A Hole In The Sky
The noise behind you, meant that more trouble was heading towards everyone. Without saying anything, you all ran down the mountain. You could tell the pursuers were right on your heels. When Gandalf motioned you all to climb up the tress, you thought this would not help matters.
Bofur, Dwalin and yourself were climbing up the tree while from time to time, you kept glancing downwards, noticing several Orcs nearby. Pulling yourself up, you sat on a branch and found yourself looking up at the sky.
You frowned. The colour of the sky should be normal looking. What you saw made you feel very uneasy with yourself. The sky looked...green to you and that worried you. What was going on here?
The swaying of the trees brought you back to the present and you glanced back at the Orcs, noticing they now had Wargs with them, who were at this second using all their weight in knocking the trees over.
Gandalf threw something at you and you caught it, realising it was a pinecone which was slowly burning from the fire that was set on it. You knew what to do and threw it down, seeing the Wargs and Orcs retreat a little from this new development.
Together, everyone kept throwing this fiery pinecone at these pests until the tress decided to catch on fire that is. You inwardly groan knowing this would not end well. Again, everyone moved to another tree and it was here that Ori nearly fell to his death.
He had misplaced his footing and was now falling towards the enemy. With quick reflexes, you watch Elrohir climb down the branches with ease and manage to grab onto Ori, pulling him back up.
You sighed in relief and again looked at the sky. Was it your imagination or did you just see electricity come from nowhere? More to the point, where did that hole come from?
"Thorin, stay where you are!" You heard Gandalf shout, making you look at the leader in question.
You watch Thorin climb down the tree with a determined look on his face. You wondered why that was, until you saw him that is. Sitting on top of a white Warg was another enemy. At a guess, you surmised that this in actual fact the leader of the weaker Orcs.
Your blue eyes went wide as you watch Thorin try and fail to fight this new adversary. The leader wasn't even doing anything, his Warg was doing all the work for him. Above you, the sky was now going haywire, thunder could now be heard and it was here that you had, had enough.
Sighing, you decided to climb down and confront this moron attacking the now unconscious Thorin. Of course you heard your name being called out, telling you to stay where you were, but you continue onwards.
"Why don't you fight without your little mutt here?" You sneered at this ugly leader.
You instinctively grabbed hold of your two swords, drawing them out, ready to attack, taking no notice of the thunder and the strange noises that followed. Your eyes never left this ugly looking leader.
You had no idea who he was but seeing Thorin lying motionless angered you. Of course the leader was actually a coward. He tried using his white Warg on you, but you were ready. You plunged your sword in the animals leg, hearing it yelp out in pain.
This caused the leader to fall of earning a few chuckles from around the trees. The leader soon got up though and was now glaring at you. He held onto his weapon and started attacking you.
You blocked his attacks and watched for any weakness that he might have. Meanwhile everyone else had now joined you on the ground, attacking the other Orcs nearby. You noticed that this leader had a stump where his left hand should be and wondered how that had happened.
The leader was now speaking in a language that you had no idea he was saying, then looked back at Thorin. You put two and two together and realised the Warg was about to kill Thorin.
Just as you were about to stop that however, a strange thing happened. Three people came from nowhere and had instinctively joined in the fighting. The Warg was now attacking Bilbo.
Before you could help him, the leader again tried to hurt you. This had to end now. For a while, you and your new enemy were fighting. You didn't take no notice of the eagles that were now flying overhead, you didn't take no notice at anyone else for that matter. Your concern was killing off this very annoying pest.
Sword and axe continued to meet each other before you took this little dance to the next level. You swiftly turned a little, so that his back was to you. This was your change and you took it.
Without any warning, you jumped up and plunged your sword in his back. This caused him to roar out in pain, but you continued. Taking out your sword, you again stabbed him in the same spot, before using your other sword on his shoulder blade. You were trying to tire him out by killing him slowly. The leader back handed you causing you to stumble backwards.
"Rila!" someone shouted but your eyes stayed focused on your enemy.
Your cheek hurt but that was the least of your problems. This leader was now smirking back at you, which made your blood boil over. Holding your swords in your hands, you deflected another attack from him and without any warning, you managed to stab his neck.
Again you and everyone else, heard his roar as you pressed your sword in deeper in his throat, holding the handle for leverage to what you did next. Using your other trusty sword, you then managed to decapitate him, using all of your body weight against him.
Blood went everywhere and was now becoming slippery. The leader's body fell to the ground, taking you with him. For a few moments, everything was quiet and still as you tried to get your bearings back.
"Rila!"
That voice was what motivated you to push with all your might to get this dead leader of you.
"Allow me to help you my dear." came a voice you had never heard before.
Before you could kick this corpse of you, you watch in stunned silence as the dead body was now floating high in the air. Snapping back to reality, you quickly got up and picked up one of your swords. The other sword was still in the leader's back.
As you watch the body slowly go back on the ground, you finally noticed the eagles. They were now picking up some of the company to take them to wherever. Walking over to the lifeless leader, you pulled out your sword, wiping the contents on the grass.
"I need a good wash!" You mumble to yourself, taking no notice to the rest of the company that were watching you.
Before you could move however, an eagle swooped you up causing you to curse out loud to it. For a few blissful moments though, you felt at peace, until your eyes went back to the sky. The sky still had a green hue around it and there was now a strange shape in the middle of it.
The eagle gently placed you on the ground and you whispered thank you before walking towards Gandalf. He was in the process of helping Thorin out. You hoped he would pull through. When you heard Thorin's voice however, anger surged through you. Though for the time being, you bit your lip to what was really going on inside your mind.
"It's true uncle," You heard Kili say "Rila killed him."
You turned around, knowing that everyone was now staring at you.
"We need to get of this carrock," You finally say, breaking this strange mood "we may be safe for now, but I would not be surprised if an Orc shows itself here."
"Rila is right," came Gandalf's voice "though if Thorin is-,"
"I'm fine." remarked Thorin, causing you to shake your head in disdain.
"As soon as we are on safer ground," carried on Gandalf "I would like to know who these men are."
"I will glady explain everything to you," came that voice from before, though you don't turn around.
You simply edge near the carrock and began climbing down, knowing everyone else will soon follow suit.
o0o
It took a while getting down but everyone was happy to be back on solid ground. Bombur was in the process of cooking a meal. Thorin, Fili and Kili were having a private chat among themselves, Elladan and Elrohir kept glancing back at you when they thought you didn't notice and Bilbo seemed to be fascinated with the newcomers. The others were each doing their own thing, it seemed.
You knew where you were now and had explained to Gandalf that you needed to wash this blood and gore of you before it stunk out the rest of the camp. Gandalf seemed concerned, until you told him that you had been here before and also went on that you were good friends with a skin changer named Beorn. He had lived here for a very long time. When you had first met him, you and he were wary of each other but in time, Beorn and you became good friends.
"Who are you all?" asked Bilbo, speaking to the newest arrivals.
Just as you were about to leave, a hand went on your wrist, causing you to jump out in surprise.
"Where are you going?" asked Thorin.
At first you don't say anything, to stunned that Thorin's hand was still around your wrist.
"Allow me to introduce myself." You heard someone say but Thorin repeated,
"Where are you going?"
You sighed.
"I'm about to wash all this blood of me. That's where I am going."
"You have no idea where we are." reasoned Thorin.
"On the contrary, Master Oakenshield," You snapped, pulling your hand away from him "I know exactly where we are."
"You sound angry."
You snorted out a laugh, which earned the rest of the company to look at you and Thorin.
"Angry!" You knew you had finally snapped "Try livid!"
"Why?"
"Why he asks?" You repeat, walking away from Thorin, bumping into one of the newcomers "Because of your stupidity, that's why!"
"Rila, not now!" scorned Gandalf.
"No wizard!" You hissed, glaring at Gandalf before returning your attention to the dwarf himself "Thorin wants to know why I'm livid. Well, here it comes...What possessed you to climb down that tree and walk towards your enemy?"
"I-," began Thorin but you butted in.
"You are going to be a future king, but how can that happen if you are dead? Hmmm!"
"Rila!" Gandalf warned again.
"I thought I could deal with the problem myself." defended Thorin clearly startled when he realised tears were rolling down your cheeks.
"Right, look what happened there?"
"I didn't think of-," began Thorin but again, you cut him off.
"No, you didn't think did you? Instead you had to try and be the hero! Only that didn't go according to plan, did it? That blasted white Warg played with you, like you were a rag doll...Like you were nothing!"
You were startled when you felt and saw Thorin raise his right hand and gently brush away a stray tear from your cheek with his thumb.
"When I saw you lying there," You carried on, trying not to take any notice of the way Thorin was now watching you "I thought it was too late...Echos from my own past come to play here and I hate you for that."
Before you did something you would later regret, you pushed him out of the way and made your way to the lake. You needed to be alone, clear your head from what had recently transpired.
You quickly strip out of your clothes taking them with you as you went in the lake, washing away the dried blood and the memories of seeing your father lying in a pool of blood from years gone by.
Though no matter how much you washed the blood off your skin and clothes, the memory of what that bastard Rendon Howe did to you and your family, refused to leave your mind.
It was seeing Thorin lying there motionless that triggered it off and you dunked your head under the water trying to snap out of this strange mood you were currently in, completely oblivious that Elrohir was silently watching you from a distance.
o0o
~~Thorin's POV~~
When Thorin was told that Rila had killed Azog, at first he had refused to believe it. However, when he slowly turned around and saw her covered in blood, he knew his nephews had spoke the truth.
After that little outburst earlier, Thorin sat well away from the others, thinking. Thinking of her. Seeing her tears fall from her eyes unnerved him. He was still in shock by his actions a little while ago. Why did he brush away her tears?
"Right, seeing as everything is settled," began Gandalf "could we now have some introductions."
Thorin looked at these three men, two were tall, one was not. Another dwarf perhaps? He had never seen him before. Thorin's eyes narrowed however when one of the men was another elf.
'Three elves now!' Thorin thought bitterly 'Not happy with that.'
"I'm Dorian Pavus." replied the dark haired man.
He wore a strange robe and it was completely obvious that he was just like Gandalf. He could use magic, partly because Thorin noticed the staff behind his back. This Dorian had a moustache and a little bit of fluff under his botton lip, which could have been a beard trying to grow itself out. Dorian than turned and spoke,
"This is Solas and Varric."
Looking at Solas, Thorin sighed in disgust. Elves and him just did not get on. Still, this elf seemed different to the others he had seen. For one thing, this elf in particular was completely bald.
Solas seemed to sense that Thorin was looking at him and graced him with a small smile. Thorin did not return it however, as Rila decided to come back with that other blasted elf from Rivendell.
"How are you feeling?" asked Bilbo, a little shyly Thorin noted.
"Much better now that all that shit is off me. Thank you Bilbo." replied Rila, ruffling Bilbo's hair in the process.
"Are you hungry?"
"Not really Bilbo. I'm more tired than anything. I think I'll turn in for the night."
Thorin watched her as she got out her bedroll, before returning his attention to Solas. In all his years, he had never seen a bald headed elf before. Seeing this newcomers was making Thorin very uncomfortable. Something strange was going on here, though he had no idea what that was.
o0o
~~Rila's POV~~
Even though you had brought a blanket, you were still shivering. Pulling up your knees to try and cocoon yourself, you try and get some sleep. Just as you were about to get of to sleep, you felt something go around you and you instantly felt warmer. Without opening your eyes you whispered to whoever,
"Thank you."
"Your welcome, Defender." came Fili's voice.
You were too tired to question what he had said, as you felt yourself slippng into limbo land.
o0o
You woke with a start, sniffing the air. You could smell cooked sausage. Sitting up, you looked around the camp noticing everyone was wide awake and eating. You still was not hungry, instead you got up and stretched your limbs, taking no notice of the many eyes that were now watching you.
"Rila, I saved some food for you." smiled Bilbo walking over to you with a bowl of sausage and tomato.
"Bilbo, I am not at all hungry."
"But you never ate your dinner either," came Bilbo's concern "you have got to eat Rila."
"Bilbo, leave her be," You looked to the source of the voice seeing Gandalf lean on his staff "she will eat when she is ready...hmmm. Though please reframe from eating the contents of that bowl for yourself Bilbo...We all know you love your food."
There were several chuckles around the camp but you didn't even raise a smile. The truth was, you felt bad for being so rude to Thorin last night. You could feel his eyes on you but the shame of your outburst made you cringe. Just as you were rolling up your bedroll, your ears pricked up when you heard a town you hadn't heard in a long time.
"You say you are from Ferelden?" came Elladan's voice "Well isn't the the most curious thing."
"Actually," came the other voice "I'm from Tevinter. I only came to Ferelden when trouble decided to show itself."
Your bedroll fell back on the ground as you turned and looked to who Elladan was speaking too. You saw a tall man with dark brown hair. He had a trimmed moustache with a little bit of trimmed facial hair under his bottom lip. It suited him and this man was currently holding onto his staff.
It was impossible though, how could this man know the town of Ferelden? Elladan seemed to have sensed your eavesdropping and beckoned you over. Rolling your eyes at being caught out, you made your way towards your friend and this newcomer.
"Rila, this is Dorian Pavus," smiled Elladan as you looked back at this newcomer "his other friends are nearby but it seems you and he have something in common."
"Oh?" was your reply.
"Does Ferelden mean anything to you?" smiled Elladan, which went when you frowned at him.
"What about it?" You asked, not wanting to remember your past life.
"These three men come from there," began Elladan, now glancing back at Dorian "isn't that where your originally came from?"
You don't say a word, knowing for a fact Elladan knew the story as to who you used to be. Dorian however, turned his eyes from your friend and looked back at you. You could feel his eyes watch you, though you on the other hand, wanted to walk away as if nothing had been said.
"You're from Ferelden?" asked Dorian after a while "You do look very familiar."
"That's because this young lady here, is the Hero of Ferelden." came another voice.
You turned around and saw another elf walk towards you. He was different to Elladan and Elrohir for one thing, he had no hair on his head and he wasn't wearing any armour.
He was wearing a green coat and you could see that under that coat was a cream coloured tunic. His trousers were also green in colour. As for his footwear, he was wearing a pair of open toed boots to which you had not seem in a very long time.
"Don't be absurd Solas," smirked Dorian "the Hero of Ferelden died to save us from the Blight."
"Really?" replied Solas.
The elf named Solas edged closer to you, looking at you with a small smile on his face.
"I would never lie about this Dorian. This lady is the Hero of Ferelden."
You kept your mouth closed as you refused to look at either of these two newcomers. You had no idea why they called you by that title. All you did was slay the Archdemon, sacrificing yourself in order for others to live a peaceful life.
"Can someone please explain on what is going on here?"
You kept your eyes on the ground knowing it was Thorin that had spoken.
"What is a Hero of Ferelden."
"It is a name given to anyone that slays the Archdemon," explained Solas, you could still feel his eyes on you as he went on "this lady here, slayed the last Archdemon and died saving other lives."
"Died?" You heard Gloin say "But she's standing right here!"
"Yes and that in itself is a mystery."
You could feel your eyes well up with tears and before they trickled down your cheeks, you brushed past Elladan and Dorian and walked to where the lake was. You just wanted to be alone for a while.
"Rila!" You heard your name being called out but you just continued walking.
'The Hero of Ferelden!' You thought bitterly to yourself, wiping your tears away 'Some hero.'
You thought back on the last time you had seen the man who had stolen your heart...Zevran. Before the big battle had taken place, you had finally admitted to him that you loved him. You found yourself smirking back at his response when he had replied,
"Yes, yes, I know that."
You touched the gold earring that he had given to you that was now in your ear, a reminder on how things used to be and sighed. Maker, you missed that elf. A twig being trodden on brought you out of your thoughts and you turned your head noticing Thorin and Fili walk towards you. You return your attention to the ripples of the water.
"I came to see if you are alright." said Thorin after a while of silence.
"I should be asking you that," You replied turning to face them both "after all, I was rather rude to you, was I not?"
"You had reason to be rude," smiled Thorin which went just as suddenly as he continued speaking "I could see the pain in your eyes when you lectured me, which I can still see."
"Ahh," You swallowed hard averting your gaze to the ground "those men told you who I really was then?"
"Only about this Hero of Ferelden business, which you already know about," replied Thorin watching you intently "who are you really?"
~~Thorin's POV~~
When that bald elf mentioned 'the Hero of Ferelden' Thorin looked at these newcomers, wondering what that title truly meant. As the elf explained about an Archdemon, Thorin's blue eyes went on Rila.
It was clear to see that she was trying to hold back tears before she walked away from everyone. He wanted some answers and the only way Thorin knew how to get them, was ask Rila herself. Just as he was about to follow her lead, a hand went on Thorin's arm causing him to stop.
"Maybe she needs to be left alone," said Fili gently to his uncle "since her outburst last night, I can sense she is troubled."
Thorin sighed but started walking once more.
"Fine, but I'm going with you! Please do not shout at Rila, uncle."
"I will not shout at her, I just want some answers."
Walking in silence, Thorin and Fili headed towards the lake, knowing that was the place Rila was sure to be. When they came to a clearing, they both saw Rila looking out at the lake that was in front of her. She seemed to be holding on to her ear, Thorin hoped that she was not injured in any way. She spun around when a twig had alerted their presence. Rila quickly turned around once more as both Thorin and Fili walked towards her.
"I came to see if you are alright." said Thorin, he did not like this silence at all.
"I should be asking you that," came Rila's reply facing both dwarves "after all, I was rather rude to you, was I not?"
"You had reason to be rude."
Thorin graced her with a smile which went just as suddenly when he saw the sadness in her blue eyes.
"I could see the pain in your eyes when you lectured me, which I can still see."
"Ahh."
Rila shifted a little and looked downwards, trying to conceal what was hurting her. It failed, Thorin could see right through her facade and it pained him to see her like this.
"Those men told you who I really was then?"
"Only about this Hero of Ferelden business, which you already know about," said Thorin watching her closely "who are you really?"
~~Rila's POV~~
Closing your eyes, you took a moment to gather your thoughts together. When you reopened your eyes, you looked at Fili and Thorin and sighed.
"I suppose I should start at the beginning." You finally say to them both.
"It would help." replied Thorin, gracing you with a smile.
"It began when my home was attacked by Rendon Howe's soldiers, killing anything that got in their way," You began frowning at the memory you were seeing once more "they killed my nephew and my brother's wife and I knew then, that Rendon wanted to kill us all."
"Who is Rendon Howe?" asked Thorin, crossing his arms over his chest.
"He was a friend of my father's," You laughed bitterly at the irony about that "they both fought together at the battle of White River, which is where their friendship developed. Some friendship! What he did to my family, the way he and his soldiers killed my fathers soldiers, children, townspeople. I never said goodbye to Ser Gilmore either!"
You sighed, remembering your childhood friend staying behind in the main hall, while you and your mother escaped. Trying to reach father. You shook your head, still smelling the blood as you plunged your sword in Howe's nasty soldiers. You and your mother tried to save other people from this treacherous night.
"Rila don't-," began Fili bringing you out of your memories.
"My mother and I fought those lowlife's off as best we could, as we slowly made our way towards the kitchen. When we finally got there, having killed off more of Howe's soldier's, we walked through the pantry door, noticing at once my father was gravely injured."
"You don't have to explain that part," said Thorin, clearly seeing your pained expression "I can see that explaining this to us is hard for you."
Again you sighed.
"I have to," You replied to him "in order for me to tell you on who I am, I have to explain everything to you. The good and the bad."
"But it is clearly upseting you Rila," said Fili looking at you with concern "just tell us about this Hero of Ferelden story."
"I was getting there," You admitted looking at both Thorin and Fili, before continuing "I knew my father was dying from the wound he had been inflicted upon. He managed to tell me that it was indeed Rendon Howe that had masterminded this entire massacre. I told him that I would have vengeance for him and father agreed to that.
A man named Duncan came into the room and I knew deep down, that he could not help my father. Instead, he asked that I leave with him to become a Grey Warden in the battle against the Blight. My father allowed this, knowing it would be the only way to keep me safe."
You stopped for a moment, remembering the blood seeping out of your father's stab wound and swallowed hard.
"As my father was slowly dying, my mother had made the choice in not leaving with me, she decided to stay by my father's side. I still feel incredibly guilty for leaving her to her fate but by that time, the soldiers had reached the kitchen. It was time to leave."
Slowly, you explained how you and Duncan arrived at Ostagar where you met Ser Jowy and Daveth and Alistair who would later become a dear friend. You deliberately left out the part as too what was in the joining ritual. You didn't want any strange questions as to how you survived drinking the darkspawn taint.
No, that would always stay a secret for Duncan and every Warden thereafter. You did explain that you were the only one that had survived the ritual seeing that dragon for the very first time.
"Dragon?" asked Thorin, interruping you.
"You could say that. It looked like a dragon but it was really an Archdemon."
The blank expressions on both Thorin and Fili's faces, nearly brought out a smile but you quickly went on.
"The Archdemon are really an old god who manifest into massive dragons. No one knows why the chose that form but it has always been that way, apparently."
"Apparently?" asked Fili sounding confused "What do you mean?"
"I've only seen one Archdemon in my time. The others came long before I was even born and was defeated by other Wardens."
"How did you kill this dragon type thing?" asked Thorin.
You looked at the ground shifting your feet a little, remembering the battle. Everyone was there, dwarves, the people of Redcliffe, Dalish elves and the mages. All helping out in there own way, while Morrigan, Shale, Zevran and yourself made your way inside the fortress that the Archdemon was holed up in.
Once again, you explained that you and your party fought off darkspawn as you all slowly edged nearer towards the main trouble maker. The battle that followed was long.
The Archdemon had a lot of willpower but none of you stopped attacking this massive dragon. As you tell Thorin and Fili how you saw the Archdemon finally slow his/her pace, you explained that it was time to end it now.
Somehow, you had managed to climb up onto the dragon's back and slowly edge closer to its head. You remembered, raising your sword high in the air and then plunging your weapon in its head.
"The last thing I remember before I fell, was that there was a blinding white light as I killed the Archdemon," You carried on, now looking back at the lake "I thought I would finally get to see my father and mother and finally meet Andraste herself, but-,"
"But what?" asked Fili, you could tell he had been interested in your story as was Thorin come to think of it.
"I was supposed to have died when I killed of that Archdemon," You began, turning your attention back on the two dwarves who were listening to your past "on the eve of the battle, another Grey Warden by the name Riordan informed Alistair and myself that in order for the Archdemon to die, there would have to be a sacrifice. Whoever killed the dragon would also die."
"And that was supposed to happen to you?" asked Thorin, tilting his head in wonder.
"It did happen!" You insisted, as if you could not believe he had just said that "Only instead of dying I..." You look around the place "was found in a marsh, dead at night. It was Glorfindel that found me...here, in Middle-earth!
During my stay in Rivendell, Glorfindel never left my side while I slowly regained my health, neither did the two brothers Elladan and Elrohir. In fact, everyone welcomed me there, even though at the time, they had no idea on how I came to be in this world. To be honest with you, it still is a mystery."
You watched Thorin and Fili as you conclude on how you came here in the first place. You left out the visions of that dragon for now, you didn't want to confuse them. The truth was, just who were those three newcomers?
That man Dorian claimed he came from Ferelden. You were beginning to think there was more to these men than you first thought. Though you had no idea if these men were friend or foe.
"Is that why you didn't speak when we first met?" asked Thorin, breaking you out of your thoughts.
"No, I didn't speak, plainly because up until Gandalf found me, I had been traveling on my own for a long time."
"I thought you stayed in Rivendell?" questioned Fili, frowning a little now.
Again you shift your feet on the ground trying to think on how to evade his answer.
"Ahh, There you all are!" came a voice from behind you.
You turned your head and saw Elrohir walking towards you all, though his eyes stayed on you.
"Rila, you have to try and eat something. Bombur is looking at your breakfast like a lovestruck puppy."
You graced him with a smile and decided to try and eat something, even though food was the last thing you wanted. As you walked back towards the camp, you looked up at the sky once more and frowned. The sky still had a tint of green next to the clouds and this made you nervous, though you had no idea why that was.
o0o
As you forced another mouthful of sausage in your mouth, you could feel eyes on you. Without looking you smiled a little knowing who was watching. Ever since returning to the camp, Elrohir has barely left your side.
"Rila, are you really alright?" He finally asked you, stepping in your line of vision.
"What do you mean?"
You finally looked at him, with a confused expression on your face.
"You know full well," Elrohir sat down besides you and sighed "those newcomers are somehow connected to your past life."
"Oh really?" You smirked, placing your spoon back in the bowl "How did you work that out?"
"Other than the fact that they all fell from the sky," your friend began softly, so that others will not be able to hear this conversation "they all come from Ferelden."
You frowned at him.
"What do you mean, they fell from the sky?"
"Exactly what I say. One minute there was thunder, then out come three people from that strange looking sky. You were in the process of your own problems though, defeating Azog the Defiler."
You furrow your brows even further.
"Who?"
Elrohir sighed, before placing his arm around your middle.
"Azog the Defiler was the one that was tracking this company," He explained, while your eyes go on each dwarf in turn "a long time ago, there was a battle in Moria. Many died, including Thorin's grandfather...You defeated Thorin's nemesis."
As he said that, your eyes went on Thorin. You were startled to realise that he was watching you back, though you had no idea why that was. He graced you with a nod and a smile before turning his attention elsewhere.
"How do you know all of this?" You asked Elrohir, forcing yourself to look back at him.
"Books my dear friend," laughed Elrohir, squeezing your waist "and Ada who has the gift of foresight."
You had no idea that you had killed Thorin's foe. It now made complete sense on why he went up to him back then. You shook your head, remembering your words to Thorin eariler. You had been so rude to him and surprisingly, Thorin took it.
You knew you had to apologise to him, though now was not the time, especially when the man named Dorian was now heading towards you. He smiled at you as you placed the bowl on the ground.
"I do apologise for my manners a little while ago. I wasn't expecting to see another fellow Ferelden in this strange place."
"I thought you said you were from Tevinter?" You questioned him, with a frown.
"Indeed I am," replied Dorian "but what with the Breach and the mages and templers and-,"
Your frown increased.
"What are you talking about?"
"Dorian," You heard another voice "you skipped a few chapters."
You watch as another dwarf that you know you had never seen before walk up to Dorian, though his amber eyes stayed on yours.
"Varric Tethras." He smiled at you, as he said that.
He was wearing a red tunic, with gold embroidery on it. The tunic showed off some of his chest. He was wearing beige trousers, with brown boots. He had several earrings in both his ears, all gold that matched his necklace around his neck.
"You're not going to say, 'at your service,' are you?" smirked Elrohir, causing you to playfully clip the back of his head at that remark.
"Hey, what was that for?"
"The dwarves in this world have always said that greeting," You pointed out, taking no notice of Elrohir as he pretended to rub his head "as well you know that fact, Elrohir."
You return your attention to the two men in front of you. Both of them had a smile on their lips.
"Rila Cousland," You say to them both "but I believe you already knew that already, didn't you?"
Your blue eyes dart over to Elladan who was talking to Gandalf about something, knowing it was him that told these newcomer's a little about yourself.
"Only your name," replied Dorian, making you look back at these two men once more "your friend was rather defensive when I questioned him about you."
"Of course he would," said Elrohir "my brother and I protect those we love."
"Ahh, I see. So you three are in a relationship." remarked Dorian with a hint of a smile on his face.
"Maker's breath," You said, shaking your head in disdain "Elladan, Elrohir and I are just friends. Like brother and sister."
You heard laughing come from behind you, causing you to turn your head around a little, noticing Kili, holding onto his sides.
"Sorry, but even I thought you three were-," He stopped talking when you glared at him "so that means you are single then, does it Rila?"
Kili's grin returned as your eyes followed him, as he walked to where Dorian was.
"This should be interesting."
You didn't like where this was going and quickly changed the conversation.
"So, how did you three men, end up here anyway?"
"Oh not this again!" said Kili, plonking himself down next to you "This story is too far fetched."
"We skipped through time. Perhaps you should ask Solas on how we got here in the first place. It is partly his fault we are here." came Dorian's response, completely ignoring Kili.
"I beg your pardon?" You reply, clearly not understanding on what he had just said "Skipped through time?"
Dorian nodded.
"Very well, I will tell you a little about what happened thus far. You see we are, er," Dorian sighed before continuing "I should say, were fighting an enemy who wanted to be a god."
"Go on." You urged him.
"Only just when we nearly had the upper hand, he simply vanished, along with his very own Archdemon."
Time seemed to have slowed down then. You could feel your heart beating faster and you suddenly felt a little sick, as you watched Dorian with wide eyes.
'Did he just say an Archdemon?' You wondered to yourself.
"An Archdemon?" You asked him, knowing you would not like the answer.
"Yes." came Dorian's reply.
"See I told you," jumped in Kili "this story doesn't even make any sense."
"There shoud never have been another Archdemon," You say to Dorian, ignoring Kili's little outburst "I should know, I killed the last fucking one!"
You stood up, suddenly feeling very uneasy. You knew full well you had killed that Archdemon. Was it possible that this Archdemon was the same one you had fought? That was not possible though, your last memory was the blinding light going around you, before the darkness crept in.
"Rila," You heard your name but don't say anything "are you alright?"
"What's going on?" came another voice, heading towards you all.
"Before this young dwarf here interrupts me again," began Dorian, glaring at Kili "can I just explain that this Archdemon is not the same to the one you slayed ten years ago."
"Ten years?" You questioned him, finally noticing Thorin standing besides Varric watching you "Well that is impossible. I've been here for over forty years."
You could see the surprise in Dorian's grey eyes as he took on board to what you had just revealed to him.
"If you don't mind me asking, but how did you arrive here anywhere?" asked Dorian.
You rubbed your temple and sighed, then repeated everything you had told Thorin and Fili earlier on. You were surprised that Kili never once interrupted you and when you glanced at him, you could see the shock on his face as he watched you with wide brown eyes.
"So everything that this man says, is true then?" asked Kili.
You nod your head.
"Well, my story is true. I have no knowledge about what happened next, seeing as I am supposed to be dead!" You remarked, looking at Kili.
"But clearly you are not!" responded Dorian "Which is another mystery in itself."
"Wow! That's a lot to take in." said Kili, shaking his head in wonder.
"The elves healed and helped you then?" asked Varric.
Again you nodded.
"Yes, without their help, I would have given up ages ago." You admitted.
"Rila, never say that," said Elrohir, standing up and placing his arms around your middle "we were meant to find you. Ada knew something was going to happen that night, so he, Glorfindel and a few guards combed the area outside Imladris."
"Imladris?" asked Dorian "What's that?"
"It is the real name for where my kin live," explained Elrohir "the common word for Imladris, is Rivendell...Anyway, it was night time and there were a few Orcs roaming around which were easily dealt with."
"What does Ada mean?" asked Varric, looking at Elrohir and yourself.
"It is the elvish word for father." explained Elrohir.
Elrohir turned and looked down at you as he continued.
"It was Glorfindel that found your unconscious form. It was just as Ada described it. There you were, injured. Your right hand was lightly holding onto a bloodied sword, your armour was also covered in blood, in fact no one knew what had happened. Both Ada and Glorfindel went to your aid, seeing what the damage was.
You had at the time strange red markings on your hands and on the right side of your face. No one knew what they were, but thankfully they disappeared a few weeks later."
"I believe those markings may have been caused by the blinding light when I finally killed the Archdemon," You admitted, swallowing hard "Darkspawn blood and that light could have somehow infused together, causing those marks to appear on my skin."
You felt Elrohir gently squeeze your middle, as he took over once more.
"Ada explained to Elladan and myself that Glorfindel gently picked Rila up while the guards picked up her sword that had slipped out of her grasp when the Balrog slayer held her. He placed Rila on his horse before getting on himself, making sure she was alright, then galloped off back to Imladris."
Elrohir then graced you with a warm smile as you watched him. You never said a word, knowing that Glorfindel was indeed a very special elf to you.
"You could say, that was how Glorfindel nursed you back to health and became a close friend to you."
"As are you and Elladan." You replied, not noticing the look of disgust on Thorin's face as he watched Elrohir.
"Could I borrow this story?" asked Varric, watching you intently "I can see a bestseller here."
"You're an author, I take it?" You asked, relieved that your past was momentraily forgotten.
"I've been known to dabble in stories of my own. Some have even been bestsellers." grinned Varric.
Despite yourself, you smiled back at him. You had this feeling, that you would get on with Varric and Dorian. The other elf Solas, well, you would just have to wait and see on that front.
"So, who exactly is this wannabe god then?" You asked them both, only it was not Varric or Dorian that answered your question.
"He goes by the name Corypheus," replied Solas walking towards you all, as was Gandalf "and it appears that he is somewhere in this land now."
"Along with his Archdemon." remarked Varric."
A sudden thought hit you then. That vision you had was of a dragon, what if this dragon wasn't Smaug you had seen but the Archdemon itself? Excusing yourself, you walked away from the others.
All these thoughts floated through your mind. If there was indeed another Archdemon around, that meant there were now two dragons in this very world. One that was very real and the other...
"Rila, could you walk with me please?" came a voice behind you.
You automatically turned around, seeing Gandalf looking ahead of you. You knew it was him that had spoken. He had a very distinguished voice for a start. One that you could listen to for hours, without getting bored of it.
You watched him as he then began to walk away from you, meaning for you to follow him. Rolling your eyes, you did just that, gracing Fili with a smile as you brushed past him.
"It seems trouble is heading your way Rila." said Gandalf when you were both well away from the others.
Gandalf had stopped walking and was now leaning on his staff, looking at what was in front of him...Many trees.
"That elf Solas explained something interesting to me," carried on Gandalf "he told me the reason Dorian, Varric and himself are here, is because of an artifact that he had touched."
"An artifact?" You asked, turning away from the wizard, watching the men who Gandalf were talking about "What kind of artifact?"
"An Elven one. Apparently, Solas has always sensed one when he is near them. While they were fighting, um, er...Do forgive me," said Gandalf with a hint of a blush on his face "I've seen to have forgotten the name to who these men were fighting at."
You smirked at his honesty.
"I believe the god they are talking about is Corypheus." You replied.
"Ah, yes, that's the name. Well this Corypheus had his own artifact on him and used it on another artifact. It caused something to happen, which is how our new conpanions ended up here."
You just listened in stunned silence. When you were fighting against the Blight, you had never heard of any elven artifact. The only thing that had power was the urn that had Andraste's ashes inside it.
This very urn, had cured Arl Eamon, who until then, had been poisoned by that blood mage, Jowan. This artifact sounded dangerous to you. If it could transport people to other places, what was this Corypheus intending on doing here? With another Archdemon roaming around Middle-earth. This was not good news.
"Did Solas say where this Corypheus now resides?" You asked Gandalf, turning to face him once again.
"No child, since they have just arrived, they have no idea where their enemy is."
"Our enemy," You surmised "I have a feeling that vision I've been having, is about the Archdemon, not Smaug. These newcomers need all the help they can get and I intend to lend them my support."
"You are leaving with these men?" came a voice behind you.
You spun around, noticing Fili watch you with worry in his blue eyes.
"I'm sorry I eavesdropped, I was just curious to where you were going." carried on Fili, though he still had a concerned look on his face.
"Hmmm, were you indeed?" smirked Gandalf with a knowing smile.
"Are you leaving us Rila?" asked Fili, taking no notice of Gandalf as he continued to watch you.
You shook your head.
"Not to my acknowledgement. Though you know what I've been through," You began, seeing Fili nod his head "Dorian says there is another Archdemon flying around this world. That has to be destroyed!"
"But you said when you slayed the other dragon thingy, you died. What if that happens again?"
You didn't say anything as you watched Gandalf swiftly walk away.
"If anything should happen to you Rila, I'll never forgive myself."
Your eyes returned to Fili's and again you could see the worry in his eyes. You had no idea why he was acting this way. You sighed.
"Nothing will happen to me."
"You don't know that." remarked Fili.
"Oh believe me Fili, I do." You replied, brushing past him once more.
Though you had told Thorin, Fili, Kili and some of those newcomers your past. There was still a secret that you will not tell, unless of course you had no control over. Only a select few knew this secret which included Lord's Elrond's two son. No, this secret will stay buried and hidden, where it should always stay that way.
o0o
~~Thorin's POV~~
Thorin was still thinking to what Rila had explained to him. That she had killed this dragon like creature, she died or so she thinks, then came here on Middle-earth. This really made no sense to him.
Glancing at the three men, he knew there was more to them than meets the eye. He found that he just didn't trust them. Even though they haven't been here long, it was the elf that unnerved him.
There was something about this particular elf that made Thorin uneasy. He could tell at once that Solas was always watching everything, which was understandable, seeing as they had come from another place entirely. It was just a feeling Thorin had.
'I just don't trust him,' He thought to himself, shaking his head 'and its not because he is an elf either.'
Thorin's azure eyes strayed onto Rila as she returned to her bedroll that she was now in the process of picking up. He felt ashamed as to how he had treated her when they had first met.
True, she never said a word at the beginning but when she did explain that she was not an elf, Thorin couldn't stop thinking about her. In truth, she intrigued him. Especially as they both had, had many hardships knocked onto them both.
'She is a Defender,' thought Thorin with a small smile, remembering the blood all over her from her victory over Azog 'Sticks up for herself as well.'
He looked at the strange sky. Thorin had first noticed the green coloured sky while in the tree and had at first thought Gandalf did something to it. Now that these new conpanions had arrived, he knew it was connected to them now. Even though Azog was now dead, it did not ease his mind. Trouble was coming, he was sure of it.