin muttered as he worked, wrapping new cotton strips around my middle. "I could have spared yeh much pain and suffering, if you had only let me look at it. If you had swallowed your pride." Oin's chiding tone squashed any angry retort that was bubbling up. He was right. I need to let people help me, especially when my health and life are on the line. If Oin hadn't insisted on seeing my ribs...my wounds would have been infected. And that could have ended with me dead.
I have been a jerk toward my brothers, my friends, and even my One. I need to make amends. I need to apologize. I bit my lip, humbled, and let Oin work. Fili smirked and left to tend to other matters.
"Do you know who gave me the idea of making sure you were okay?" Oin asked nonchalantly. I frowned.
"Not really."
"Gandalf. He just said, 'have you noticed anything odd about Aili?' and I told him no. He just nodded, and left. I got a feeling about the wizard's words, and decided to make sure you were completely fine." I fidgeted nervously.
"Oin...I've been a utter jerk. I...I...I'm sorry." Oin smiled.
"No need to apologize. I've dealt with worse patients than you." We fell into a comfortable silence that spoke more than words would have, and by the time I was done being treated, Bofur was almost done getting a stew together. He reported that Thorin gave him the go-ahead to use up the last of our supplies. It would add to our plight, and it may just make our host sympathetic enough to let us live and get more supplies for the road. Hopefully. I sent Fili out with a few bowls. He gave one to Kili, and the other to Mithra. She lept nearly ten feet into the air, but recovered quickly.
=#=#=#=#=
(M): "Gandalf..." I called softly as the Dwarfs dispersed from the door. He was at my side in a few moments, chuckling.
"Yes?"
"Take a look at Aili." I said, nodding toward the Dwarrowdam in question. She hides it well, but anyone with eyes can see she's in pain. Gandalf frowned, and did as I suggested.
"Hmm, yes. Those wounds will need to be tended to immediately, whether her pride can suffer it or no." He muttered, almost angrily (making me quail almost visibly. I hate it when people are angry. It makes them sound too close to...him.). I stood there, watching as Oin treated Aili, (FINALLY) and Bofur grinned at her as he stirred the pot and she came over to help out.
I was so distracted, I hardly noticed Fili's approach when the stew was done, and the only warning I got was his hand on my shoulder.
The slight squeeze had me leaping nearly into the ceiling and whirling to face the blonde Dwarf. I breathed a sigh of relief. It was not the tall body and long brown hair I had been expecting...
"Fili! Give a girl a little warning next time!" I cried. Fili scoffed, but his eyes flicked over me curiously. It sent a shiver up my spine. I hated when people looked at me like that.
"I did. I cleared my throat when I was in earshot, and then again when you didn't respond to my question if you wanted dinner." Fili said with a shrug, but his eyes never leave me. It's disconcertingly calculating, that look. I hate it. It's what led to a long, uncomfortable discussion with Gandalf about my troubled past.
That and...one more thing. Vivid nightmares of back then...
I shuddered and cleared my throat.
"Well, I was...doing a weapons check before I bid everyone a goodnight, like I always do." Fili laughed.
"First your arms, right? Then..."
"The legs, then the chest, yes." I mused, chuckling. I took the soup and Fili left to get more bowls to pass out to the exhausted Company. Aili was returning to the Company at large, arm in arm with Bofur, but the pair separated as soon as they were within the peripheral vision of the Company. Bofur seemed relieved and happy. Aili seemed slightly annoyed and subdued, but also happy. When those two were together...it wasn't possible to see them unhappy. The stew Bofur made (for the first time in a while...with out Aili) was decent, made with the last of our supplies. It was a mixture, everything was literally stewed together in a melting pot. I've had worse, though, on the road with Gandalf. It's always something exciting when Gandalf cooks. Although it's usually also fairly burnt. You never knew what to expect. The Dwarves settled down to sleep. I found myself across the hall from the Durin brothers. Oh, Aule! I should probably move...but there really isn't another open space.
With flaming cheeks and fidgety nerves, I closed my eyes and exhaustion took it's toll at last.
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(A): I tossed and turned as carefully as I could without hurting my broken ribs. No matter what I tried, I simply could not sleep. I just...couldn't. My brothers were unperturbed by my movement. Once again, I found one arm from each brother draped over me.
This has become a habit over the past few days, ever since the clifftop. I don't mind. It's better than having them think I was pushing them away. However...my gaze quite frankly kept drifting to the wall that separated me from Bofur. Finally, I start to feel my eyelids close in slumber.
An especially loud gasp was the only thing that woke me. I sit bolt upright, and immediately looked to my right and left, expecting that one of my brothers had been having a nightmare, and needed me to awaken them.
And then my eyes looked across the hall. There was Mithra...and she was shaking, rocking back and forth slowly, panting as quietly as she could. It made a sad sight. Bewildered, half awake, and curious, I quickly crossed the hall. I wrapped my arms around my friend, and her fists thrash against my chest painfully. I grunt, but don't make a grab for her wrists until she calms slightly. I run my hand over her hair.
"Shhh...sshh..." I whisper, and she started sobbing into my shoulder. "It's alright. You're okay...you're okay..."
"No..." She whispered. "There is something wrong with me..." I frowned.
"Who told you that?" Now that I was fully awake, I didn't need to ask. Something made me anyway.
"M-my b-brother." She said through a hiccup. Her hands clutched at my tunic. I smoothed her hair again.
"Well, he's an idiot, then, Mia. There's nothing wrong with you at all. Absolutely nothing."
"But I'm a hybrid! A Delf!" I cringed. 'Delf' was an extremely derogatory and rude way of addressing a Dwarf/Elf hybrid. Not that there were many of them out there, but...
"That's what makes you special, not wrong and different. It's something not many people can claim to be. You are my friend, Mithra. I will not have you call yourself a 'delf' again." Mia seemed confused.
"Why are you so nice? All of you?" She asked. "You have nothing to gain from being around me."
"Except your wit and charm. It seems to be working harder on Fili than anyone else." By now, Mia was turned so her back leaned into my chest. She hiccuped again.
"Yeah. It's...odd. I never get as close to someone as I have gotten to Fili. And the Company, too. It's like..."
"Like what?" I prompted.
"Like a family. Like everyone cares, really cares about me."
"Of course." I said, trying to keep the incredulity of all this from my voice. "Not everyone's a heartless monster, out to get you." Mithra pushed away, hurt and confusion vying in her eyes, which were still swimming with tears.
"Y-you know?" She asked fearfully. I slowly nodded. It would be worse to lie to her. I gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Horror, shock and betrayal became visible on Mia's white face.
"Gandalf told me at Rivendell. He simply said that your brother never treated you right, and that you fled. Nothing more. He seemed to know just how much was not his place to tell."
"I had asked him not to say anything about it." Mia growled.
"I'm glad he did. Would you rather have me ask you what was wrong? Force you to explain?" Mithra shook her head vigorously.
"No. But...I had thought I was beyond nightmares by now. I had thought that I could move on...apparently not."
"I think...you need something to cheer you up." I said gently. Mia nodded against my collarbone, having turned again. Her arms were around me once more. "How about the time Fili and Kili nearly started a forest-fire?" Mithra pulled back, eyes widened.
"They nearly started a forest-fire?!"
"Yes. So...it was a lovely night out, and Mum had the windows of the house open to catch the breeze. And Fili and Kili suddenly get the idea to try and start a fire. They reasoned that they could do it easy enough, as they had seen our uncle do it so many times. They didn't know to place a ring of rocks around the fire. They just gathered up leaves and twigs and struck the tinder." Mia tittered softly.
"They didn't!"
"Oh, yes. It hadn't rained for a while, so the leaves were bone-dry and brown, not an once of moisture. So, naturally, they caught fire easily. It spread so quickly...I feared it would never go out. It's quite frankly a miracle they're still alive, honestly. Thorin was mad enough to catch fire himself." Mithra giggled.
"That's excellent teasing material."
"I only give out the best." Mia smiled, wiping her eyes with the heel of her hand.
"Thanks, Aili. I am glad you consider me a friend."
"Good night, and may Eru guard your dreams." I said, before slipping back under my brothers' arms, and promptly fell asleep.
THIS CHAPTER WAS A LITTLE LONGER THAN EXPECTED, BUT I HOPE Y'ALL LIKE IT. AND THAT IT MAKES UP FOR THE HORRIBLY LONG HAITUS. UGH. NO EXCUSE! SOOORRRRRRRYYYYY!
PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. I NEED TO HEAR WHAT YOU GUYS THINK. THERE ISN'T ANY IMPROVING IF NO ONE CHALLANGES YOU. I SWEAR I WON'T GET UPSET. Unless it's a flame.