She sat at the small table taking her jewellery off as he watched impatiently, sipping on a glass of wine.
"Why do you not come over here..." He patted the mattress beside where he sat. He had taken his boots off and watched as she too had slipped off her shoes and walked about on the soft rug they had placed on the floor of her tent. It was quite spacious but also warm considering how cold it was outside. "There is no need to hurry with taking those off..."
He rather liked the way she looked bathed in her necklaces and the strange head dress that was draped over her hair, and wondered what she might look like in nothing but her jewels.
"Some of these are on loan. So they must be kept safe and undamaged." She wrapped up a few of the pieces in several velvet rolls carefully before peeping through the flap of her tent and handing it to one of her guards.
"Are they necessary out there tonight?" Thorin asked again realising that her guards stood within earshot of them. "I am hardly going to harm you..."
She laughed at his comment nervously.
"They are there to guard us both now. They have been in service to me since I turned twelve..."
"But they will hear us," he objected again hoping against hope that she would understand what he meant. It was not always easy to control what came out of one in the throes of passion. "Is it not strange that they can be trusted to safeguard you, and yet they too are men, with...natural urges..."
"Oh...no, my lord. They have been...erm...I don't know the word for it in westron." She wracked her brains. "Where the...Um... Crown jewels have been removed."
She gestured to the nether regions, making Thorin laugh at first as he watched her, before realising they had been castrated.
"And they were willing for this?" He sat up asking in surprise.
"It is a great honour to guard a princess royal." She confirmed walking over to the side table and eyeing the glass of wine he had poured out for her with uncertainty. "Their families will be given wealth and status and always looked after by the crown. And to be honest they are more like my big brothers really..."
He watched her with a light smile on his face as she walked about slowly. It was one of his rare genuine smiles. He would not insult her with feigned happiness, after all she had no where to escape, she belonged to him, whether she liked it or not!
Perhaps she might have not been his choice, had he been given one. But perhaps if he had the choice he may not have sought out a bride at all, let alone one as young and unspoilt as her.
Tonight he was just a man enjoying his new bride, all other troubles could wait until tomorrow morning. And by Mahal would he enjoy her!
"What did he mean by witnessing the marriage? Isn't that what they did already?" She asked out of curiousity, slowly picking up the glass. She had so many questions for him, and yet they had so little time. And she knew what awaited her!
He stood from the bed with a groan, uncertain how to explain a custom even he deemed quite archaic.
"Well, it had been the custom for both our peoples that when a royal is wed, that the consummation of the marriage is witnessed by important elders or members of court - usually ladies, but it was not always the case," he watched her eyes widen at the thought. "It would have been your brother, but I do not think he was too keen. And I have little doubt that the slimy master of Esgaroth would have requested a view too, which would certainly have affected my ability to enjoy myself..."
He moved closer to her gently picking up a lock of her black hair. It was the colour of the purest jet, and felt like silk in his hands. He had not given her any warning and expected her to flinch, so was pleased that she hadn't.
"You do look beautiful..." He spoke softly to her, watching as she took a gulp of the wine, apparently surprised that he was even capable of a compliment. "I hope you did not think me improper yesterday..."
She shook her head, attempting to stop her rapid breathing.
"So if we are not going to be witnessed - I mean I am very relieved at that too, but... How do you show proof?" She pondered looking at the wine - it wasn't truly to her taste, but it was certainly strong.
He smiled loosening her sheer veil that also acted like a stole, watching her shiver at the lightest of his touch, before gently folding it over a table.
"Has your mother, or anyone told you what to expect tonight...?" He asked pouring himself another glass. "I imagine you have never been with another man..."
She shook her head when he turned to her.
"Have you...ever..." He thought carefully how to ask this, and took another sip of wine to stall for time, watching her take a sip herself. "Touched yourself..."
She shook her head, trying to hide a quizzical look and taking another sip.
"Have you ever climaxed...?" He drained his goblet and moved towards her.
"No..." She whispered back worried.
"Ah..." He brushed her cheek with his hand. "We shall have to remedy that then tonight..."
"Oh..." She quickly put the goblet to her lips and had the last of it herself wondering whether what he spoke of was to be painful. Perhaps she should have eaten something earlier when her guards had brought her a plate, because she found the wine was making her head swim a little.
"It's nothing to be afraid of, little one...I promise you will enjoy it..."
She stumbled back as he walked towards her, landing on the soft mass of furs and blankets.
And of course he was quick to follow, shedding his coat fast and coming to lay on the bed beside her.
She lay there for a minute, feeling the rush of excitement that seemed to overcome her each time he came so close. Closing her eyes for a moment she took in a few deep breaths, as he trailed a finger along her jaw, down her neck and between her breasts.
He felt her shiver under his touch again, to his great delight, and couldn't resist kissing her. It was not a gentle kiss though, but rather filled with a burning hunger that was raw and feral, a feeling he was unaware dwelled within him, that she seemed to be quite capable of stirring in him.
"Have you ever kissed another before..?" He whispered between kisses, his hands wrapping themselves around her leg.
"You mean like my mother or father -" and then she blushed realising that was not at all what he had asked. "Oh... Another man... No..."
He kissed her again, this time pulling her over to sit on his chest, her thighs and legs splayed across him.
"You are very good...a natural," He bit her lip, drawing a little moan from her, as he slowly began to undo the laces on her blouse. "And you taste so sweet..."
"Dates..." She pointed somewhere, but neither seemed to care, as they carried on kissing.
Her head swam and her heart beat out of her chest so fast that she was sure it would explode. And he carried on loosening her blouse, so that he could gently brush her nipples by running his fingers along and just beneath the plunging neckline. He was delighted to see just how deliciously she arched her back each time he did.
Despite the assault on all her senses, she couldnt help herself as she began to gyrate her hips.
"Ah..." She whispered nervously and a little alarmed. "I think the wine...may be poisoned..."
He broke their kiss, worried about her, but watching her, it was clear she was rather enjoying herself, and not unwell at all.
"What do you mean my little dancer...?" He carried on brushing her nipples and grinding himself against her, as she sat in his lap, eyes closed and steadying herself on his shoulders. "Open your eyes little one..."
"I...feel funny..." She sighed throwing her head back, before opening her big brown eyes and looking at him. "Like something is happening to me...to my body..."
He smiled kissing her again realising she was close.
"How about this...?" He trailed a hand down her stomach and to her waist, continuing further and lighting brushing further down still over her clothes.
"Oh...that makes...my whole body feel as though..." She watched him earnestly, her eyes clouded with pleasure. "I am going to explode..."
"That...is good..." He slipped his hand down the waistband of her trousers to continue what he had begun before against her softness. She was so wet he wanted her right away, but he knew this would pay off. She screwed her eyes tight. "No no...I want you to let go..."
She gasped as he touched her, letting her head fall back, a soft mewl escaping her lips.
"Yes..that's right..." He watched her unblinking. He had never brought a woman to climax so easily before, and he had barely undressed her or touched her for that matter, and he could sense she would climax at any moment now. "Do not be afraid, let go...for me...scream if you feel it...say my name..."
"Ah! Thorin!" She cried out as she trembled in his arms. "I think I am going to collapse..."
He was quick to catch her against his body, kissing her as her first climax washed over her. He had never heard a female cry out so delightfully when he had brought them to completion. And he rather liked the way his name sounded from her lips.
They lay there for a few minutes, as she recovered.
"My lady..." He whispered in her ear but she was still catching her breath. He began to take his tunic off, when she grasped it and helped pull it off. "If you enjoyed that...I have something more I think you would enjoy..."
"I have never felt that before..." She smiled at him half lidded while he quickly pulled off her blouse to leave her breasts exposed, her nipples already standing proud.
"And to think you had never kissed nor had you been touched..." He lay her on the bed, and slowly began to slip her pantaloons off, growing eager in every sense to taste her more. But she just lay there with a smile of her face and her eyes closed. "My lady...are you well..?"
"No... I told you I think this wine is poisoned. For I feel strange." She reached out blindly for him. "The whole room... Is swimming..."
"How much wine have you had?" He began to kiss his way down the soft brown skin of her belly before arriving precisely where he desired.
"Only one goblet..." she mewled under his movements, but her eyes were still closed.
"And how much do you normally drink?" He spoke into her, making her gasp.
"This is my first time..."
"Oh..." He sighed realising she was probably very intoxicated indeed.
Initially he tried to carry on as he had begun. Her naked body was so sensitive to his touches, kisses, licks and bites. But her soft sighs were soon, ones in her sleep.
"Oh my dear wife..." He crawled up her delicious body, sporting a painful erection, so desperate to plunder her and with his tip at her entrance, so wet and ready, he paused.
All it would take was the gentlest of pressure and he would be inside her. With the way in which she had been so unspoilt, he could only imagine just how tight she would be. And she would not feel any pain tonight either.
Perhaps it would be for the greater good too - they needed proof of consummation, and he needed his release, or he would be a mess tomorrow.
He hovered over her for a little while, teasing his throbbing tip just at her entrance.
And then he realised he simply couldn't do it.
She was exhausted from the first climax he had given her coupled with the intoxication. And he had quickly realised that perhaps with just half a goblet of wine to relax her, from the way she had moved last night, so freely, he would thoroughly enjoy deflowering her, with her as an active participant.
She certainly danced in a strangely erotic way that he had never seen before. He would love an encore perhaps next time when she was fully nude!
He sighed kneeling over her and beginning to palm himself as he looked at her body.
Perhaps this night would have to wait, and he would have to make do with spilling himself over her for tonight.
Now he had two problems to deal with presently: firstly he was still rock hard, but that would be an easy fix, looking at her. The second problem was how to provide proof that they had consummated the marriage, that would require a little more subtlety.
...
She woke up to the sound of Thorin dressing.
Her head ached, she felt sick, and she was frankly in a bad mood. The cold air against her naked skin was somewhat soothing.
And then she remembered last night!
Quickly she pulled a blanket up over herself.
"Good. You are awake..." Thorin grunted without looking at her. "At least we had some rest last night..."
That would not have been the case had it been his choice. She had tossed and turned, often talking in her sleep and rolling her long, smooth legs over him, or pressing her body to his for warmth. It had been pure torture. Had he his own way, he would have taken her several times at least. But instead he had been forced to take care of himself several times!
Suddenly realising what a state of undress she was in, she pulled the blankets around herself, sitting up.
"There is no need for that, I have seen, touched and tasted all you have to offer already," he grunted in irritation. "We must leave for Erebor now..."
"But I am not coming?" She frowned recalling so many different conversations.
"You are hardly of any use to anyone." He snapped back, and then regretted his choice of words. Still he said nothing to soften the sting.
She fell silent and pulled the blankets up tighter.
"Listen to me, this is very important," he sighed and sat on the bed beside her in his tunic and trousers glancing at her sidelong. "The lives of so many depend on this. I imagine you will have some moral objection, as you cannot recall what happened last night...but you are to say that we have consummated the marriage -"
"What about proof?"
"I showed them a blood stained bedsheet and claimed it was your virgin blood." He explained fast. "I know it is a lot to take in, but you had foolishly consumed too much wine and your head will be feeling worse for wear -"
"What truly happened?" She asked quietly.
"Well, you experienced the best climax of your life," he smirked, recalling how she had lost all inhibition after the wine and gyrated her hips for him. Had this been normal circumstances he would have found it endearing, and he could have finished the task in the morning. But these were not normal times. "And then you passed out.. which means you owe me my finish..."
"Why am I sticky?"
"I had to cut myself perhaps it's the blood..." He had made a small cut on his chest, which had bled more than he expected on the sheets. But the true reason was not this! "Let me have a look..."
Perhaps he could convince her to let him see her body. But he certainly was not ready to reveal the truth!
She just sat there and shook her head and pulling her blanket tighter. He hadn't sounded happy about their night already, and it had made her feel like she had not been able to please him. Perhaps he had found her repulsive.
He remained watching her closely. There was a chance he may not ever see her again.
"Do not worry about it," he dismissed quickly. "I have little time left with you, so it is important that you understand what I am saying... If your father's army does not arrive, many men will die. Do you understand?"
She nodded quickly.
"Of course, I will tell them that our marriage is...consummated." She repeated.
"Do you even know what that means?" He huffed angrily.
"Yes," she looked at her arms decorated in henna up to her elbows and frowned. The patterns which looked red on her sisters fair skin, looked dark on hers. It was all a bit pointless, and not exactly what she would have wished for had she any choice in the matter. "My mother told me the first time would hurt, but I did not know I would be expected to bleed..."
"Don't worry. I have no such expectations of you. But it was needed to prove that I have claimed you." Thorin spoke gruffly now standing to pull on his coat. "But you are still my wife, and all this means is that we are to finish the task once you are brought to Erebor... Is that clear?"
She sat up on her knees now, clutching the blankets and looked at him worried.
"Will you be safe entering the Mountain while that beast sleeps... I have seen what the sandworms do..." She spoke up quietly worried. She didn't particularly care for this horrid man. But he was now her husband. And she knew what happened to young widows among her people. Some were ordered to be burned on the funeral pyres along with their cruel husband if it had been written into their final wishes, while others were forced to live in nunneries outside the city walls far away from their loved ones. A pardon from her father would be the only thing that might save her. But it also required enough noblemen to agree. And she was less certain of that. Her many step mothers hated her for the affections of her father that she was seen to steal from them. But worst of all now, Nandita hated her, accusing her of stealing a suitor from her. And Nanditas mother was a powerful woman. So if Thorin died, she would have no home to return to.
"Aye..." He paused to look at her surprised by her question. He had not been particular kind to her, and yet was it even possible that she could care for him? "I have faced Smaug before."
"And Master Baggins? You will keep him safe?" She added cautiously not wishing to upset him.
"Aye. He will be, so long as he doesn't do anything foolish." He lied to pacify her. He didn't care for her fondness of the hobbit, and yet he didn't like seeing her face so sad nonetheless. "Now do you remember what you are to say?"
"Shouldn't I be ready to see you off...?" She suddenly got out of bed, even though her head still felt funny.
"Here... Drink." He handed her a small vial. He would not force her to see him off publicly - it was enough of a spectacle thanks to the master of the town as it stood. "Oin, prepared some for you."
"Oh." She took the small glass bottle, but started standing up, still clutching onto the blanket, even though he could see her shapely bottom and her narrow waist from behind. "And what about Kili? He is not well enough to travel. I mean, I fear for him, my lord."
"Kili will be looked after," he suddenly stood in front of her grasping her arms tightly, so that she understood the importance of what he had to say. It startled her enough to let go of the blanket she clutched, leaving her attempting to scramble for it, but he stopped her, watching her soft deep brown skin prickle with goosebumps. "There is no need for modesty now: You are my wife. But it is really important that your brother takes you away from Lake Town after we leave...do you understand?"
"In case you awaken the dragon..." She looked at him concerned, and she suddenly clutched onto his chest. "But what about all the children and the elderly of this town? Please! We must evacuate them all then? There are babes... They would not survive a long journey or such cold! My lord, Thorin!"
But he simply held her naked body against himself, hushing her as though she were just a hysterical creature.
He wouldn't be able to hold her for too long, without growing rock hard. And he didn't need that before his quest.
"This is why your father's army is essential. They will arrive at daybreak tomorrow, ready for when we enter the mountain. So let us all pray it does not come to that..." He smirked still holding her. He rather enjoyed it. Even if she didn't love him, or he love her, he could at least enjoy her until they had an heir, after which they could agree to lead separate lives if that was her choice, and he could go back to having whomever he chose in his bed. "I could make time if you wish to be quick though..."
Suddenly realising the compromising position she found herself in, as she felt his calloused hands moving down her back, she quickly pushed herself away from him.
"Don't dismiss me as if I am some silly little girl talking about something hysterical!" She picked up the blanket and wrapped herself with it, hurrying over to a chest from which she pulled out several items of clothing and quickly began dressing. "These are innocent people with nothing!"
"Now look here, woman," Thorin had quickly moved over to where she stood. And while he couldn't tower over her like he did most other dwarves, for she was too darn tall for anyone's good, he was broad and muscular enough to frighten her, being at least thrice her width. "Do not go around frightening everyone. They will only turn on you! I would not purposefully put everyone in danger. Remember my nephew is still here, and will be unable to travel either..."
He stared into her big brown eyes and he held her firmly.
"Besides, Smaug would have eventually awoken..." He tried to reason with her a little more gently this time, fighting a desperate urge to plunder her body hard in that very moment. "So be a good girl, get yourself dressed, and move camp today."
"I am not a girl!" She protested quietly.
"No, you will not be, once we have had a proper wedding night." He smirked again letting her go and adjusting his coat so that he disguised his arousal. "Until then, and perhaps even after, you are still young enough for me to put you over my knee and take my belt to that pretty little backside of yours. And you would do well to remember that."
And with that he began to walk out, leaving her to finish dressing.
"Do not feel obliged to see me off..." He grunted lifting the tent flap.
"Oh you'd like that wouldn't you...?"
...
She hadn't taken long to get dressed, and as she left the tent she found all four of her guards sitting outside waiting.
"Are your things packed, little lady?" Abdi asked. "Is there anything you need?"
"No - packed? No.." she was surprised. "But thank you, I just need to see Prince Thorin..."
"Prince Thorin and His Highness your brother were both clear that we were to move out as soon as they set off..." Dabur looked worried. And then he asked a little more shyly. "Are you...in pain... My lady? There was quite a lot of blood on the sheets...and we had heard you cry out, but it sounded..."
Dabur and Abdi both paused, blushing profusely.
"Shut up you fools!" Karan, one of her older guards snapped at the other two overhearing their conversation. "Of course she is unharmed. Prince Thorin is not a young inexperienced man. Besides what did you expect that she would be unable to walk the next day?"
"Oh! So that's why he didn't want me to see him off?" She tutted. Really it should have been hilarious that Thorin wanted to show off how thoroughly he had bedded her.
Annoyed by his sheer arrogance, she began to march up to the small pier where the dwarves where preparing a small boat to head onwards to the Lonely Mountain.
The crowds had gathered just as Thorin had predicted. But they seemed to part allowing her through.
As she arrived she could over hear Thorin talking to Dwalinn.
"Well... Ye look like a younger dwarf! Got a spring in yer step eh?" Dwalin chuckled as he tied up a couple of swords together safely and tested carrying them over his shoulder. "See I told ya she was good fer ya!"
"Aye. I concede I couldn't have picked out a better lass..." Thorin admitted begrudgingly. "What she lacks in experience she makes up for in spirit and energy."
"Och! A firecracker then! I knew it!" Dwalin ribbed his friend again. "Well, there are few of us old dwarrow who could handle a younger lass, but I knew you had it in ya Thorin! All that mopin about over the last few years...I am glad. Ye deserve a lovely lass like that! And a princess no less eh!"
"Well she isn't my Mara, and I will say it's a shame she has no beard, but she has a bonnie face." Gloin patted Thorin as he too loaded up some food. "So where is your pretty princess then? Isn't she going to see you off?"
"She is probably unable to walk today..." The youngest looking dwarf, she recognised as Ori spoke up then blushing profusely. "All the town's folk are talking about how much blood there was on the sheets -"
"Eh? Ye were gentle with the lass?" Dwalin looked surprised.
"Ugh the Master was there when I spoke with Arvind..." Thorin grumbled at first before spotting the look on Dwalins face. "No need to worry I was gentle - But she still enjoyed herself very much..."
"They are talking about how you gave it to her good!" Ori tried to sound like one of the men he had heard it from, but still couldn't help blushing.
"I am not one to boast Master Ori," Thorin and Dwalin looked at one another smugly, the former about talk of how virile he was, while the latter about how he had made the perfect match. "Let's just conclude that she was a girl when I married her. And now she is very much a woman."
The dwarves all cheered to that!
"Well, did you not wish to draw her a soothing bath?" Dori asked helpfully, as he gave his youngest brother a chastising look for spreading gossip. "Perhaps some of Oins healing salts...?"
"No, Master Dori, I thought it was best to let her rest -"
"Good morning my Lord!" She smiled as sweetly as she could given how annoyed she was for having overheard their conversation. "I wanted to wish you a safe journey..."
"My lady..." He winced as he turned to greet her with a gentle kiss wondering how much of their armour-room chatter she had overheard. "I thought you were too tired to see me off..."
"Of course. But I had to come and see you off...and check that you hadn't strained your thing, giving me such a good time dear husband.." she smiled innocently as Dwalin and Gloin hooted with laughter.
"Och Thorin! Yer in trouble now!" Gloin laughed again.
Thorin stopped what he was doing, assessing and passing weapons, and moved to stand very close to her. At first he observed her suspiciously before leaning in to whisper in her ear, wrapping an arm around her waist to feign affection.
"Just couldn't get enough of me or my thing, hmmm my lady?" He whispered so close it made her shiver, despite feeling incensed.
"No I wished to admire you male pride and listen to your tales of my conquest," she whispered back quickly.
"Would you prefer I shared details of how my bride got drunk senseless on our wedding night and passed out?!" He hissed back angrily in her ear. "Or how I felt instead of claiming your virtue in that state, that I cut myself and claimed it proof. When any other man would have claimed you anyway...?"
He watched as her pretty brown eyes widened in surprise. She had not realised that she had become intoxicated, since she had never drunk wine before.
"I am sorry - I was advised to have a glass of wine to prepare my body for... Well... You..." She whispered back hushed. "I thought you poisoned my wine to make me sleep so you could do as you pleased..."
"You think me such a cad, my lady?!"
"I am sorry, my lord," she whispered ruefully, placing a hand on his chest.
"How much did you truly drink?"
"Only a glass..as instructed.."
"perhaps it was very strong..."
He pondered silently for a moment watching her carefully.
"How much did you eat?" He observed her face carefully to seek for any signs of lying, but it appeared she was telling the truth.
"Nothing since the morning, I had so much preparation..."
He suddenly felt a twinge of pity for her. Perhaps she had been too nervous to eat.
"That was the problem. Next time have only half a glass. And if you are hungry you ask me, as your husband it is my duty to ensure you are safe and well," he whispered back holding her a little closer. Her slender, taller frame did truly did fit so well in his arms. "But you should certainly dance for me as you did last night. I have seen nothing like it before... It is most seductive..."
He watched with smug satisfaction as she blushed profusely, pleased with the effects of his words, knowing the others would be watching closely.
"In truth I need your permission, my Lord, Rajah is arriving with the army..."
"I am not allowing that wild animal to stay in Erebor!"
"I could set up a camp for him with shelter nearby and take him left over scraps. That is all he needs. Please?" She begged. "He will not survive in the wild, and he truly is harmless... I would look after everything and it would cause no headache for you... Please, my lord, I beg you?"
He observed her face again, and couldn't allow her to pine away for a creature if she needed to carry his babe safely.
"Very well, but it stays outside. And when you conceive you are to relinquish your caring duties to one of your gaurds. I cannot risk my future heir. Is that clear?"
"Of course. Thank you."
"Now turn around and kiss me, to show them..." He put both hands on her hips, moving her into a better position and whispered in her ear again. "And do it like you mean it..."
Just grateful to be able to keep her Jaguar, she closed her eyes and leant in, wrapping her arms around his neck. She could feel his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her tighter against him. Ignoring the sensation, she pressed her lips against his. He was very quick to respond kissing her back passionately as though hers would be the last ever lips he would kiss on middle earth. And with that so many thoughts came rushing to her mind; of how he had been kind to her last night; of how much she looked forward to seeing Rajah again after so many weeks of travel alone; and of what he life might become should Thorin fail his quest or die trying. Her heart ached for them both and how they found themselves in such a terrible predicament. This marriage and union was not just for them it was for all their people...
And then she could taste him, and his breakfast. It was sweet, like apples and a berry preserve. She licked his tongue, chasing that sweet taste. She could hear a low groan that rumbled from deep in his chest.
For Thorin, what had begun as a simple agreement and the promise of a few nights of guaranteed pleasure, momentarily felt different. Her kiss was sincere, and wild. It was as though she had forgotten that there was a small audience. It almost made him feel sorry for her - for doing nothing but using her as his stepping stone to reclaiming his Throne and Kingdom.
And then suddenly it was all interrupted by the gentle squeeze of her bottom, by his wandering hand. It was a habit he couldn't help - for he had tasted too many loose dams, freely giving it away, and far too eager. Apparently she wasn't like that, she let go and snapped up straight as if his touch had burned her bottom instead!
"Um...thank you my lord," her hands flew up to her lips self-consciously. "Please be safe..."
She blushed as she stepped away from him pulling her Cape tighter around herself.
"Very well, my lady," he tilted his head, keeping his face neutral, and now once again chasing out all this silly lust out of his head. That was one thing so many years of battle and hardship had taught him to do; learn to immediately focus on what had to be done. It was both a skill and a gift. "You remember what I said..."
She nodded watching him return to his task, helpless, when the familiar hand of Dabur gently tapped her shoulder.
"Mistress, here," Dabur offered her a small bunch of heather. "The locals believe it brings good luck to those on journeys. It grows on the rocky lands here."
"Thank you Dabur...this is very thoughtful," she smiled, and began by tucking a small sprig into his coat lapel. "I think we all need some today..."
"Ah, good morning, Princess..." Bilbo Baggins came to stand by her. "My congratulations to you..."
He sounded nervous and looked at Thorin and the other dwarves.
"Good morning Master Baggins," she smiled taking a sprig of heather and gently tucking it into his breast pocket. "Although I cannot say it is such a good morning..."
"You must be missing your husband already," Bilbo acknowledged. "Heather my lady?"
"Yes, for a safe journey," she explained, now realising Thorin had stopped what he was doing and was watching her. "But you dont look entirely happy either... Will you be alright entering the mountain?"
"I..um..well now... I think so..."
"Very good Master Baggins," Thorin moved towards them, interrupting abruptly, and giving her a stern look. "Where is everyone else we must leave now..."
"Um...well..."
"We are here..." Kili called out quietly as he hobbled over with Fili.
"Kili, my nephew, this journey is difficult- stay, rest and recover," Thorin spoke gently, placing his hand on Kilis shoulder. "You have been invaluable to us, but all the same, we cannot risk any further harm to you. Oin will stay with you and see that you are healed -"
"We could stay with Prince Kili.." she offered quietly trying to be helpful. "Then we can all help Oin. I have Arvind, Aaman and my guardians. There is strength in numbers after all, yes?"
"My lady," Kili smiled gratefully, but he did not look well. "I would have liked to look upon the halls of our great-grandfather -"
"Aye, and you will! In time." Thorin spoke soothingly again. "Once you are better -"
"But I began this quest with you all.." The young prince protested quietly again. "Please uncle?"
"And that is why you must not risk yourself in this manner," Thorin grasped his shoulder firmly and gave him a hug. "After everything we have had to endure, it would be terrible if something terrible were to befall you! No, you must stay, my nephew."
Kili stood on the pier beside her, his face fallen, and now revealing the pain he was truly in.
"Thorin, we could carry him between us easily..." Dwalin spoke sympathetically as he came over to join them. "He wouldnt delay us..."
"No. We have so little time left. It has been wasted on frivolity, negotiating marriage contracts," Thorin snapped at Dwalin. "I have gained more encumbrances still, and so I must achieve this at all cost, or everything j have suffered would be in vain..."
Dwalin, suddenly couldn't help notice the sorrow etched on the young bride's face at Thorins cutting words. She appeared to pull her Cape tighter around herself, trying subconsciously to keep her composure.
The large bodyguard shuffled closer to her in solidarity, it was clear those goons had known and guarded her since she was a child.
And now Dwalin himself felt bad for her. She had lived a relatively carefree life, and was now ripped away from those she loved, only to suffer unnecessary callousness from her husband, and to possibly live life in a guilded cage as his wife.
"Fili, come and take over -" Thorin commanded as he moved another bunch of weapons to the gang plank.
"No Uncle." Fili replied sternly, helping his brother. "If Kili is staying then So am I."
"You are Thrors heir - just as am I. Your place is by my side, when we first set foot within the mountain once more -" Thorin began again sternly, but the young blonde dwarf was quick in his response. For him, there was only one clear choice.
"No Uncle. My place is with my brother." He shook his head stepping back to help Kili. "I swore to my mother that I would protect him. I will not forsake my word..."
"Very well - have it your way then," Thorin dismissed, turning back to packing the provisions that were needed and now ignoring both princes and his bride. "We only take what is essential."
"Thank you lassie," Balin smiled as he offered her his coat to tuck the heather in his breast pocket. And Dwalin too stood in line waiting for her, feeling heavy hearted.
"Take no notice of him for now, his head is on the task at hand," Dwalin whispered as she placed a sprig of pale pink heather in his coat pocket. He struggled to say much else, and she too remained silent, her mind half on her old life, that which she could never return to.
She had stood there patiently, as each of the dwarves had feigned loading some sort of item into the boat they were taking up the river, whiled stopping off with her to receive a sprig of heather.
And then finally Thorin returned to her, a persistent look of irritation on his face still. He had hoped to have driven her away by now. But she had stood there patiently, her pretty smile long gone and while she had clearly tried to hide it, he could see the heavy sadness in her eyes. She hid it well. He probably would not have known it, had he not seen her yesterday, so free and happy when she was intoxicated. She had the same mischievous look in her eyes then as when he had first met her that starlit night in the courtyard of the palace on Rhun-Agar.
She managed a weak smile, as she helped herself to his pocket before he even gave her permission to touch him. It was a forced smile, so that he would not see how much she ached inside. But he now knew it. And it made him regret his actions instantly.
"Travel safe."
He just stood there for a moment watching her. And then planted a chaste kiss on her cheek close to her ear so he could whisper.
"Please promise me you will leave this place as soon as you can. Take Fili and Kili with you if you insist on helping them," he whispered in her ear before pulling back to assess her face again.
"Of course, my lord. I do not wish to me more of an 'encumbrance' than you must be 'suffered' to 'endure'." Her reply was devoid of emotion. It was numb. And yet he knew the words he had used. Hearing them now, they cut down to the bone.
But before he could say another word, she had stepped away, engulfed by the crowd eager to see off the dwarves so that Lake town might receive some of the money from Thrors hoard. All he could see was her body guard, whom he was grateful for now, even if last night he had cursed their refusal to leave their places outside her tent, which had made enjoying her properly much harder anyway.
He had joined the others, as the boat had been unmoored and began drifting up.
Looking up, he could see it clearly now. Everything he had worked for over the last year since setting off to look for his father - the Lonely Mountain. It rose out of the mist and clouds like a giant, standing still, alone and proud.
The unmistakeable gates with the carvings of dwarven kings were visible from here. It was funny because when they came to settle in Ered Luin, he never believed he would see Erebor again. And yet the memories he had spent nearly a lifetime trying to forget, were so tangible now, as though they had only been made yesterday. It felt like his parents, and Grandfather were waiting inside.
Now all he had to do was find the secret entrance and sneak the hobbit in...