Just as I promised, here is another chapter! I plan on writing one once a week, so be ready for another by a weeks time!Oh and just so everyone knows, I am terribly at editing. So if you see something off, feel free to copy and paste in an instant message of something so I can fix it!
REVIEW PLEASE!
Passing into the Misty Mountains was nothing short of miserable. There was little to no space to walk, no place to rest, and, embarrassingly, no place to relieve one's self.
Sure it was easy if you were one of the men. Just aim and shoot. Not like they cared at all about my well-being or the fact that I don't like to just pop a squat right in front of them. I made them stop several times and would find myself searching, most of the time in vain, for a perfectly hidden spot. It was humiliating. I hated it and I was more than positive they hated me for it as well.
And now, because of the hassle, they threw me to the back of the group. This, on top of the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, is why I was muttering and cursing obscenities to myself. I was completely miserable. I was soaked to the bone, shivering, and annoyed at this treacherous terrain.
Each step that I took hurt more than the last. We had been walking along this narrow, uneven path for hours. It was causing great discomfort to my poor swollen feet. Obviously, even after all this time, this body was not accustomed to such traveling. How frustrating was that? Not only was I as weak as a mortal, but now my body responded poorly to the constant abuse I was putting it through on this forsaken journey.
The first couple days climbing up was heaven compared to this. I could take the snow we passed through, I could handle the hours of walking, but scaling the sides of the mountain like an idiot was not something I would put on a bucket list. This was far from intelligent. This was a death trap. It screamed 'I want to fall to my death.'
"Miss Emma?" Ori's voice pulled me away from my self-loathing momentarily. Keeping a tight grasp on the hood of my cloak, I turned to look at him.
"Yes Ori?" He smiled at me shyly and moved a bit closer to speak as we walked.
"Do elves really live forever?" I gave a small laugh at his question. His brothers had warned him countlessly not to ask me any questions about elves because it was useless information.
"Well, they are immortal after all. So yes, they do live forever…but they can die just as easily as anyone else. Don't let their immortality confuse you for being invincible. They are not."
"Aye, they're not like us dwarves. Too soft and delicate." Dwalin must not be as old as I thought. He picked up on that conversation quite easily. I turned to face him, though all I could see was the back of his head.
"Oh yes, dwarves are far better than elves." I said sarcastically. "They eat everything in sight and stomp around like wild boars. Oh how I'd love to make one my own!"
Dwalin did not appreciate my humor. In fact, he turned around so quickly I almost lost my footing. He was in my face with a less than amused frown.
"Haven't you already, Lass?" I narrowed my eyes at his question. Being an asshole seemed to be his favorite pastime. Thorin and Dwalin were like two peas in a pod.
He smirked at my expression. "Nothing to say?" We both knew he was talking about Fili, but I was not about to give him any sort of confirmation. Nor would I defend myself. Knowing me, I'd only make it worse.
The glaring contest only last a few moments before Thorin's booming voice made its way down the line.
"Dwalin, what's going on?" Thorin asked impatiently. He obviously was in a rush and any unnecessary stops made him grumpier than normal.
Dwalin kept his gaze for a little bit longer before turning away and spying Thorin up the line. "The lass was complaining that her feet hurt. I thought maybe a quick break while the rain stalls would help."
Was he blaming this on me? That twat. That dirty, dwarvish twat. Yea, my feet hurt, but I wasn't about to say anything about it.
Our 'gracious' leader looked up to the sky, noting that the rain had indeed stopped, but only for a few precious moments. There were more clouds gathering just up ahead and surely it would mean we hadn't seen the last of the rain. He considered the idea, briefly, and gave a nod.
"Everyone relax. We'll rest here, but not long." And with that command, everyone shuffled about to get their packs off their aching backs.
I pushed passed Dwalin, who continued to glare at me before giving an eye roll and taking a seat, to move ahead. I was not in the mood for grumpy dwarves today. With that in mind, I politely passed Bilbo and stepped over the already relaxing Bofur to stand in front of him. My eyes turned to him and he looked up at me with a brilliant grin.
"Come to keep me company, Lass?"
Giving him my own smile, I sat next to him while maneuvering my pack to the ground beside me. "Only if you'll have me."
Bofur let out a hearty laugh as he cleaned out his pipe. "Of course! Of course! I'd have you any way you'd let me."
"Too far, Bofur. Way too far." I laughed as well and relaxed my back against the mountain.
It was uncomfortable. Rocks stuck into my back in various angles.
I sighed in frustration.
THIRD PERSON POV
"Look at her…flirting with Bofur like that."
"What does it matter, brother? You're not exactly making any moves yourself." Kili was exhausted of hearing his brother complain about Emma. It had seemed to die down for a few days, but every time Fili caught a glimpse of her, he'd start back up again.
"She shouldn't speak like that to him. You know how Bofur can be with wenches." Fili leaned into his brother as he spoke, keeping it under hushed tones.
"She's not a wench, Fili." Kili corrected him.
"Aye…I know. I'm just…worried." Fili moved away to lean against the mountain wall. He sighed and tried to keep himself from looking at Emma and Bofur. They were both laughing. Oh, how he hated it.
"Worried she'll run into the arms of another?" Kili smirked as his older brother glared at him. "She isn't interested in men right now, Fili. She's made that obviously clear. Didn't you hear what she said at the fire? 'Love is for fools.'" He said trying to mock a female voice, failing terribly at it.
"I know what she said." Fili answered in frustration while crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I just don't believe her, that's all."
"You don't believe her?" Kili echoed his response in confusion, taking the pipe out of his mouth to look at his brother.
"That love is for fools." Fili found himself staring out of the corner of his eye. Emma was just starting to lean back on the rock wall when he noticed the pain expression on her face. Dwalin was right when he said the girl was uncomfortable. Misery laced her features, tugging at his heartstrings.
"Ah, I see." Kili took a long puff of his pipe before finishing. "You are no fool and you love her. So love cannot possibly be for fools."
"Hold your tongue!" The older sibling whispered loudly.
"Afraid she'll hear us? Brother if you love the girl so much, then do something about it and quit complaining. It's exhausting trying to figure out what you want."
Once more Fili turned away from Kili, keeping his annoyance under check for the time being. Kili was never any help. Although, he did understand the frustration he must have felt. Fili wasn't being very consistent with his feelings. One minute he wanted her, the next he wanted to strangle her for being so foolish. If this was love, he wasn't sure if he could handle it.
His features softened as he found his eyes upon Emma once more. She fidgeted back and forth until she thought she had comfortable position…then she would began moving again. He pitied her for having to keep up with them. It was obvious she was not used to long journeys like this. Her agitation was becoming more and more toxic by the day. Or she was on her monthly cycle. Who knew what was going on with the opposite sex? He never did.
After watching her through hooded eyes, he finally got up and grabbed something out of his pack. Hesitation almost got the better of him, but he straightened up and took the few steps over to the girl. She hadn't noticed him at first. Or was she ignoring him on purpose? He sighed and cleared his throat before speaking.
EMMA POV
"Would you like to lean against my blanket?" Opposite of Bofur, stood the dwarf I had been trying to avoid. I cursed myself for not keeping tabs on his position in the line.
Fili stared at me expectantly, waiting for an answer….while I stared at him like he had horns growing out of his head. It had been some time since he had spoken to me. Even when he had, it was to scold me or say something backhandedly. I almost wasn't sure how to reply.
"Um…yes. That would be nice…"
He smiled at my acceptance and proceeded to hand me the blanket, reaching over my pack to do so. I took it without looking at him and carefully placed it behind my back to block the sharp rocks from sticking into my back. It worked. I sighed in relief and leaned further into in. It didn't completely take away the discomfort, but the rough fabric cushioned the hard rock well enough.
"Thank you." There wasn't much else to say to him besides that. Why he was all of a sudden being nice, I had no idea. Maybe he was finally climbing off that high horse called Thorin and grounding himself back to earth. I snorted at the prospect and leaned my head back, closing my eyes in the process.
"What do you find so amusing?" I heard him ask beside me. When I opened my eyes, he was no longer towering above me, but instead was sliding down to sit.
I furrowed my brows as I watched the muscles of his face flex. He wasn't looking at me. His eyes were gazing out into the thick mist that lay upon these mountains. I could tell he was just as perplexed as I was. Fili brought a leg up to rest an arm on his knee, waiting patiently for me to answer.
What in the world was going on?
"Nothing." I finally answered with a shake of my head before returning to the position I was in. The moment my eyes closed, I heard him speak once more, prompting me to look at him again.
"What was that conversation you had with Bofur?" He asked with a tense cheek muscle.
"…What?" What the hell was he on about?
Then it hit me. "Green is an ugly color on you, Fili."
His surprised look had me chuckling. I tried my hardest not to smile any more than I needed to. Simply closing my eyes would have to hide my uttermost enjoyment in his jealousy. I shouldn't have been amused, but just the thought of him getting upset that I was talking to Bofur was too good to pass up.
"I am not jealous." The blonde dwarf defended in a low growl.
"Of course." I said with a smirk. "Why would the great Fili be jealous of some dwarf talking with me? I have no idea. Could it be that he has not yet given up on his endeavor to have me all for himself?"
Teasing him was a terrible idea. I knew it was.
"I see you haven't forgotten what I said in Rivendell." Butterflies fluttered wildly in my stomach. His voice was far closer than I would have liked. Husky and not hiding the sound of excitement behind it.
My green eyes turned to his clouded blue orbs. Damn him. There he was, leaning his elbow against my pack and his chin lazily placed upon his gloved knuckles. That fucking smirk on his lips, causing that braided mustache to lop sideways above it.
Look away. Just look away. Easier said than done.
"Rendered you speechless, have I? Glad I'm still capable of making you squirm." He grinned playfully.
I threw his blanket into his face so fast, he barely had time to react. "You're a foul dwarf."
Instead of becoming angry, he laughed and pulled the blanket from his head. "And you're still a spitfire."
Glaring at him, I crossed my arms over each other. "What is this? One second you're upset with me, the next you're back to wooing? Have I not made myself clear about my feelings for you?"
"Indeed your words have wounded my attempts to land you, but that blush on your face gives me hope."
My face grew hotter and I turned away from him, not wanting him to see my obvious embarrassment.
"Be gone, dwarf. You have no idea what you're talking about."
"If I did that, you would be forced to converse with Bofur."
"And you'd hate that wouldn't you?" I looked back with a sneer. He only grinned more like a fool. "By Eru, you piss me off."
"At least I have some effect on you." Tuning it down to a smirk, he tossed the blanket back to me. "Keep it. For your back."
"No thank you. I'll ask Bofur for his." I threw it back and stuck my nose into the air, looking away as I did so.
"I think not." Suddenly I was being pushed forward and the blanket being shoved between my back and the wall.
"Listen asshole, I said I don't-"
"Just take the bloody blanket, Emma. You have no idea how heartbreaking it is to see you so uncomfortable."
My anger subsided as I looked at his frustrated expression. He made himself more comfortable and refused to look at me, but I could see the turmoil behind that wall he put up. I sighed heavily and gave in. Fuck. He really was starting to get to me.
"Fine, but no more teasing between us...or I'll be forced to throw this blanket of yours over the edge."
The smirk on his face made me light up. "Deal."
I closed my eyes, hoping that I could finally get some rest, when he spoke again. Throwing the blanket over the edge was starting to sound better and better with each passing moment.
"You're about as stubborn as a-"
"Dwarf?" I kept my eyes closed, but smirked, feeling his eyes upon me. "I'd agree, but I'm afraid that I retained that trait from my father."
"Was he not a dwarf?"
"Do I look like a dwarf to you?" When I opened my eyes to the question, I could see his eyes roam by body before grinning. I rolled my eyes.
"I suppose you don't. Not enough hair."
I could have sworn we had this conversation before. "Well, there you go."
"What was he then?"
"My father is a smith."
"I meant race. Was he human? Halfling?" Fili was being very nosy.
Giving him a small smile, I closed my eyes once more. "Just a smith."
Accepting the answer and knowing I wasn't going to give him more than that, he moved on.
"And what of your mother?"
Ah, my mother. I smiled as I remembered her. She was beautiful. Full of life and always caring. I recalled much of my childhood playing within her gardens.
"She is a gardener."
"A gardener? Hm." He seemed to be thinking on it.
"Why do you wish to know so much about me?" I was just wondering, of course. I didn't believe he was prying for any gain.
"I only wish to know so that I may further understand the life of my future queen." Fili said teasingly.
"This blanket is becoming very itchy…" I warned. If he thought I was jesting, he was wrong. I'd chuck this blanket over the edge and feel nothing. In fact, it would bring me great joy.
"Alright, alright. I didn't mean it." There was a silence between us before he continued. "Have you any siblings?"
I thought about that. Slowly, my eyes opened to the mist in front of me and I hummed. Chewing my bottom lip, I had come to the conclusion that technically, I did have siblings. Those damn dwarves my father had created in secret. How very annoying. I sighed and looked over to an attentive Fili.
"Yes. Seven brothers."
That seemed to surprise him. Why was I by myself if I had seven brothers to protect me?
"So you're parents had eight children? That's no unheard of."
Scoffing, I looked back to the mist and brought up a knee. "No, my father had eight children. My mother only had me."
"Oh. So your father must have been married before. Did their mother die?"
"I am the eldest." His blank stare turned into confusion.
He scooted closer to my pack, now concerned with what seemed like a sad story waiting to happen. "Was it your mother who died?"
"My mother is not dead, Fili."
"I don't understand…" He thought a few moments before his eyebrows furrowed. "Did your father betray your mother?" It sounded like he was highly against adultery.
I shrugged. There was no other way to explain something as strange as what I just said. "I guess."
Fili scowled and looked away angrily. "You've been through so much…"
I could have slapped myself. Did I really make my life sound even more pitiful than they already believed?
Note to self: Keep your trap shut.
"For Maker's sake, Fili. Stop getting so worked up over it. It doesn't matter."
There was a pregnant pause before he spoke.
"Did you like your siblings?"
NO. They were greedy, hot headed, loud, infuriating, and stubborn as hell….but they were also loyal, friendly to newcomers, great craftsmen, renowned for the fierceness in battle, and had a great love of music.
"They were alright, I suppose. Everyone has their faults…"
"Were?" Fili asked with an adorably confused look on his face. Obviously he caught the past tense.
"Well..." I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Each one of those dwarves I could have considered 'my brothers' had died long ago. Thousands of years had passed. "They died."
"All of them? How? What of your parents?" How was I making this worse? He genuinely looked troubled by that.
What is the sudden interest in all of this? Why was he so concerned with my family and its current state? If he kept prodding, I would probably say something that would give me away. I was already lying through my teeth to keep this charade up. What more would I be forced to say in order to keep it that way?
Letting out a heavy sigh, I answered with annoyance. "Yes, all of my brothers died. Mostly in battle. My parents are still alive and well. There. Happy?"
"No. Not at all. How can you be so cold about this?"
My eyes narrowed. He flinched at the glare I fixed onto him. How was I being cold? They weren't my real brothers and I would never have considered them that. I met them once. Maybe twice. That does not make them family. My family were still alive and well. Those dwarves could piss off.
"I am not being cold. Maybe I just don't like talking about it." Good lie.
Fili's expression softened a bit before his eyes cast down. "I apologize. I didn't mean to make this more painful for you…it was just…you sounded so uncaring about the death of your brothers…"
Well, that was because I didn't care. I didn't know them. They barely knew me. It wasn't until I traveled to Middle Earth that I met their descendants. Nothing changed. Dwarves were all the same.
"Don't worry so much over it, Fili. It was a long time ago."
"It couldn't have been that long. You are so young…"
"And you're so old." I teased, hoping to divert the conversation somewhere less meddlesome.
"What?! I am not!" Looking offended, Fili leaned toward my pack setting me with a glare of his own, though not as intense as the others he had given me in the past.
"I think I see a gray hair in there somewhere." I reached my hand out and snagged a strand of his blonde hair, rolling it between my index and thumb before smirking. "Yep. Definitely some gray."
He snatched my hand and held it firmly in his. A gasp pushed out of my lungs as his steady hand refused to release me. His glare was replaced with something. Something I was afraid to accept. It had been long since any physical contact between us had transpired. It felt like an eternity before the trembling of my lips had gently relinquishing his hold.
As soon as he let go, I pulled my hand back into my body like it had been scathed. I looked down to my lap, not wanting to catch his eyes.
"I'm sorry if I frightened you…" His voice was almost a whisper, holding much of the intensity in it as if he was speaking normally.
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes and shifted against the rocks. "You didn't."
"I'll let you rest now."
Thank Aule. I was entirely too tired to deal with anymore of this conversation. If it went on any longer, I would have to jump from the cliffs.
I leaned my head against the blanket that was comforting my aching back and prayed that I could finally get a bit of rest before we started back up again.
But then, Fili decided to open his mouth once more.
"Just one more thing, if you don't mind."
The glare I threw at him probably could have killed, but he kept his composure and continued to stare out into the mist that floated about us.
"Would you stay with me the rest of the way?"
I blinked. I was surprised he wanted me so close when all he had been doing was pushing me as far away as possible. He had kept his distance since that little fiasco with the Easterlings.
"Why?"
He turned his gaze to me, as though he knew I would ask and smiled.
"Because I want to keep you safe. The only way to do that is for you to stay close by."
The strings attached to my heart were tugged roughly. Damn him.
"Fine." I said with an exhausted sigh.
"But only if you let me get some rest."
"Deal." I could feel the smirk even with my eyes closed.
"Deal."
This time, he kept his promise. I didn't hear a peep out of him the remainder of our break.
Of course, I could still feel his eyes on me. I didn't know if he was just keeping an eye on me or watching me like some creepy guy, but it didn't bother me. In fact, and strangely enough, it was soothing.
Soon, I began nodding off. Under the watchful eyes of Fili.
It felt as though seconds went by when I was roused. How long did Thorin let us rest? Thirty minutes. Thirty fucking minutes. We were up and moving before I could bitch about it.
I really should be thanking Dwalin for convincing Thorin that we needed a rest, but under the circumstances, I'd rather jump off this bloody fucking cliff.
Keeping true to my promise, I stayed behind Fili as we continued on our journey through the Misty Mountains.
After two hours of walking, the winding trail had narrowed considerably and the rain began its torturous downpour. The skies darkened, more so due to the infamous mist. Every few minutes lightning would flash above us, streaking across the clouds.
Whatever misery I had felt hours before had turned into a mind numbing desolation. Everything hurt. I ached so badly that it caused all brain function to cease. I was like a zombie, aimlessly following a procession of dwarves. Thinking, especially, became a mental struggle. I swear if I hadn't been following so closely to Fili, I probably would have walked off the side of the mountain already.
At some point, I grabbed onto Fili's sleeve. The wet fabric felt heavy against my fingers. Startled by the pull, Fili turned to look at me through his hood. Even thought my own hood he could see that I was in no condition to go on. He maneuvered my hand so he could hold it with his own. I grasped at it greedily, absorbing the heat.
Sensing my distress, FIli turned away and grabbed Kili's shoulder. They spoke quietlt, with Kili glancing back at me with worry. With a nod, KIli turned back and grasped Dori's arm. This strange behavior continued all the way up to Thorin. When I looked up to line, I could see he was looking back through the rain at his nephew before his eyes slid to me. Wearily, I tried to step into the mountain. My sore feet made contact with a rock and I ended up hissing.
"Hey! Hold on, Emma!" Did I just hear Thorin correctly? When I looked at him, with confusion, he actually looked concerned.
Good. Let him worry. He's the one who's been pushing us like this.
Behind me, I heard someone yell out Bilbo's name. I swiveled around to see Bilbo almost fall off the cliff. Thank the Valor Dwalin and Bofur were there to save him. If anything happened to Bilbo, I would never forgive myself.
"We have to find shelter!" Thorin called out.
No shite. That would have been helpful two and a half hours ago. I'm surrounded by morons.
As I turned back to face Fili, unsurprisingly, he was looking at me. I must have looked terrible. Carefully, he reached out with his hands, sliding his fingers gently across my cheeks to cup them. His hood shrouded my own as she moved closer. I didn't understand what he was doing. Was this an opportune moment to take advantage of me? I closed my eyes, assuming that he was going to plant a kiss, but instead I felt the warmth of his forehead against mine.
If this had been any other situation, I might have been pissed, but I was so cold and weak. I couldn't fight him off even if I wanted to. The heat that radiated off of him beckoned to me. The warmth of his breath mingling with my own had me welcoming every bit of heat he was providing.
I hope he was enjoying this. It wasn't going to be happening again.
"Just hold on a bit longer, lass. We'll be out of this rain soon." His voice was so reassuring.
Nodding weakly, I leaned forward and pushed my head into the crook of his neck. He stayed still for a moment, likely surprised by my eagerness to be so close, but found enough sense to wrap his arms cautiously around me. He pulled me close, pressing his chest into mine. My arms snaked their way into his cloak and I held onto the dried clothes that he wore underneath.
"You're shaking. Durin, you must be freezing."
Registering what he said, I furrowed my brows. Shaking? I didn't even notice I was shaking. I blinked into his shoulder as we stood there. I didn't feel like I was. Before I could reply, I heard Dwalin yell loudly over the thunder.
"Look out!"
I felt Fili move his head. What was it? I didn't have time to look. In a flash, I was pressed into the mountain with Fili caging me in. His arms coiled around my head, pulling me into his chest.
The sound of crashing echoed above us. What the fuck was that? Struggling to look, I was able to catch a glimpse of the large chunks of rock falling toward the company. Instantly, I was cowering beneath Fili's form, burying my head into his chest. He protected me, shielding my body from any debris that fell. His arms tightened around me as his head laid on top of mine, completely covering me.
We held tight against the mountain wall as the rock fell. When it passed, Fili moved from me to look out, watching the last of it fall beneath the mist.
"What is Maker's name is going on?" I called out between the rain and thunder, taking a step closer to the edge to have a look.
"I don't know." Fili answered as his hand reflexively came out and pushed me back to the wall. His hand paused on my stomach, probably making sure I wouldn't do anything foolish, as he continued to look around with the others, who were perplexed and astounded. Where did the rock come from?
"This isn't a thunderstorm! It's a thunder battle!"Balin's voice was barely distinguishable. There was so much noise around us from the rain, thunder, and rocks falling that I almost didn't believe what I just heard, but then, in light of the moment. It suddenly clicked what was happening.
I had almost forgotten. Giants. Throwing pieces of the mountain at each other.
"Look!" Balin pointed off into the distance.
Amidst the rain, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating a giant figure. It was like it had been invisible until that very second. After that, we couldn't take our eyes off of it. The giant grasped hold of the mountain and ripped away a giant chunk.
Not many had seen such a magnificent sight…although at the moment, I would rather be hiding in a cave than out in this rock throwing party. If one of those hit us, it was over.
"Well, bless me." Out of the corner of my eye I spotted Bofur moving closer to the edge, spying the giants with excitement, fear, and shock. "The legends are true…Gaints! Stone giants!"
In that moment, a boulder came hurling towards us. Fili by now had taken to just holding my hand and plastered himself against the wall, leaving me to curl against his side when it rushed passed the company, striking another stone giants that was closer than we would have like it to be. The mountain shook and rumbled with the impact. I struggled to keep my footing. Thank the Valor Fili was at my side. He kept me from falling off the edge, knowing my body was in too much pain to respond quick enough to my commands.
However, as the rock flying went on, I found everything was beginning to go numb. Adrenaline must have been kicking in. I was thankful for it, but it would hurt so much worse later.
"Take cover you fool!" Thorin shouted over the group. I had no idea who he was talking about and I didn't give a damn at the moment.
I buried my head into Fili's side, waiting for it to be over, when I felt a sudden shift beneath my feet. It was subtle, but it was enough to look down when my booted feet were standing next to Fili's. I saw a fracture. Just a small one. It began forming and snaking toward the edge.
My eyes widen in realization. I swiveled my head to look at the wall beside us.
We were standing on one! Fuck!
I looked down again. The shaking of the mountain began and everyone was just trying to keep their balance as we were tussled about. The fracture turned into a large crack that split under Fili . When it began widening, I looked to Fili, who was busy look at his brother. If it opened any further, Fili might fall to the valley below.
Without even thinking, I was pushing him into his brother. By the time Fili and Kili corrected themselves, the wall had parted and began shifting away from each other. The gap was now a few feet apart and growing.
The fear in Fili's eyes penetrated my heart. Once they realized what I had done, the brothers scrambled to get to me.
"Emma, grab my hand!" Fili tried to reach out, but the gap was too great for me to even consider doing such a thing.
He desperately held his hand out, practically begging me to try and grab. "You have to jump!"
"We'll catch you!" Kili called out beside his brother, trying to look brave for both of us.
That was not going to happen. I looked at the gap and then back to them. I wasn't going anywhere. Before I could answer, or do much of anything, the whole side of the mountain shifted, causing rocks to fall between the rift. I pressed myself against the wall and looked up to see the giant coming to life. If I made it through this, I would never again travel through the mountains. Never ever.
"Hold on, Emma! Grab onto me!" Bofur shouted beside me and I did exactly what he said. I latch myself into his side. He threw an arm around my waist to keep me from falling.
Another giant came out of nowhere and smashed its head into the one we happened to be standing on. The outcome was not good. It fell to the side, taking us with it. I let out a shrilled scream as we all began to fumble with our footing. I could hear the company all crying out, startled and afraid for their lives.
We stopped abruptly, having hit the mountain with tremendous force. Rocks fell from everywhere. I could barely see what was happening until that moment. As the giant took a slow moment to recover, I was able to look at Bofur, who was looking just as terrified as I was.
"Thank you, Bofur." Might as well say it now, before we all fall to our deaths.
He gave a weak smile. "Don't thank me just yet, lass…"
The peace was only brief before we were moving once more. We scrambled against the wall as the giant moved to stand, to defend itself or exact it revenge, who bloody knew?
One moment we were being manhandled, the next we were careening into across. I only caught a glimpse of the dwarves just in front of us before we rushed passed them. The giant gave one last stomp of its foot before we were falling straight into the mountain. Everyone on that giant knew what was happening. Bofur held onto me tighter and I watched in horror as the mountain got closer.
A scream pierced the air. My scream. It echoed and filled the atmosphere with fear. We came crashing into the mountain seconds later. The next few moments, I had no idea what had happened.
All I know is I grabbed onto whatever I could…and that's how I found myself dangling hundreds of feet. The only thing keeping me from plummeting to the bottom was Bilbo's leg, which I happened to be grasping onto for dear life.
I looked up the form of Bilbo, who was struggling to hold on.
It was as though an eternity went by before anyone noticed where we were. I had closed my eyes, if only for a moment, to concentrate on holding on, when I heard Fili call out my name.
"Hold on Emma! We're going to get you both up!" Though I believe he was more concerned with me.
"Bilbo, grab on!" Bofur was trying to get to Bilbo, reaching out to take his hand, but Bilbo slipped.
I let out a startled scream as we fell a foot before he grabbed on to the side of the mountain once more. Above us, the dwarves were clambering to reach Bilbo and I. Even Thorin, the mightiest of them all, tried to jump down to save us. Okay, joking aside, this really sucked.
There were a few brief moment where I saw my life flash before my eyes. Bilbo and I weren't going to make it out of this. Thorin couldn't reach us. None of them could. If Bilbo let go, he would fall straight down with me…but…
I squeezed my eyes shut and began sobbing uncontrollably. Fuck. I had to let go. I didn't matter in this quest. Bilbo did. If he didn't continue on and find the ring, then there was a fairly large chance that evil may find it…and if they did, the world as I once knew it would be over. Sauron would get what he wanted and he would conquer all.
My hands began to tremble against the strain of holding my weight. I was exhausted and with each passing second I was becoming weaker. There wasn't much time left. Bilbo was not strong enough to hold us up for this long.
"Emma grab onto the mountain and try to climb up!" I heard Kili call down to me.
Tearing myself away from my thoughts, I looked at him. I'm sure I looked pitiful. The tears stung my eyes as I answered to his request.
"I can't."
"Emma you have to! Please!" It was Fili this time. He leaned over the side. His blonde hair hung around his head as he looked down at me. He seemed to notice something within my eyes and understand that I really couldn't do it. "I'm coming down to you!"
As FIli tried to climb over the edge, Kili grabbed onto his shoulder. "You fool, you'll both die!"
"I have to get to her! Let go!" Fili yelled out in desperation.
"Fili, stop!" Thorin demanded, but he ignored his uncle.
Bofur and Balin began to struggle to keep Fili from trying to climb down.
"Release me! Emma just hold on!" Fili called down to me.
Though his attempt at rescuing was flattering, it would not change the fact that Bilbo and I could barely hold on. Even if they managed to get a rope out, I don't think I'd be able to hold on…and it would take far too long to get them to scale down to me.
I made the decision before I grasped my own mortality. If I was to die once more, at least I would be saving someone.
Alright. I can do this. I'm going to fall hundreds of feet and smash to the ground. Quick and painless. The very imagery had me sobbing again.
I shook my head and blinked away the tears, or most of them, to capture the faces of the dwarves once more.
"I'm coming down to you!" I saw him struggle with the others, but his eyes were settled on mine as he tried to assure me that I was going to be rescued. "Let go of me! I have to save her! Emma!"
Finally, and with great disdain, I yelled back. "No one is coming down for me!"
This stilled the group considerably. They all looked at me like I was insane…and then Kili understood what I was trying to say.
"No! Emma don't you do anything foolish!" Kili let go of his brother immediately when he got the hint of my plea. "Don't you dare let go!"
Fili looked at his brother then snapped his head to look down at me. His struggle ceased as his eyes locked onto mine. "Emma, please don't…whatever you are thinking, just stop. Do not…"
Fuuuuck. I had to tear my eyes away from him or I would give in. My fingers began to slip. There was no more time to contemplate. Above me they were just trying to get to Bilbo, but he couldn't let one of his hands go in order to grab hold of them.
I swallowed hard, choking back a sob and looked at them all one last time.
"I do not regret, Master Dwarves…nor will I forget. You, are what will keep the darkness from feeding upon that mountain. Reclaim your homeland…and one day, I'll see all your smiling faces in Mandos…until then, I'll be waiting…" My fingers slipped once more.
"Emma, no!" Fili made to leap toward me, but by the time someone grabbed onto him, I had begrudgingly let go.
The moment my hands were free of Bilbo, I could see him let go of the rock and reach out to Thorin. I smiled. At least Bilbo would continue on.
I fell. Through the mist and into the darkness. Even amongst the wind and rain, I could hear Fili screaming my name, his voice echoing down the valley. So much sorrow filled his voice.
When I could no longer hear him, I closed my eyes and awaited death. The wind whipped at my hair and the drop of my stomach told me I was falling fast. The rain hit my face lightly as peace took me. I came to lead the dwarves through middle earth, in hopes of fixing the rift in time that I messed up…but I failed. Gandalf would be disappointed. Surely he'll weep for me. Maybe. Right now, the death of Emi was second to that of the impending darkness that was taking the lands. Perhaps when I'm brought back, it will be in happier times…like when I was born in…where was it again? Aule, I could barely remember where I came from. It was a long distance memory…even though it was not so long ago. I let out a laugh. Here I was falling to my death and I could think about was foolish things like that.
I let out another laugh.
The sound was crushed by the sudden meeting of my body and the ground below.