SO! FIA IS HEATING UP! I KNOW, I KNOW. ABOUT TIME, RIGHT? YOU'RE NOT WRONG. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING, I THINK, BUT WORTH THE WAIT, YES? DID I DO IT JUSTICE? WERE YOU EXPECTING A KISS? IF SO, SORRY, BUT NOT A HORRIBLY LONG WAYS TO GO YET ON THAT COUNT. XD YAY! ANYWAY, JUST HOLD OUT A LITTLE LONGER, ALRIGHT? OH, AND SORRY IN ADVANCE FOR THIS CHAPTER. I AM NOT GREAT AT WRITING ORIGINAL CONTENT, AND A WHOLE CHAPTER OF ORIGINAL CONTENT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT I'LL DO MY BEST, ALRIGHT? SO, PLEASE BARE WITH ME, OKAY?!
GOD BLESS AND GOOD DAY!
~THE LUPINE SOJOURNER
(A)
When I woke, I felt actually fairly rested, if not a little choked on dust kicked up by my movements in the bed in the night. I yawn and stretch before popping my back. I then look at my side, where I had thought Mithra would have slept. We'd briefly discussed sleeping arrangements and agreed that it would probably be best if we females shared a bed instead of sharing with a male. I'd thought. But, Mithra was nowhere to be seen. I dressed quickly and came out.
I then saw where Mithra was; in Fili's lap on an armchair in front of a nearly dead fire. I smile and move to re-kindle it as quietly as possible. I soon had a small blaze awakened and I then placed a bit kindling on top and gently fanned the flames with a small bellows beside the hearth. That heated the room a little more and I continued this pattern until a much better fire was blazing, with the pair on the chair still sleeping. However, Mithra started when the fire gave a large pop. This, consequently, woke Fili, as well. I resisted to urge to make a teasing remark as the pair fully wake up. I didn't know exactly what happened last night, so it would be a little presumptuous of me to make any remark. The pair look at each other, then at the position they're in, and Mithra all but leaps up.
"Um...I should, um...go see to breakfast." She mumbles, cheeks aflame, before leaving. I cock a brow as Fili stretches, striding over as he does so.
"She and I talked. Nothing more." He mutters. I withhold yet another sarcastic remark and nod. I trust my brother's word, after all, no matter what it looked like at first.
"What about?" He sighs.
"The Prophecy of Durin's Folk." I look at him, frowning in thought. That prophecy told us that our quest would, at least in part, succeed. We would make it to and into Erebor in time. Right?
"What about it?"
"Mainly the bit where it says 'all shall fail in sadness and the lake will shine and burn'. Mia was concerned about the prospects of going against a dragon."
"I am, too, if I'm being honest." I reply. "I mean, we will be facing the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities. I'm sure he's more than earned that title." Fili sighs.
"I'm getting worried, too. Especially about Kili. That leg of his does not look good."
"I've tried getting him to let Oin to look at it, but he has the Durin stubbornness and refuses." Fili groans.
"Reminds me of a Dwarrowdam I know." I roll my eyes.
"I tried that; told him he is being a hypocrite, but still he refuses help." Fili shakes his head.
"It appears we'll need to take the measures we took with you." I swallow.
"Right." I don't like the idea; Kili can wriggle and squirm like an eel when the need arises. But it appears that that's what it's come to now. "Now?" Fili shakes his head.
"No. During breakfast. Let him wake properly. Then, we'll nab him." I nod. Then, he won't strike out haphazardly and end up breaking our nose. Trust me. That's happened.
"Good idea." I then stand and leave for the kitchen, where Mithra and a few women of Laketown are making biscuits and eggs. Mithra has several in a bowl and is beating them with a fork. There's a frown on her face.
=#=#=#=#=
(M)
Okay...I thought Aili waking me from a nightmare in Beron's house was bad...
That pales in comparison to this morning! What must Aili think of me now? Oh, Mahal, if she tells everyone...
I hadn't meant to fall asleep. Certainly not in Fili's lap like a child, but...his strong presence and soothing words had wrought some change in me, and I abandoned all reason in favor of comfort. My walls came down and now...I can't seem to raise them again. But...
I find I don't find myself feeling exposed at all. I feel...safe, revealing that innermost side of my person to someone as soothing and understanding as Fili. I felt- -and still feel- -like he was the right one to tell that most personal of things to. I can't explain it, but I feel...drawn more to Fili than ever before. I feel...like...like I might have found my reason for staying; a smirking Crown Prince that can't help but ensnare me, though I doubt he knows that. When he asked me why I wanted to settle in Erebor...I had the wildest momentary urge to look him dead in the eye and tell him he was the reason. However, before that insane response could be verbalized...Fili had innocently asked me about my relationship with Dwalin. I felt a warrior's kindred spirit in him, and a sparring partner, but nothing more! I only felt more than friend...ly...with...oh, Aule! Is this...love? Could I have...fallen in love? Manwe, is this a strange, yet exhilarating experience!
I then frown. How could I possibly know what love feels like? This is entirely new to me. I, however, do know that Fili is close to my heart, closer than anyone has gotten before. Hmmm...
"I think those eggs are innocent, Mia." I hear Aili muse. I jump a little and barely manage to avoid spilling the contents of my bowl everywhere.
"Oh. I forgot I was scrambling them. Lost in thought." Aili, gratefully, didn't remark as I feared she would; with sarcastic humor about what she no doubt thought happened last night between her brother and I.
"Fili told me of the prophecy. And the part that troubles you. It does shed a different light on things, that's for sure." I nod, sighing. Partly in relief that she hadn't sassed about what happened last night and partly because I now knew I could trust her.
"I just...something about it stuck with me. I am a little worried about the prospects of facing a dragon, to be honest." This wasn't bad. Aili wasn't Fili, sure, but she was close, I've found, in terms of respect for and trust with my thoughts, secrets, and fears. It is nearly as easy to confess to her as it is to Fili. She gives a heavy sigh as she arranges slices of bread on a platter to toast in an oven.
"I am, too, to be honest. Smaug is not known as the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities for nothing." She replies. "However, I have to have hope that we will succeed." I nod.
"Yes. We can't have come all this way for nothing." She nods and we fall into companionable silence. The other workers are busily preparing sausages and a gravy to enjoy with them. I wish we had bacon, but I suppose one can't have everything in life. Soon, we are ready to eat and Aili and I thank the women. They reply that it was their pleasure and depart with offers to help with anything else we require.
=#=#=#=#=
(A)
I help carry the food into the dining area with Mithra. I find that there is so much that I don't know about her, but I am getting more and more from our conversations. She is slowly revealing the girl behind the walls she has created to defend herself from repeating her past. I shake myself. I need to focus on the quest for now, now that we are so close to the end of everything we've struggled and yearned for. I can talk to Mithra afterwards.
There are a few Dwarves already there, enjoying the warmth of the roaring fireplace and each other's company. I whistle and set the food on the table. They come over and start helping themselves. I do, too, and make sure to sit between Bofur and Fili before noticing that Kili has yet to make an appearance. I sigh, fearing the worst. However, now was not the time for worry. Not just yet. Not when there is good company and warm food. Mia seems happier and more at ease with us this morning, possibly due to whatever Fili and she discussed last night. I get the feeling it involved more than just the prophecy, but know not to comment on it. In time, it'll be revealed, I suppose. Once breakfast is finished and the dishes done, we decide to simply relax and enjoy the day before our departure tomorrow. That being said, I wanted to get my old clothes back from Bard before I forget. Mithra does, too. We sneak towards his house, careful to avoid as many people as possible. Still, we get a few greetings and things like that.
"Leave me be!" Cries Bard when we knock on his door. "You've caused me enough trouble for a lifetime!" Mia steps forward.
"I know. And I am sorry. We just came to gather our clothes. That's all." She replies and the door reluctantly opens. I pause in the door.
"Bard...I am truly sorry for the trouble we've caused. We will make it up to you when we reclaim Erebor." He glowers at me as Mia finds the two baskets near where this family does laundry.
"At what cost will you reclaim the mountain? Laketown? Your kin?"
"Hopefully, neither." I reply tactfully. He doesn't reply and Mia hands me the second basket of clothes for the company. I then nod politely. "Thank you for letting us get our clothes." She mumbles and we're gone. That was awkward.
Everyone is grateful for the change of clothes. The ones they're wearing are bulky and far too large. When we've all changed, Mia and I return the baskets of clothes, without even knocking. That done, I note that it's nearly noon. I suppose time flies when you have townsfolk to avoid and laundry to cart around. That, and we probably slept in later than we realize. I then seek out Kili, who had yet to make an appearance.
"Fili? Have you seen Kili?" He nods and leads me to the hallway the Dwarves had shared. He points to the room. I enter.
"Kili?" I see a lump on the bed and move over to it. "Kili, I saved you some breakfast." He groans.
"I'll...I'll eat it later. I'm...I'm really tired." I feel his brow and retract my hand calmly. I needed to not let Kili know I was on to him, but...it was ice cold. I swallow.
"Um...okay." I mumble and take my leave. I then race to find Oin.
"Oi, lass!" He cries when I stumble to a halt in front of him. "What's the hurry?" I gasp for breath.
"Kili!" That does it. We both scurry back to his room.
"I'm fine." Kili protests when we all but burst into the room.
"Like Aule you are, Kili!" I bark. "You could die! Just Let Oin look at you already!" I snap. He sighs, but does not resist when Oin treats him. As soon as the blankets are pulled back, a rancid, putrid smell permeates the air. I gag a little, but hold Kili's leg down after running for requested supplies as Oin bathes the wound with hot water. Kili gives a little scream before holding it in, kicking subtly at the pain. Oin even pulls out the arrow-head and then proceeds to bathe the wound deeper, unfortunately causing even more pain. None say a word until the wound is neatly wrapped with cleansing and medicinal herbs crushed into a poultice.
"Now I see why you let Oin treat you." Kili rasps. "With a little more rest, I think I'll be fine by morning. At least, I'll be well enough to walk." I shake my head.
"You are far too stubborn for your own good." I muse fondly, smoothing the hair away from his face.
"I believe I told you the same, once." He retorts, smiling. I chuckle.
"Get some rest. You'll feel better when we leave tomorrow morning." I then leave, feeling much better about Kili's chances of making to Erebor and surviving the wound. Oin, however is frowning. "Oin?" I ask. "What is it?" Oin is peering at the arrowhead intently.
"There's something...unnatural about this arrowhead and the wound. I don't like it." I frown, swallowing.
"But the worst is over, right? Kili will be okay?" Oin sighs.
"I believe so, yes." I smile, despite the troubled frown still on Oin's face.
"That's good news." I reply and go to find Fili, practically skipping up to him. "Fili! I finally got Kili to let Oin treat his wound and he should be fine by tomorrow morning, according to him and Oin."
"Thank Durin!" He cheers. "I was really starting to worry about him." I then look around.
"Where's Uncle?" I ask. Fili groans.
"Poor Dwarf is negotiating our supplies and provisions for the journey up to Erebor." I nod, grimacing.
"Don't envy him." Fili laughs.
"Neither do I."
The night seems to suddenly be upon us and the town hall has been rearranged slightly to accommodate a feast. Honestly, it isn't even worth mentioning. Partly because I, like everyone else, was too drunk to remember anything, but the parts we do remember are not worth even acknowledging. Even for a king and his troupe, the Master skimped, that much I clearly recall. The meat was tough and the bread long since stale. But the wine and ale are top-notch and so no one complains.
I wake the next morning to Fili shaking me, leaning against the mattress for support as he did.
"We're leaving." He mumbles, then is gone. I blink. Huh? Leaving? To go- -oh. Right. Erebor. I nod and sit up, grimacing at the bright sunlight. My head was pounding before I'd even stood up. Oh, Aule. I don't want to hike right now...I just want to lay back down and sleep this ale off. Or was it wine? I don't normally get this drunk off wine, but I suppose it could have happened...ugh. I grouchily get dressed and come down to meet the others. I meet them at the head of a parade. Or, at least, that's what it looks like. I can't help but feel very overwhelmed as we are led to the main dock and all is men and elbows and hot breath on my neck as we are shoved and crowded, everyone wanting to get a look and feel of us. For most of them, we are the first Dwarves that have seen, and some of us are royalty, to boot. This is a dream come true for many, I'm certain. And, while it's flattering...do they have to be so grabby and eager and so close?! I huff and duck under a haphazard swipe probably meant for Bilbo. None have ever heard of a Hobbit and some probably assume he is a hybrid like Mia or something. I don't know and I don't care. I want to be rid of this smelly town and these crowding people.
"You do realize we're one short?" Bilbo asks. "Where's Bofur?" This seems to send a ripple of hardly smothered snickers and glances my way amongst a few of the company. I frown. What's so funny?
"You would know, wouldn't you, lass, where Bofur is?" Nori asks. I blanch.
"I beg your pardon?" I hope it's not what I think it is...he's insinuating...
"You know what I mean." He mumbles, chuckling. "You and Bofur." I blink. We didn't...announce our courtship, did we? Oh, Mahal.
"I saw it coming on for a while, to be honest. Mostly since the Company set out from Bag-End. That's why I've let you and my brother cook." Bombur explains. I flush.
"We...we were going to announce it...we really were. It's just...never felt appropriate." Nori blinks.
"You mean last night was not your first kiss?" I blush deeper than scarlet. This is humiliating...I wish Bofur were here.
"We've been courting since the eagles rescued us from Azog." I mumble.
"Regardless, if Bofur is not present, we leave him behind." Thorin interjects, shutting the conversation down. He then glances at me. "I am sorry, Aili."
"We have no choice." Balin adds. I sigh heavily, my heart aching at the thought of leaving him, but...Balin may have a point. If we delay any longer, we risk not only the people's unpredictable mood swings, but precious time to find the door. I gulp, scanning the crowd, hoping to see a brown hat anywhere in their midst. I do not and reluctantly keep moving.
"I understand." I mumble, head bowed a little.
"If we are to find the door before nightfall, we can risk no further delays." Balin replies. I nod glumly.
=#=#=#=#=
(M)
Luckily, Elves and Dwarves are both good at holding their alcohol. Combined, this provides me with a slightly unfair advantage when engaging in a drinking contest. Fili walks beside me, moaning slightly under his breath at the current noise level. I take it he is more affected by alcohol than I. I shake my head to get the buzzing to stop. Just because I am half elf and half dwarf, the two races most renowned for alcohol consumption, doesn't mean I don't have any affects at all. Fili rubs at his temple as we near the dock. I can't help paying attention to him more now...since the night before last, when...we talked and I gave him more information about me and he soothed my fears while making me frightened by how badly I wanted to kiss him, right there and then, before I let my head fall and tuck itself under his bearded chin so I wouldn't succumb to the temptation. I am still unsure of my feelings, so I do not want to rush into things. I gulp and keep moving. I can't help but notice that Kili is limping, even after Oin's care. I frown, wondering if the prince was hiding things as I step closer to him and prepare to get into the boat in step with Kili. Thorin's arm halts his nephew.
"Not you." He instructs. I can tell he does not enjoy this, but has to think of the endgame; getting to the mountain. Not just what his nephew wants. I would do the same, in his position, I feel. "We must travel with speed. You will slow us down." He adds. Kili looks hurt and indignant, but hides it with a disbelieving, almost scoffing smirk.
"What are you talking about?" He asks, "I'm coming with you." He insists. Aili sighs, putting a hand on her brother's shoulder.
"You are still recovering, Kili, but Uncle, he is much better than yesterday. Perhaps he is strong enough." Thorin shakes his head.
"No." Kili swallows, trying desperately to keep his voice and face from betraying his emotions.
"I am going to be there when the door is opened." He replies insistently. Thorin grimaces, as if it pains him to do this. It probably does. He of all people understands wanting to go to Erebor. "When we first look on the halls of our fathers, Thorin- -"
"Kili." Thorin interrupts, as if he can't hear what Kili would say. As if it would convince him and he knew letting Kili come would more than likely kill him. That wound is far more than a simple wound, but I cannot pin down what makes it different. I guess it's just Elvish intuition.
"Erebor will be there when you leave tomorrow." I assure him placatingly. "We are simply ensuring passage into the mountain."
"I will go up the mountain with you!" Kili all but yells. "I will not miss this moment, the end of our journey, what it's all been for." I gulp, suddenly wanting to shove him onto the boat and be done with it, seeing the look on Kili's face. Can't imagine what Thorin's going through.
"Stay here, rest. Join us when you are healed." Thorin replies, cupping his nephew's cheek. Kili draws away.
"And we've dealt with Smaug." Aili adds. "We don't want to risk a relapse, Kili." She adds. "Just get the toxins out of your system and then risk the hike." He takes a step back.
"No, Aili. I will be there! I won't hold us back! If we're low on time, I will simply be the last into Erebor, but I will be there. I will see the mountain when you do." She sighs, and moves toward the boat dejectedly. It's clear she hates the situation, but there is nothing she can do about it.
=#=#=#=#=
(A)
I may hate this, but...Uncle is right. As usual. We don't have time to waste. As cruel as it sounds, I can't help but see the wisdom in Thorin's words. That doesn't mean I have to like or accept it, though.
"I'm staying with the lad. My duty lays with the wounded." Oin announces, stepping off the boat and over to Kili. I frown. However, Fili beats me to the next words.
"Uncle, we grew up on tales of the mountain. Tales you told us. You cannot take that away from him." He pleads. Thorin sighs.
"Fili." It is clear that Uncle wants Fili to stop, but he doesn't.
"I will carry him if I must!" I step forward. Fili's words had sparked rebellion somehow. If there was a way to get Kili up the mountain, we'd do it.
"We both will."
"I will not risk this quest for one Dwarf." Uncle replies. I swallow.
"Uncle, please." He is adamant, however.
"Not even for my own kin." I groan in frustration, but give up.
"One day, you will be king and you will understand." Thorin notes to Fili. I take a step toward the dock.
"If Oin is staying, I am, too." Kili looks even more mortified, if it were possible.
"No. You will not miss this because of me." He replies. I muse worriedly that he looks nearly as pale as yesterday, but a deal stronger, which I suppose is an improvement. "I will not allow you to throw this chance away just for me, sister." He adds.
"It's my choice." I reply. "I don't want to see Erebor before you do."
"No! Get on the boat." Kili insists, resisting Oin's attempts to see if the wound is as bad as he fears it is. Fili works his jaw for a moment before heading with me toward our brother. Thorin grabs our arms, one in each hand.
"Fili! Aili! Don't be fools. You belong with the company." I swallow, hating myself for resisting Uncle's authority, but can't help it or back down.
"I- -we- -belong with our brother." Fili snaps. Kili, however, shoves me back when I get to him.
"If one of us is to go, it should be you." He mumbles, head bowed. "I cannot command Fili to go, but I can command you. Besides, you are the best at story-telling. Mother will appreciate it." I frown.
"I...I..." Fili sighs. I can feel that he will agree with Kili, and I hate it. I don't want to leave my One and my brothers.
"Kili is right, little sister. Uncle needs everyone available in that mountain to fend off Samug." I chew my lip.
"Please." Kili whispers, though it seems more like a whimper to me. "For me."
"I...Kili...if you are sure." He nods.
"I am sure. Now go." The look on his face stays me from simply leaping off. This is the only hope he has. At least I'll be able to describe the moment to them later. I feel horribly guilty, but stay on the boat all the same.
"See you soon." I call, depressed and guilt-ridden. Mithra, however, slips off.
"Where Fili goes, I go. And I think I can help Kili, at least with the pain." She tells Oin and I can tell Thorin is none too pleased at this turn of events, but can't do anything about it. We've left the dock. I salute her when she glances worriedly our way and she grins as she helps Fili steady Kili. He suddenly looks worse than ever, but I can't do anything as the boat rounds a corner and is lost to view. I sink to the ground of the boat, hand over my mouth in guilt and a sudden fear and trepidation.
Kili looks nearly as bad if not worse than yesterday, and we're off to face Smaug without five total of our troupe.
This isn't going to end well, is it?
SORRY! I KNOW IT ISN'T MY BEST WORK, BUT I HOPE YOU'LL FORGIVE ME! I HOPE TO KEEP WRITING THIS WEEKEND AND POST ANOTHER CHAPTER SOMETIME DURING THE WEEKEND. HOPE TO, BUT NO PROMISES.