Chapter 7
1 month later…
It had taken a good week for her bruises to fade from her skin. She still felt some discomfort in sudden movements of her torso, but she was on the mend, and that was good enough for her. Luna was improving quickly as well, being fed a steady regiment of meat no doubt helping her quick recovery. She was still in the cell, but she didn't seem to upset, she still slept most of the day and night on the soft little hay filled cushion. It was a nice change from what they were used to, especially once she had fled her kingdom. Food and comfort were rarely found, and far between good bouts of rest.
Mistlynn had grown restless after a good week of resting. She had never seen so much decadent food in her life. Not to mention her assigned room made her personal tent back home feel positively barbaric.
Balin and Dis were regular companions, bringing books and maps for her to study in her downtime. Dis had even brought her sons to meet her officially. They were kind, and rather painfully reminded her of her beloved younger brother, Argos. She apologized profusely to Fili for holding a knife to his throat. He waved it off, rather complimenting her on her near escape and her impressive combat skills. Kili, who also admired her daring stunt with his brothers 'borrowed' daggers and the banner of their family crest, was also eager to learn about her origins. She gave very vague answers, just enough to satisfy their eager questions. Like Dis and Balin, she had the distinct feeling she could trust them. But it was too soon, and her peoples secrets precious. She did not want to add treason to the guilt of her brother's death as well.
Dis had given her permission to leave Erebor to explore Dale at her leisure. Dis knew Mistlynn would not leave without Luna, so she knew there was no threat of her leaving.
Thorin wasn't too keen on this idea but Dis kept the details of his displeasure to herself. She hadn't seen the King since that night in Luna's cell. She was relieved he kept his distance, even though the thought of him keeping his distance from her purposefully didn't give her the sense of pleasure she thought it would.
She blamed her confusing emotions and thoughts on her idleness. So, she decided it was time to visit Dale, to see the race of Man. She talked to Balin extensively on what it took to survive here in this strange world. Coin is what was needed to survive, not a bartering system that she was accustomed to.
She had skills. She was a very proficient in leather working, and she could tan the best hides this side of Arda, this she was confident of. She did feel like it was appropriate to seek employment inside Erebor's walls, and Dale proved to be the key to fixing her financial woes.
In the first couple days of her exploration of Dale, she found a tannery that needed another hand. She proved her skill quickly and the shady little man put her to work immediately.
She didn't mind the long hours, she found once again working with her hands both in skinning, tanning and the tedious ministrations of making armor a welcome relief from her thoughts of her current living predicament and most of all, Thorin.
He lingered in her every idle thought and haunted her dreams at night. It was unsettling to say the least. Infuriating. So, she sought most of her time outside of Erebor's walls, making her own way out from underneath his influence. She was now making money from her hides and leather armor. Orders, much to the tannery owners delight, were piling up. She was finally seizing some power back. She was in control of her own fate once again. She may just be able to survive in this world on her own.
*Thorin*
"What do you mean she's been spending her days in Dale? Doing what?" Thorin was looking up at Balin from the pile of paperwork splayed out in front of him.
Balin sighed deeply. "She's been going out early, before dawn and then coming back right after sundown. Goes to the Dire-Wolf's cell, then goes to her room. Then she repeats."
Thorin raised an eyebrow as he set his quill back in its holder. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his forehead with his ink free hand. "You have gotten to know her? Unless Dis is just being overly generous with her praise of her character." His tone was forced indifference. He was losing the battle of keeping himself busy, of keeping his thoughts free of her and the beautiful green pools of her eyes.
Balin looked over his shoulder, eyeing Fili and Kili expectantly. "Amad isn't exaggerating. She really is a delightful creature. One of the most engaging dwarrowdam's I've ever had the pleasure of meeting." Fili's tone was neutral as he skimmed over some of the paperwork regarding one of his tasks as crowned prince and heir.
"Quite lovely and refreshing. If I hadn't already found my 'One'…" Kili drawled teasingly, looking at his brother and Balin with a cheesy grin.
Thorin glowered at them. "Dale isn't exactly safe for any woman, let alone a Dwarrowdam." He growled, pointedly ignoring his younger nephew. "Since you are such fast friends, I want you both to follow her. See what she is up to."
Balin rolled his eyes and snorted. "It's Dale. What kind of mischief could she cause in Bard's kingdom?"
"I don't want to leave her with enough freedom for us to find out." Thorin drawled, giving Balin a stubborn look.
Balin shook his head. "How long are you going to keep this up Laddie?" he didn't hide the exasperation in his voice. Kili kicked Fili, making his brother grunt in pain and rub his shin. Before he could retaliate, he saw Kili watching their uncle and Balin with keen interest.
Thorin's frown deepened. "I am not going to discuss this anymore. I just want to make sure she is not a threat to my kingdom. Despite her winning all of you over, I have yet to be convinced of her intentions." Strangely, his tone held no bitterness or anger. Just a deep sorrow etched with pain. The two brothers looked at each other in surprise, seeing their uncle let down his walls was rare. It was a brief window looking into someone's deepest and darkest fears and the anguish that was constantly threatening to drown them.
Balin's exasperated expression turned sympathetic. "I am most certain you do not have to worry about any nefarious plans coming from her." Balin took a step closer to his friend, hating to see him hurt. It cut him deep whenever he saw this side of Thorin, and it hurt him even more knowing that he was denying himself the happiness he full well deserved. Balin knew where it stemmed from, however.
He had lost so much. Out of fear of losing more, he kept everyone at arm's length. But this imposing figure of a Mountain King had a heart, and he felt deeply and passionately. He was always empathetic and sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, especially to those who had less than him. It was an amazing trait that Thror and Thrain had attempted to snuff out, worried it would make him a King that was easy to manipulate and control. Instead, it made Thorin aloof, restrained, self-depreciating. He had constructed thick forbidding walls that rivaled the strength of those of Erebor. But occasionally, a crack emerged and would allow someone a glimpse of that young dwarfling that once laughed, hoped, and loved freely.
"Do you really think Mahal would construct you a 'One' to be your enemy? She is the other part of your soul, Thorin. She is the one who will make you whole, not destroy you."
"She will destroy me." Thorin whispered, to no one in particular. "She is not of our kingdom, our world. This is not her home. She will leave the moment her wolf is healed. She can't stand being here, she escapes whenever she can, she has been trying to since the very moment we brought her here." Thorin swallowed thickly. "She will leave. They always do."
The atmosphere of the room grew thick. Fili and Kili looked at each other with sorrow in their eyes. They could not stand seeing him this way.
"Uncle, we shall see what she is up to." Fili spoke first, his voice neutral of any emotion. Kili, the romantic optimist of the family was dying to comfort his uncle, to tell him what he was confident Mistlynn was trying to carve herself a life here in Erebor, but Fili caught his gaze and silenced him with a firm shake of the head. Again, not the time for fluff talk. Kili rolled his eyes, irritated he was once again silenced by his brother. Fili motioned for him to get up and leave with him, giving Thorin and Balin privacy to talk. "We will wait for her at the gates before sunrise. Be at ease Uncle."
Thorin sighed, giving his nephews a faint smile. "Thank you."
Fili and Kili gave him even brighter smiles. "Of course, Uncle." This time Kili spoke, "We look forward to proving your suspicions unwarranted."
Fili smacked Kili on the back of the head and shoved him out the door, giving Thorin and Balin an apologetic look before shutting the door behind him.
Balin took a moment, looking at his friend who was more upset than he even realized. "You're going to tear yourself to pieces, keeping yourself from her. Once that pull occurs it's only a matter of time. I've seen it happen. You became a shell of your former self. And that is all I am going to say on the matter."
Thorin leaned his head back in his chair and shut his eyes tightly. "Thank you Balin, that will be all." He heard Balin sigh again and walk out of his office. His gut clenched painfully, making it hard to breathe. It was getting worse, despite his best efforts to ignore it, it was starting to take its toll on his sleep. On his day-to-day life. It was terrifying to feel his energy and will seep from him, as if he was bleeding out. One way or another, he had to figure out how to get ahold of himself.
*Mistlynn*
Before sunrise next morning…
As she approached the main gates, she saw two familiar figures standing alongside the guards. Her eyebrows raised to her hairline as she recognized who they were. "Kili? Fili? What are you two doing up so early?"
"Mist! Fancy meeting you here!" The dwarven princes grinned cheekily, making her immediately suspicious. "We were just tossing the idea around of taking a nice little morning jaunt down to Dale! Were we not, brother?"
Kili nodded, all too eager. "Yes brother, a stroll through the city. Seeing the sights. People watching. Good fun!"
Fili kicked his brother in the back of his achilleas, making Kili grit his teeth, his grin now a pained one. "Listen to this dolt, all eager to get out. Mountain fever and all that entails."
She folded her arms across her chest. "Seriously guys. Why are you here?"
Fili feigned mock indignation, gasping as if affronted. "So suspicious. You've been spending too much time with our Uncle, dearest."
"I've spent no time with your charming uncle." She popped her hip to the side, arms now on her hips and her lips pressed thinly. "He's the one who is asking you to follow me, isn't he?"
"Now why would he ever ask us to do that? It's not like you two are an item or anything." Kili chirped, recovered quickly from his throbbing achilleas. "No, no, we just want to take a stroll, escort you, see what you've been doing these past couple weeks. It's as if you're trying to avoid us by staying away."
"Quite rude isn't it brother? Avoiding us?" Fili shook his head, looking at her with woeful eyes.
Mistlynn groaned. At least it wasn't that intimidating one, Balin's younger brother Dwalin with his unreadable expressions. Or Nori, his head of security that she felt could see right through her. "Fine, fine, fine! You can accompany me until I get to my employment. I got a full day ahead of me and I don't need you two marmots disturbing me."
"What is a marmot?" Kili was baffled, but aware that it was meant to be insulting. Fili on the other hand heard something else entirely. "Employment? Why do you need employment, in the city of man no less?" Mistlynn rolled her eyes. The resemblance between uncle and nephew suddenly apparent.
"Because I need coin to survive. I just can't live off your uncle's hospitality now, can I? Come on, I don't want to be late."
Fili looked at the little rundown building with thinly veiled disgust. It was on the outskirts of Dale's thriving market, in the part of the shiftier businesses frequented by those of less than savory character. He and Kili shared a look of apprehension before they followed her in. A short yet rotund man sat behind the counter in the back of the dark, musky front room. His greasy, greying mouse brown hair stuck to his balding head in thin tendrils that hung past his shoulders. His tunic was torn and stained in various places. He looked up and scowled as they walked in. His double chin wobbled as he hacked, spittle showering the top of the counter.
"Your late!" he wheezed. "You think those hides are going to tan themselves?"
The prince's eyes flashed in anger. "Excuse me sir but what gives you the right to talk to the lady in such a grievous manner?" Fili seethed as he stepped forward, authority exuding from him.
"She is my employee; what business is it of yours?" The man spat back. "Now are you here to buy something? Otherwise get out!"
Mistlynn looked at them imploringly. "Please, you promised to not interfere with my employment." She gritted through her teeth, her tone low.
"How much is he paying you a hide?" Fili demanded. Judging by his surroundings and state of the building, he already knew the answer.
"I get a bag of coin a day." She hissed. "Now, please go!"
"A bag of what?! What kind of coin?" Kili stepped close to her, just as seething as his brother, who was glaring at the sputtering shopkeeper.
Mistlynn pulled a bag out of her pocket and shoved it into Kili's hand. It was half full, and suspiciously light. Kili opened the bag and dumped the contents in his hand. His and Fili's jaws clenched in rage as they saw 25 bronze coins laying dull in his palm. "A day? You get this per day? You should be getting this per hide, and those being poorly done!" Fili fumed. He looked up at her, eyes flashing. Mistlynn's breath caught in her throat. She had never seen either Fili or Kili this mad before. He didn't even think they were capable of it. "Show me what you've made so far." Fili demanded.
The shopkeeper jumped down from his rickety stool. "Now see here you good for nothing rock licker…" The overweight man found a sword tip aimed at his chest, and his eyes nearly popped from their eye sockets. Kili's chest was heaving with anger. "Go brother, I got this slug handled."
Mistlynn opened her mouth to protest but was grabbed by Fili and dragged into the backroom. "Show me." He commanded, as he looked around in disgust.
Mistlynn felt her resolve crumble a bit. Surely, she had not caused some of her only friends in this place such insult. She pointed to a couple of the hides that were stacked neatly on her worktable, and Fili felt his breath leave his chest as he looked down on the leather works that were laid out, organized and pristine in presentation. "Mistlynn, you crafted all of this?" Fili breathed out, as he picked up a bracer and marveled at the skill shown in the piece.
"Y-yes." She stammered, not sure what to make of what was happening.
Fili's face darkened with a thunderous ire. Her eyes grew wide as he turned to face her. "This bracer alone should fetch you at least 10 silver coin. This is masterful work!"
Mistlynn looked at him blankly. "I don't know the differences of coin, Fili. I thought silver was just for jewelry and hair beads."
Fili's laugh was not a humorous one as he started grabbing the items off her table and shoving them into the nearest bag. "We are taking these. He doesn't deserve to even have you set foot in this rathole." He growled.
Mistlynn stammered; she couldn't really form words as she watched him grab all the leather armor that was obviously of her make, then quickly and briskly walked back out, her hand held firmly in his free one.
"Pay the snake Kili and we will be on our merry way." Fili directed, keeping Mistlynn behind him as if trying to spare her shopkeepers mere presence.
"See here you thieves, that is my property, and you have no right to any of those pieces!" Kili kicked him back onto the stool, making the poor excuse of a man look up at him in surprise. "We have every bloody right you fool. And if you don't want Thorin Oakenshield's wrath to fall upon your disgusting head you will shut up and take this gold and forget we ever stepped foot in here."
The man paled at the Mountain Kings name. Kili tossed a bag of gold coin at him. "Not like you deserve payment, taking advantage of one of our dams in such a sordid manner."
The man swallowed and nodded stupidly. "Yes, master dwarf. Thank you."
Kili growled in disgust as he followed his brother and Mistlynn out, making sure to slam the door for good measure.
Silence fell upon them, Mistlynn overwhelmed and shaken by the righteous anger displayed by her friends, while Fili and Kili spoke to each other in hushed and quick Khuzdul as they picked up and examined her work from the bag.
Mistlynn felt her own anger rise. "He was the only one to take me on!" She huffed. "Now what am I going to do? No one will take me now after that display!"
The princes both lifted their heads and looked at her in shock. "He was swindling you Mist! Don't you understand that? He knew it to! You probably brought that vile excuse of a man more clients and money he has seen in a lifetime and was paying you next to nothing!" Fili disputed, his tone broking no argument.
"As your friends, and our uncles …" Kili started out, just as equally stern but trailed off, realizing his error, watching as Mistlynn's eyebrows raised questioningly "Guest. His honorable guest, we cannot allow you to suffer such insolence." Fili looked at him incredulously. "Nice save men gorach. (idiot)" He whispered to his brother through the corner of his mouth.
"Well, I am not wrong! And you know it! I'm the only one who isn't pussyfooting around it!" Kili growled back as he shoved one of Mistlynn's bracers back into the bag.
Mistlynn threw up her hands in frustration. "Fine! Now what? Now what am I going to do? I have nothing. I won't be able to stay here!"
"You want to live here in Dale?" Fili sputtered, horrified at the idea.
"Well, yes! I'm not one of your people. There is no place for me in Erebor, at least in Dale I would be close to you both and your mother and Balin." She trailed off, her anger fizzling out and turning into resignation.
"Oh Mist. If you only knew." Kili smiled gently. "Come on. Let us not spoil the day. Let's show you the sights. And I promise we well help you find a commission for your trade INSIDE Erebor. Dwarves, Elves and Men will be lined up for miles for your leather goods. You will not be worrying about coin ever again."
"What about Luna?" finding a place that would accept her was her biggest stressor.
"What about her? She will be just fine, leave that to Uncle. I hear he even sneaks down there to see her. Even brings her treats. So does the rest of the company. Only them though I promise you." Fili added the last part quickly, not wanting to alarm her with that tiny secret Thorin swore him to secrecy. 'Ooops.'
"Are you joking?" Mistlynn gasped, shocked beyond belief.
"Nope. He's very fond of your wolf. Even though he will never admit to it. Leave it to him, before long she will be the darling mascot of Erebor."
Mistlynn felt her heart skip a couple beats at Kili's words. It was hard for her to believe, but the thought of him showing Luna such affection made her gut twist and flutter.
"Enough of this. Let's get on with that tour." Fili adjusted the bag on his shoulder and held his arm out for her to take, Kili likewise holding out his other arm for her to hold as well. She found herself smiling as they led her down the cobbled street and began regaling tales of Dale and of the treasures that could be found there.
It wasn't until later in the evening, when they decided to stop at the pub before heading back to Erebor, that she let Thorin sneak back effortlessly into her thoughts.
