Chapter Twenty-Two: Good enough to eat.
"And are you going to explain to us exactly what that is lass?" Balin asked with a smirk watching as she dipped her fingers into the paste and brought it to her tongue. He shared a confused look with Thorin beside him who could only grunt and shrug his shoulder.
Narâ winced at the flavour, it was gritty on her tongue tasted like dirt and crushed leaves, smelt of flowers though so she supposed it wasn't entirely bad. She wiped her hand on her furred skirt and gave Balin a lovely smile "Well it's a mixture of healing herbs Master Balin" she said in a singsong voice a playful glint in her eye. She paused giggling at his eye roll, as she dug her hand into the small satchel at her hip pulling out a thin pale pink strip and a small bone needle. "What he means is why is it called that lass" Bofur said with a laugh moving across the fire to watch her work.
Narâ gave him a wicked grin "Why because its dirty of course" she said like it was the most obvious thing in the world tilting the bowl down as she dipped the strip into the mixture, running her fingers down the length to saturate it. She pinched the needle between her teeth to hide her grin and threaded the needle.
"I feel like there is more to it than that lass" Balin sighed leaning his weight back on his hands as he settled his bones to get comfortable.
She nodded eyes flicking to his narrowed in mirth "Well there might be another particular reason, but don't worry yer handsome head Balin, this is for Khimâ, and I assure you he wont care what it does to him" she stopped looking up at Thorin with a grin "technically its for you as well if you're brave enough to use it" she snickered.
"Fine, give it here" he said grabbing the bowl from her hands he tipped it back and drank a mouthful, gagging at the disgusting taste. He coughed clearing his throat as she laughed loudly "You don't even know what's in it".
"Let no one say Thorin Oakenshield isn't brave" he teased, and she covered her mouth with a hand "You are in for a real treat blue eyes."
"Wait why" he paused; he wasn't really paying much attention to what she put it "didn't you say it was a bunch of herbs" he said confused looking at Balin who frowned.
"Well technically she hasn't told us what it does yet."
"What does what" Bilbo asked confused sitting himself down on the other side of the large Warg.
Narâ looked over her shoulder at the hobbit as she tied off her stitching, rolling to her feet she kept the bowl in one hand and the needle between her teeth, holding out a hand to calm her beast "Well lad, this particular mix contains a mushroom" she paused letting her Warg smell the bowl. He inhaled shaking his fur out before sneezing on her. She frowned wincing at the splatter of moisture on her face "Wonderful thank you" she muttered sarcastically setting her tools down, shuffling her weight on her knees to get a better look at the wound that needed stitching on his shoulder. She peaked at Thorin over her shoulder and gave him a devilish grin "This mushroom is great for inflammation, helps hmm" she stopped tapping her chin "Helps with the pain as it has a sort of hallucinogenic effect, calms you right down it does, muscles relax" she paused stifling a giggle "But it also has a lovely side effect that isn't used for medicine."
"What" Thorin growled wishing he just went to bed instead of drinking the blasted thing like some daft fool to prove he wasn't afraid of her taunts.
"Well, I've never seen it used myself, but" she snorted "I've heard enough tales to know" she laughed resting her head on Khimâ's pelt before taking a deep breath "Dwarrowdam's give it to their husbands to get them in the mood" she whispered leaning closer to Bilbo waggling her brows "it gets the blood flowing if you catch my meaning" she chuckled biting her lip. She smiled at Thorin who went a lovely shade of deep red as he looked down at his lap "I was going to tell you to use it sparingly, but you didn't give me a chance."
"Why would you put that in there" he hissed avoiding her eyes and she turned her attention back to her Warg "Well again it is used for medicinal properties, I only know the other side effects from the whispers of the high borne ladies in court" she tutted her Warg as she pushed his head away to get a better look at his cuts. "You'll be fine I'm sure, a most awkward evening for you and a most entertaining one for me" she snickered the last part under her breath. She ran her fingers gently across the matted fur of Khimâ ignoring the roaring of laughter from her companions behind her at their leader's expense frowning at the blood and dirt caked into his pelt. "Bilbo be a good lad and grab me some water" she grunted as Khimâ tried to struggle and get away.
"Imgilî-Calm" she soothed in a soft tone, a hand firm on the battered pelt of her pet. Bilbo handed her a pot of water and she smiled in thanks, grunting in pain at its weight. Her own back was smarting from the bite wound she had gotten, her sweat from a day's travel was stinging the cuts. She clenched her teeth and blew out a frustrated puff lifting it high enough to poor the cool water over Khimâ's side. She smeared a small amount of the paste onto his cut, giving him a firm command to stay still as he whined and thrashed "Don't be a brute" she growled giving his fur a quick yank his red eyes focused on her. She pulled the needle through his torn flesh, careful with the stitches she was so focused she almost didn't notice Bilbo hovering over her shoulder "What are you doing" he asked curiously.
"Paintin a picture lad" she snorted looking over her shoulder at his blushed face rolling her eyes "Stitching laddie".
"What are you using I've never seen that before", he asked looking at the strange brown paste she smeared on the Warg, it was staining her hands and the pristine white fur. She chuckled "You are such a curious thing Bilbo, its cured rabbit's gut" she finished her work pulling the last stitch taunt in Khimâ's flesh, giving him a loving pet, he licked her face in gratitude knocking her over.
She groaned looking up at the sky, it was certainly getting dark now, the sky looked like a splattering of little diamonds. The ground was cool against her skin, and she almost wished she could just go to sleep but she wasn't nearly finished yet and she wanted to be sure Khimâ was fully attended to before she went to sleep. She lifted a hand into the air "A'right someone pull me up" she sighed looking at her hand above her head, it was filthy covered with the brown paste and dried blood, turning her palm she twitched her fingers.
"Too lazy to get up now eh Nar" Kili joked from across the camp watching as the dam twiddled her fingers almost in a trance.
Narâ groaned as a warm hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a sitting position her head rolled back, and she looked at Kili "Not Lazy lad, just hurt is all" she muttered rolling her shoulders to ease the tension in her muscles.
"You are hurt?" Thorin asked confused and she waved a hand at him "I'll be fine, one o the Wargs gave me a love bite is all" she chuckled hiding a wince as she got back to onto her knees.
"Show me" he commanded his voice hard leaving no room for argument. She smirked at him over her shoulder as she smeared more paste onto Khimâ's wounds "And what if it was on me arse" she waggled her brow at him he only gave her a heated look and she exhaled "Fine". She sat back on her haunches and unfasten the buckle at her neck tossing the cowl onto the ground beside Khimâ, pulling off her leather jerkin, she started rolling up the top of her thin cotton tunic when someone cleared their throat "Whoa there lass what are you doing".
She chuckled it sounded like Dwalin only a tad more strangled and pitchy than normal. She rolled the tunic up her back and over her head leaving her torn backside open "Relax, he wanted to see it so there it be" she said trying to look over her shoulder to see the scars.
"You are bleeding lass" Balin said alarmed looking at the crisscrossed scars that littered her back, one particularly long and deep scar nearly split her back in two, from her left hip over her back and across her shoulder blade. Fresh cuts trickled blood against her pale skin, most small enough they would heal on their own but two were severe enough they probably needed tending. Narâ smacked her lips "Perfect" she said annoyed flicking her eyes toward Thorin who was looking at her scared back "Happy now" she growled playfully grabbing her tunic to pull it back over her head.
"Will that help you?" Bilbo asked pointing to the paste beside her right knee. She yawned "course it will, but my arms aren't that long" she snickered as the hobbit twitched his nose "Be serious" he sighed.
She smiled "I have never been more serious Master Baggins; my arms are in fact not that long" she chortled reaching behind her to prove a point her fingers just brushed the top of her shoulder blade. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath shaking his head, little curls bouncing as he did "no..no I mean will that effect you um strangely" he paused unsure of how to phrase it.
She paused tapping a finger on her chin "Naw lad, might make my head spin a bit but that's bout it" he nodded "You are sure?" he asked flicking his eyes from her to Thorin.
She shrugged biting back a wince "don't worry lad I won't jump yer bones" she teased flashing him a winning smile as he blushed and rolled his eyes at her. "I wasn't talking about me" he squeaked shaking his head reaching for the bowl "I can help if you'd like."
She paused tapping a finger on her chin "Uh wait a second lad" she said grabbing a fistful of her tunic and ripping off a thin strip "Need to tie up my hair first". She winced as she gathered up her thick hair into a bundle at the top of her head, dropping the cotton strip "Mahals balls" she grunted dropping her hair "Forget it" she heaved a sigh tossing the heavy plaits over a shoulder.
Thorin could hardly pull his eyes away from the scarred flesh of her back, so many littered her skin that he wasn't sure were to look, and the bite wound would only add two more. She was saying something to the hobbit, but he couldn't make it out, his blood was humming in his ears. He looked up as she moved, arms reaching upward to tie off her glorious hair, smirking as she dropped it with a grunt. Not entirely sure what he was doing he grabbed the thin strip of her tunic off the ground and moved behind her "Here" he said his voice surprisingly tender. He grabbed the long, luscious hair from her shoulder and gathered it in his hands twisting it into a neat bun on the top of her head tying it off with practiced fingers.
Narâ froze on the spot, muscles coiling as Thorin ran his hands through her hair and fixed it in place for her. She could feel the heat spread across her skin like a blazing inferno. "Um Thorin what are you doing" she hissed arching her back as a cold gritty paste was smeared onto her skin. She could feel the heat of his breath on her skin, and she shivered ears burning with embarrassment as she looked up at the dark sky anywhere but her companions who were snickering under their breath at them.
"This needs stitches" Thorin said running his thumb gently over the largest gash on her back, completely focused on his task at hand.
"Thorin" Balin said clearing his throat loudly to get his attention, but his leader wouldn't take his eyes off the naked flesh of Narâ. "Thorin" he said grabbing his shoulder, blinking in alarm at the sight of his completely blown out pupils "Oin can stitch her up fine lad" he said quietly, letting out a sigh as Thorin snorted "I can stitch up battle wounds just fine Balin" he growled shaking off his hand from his shoulder.
Balin shook his head "Fine" he turned toward the others who were watching the scene with amusement "A'right lads that's enough entertainment for the evening, sleep now the lot o ya"
"I don't think they will be sleeping tonight" Kili chuckled ducking his head as Dwalin swatted a meaty hand at him. "Shut yer mouth lad" Dwalin growled at the young Dwarrow.
Thorin ignored his sister son and set himself to task "Naimgili-calm, with me" he whispered softly to her as she tensed at the sharp bite of the needle in her skin. Once finished he nodded satisfied with his work, he smoothed a thin layer of the crushed herbs on her wounds, taking his time to run his fingers across her back. There was something memorising about the way her skin looked and felt, it made it feel like he was electrified, his blood was singing.
Narâ felt tingles all along her back, the burning slowly subsided and was replaced by a warmth that radiated into her bones. She sighed in contentment at the odd sensation, she had used her herbs before and it wasn't nearly as affective, something was different this time, perhaps she had mixed it differently it was hard to tell her mind was a fog of bliss. She blinked lazily and turned giving Thorin a shy smile "Thank you" she said her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears.
"Narâ why don't you sleep over here tonight lass" Balin said watching the pair with worried eyes, something was strange, both looked almost as if they were drunk.
She yawned and shook her head laughing "Its fine Balin, I'll take first watch then head to my own bedroll" she said pointing to the cowl laid out beside Khimâ.
Thorin frowned "Go to sleep Balin, you don't have to keep watch over us" he was insulted that Balin thought so little of him, he wasn't about to rape the dam and the way the old Dwarrow was nervously watching them made him angry.
Narâ sighed blissfully stretching her arms and arching her back, she felt wonderful, her muscles were not wrung tighter than a knot and she felt no pain at all. She gave Balin a cheeky grin "I wont ravage him Balin you have my word" she teased stretching her legs out and moving to get closer to the fire.
Balin snorted and got up cracking his back giving Thorin a pointed look he moved to go sleep beside his brother who was already snoring loud enough to wake the dead.
Narâ leaned back on her hands and closed her eyes "Thank you Thorin"
He grunted moving to sit beside the fire with her "You don't have to thank me". She opened an eye and smiled at him, a pretty little smile that lit up her face, in the glow of the fire light she looked delicious. He paused shaking his head a little no that wasn't the right word, he blinked and took a deep breath. Flowers and something sweet was in the air and he felt his mouth water, what in Mahals name was he doing. "I wasn't about to let the hobbit do it" he grunted his voice deeper than normal.
She laughed quietly and leaned her head back "And why not, I'm sure out of all of us he probably can sew the best" she said bumping her shoulder against his lightly. He turned his head and looked at her and she grinned like a cat, he looked different for some reason, the blues of his eyes were swallowed almost entirely by darkness, his features more chiselled, rugged, like she had never really looked at him until now.
"He isn't allowed to touch you" he said low his deep voice made her shiver and her toes curl in her leather boots.
"And you are" she whispered playfully, poking her tongue out to wet her dry lips. She giggled as his eyes moved to her mouth, if it was possible his pupils dilated even more.
"Don't do that" he muttered his fists clenching and unclenching as she snickered, she was toying with him, and she knew it.
They sat in silence for awhile, the fire crackling and popping before them. Narâ fidgeted in her place, something was wrong, her blood was humming and heart racing. Her skin felt like it was on fire, tingles shooting from her head to her toes making her want to curl them into her boots. She let out a shaky breath and closed her eyes taking a deep breath. The air was cool on her flesh and filled her lungs with the scent of the forest, pine, dew and pipeweed. It was comforting and made her stomach knot up, she exhaled with a breathy moan, blushing a deep red. Opening her eyes she dared to peek at Thorin hoping he wasn't paying her attention gasping as he watched her.
She was divine, perfectly crafted by Mahal's own hands, he had always known it to be true but now it was so painfully obvious that he found himself staring at her in a completely unabashed way. she blushed prettily; her smooth pale skin kissed with a tempting shade of pink. Her jade eyes were blown out, her mouth slightly parted as her chest heaved the more, he watched her. He ground his teeth together at the lava flowing in his veins, wanting nothing more than to devour her. She licked her lips before pulling her plump bottom lip between her teeth and he groaned. Sweet mahal that sound made her want to crawl all over him, she let out a shaking breath "Thorin" she said her voice airy as she turned to face him "Yes Mizimelûh" he said roughly voice low and heated.
She paused those words made her heart sing, she leaned closer to him so close she could taste his breath and feel the raging inferno of heat from his skin. "Nainmî-Kiss me" she mewled as he took her face in his rough palm and kissed her. The fire that danced along her skin burned to a blazing inferno, her heart galloping like a wild horse, mind scattered to the wind everything seemed to come to life. Never before had she felt so alive, it was like the very sky opened up and the mountain sang its praises. She moaned into his mouth scampering across the small distance between them, more she needed more, her insides felt like liquid burning sloshing molten lava. He groaned as she crawled over his lap, his hands finding her hips and pulling her flush against him. She gasped tilting her head back, all rational thought leaving her, it never occurred to her that she was sitting not ten feet away from the others who were snoring soundly. Thorin kissed her exposed neck, running his hands up her back to tangle into her tresses, finding the tie that bound such a beauty he unwound it. Dark raven black curls and plaits tumbled down her shoulders and she whimpered wiggling her hips as his fingers dug into her hair pulling it gently. He made a noise deep in his throat of satisfaction as he kissed her skin, his beard rough against the delicate flesh. She clawed at his back grabbing a fistful of his hair she yanked his head back, smashing her lips against his, a battle of tongues. Her tunic was peeled off and tossed behind them, along with his coat, hands burning as they traveled over scared flesh.
Bilbo felt something hit him in the face, annoyed he rolled over peeling his eyes open in drowsiness only to see nothing, he pulled his head back and let out a sneeze as fur tickled his nose. Blearily he looked at the object before him, dark coloured fur, he sat up slowly rubbing his eyes and pulled it closer to him, it was a coat. He blinked and yawned Thorin's coat, he rolled his shoulders still half asleep, why was Thorin's coat here. He lazily looked to Thorin's sleep roll, empty, he twitched his nose giving his head a good shake to clear it. Grunts and groans reached his sleep deprived head and he turned to the fire with wide eyes letting out a loud yelp of surprise.
"Narâ" he shouted in alarm; she was being pawed like a piece of meat.
Bilbos yell of alarm woke Dwalin who stormed to his feet with a loud fierce cry, a yell that high pitched surely came from the lass.
Narâ froze in Thorin's lap when the yelling started, and Thorin froze beneath her his arms locked around her back she was pressed tightly to his chest. She winced as Dwalin started laughing so loud she was sure he would piss himself right there.
"Thorin you dog" Dwalin roared wheezing so hard he could feel tears burning his eyes, he dropped his axe in the sand and leaned his hands on his knees.
Bilbo felt embarrassed for shouting and drawing so much attention on the dam "Narâ" he squeaked "Are you alright" he cautioned.
Narâ couldn't help it she laughed tucking her head into Thorin's throat, her body vibrating as she laughed "Well I was a minute ago lad" she called taking a deep breath. Her mind was still a hazy mess as she went to pull away, but strong arms held her fast "Don't move Mizimelûh" Thorin growled softly in her ear. She shook her head and looked him in the eye realization dawning on her as cool night air kissed her skin. She was naked, well partially anyway.
"Could" she tried to speak her voice cracking "Could you throw me my tunic Bilbo" she snorted holding back a laugh as Thorin smirked at her touching his forehead to hers beneath a curtain of dark hair.
Bilbo panicked looking around the camp for the white tunic, moving to her cowl he pushed it aside "Uhh where did you put it" he asked pathetically.
She groaned "To be honest Master Baggins I wasn't paying much attention" she turned to peek at everyone through the curtain of her dark hair "Mahal's sake look away lads" she hissed aggressively at their red faces. She turned as much as she was able without revealing herself and grabbed the end of Thorin's long coat pulling it to herself she slipped her arms through it as he loosened his grip on her. "You can let me go now" she whispered softly to him, his blue eyes still blazed with heat "No" he grunted, and she sighed.
"Fine" she placed her arms over his shoulders and deflated against him with a heave of breath looking at the others as she rested her chin on her arms "Get it over with" she grunted.
"What" Balin paused pinching the bridge of his nose taking a deep breath, he held up a hand and let it out "What were you thinking" he growled disappointment clear in his tone.
She smacked her lips and yawned, her blood still humming as the drug danced in her veins "He looked good enough to eat" she answered the first thing that popped into her head. Blushing at the words as soon as the registered in her head "Not sure why I said that".
"Do you have any idea what could of happened" Balin hissed spittle flying from his mouth as she nestled her nose into the soft fabric of Thorin's coat and inhaled his scent "Yup" she said popping the p.
"You're not in your right mind" Balin sighed deflated sitting down to be eye level with her "You are both addled on mushrooms."
"Balin enough" Thorin growled shifting the dam off his lap he pulled them both upward, her still lazily wrapped around his neck "She is mine" he said darkly a possessive hand on her hip.
Balin shook his head with a deep sigh "See if you still think that in the morning lad" he said sadly.