Chapter 2
1 year later …
Thorin and Kili were sitting in his office, staring each other down challengingly.
"Besides. I'm not heir apparent, Fili is. Therefore … I'm not held to certain expectations." Kili singsonged, while fidgeting with one of the daggers he had found on his uncle's desk. Thorin had taken to forging weapons again in his spare time, to rid himself of the compounded stresses of running and rebuilding his kingdom. His many years of perfecting the craft resulting in the most beautiful yet lethal weapons.
Thorin could feel the corner of his right eye twitching. "Mahal and an aura." (Mahal on a cracker) He muttered as he rubbed his his face in his hands.
Kili snickered at his uncles poorly concealed murmurings. "Come on uncle. I know you are fond of her."
"Fond is a very strong word, Irakdashat.(Nephew)" He growled in exasperation.
Kili sighed and settled back further into the leather arm chair. "Uncle. She is my one. I know it. I feel it! Khie! Armani Adrian sign!" (My one! Ive been waiting for a long time!) Will you truly see to deny us our happiness?"
"Ne!(Don't!)" Thorin seethed, slamming his fist down on his desk as he stood up, looking at Kili with unbridled frustration. "That isn't fair! You know that I must handle this with care. I am not denying you! I am not keeping you from each other! You need to understand that this is not something I can allow without some diplomacy being done first!"
Kili growled with frustration as he stood up abruptly and turned towards the fireplace, still twirling the dagger betwixt his fingers deftly. He glared into the flames. "We have been patient. Our kingdoms are at peace! Why can't we use our love to unite us further!"
Thorin clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his temper calm. Before he could form a terse reply, the door of his study flew open as Balin and Dwalin quickly stormed in.
"More orcs have been spotted in the fields to the Western boarders of Mirkwood. No more than 20. On foot. No wargs. We are confident they were the ones that attacked the Dale caravan." Dwalin's rough brogue was brimming with eagerness of battle.
Balin was the only one of the two that sensed the tense situation they had walked into. He also had a fairly good idea as to what it had been concerning. He exhaled sharply through his nose and raised his eyebrows at Thorin's perturbed expression. The perfect time to slay some orc filth all the while working out some pent up frustrations.
"I have a platoon of our finest awaiting your command laddie. I know you have been wanting to get your sword wet with orc blood for a while." Balin looked at Thorin pointedly.
"Aye." Dwalin grinned. "Its been too long since you and I have fought side by side."
Thorin smirked with gratitude. He grabbed Orcist, sheathed and slung over the back of his chair and strode past his friends with renewed purpose.
"I'm coming with you." Kili was also eager for an outlet.
Balin scoffed. "You will have to fight your brother for that. Only one of you is permitted to go."
"He is already at the front gate, in his armor." Dwalin laughed as they strode quickly towards the armory.
"We shall flip for it then!" Kili fumed. His brother always seemed to be a step ahead of him.
"He isn't distracted by tall lasses tossing their locks and fluttering their eyes." Dwalin smirked, as if reading Kili's thoughts.
"Oi! I am not distracted!"
The young prince scowled as his kin laughed loudly.
"Twitterpated is what ye are!" Dwalin grinned. "I like yer tree hugger laddie but she has ye wrapped around er pretty fingers . Don't even deny it!"
Thorin quickly fitted himself in his kingly armor of gold and polished steel. He was eager to get out, clear his mind while clearing his lands of the murderous orc gangs that still terrorized their lands.
Kili was grumbling to himself as he kept pace with his uncle, determined to not be left behind.
Thorin brought himself to full height, allowing the armor to settle before he moved and tested his mobility. "We are Son's of Durin. Direct descendants of Durin the Deathless. We can never forget or forsake who we are born to be. No matter what." Thorin's deep grumble made Kili stop and look up at him as he strapped Orcist to his side. "You must understand that I am trying to balance both being an uncle, wanting nothing but for your happiness in this life, and that of being King. I must proceed with utmost diligence, to make sure that I honor our ancestors, and our people. Trust me when I say I will do right by you and your love Kili, but you must trust me."
Kili met the King's bright, icy gaze with his own; warm, earthen honey eyes just as striking. "I understand Uncle." Kili spoke softly as he slowly stood, fully clad in his armor as well. "I sometimes forget that I have to share you with all of Erebor."
Thorin smiled softly and chuckled while he patted Kili's shoulder fondly. "This doesn't change the fact that Fili is now my favorite nephew. Less of a pain in my arse." Kili's smile of adoration fell immediately into a scowl.
"Oi! Just because he has the constitution of a sterile mountain goat doesn't mean he deserves the title of favorite!"
"Better to be a old, sterile goat than a simpering billy frolicking after the skirts of its shepherdess." Fili strutted into the armory with a catlike grin on his face.
"Enough bickering and get on with it!" Thorin growled good-naturedly.
Fili, still grinning from ear to ear pulled a gold coin from his pocket, only to have Kili smack his brothers hand away. "Nice try! We are using my coin this time, since you have bested me in the last three coin tosses."
Fili smirked. "Odds have always favored me."
"We will see about that Brother dearest." Kili returned the smirk. "I call heads."
The coin was flipped expertly into the air, a golden haze before hitting the back of Kili's hand.
"Heads!" The younger Durin whooped. Flipping the coin to his older brother, he ran past him and his uncle victorious.
"I guess that's only fair then." Fili grumbled, a ghost of a smirk still playing on his lips.
Thorin mussed Fili's golden braids. "Stand by. Keep your eyes open. There could be more out there lying in wait."
They rode for several hours, into the plains laid between Erebor, Dale and Mirkwood until it was too dark to press on. The crescent moon granted little light, and the night sky was blanketed with thick clusters of twinkling stars. No campfires were lit, allowing the dwarves to fully enjoy vastness of the celestial bodies.
Despite the reasons for leaving Erebor, Thorin was soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the night. He missed sleeping under the stars and breathing in the cool night breeze. He volunteered for first watch, his body not quite ready for sleep after the invigorating ride. He soon started to hear the snores of his men join in with the rustling of the long field grass.
They were camped on top of a large knoll that gave them visibility all around them, with Erebor and Dale to their backs and the vast darkness of Mirkwood ahead of them. After a few moments, he heard Kili stir then get up to come sit with him.
"Ive missed this." Kili murmured as he gazed out. "Never thought I would, but I do."
They sat in companionable silence, back to back gazing out where the horizon of mountains and trees met the the glittering sky.
Towards the end of their shift, Thorin felt Kili stiffen. "What is it?" He whispered.
"Movement, in the valley below. I see torch lights." They got up and walked towards the edge of the camp that was closest to the torches. "Its that band of orcs, its got to be." Kili hissed. "There are at least 15 torches from what I can see. And they are moving fast."
At that moment, a loud animalistic shriek rent through the night, jolting a lot of the dwarven soldiers awake.
"What is it?" Dwalin whispered as he quickly joined them.
"Something is going on down there." Thorin growled. "That wasn't from an orc."
Another shout echoed up towards them, one of enraged duress. "Gather the men." We are going to sneak up on them. No one moves until my say so." The king's eyes flashed menacingly in the dark.
It didn't take long for the platoon of dwarves to ready themselves and make their way slowly down towards the erratically moving torch light, leaving a few of them to stay with their packs and horses.
Soon it became apparent what was making the loud shrieking noises and growls. As they got closer they soon realized the orcs were in the middle of torturing and toying with their wounded captives. On one edge of the hastily erected camp was a giant wolf like creature tied down by the neck and back legs. It was significantly taller and far more majestic than any warg, and an intelligence was evident in the way it snarled and snapped at its captors. The wolf creature appeared to be either white or light grey under the matted dark brown and red stains that littered its body. One of its front legs was limp, hanging uselessly as it fought against its restraints and the orcs that jabbed at it.
Dwarven eyes narrowed in hatred as they watched the cruelty. "Its a dire wolf. Has to be.." Dwalin whispered low enough for only Thorin and Kili to hear.
"Where in Durin's name did they find a Direwolf?" Thorin growled, his blood boiling.
"My king, there is a wounded warrior with the other group of orcs!" a soldier crawled up behind them urgently. "I … I think its a lass." Their eyes widened in horror as they focused on the other gathering of orcs further down to their right.
"Show me!" The king hissed, gesturing for the soldier to lead the way. As Thorin and Kili crept away, Dwalin gestured for the platoon to divide, one to target the group with the wolf and for the other to follow them.
At first Thorin caught a glimpse of white blonde hair whipping around as the figure attempted to fight off three orcs. The sound of steel hitting steel echoed above the raucous jeering of the orcs. One of them attacked from behind as the others served as a distraction, disarming the figure and wrenching her arm out of socket with a sickening pop. She yelped as she was tossed onto her back, her other arm still clinging to her last sword.
She.
She was a Dwarrowdam! Unlike any he had ever seen before.
He felt the rage from his warriors radiate around him. Kili already had his bow drawn, aiming for the orc that was standing over the she-warrior.
"Men khan ad hafar! (Your mother was a dog)" The dwarrowdam spat, as she defiantly stared up at the orcs surrounding her.
The orc bent down and picked her up by the throat, holding her aloft effortlessly. "Gazat glob! (Dwarf filth)" the orc crooned, as he watched her struggle for breath, her sight growing dark. Before passing out, she was surprised to see an arrow slice through the orc's ear and exit cleanly out the other. The orc's eyes went blank with death before the pressure on her throat was lessened. As she felt herself fall, she heard the deafening cry "KHAZAD AI-MENU!(The dwarves are upon you!)"
She gave in to the blackness as a battle erupted all around her.
The battle was a quick one. The orcs had been so distracted with their sick games they didn't stand a chance against the furious dwarf warriors. It was obvious they were a rag-tag group with no leader looking to pillage and plunder whatever they came across.
Kili had ran to the unconscious dwarrrowdam as Thorin dispersed of the last orc. Kicking the body of the fallen enemy aside in disgust, he rushed to his nephews side. Kili was stricken with fury and concern as he looked over the unconscious woman. "Mahal." He breathed, his body shaking in rage.
"Go grab a healers kit." Thorin ordered as he knelt next to her. Kili nodded as he jumped up quickly.
"Is she alive?" He heard Dwalin's gruff voice behind him. Thorin leaned over her, placing his fingers against her throat to see if he could feel a pulse. Suddenly, he felt movement under him and felt a cold, sharp blade press against his throat.
Angered and shocked yells erupted all around him. "Don't touch me filth!" He heard a strong yet feminine voice growl at him.
His voice failed him as he found himself looking into the most striking eyes he had ever seen. His heart stopped and his breath seized in his throat as he found himself lost in the turbulent sea of her eyes. They were of the palest sea-foam green, with flecks of jade and gold scattered across their depths. At that moment, it felt as if someone had set his blood ablaze as heat surged through his soul. A tingling, almost euphoric high ebbed and flowed within him , blowing his pupils wide with the onslaught of emotions that threaten to pull him under. Then the realization hit. 'No!' His mind screamed internally at himself 'It was impossible!'
He was brought back to reality, and he felt himself grounded to the earth below him. Her breathing was shallow and labored as she held herself up, her one arm dangling oddly at her side, with the other one shaking with the exertion of holding his boot dagger up in her last defense.
He slowly raised his right hand away from the side of her neck in surrender. "Easy." He breathed gently. "No harm will befall you." He took notice of her eyes shifting to look behind him, and he motioned to his men to stand down. "We are here to help you."
Her breathing hitched, and for a moment her grip tightened on the dagger. "Who are you?" She gritted through her teeth, as her body began to shake in shock of her injuries and the adrenaline was beginning to wear off.
"I am Thorin. And the two behind me are of my Kin, Kili and Dwalin. We were hunting the Orcs that took you captive."
She swallowed with difficulty as she began to realize how outnumbered she was. The faint torchlight dancing across the angered yet cautious faces of the dwarven warriors that now surrounded her.
"Let us help you My Lady." He whispered gently. "We mean you no harm." Her gaze came back to him. She searched his eyes for any hint of a lie. He slowly brought his hand to hers, still clasped firmly to the dagger handle. He gently covered her hand with his and slowly helped her lower it until she relented and let the dagger fall to the ground.
He heard several sighs of relief once she was disarmed. Kili slowly kneeled next to him with the healer bag grasped in his hand. "We will need to put her shoulder back in place before we move her." Kili spoke gently, not wanting to spook the woman who was still holding eye contact with his uncle.
"Will you let us set your shoulder?" Thorin asked gently. She nodded her head as she inhaled a deep but shaky breath.
Thorin moved behind her quickly to hold her up and motioned for Dwalin to assist them.
"Ok lass. On the count of three." Dwalin held her arm gently, preparing her for what was to come.
She gave a jerky nod and braced herself against the striking, dark haired dwarf that was holding her up.
"One …Two …Three!" She was biting the inside of her cheek, hoping to brace herself for the pain, but she found herself screaming in pain for the first time since the horrific ordeal started. The wet, popping sound of her arm going back into place along with the sharp searing pain that shot through her body overwhelmed her, darkness flickered across her vision and she found herself losing what little contents she had left in her stomach on the ground next to her.
"Easy lass. Here, take a drink." The deep voiced sounded so far away as the ringing in her ears increased in pitch. She felt someone place a water-skin to her lips, and she felt herself start to drink greedily. The cool refreshing water quenched the fire that was burning in her throat, chasing away the taste of iron and acid from her mouth.
"At least I didn't give that orc filth the satisfaction of my scream." She couldn't stop herself from muttering as she felt pure exhaustion weigh her down. She was losing the fight to stay conscious.
She didn't hear the dwarves chuckling at her sad attempt of self soothing. She heard commotion in the distance, of snarling and shouts of alarm.
Luna.
It was Luna.
She was still alive!
She tried pulling herself up, trying to force her eyes open fully. "Luna. Please, please take me to her. Help her." She found herself begging, desperately trying to stay conscious.
She felt herself being picked up; cradled protectively in strong arms, warm and safe. "Its ok. We will take care of your wolf. No harm will befall either of you." The deep voice soothed.
She had no reason to trust the voice. But she did anyway. It was a balm to the rawness that had been left exposed. It was security and warmth like a heavy, thick blanket. Bright blue eyes swam behind her closed eyelids, blue like the icebergs that flow in the frigid salt waters of her home. Jagged pieces of ice glowing on the black sands of the beach in the bright but cold rays of the sun. Eyes like the water gems peering into the depths of her lonely soul.
Thorin felt her grow heavy and then limp in his arms as he walked quickly to his pony. "We must make haste for Erebor. She needs a healer."
"What of the wolf?" Kili asked as he watched the poor animal pant in exertion. None of the warriors dared to be anywhere near the beast of myth.
"Milk of poppy. You should have some in our medical supplies. Put a healthy dose of it in a piece of meat. Hopefully it will eat it and it will knock him out so we can transport it." Thorin instructed calmly.
He turned to Kili and placed the unconscious woman into his arms so he could mount his horse. "Dwalin, we will send you back with a cart to retrieve the wolf. Hopefully we can find someone to tend to the animal as well." Dwalin nodded in affirmation. "Ketnys is very savvy with the caretaking of beasts. As long as we keep it drugged."
Kili gently transferred the dwarrowdam back into his uncle's waiting arms. Thorin then adjusted himself cautiously until she was held securely in the saddle in front of him. He was anxious to get her back to Erebor. He couldn't allow himself to think about the connection he now sensed bound them together. It was too much to acknowledge in the moment.
Thorin was pacing in the front of the infirmary, still clad in his armor. They had returned in the early hours of the morning. She hadn't woken once on their fast ride back, and he refused to let anyone else carry her to the infirmary. His instant drive to protect her both confused and scared him, but it was too strong to simply ignore.
Quick footsteps approached him, pulling him from his chaotic thoughts.
"Thorin!"
He looked up to see his sister Dis and his nephews approaching him, concern written on their faces. "Any word on how she's fairing?" Kili asked.
Thorin shook his head as he continued to pace, his gaze on the floor.
"How bad is she?" Dis pressed.
"I couldn't get a full account of her injuries, it was too dark." Thorin grumbled in frustration. "How is the wolf?"
"They managed to drug it." Fili informed him. "Dwalin and Balin are down in the dungeons with it now. We had no other way to cage it. They used the biggest cell we have."
The dwarf king nodded. "Very good. We have to make due for now. Has it been seen to?"
"Yes. Katnys and her assistance were able to tend to its wounds."
Dis shook her head in shock, the concept of an unknown warrior maiden with a giant dire-wolf was hard to fully wrap ones head around. "Did she have any clan markings on her or her weapons?" She asked to no one in particular.
Thorin was getting tired of shaking his head, of not knowing any answers. "None that I've ever seen." He growled in frustration.
The infirmary door opened, and Oin walked out. "Gemlinn is finishing up with her bandages. She has several broken ribs, lacerations to her arms, torso and legs, fractured collarbone, bruised jaw." He prattled on gruffly while he fidgeted with something in his hands "But she will make a full recovery with some rest. I've given her a tonic to help with the pain and sleep."
Thorin felt himself letting out a sigh of relief. "What was a dwarrowdam, warrior or no, doing out by herself!" Dis exclaimed, horrified with the list of injuries.
"Your forgetting she has a pet wolf. Called it Luna if I remember right." Kili offered.
"A pet wolf!? Ive never heard of such a thing! Have you? A warrior maiden with a wolf? No other escort? Something doesn't sit right with it Thorin." Dis crossed her arms across her chest looking between her brother and Oin.
"I took this from her armor." Oin added as he handed it out for his king to take. "Ive never seen anything like it before, in all my years of treating warriors and fighting in battles."
Thorin's eyebrows furrowed. It appeared to be a shoulder guard, glowing with an eerie metallic sheen in the light of the wall sconces. It was cool to the touch, as if its silvery blue surface was repelling the heat from his hands. It was surprisingly lightweight despite the layering of the scale like material. "Its scales." He spoke frigidly when it began to dawn on him what the armor was.
"Scales?" Fili and Kili parroted in disbelief.
"Dragon scales." Thorin growled, his jaw clenched. "A frost drake."
Dis gasped. "What on Mahal's green earth."
"Frost drake armor; dire wolf mount … She is from the Northern Wastes." He looked up from the foreign armor in his hand and back up his friend.
Fili and Kili looked at each other in alarm. "The northern wastes? I thought it was thought impossible for anything to thrive there?" Fili asked as he approached his uncle's side to look at the armor.
"Apparently not." Thorin mused aloud, not knowing if he should be intrigued or disturbed by this piece of information. "Ive heard legends, of an ancient dwarf clan that hunted dragons and rode dire-wolf mounts into battle."
"Thousands of years past." Oin muttered, shaking his head. "Said to have disappeared long before Durin's Bane chased our kin from the halls of Moria."
"Laddie, you have to see this." Balin huffed urgently as he and his brother Dwalin joined them. Thorin, Dis and the princes turned quickly, to see Balin red faced and out of breath as if he and Dwalin had run all the way from the dungeons.
Dwalin stepped forward, holding out two swords. "I grabbed er swords after you had taken er. I didn't have a good look at em until we got back ere, after that wolf had been seen to."
Thorin stepped past his family and reached for one of the swords while passing the shoulder guard to Balin for him to examine. The sword was elegant in design, similar in concept of Orcist but smaller. The hilt of the sword looked to be made of the same dragon scale with a jade like stone at the center of the pummel. The blade was of a darker grey metal, intricately detailed with a dragon emerging from turbulent waves and breathing spears of ice and billowing clouds of mist. Thorin could tell from how the blade edge glinted in the orange light of the lights that it was wicked sharp.
"Laddie." Balin sounded nervous as he examined the piece of armor he handed to him. Thorin knew his closest adviser and one of his dearest friends had come to the same suspicion he had. "This … this is unprecedented."
Thorin had rarely seen Balin at a loss of words. "What is a dwarven dragon slayer of legend, never mind a lass, doing outside the plains of Erebor and Mirkwood in the hands of orcs?"
