Chapter 6
*Thorin*
He was pacing. Always pacing nowadays, it seemed. "That infernal woman!" he thought to himself. Not the one currently yelling at him in his office; no, the other one.
"Are you listening to me Thorin?" Dis had her arms crossed, perturbed her brother was ignoring her.
"Yes.' He grumbled.
Dis raised an eyebrow, Unfolding and recrossing her arms looking at her brother wondering if he truly thinks she is stupid enough to believe him. "No, you're not. You're not listening. Otherwise, you would be having an actual conversation with me."
Thorin threw his head back in annoyance "There is no conversation to be had Dis. I would like to be left in peace with my thoughts thank you very much." Burying his head in his hands huffing out his frustration.
She laughed humorlessly flinging her hands onto the marble desk, staring down at her petulant brother. "Oh, there is so much conversation begging to be had. Like the fact Bofur and your eager nephews overheard your little lover's spat along with the half of Erebor. It's all they can talk about, Bofur is already composing a ballad about it!"
Thorin growled in response, still pacing irritably.
"You have been left alone with your thoughts long enough Thorin!" She thundered at him "If you were hoping that no one had caught on that she is your One, well, you just shite out of luck now!" Throwing her hands in the air.
Thorin let out a frustrated roar, flipping over the marble table sending its contents scattering across the floor. "SAR EM GABURA!" he boomed making the portraits above the fireplace shake.
Dis let out a huff of annoyance, followed by a slow clap completely unimpressed with this powerful display of frustration at his defeat. "Every time. Without fail. You are such an eloquent speaker." She drawled, looking at him with blatant sarcasm. "Will there ever come a day that you will learn to use your words over your fists?"
Thorin stood there breathing heavily, looking between the globe on the floor and his sister and toyed with the idea of kicking it at her insufferable head. But decided against pissing off the only woman in his life that was currently on his side.
"Now that you have subsequently destroyed a marble table in which 4 generations have sat at, and that has survived the decimation of Smaug are we able to have the discussion of her being your One? Or would you like to destroy anything else? You have enough of an armory in this room I'm sure you could make swift work of smashing something else to pieces!" the sarcasm dripping from her words.
Unamused by her mockery, Thorin let out a loud huff before collapsing upon the only chair left unbroken. "Why do you feel there is anything to discuss, Erebor comes before all for me, you know this Dis. I do not have time for a One; especially that One!"
"Oh Thorin, if anything you need her more than Erabor needs you. The "polite" conversation shared between you was a perfect example of why she was chosen for you as your One. I quite enjoy her exuberance and her pure inhibition to stand up to your stubborn arse. I know we will become fast friends."
"Sister if you were anyone else, that comment would get you thrown into the dungeons…wait? What do you mean friends? She is insufferable!"
"Well then, it's a great thing I am your sister and even though you may fight me you know I am right and that she was sent by Mahal. His choice for you will not be questioned."
"I am king of Erabor! Watch me!" He spat, his temper flaring once again.
"Whatever helps dear brother." Dis glowered back, staring him down challengingly.
Just then the cracking of glass under a boot catches Thorin's ear.
"Dammit Laddie." Balin sighs making his presence known, shaking his head rubbing his hand thru his beard, while looking upon the destruction of centuries old furniture through the room. Thorin and Dis had been so engrossed in their argument that they had not heard as Balin entered the room quietly observe their exchange.
"I hope you realize that marble table had made it thru four generations and Smaug?!"
"Why does everyone care about this fucking table so much? We are Dwarves I will have it repaired! But that is not the issue at hand! Find me another and I will destroy it too for the anger you two continue to perpetuate upon me!" Thorin thundered.
"Laddie this is not anger that you experience, this is the frustrations of finding your One, having your eyes opened and realizing there is more to life than just Erabor. You have given your life for our people; it is time to have some happiness after all these years."
"Did you tell him?" he looked at Dis with strong accusation.
Balin chuckled deep in his belly up thru his chest "Dis didn't have to say anything. Anyone who has seen you two together already knows. This is the strongest pull I have ever seen Laddie, and I have been around since the mountains were hills."
Thorin turns from his companions trying to mask the sheer panic that floods his face. How was she to be his One? "I don't even know where she comes from or who she is, yet she is supposed to be the one I bind my life too?" He yelled running his hands thru his hair "Your all insane and I am about to call the healer to have everyone looked at for it seems the Ale has been poisoned. That is the only explanation for this insanity."
"Ahh love." Balin says with a sighing smile "I do have information from her if you would like, but it seems you are busy so maybe I shall come back."
Thorin turned around slowly, choosing to ignore the love comment and inquire only about the information "Speak now or you shall truly need that healer and it will not be for poisoning but to reset your limbs."
Balin sniffed, unphased by the empty threat. "Belegost" he stated simply.
Thorin's eyes widened at the name of the sunken kingdom, having not heard its name since he had been a dwarfling in his studies.
"What of it." he growled.
"She is a descendant of those who survived. From what I can discern they chose a nomadic life of peace and sanctuary with their fellow Elven survivors. She is what you suspected, born of a lineage intertwined with Elves. She knows nothing of our Kingdom since after the fall of Belegost. Her knowledge of that outside of the Norther Wastes or as she calls it "The White Kingdom" is nonexistent, she believed all outside their lands to be enemies, only to be feared and to be avoided at all costs."
"I thought the survivors sought refuge in Moria?" Thorin couldn't hide his surprise.
"Some did. Others went North apparently." Balin shook his head. "It's been said that Nogrod drew first blood against the Elves; maybe they didn't feel safe fleeing with their kin to Moria. Details have been lost to time we can only speculate."
Thorin shook his head. "Unbelievable."
"Well, at least we have an explanation as to her behavior. The poor thing is probably overwhelmed."
"And where is the poor little dear now? Sulking in her room I assume? As soon as she is sufficiently healed, I'm sure she will be on her merry little way and out of my beard." Thorin snorted in disdain.
"She is with her Dire wolf checking on her health."
"SHE'S WHERE?" Thorin shouts, rumbling the broken glass all over the floor." What did you do Balin? Why would you allow her around that animal? It could be dangerous! Its wounded! She could be injured even more than she is now, that thing could kill her!"
Balin lets out a loud laugh that travels thru his belly and up his throat.
"I don't see why this is so funny" Thorin shouts.
"Because my boy, for a dwarf that does not believe she is his One and who has no care on when she leaves or not you are very concerned of her welfare. Especially if you took a moment to think you would remember that beast, is her beast. If it is to eat anyone it won't be her."
Thorin knew the words Balin spoke were true but even though he understood them they did not register in his mind; he couldn't see how that thing could be safe and the overwhelming urge to keep Mistlynn safe was unsettling.
He was fuming as he made his way to the dungeons, Dis and Balin quickly following suit.
"She agreed to be locked in the cell, she is doing no harm." Balin huffed.
"It's a Dire Wolf, Balin." Thorin seethed. "It could swallow the lot of us whole in the matter of mere moments."
As they drew closer to the bigger cells, they heard faint murmurings. Thorin slowed his pace holding his hand up to silence his sister and advisor. He silently crept up to the side of the cell that held the wolf and its master. He peeked around the corner, his eyes widening slightly at the sight before him.
Mistlynn was sitting on the floor, her legs outstretched in front of her with the wolfs head resting upon her lap. Her hands were buried in the white fur of the animal, gently caressing and stroking it while murmuring in a sweet soothing tone words he could not make out.
It was the first time he saw her truly relaxed except for when she was unconscious in the infirmary. No longer aware of his sister and Balin still waiting behind him, he strained to hear what she was whispering to her beast. Just then, he noticed the faint glistening of a tear as it fell down her cheek, Thorin went to take a step, wanting desperately to wipe it from her cheek but stopped himself before she saw and pulled back into the shadows where she could not see him.
"I've made a royal mess of things Luna." She hiccupped as she fought to control her tears. "Your hurt because of me. I had no idea where we were at or where we were going." She paused, sniffing and taking a deep breath.
"I had no right to take you from our home. All because I couldn't face my father and Valinn. Because of my shame." Her hand came up to stroke the wolf's ears, and she shuddered as more tears fell.
"I have been an incomprehensible ass to the King who has given us aid. I've insulted him in the worst imaginable ways and I'm too afraid to even look him in the eyes again. I don't deserve his mercy or forgiveness. I'm frightened about what will be done with us."
Thorin sighed as he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against the wall where the cell bars were imbedded. A gentle nudge shifted him, making him open his eyes to see Dis looking over his shoulder with an encouraging look on her face. "Go on." She whispered, nudging him again. He had to place his foot forward to brace himself, and it was enough of a movement for Mistlynn and the wolf to look over at him abruptly in surprise.
Mistlynn's grip in Luna's fur tightened and dread began to fil her stomach. 'Shite.' She cursed to herself. She felt her wet cheeks, she knew it would be obvious to him that she had been crying. She swallowed thickly and quickly wiped her face, hoping her eyes were not as bloodshot as they felt.
Luna was still holding her head up, looking at the imposing dark figure that was slowly approaching the door of the cell. It was apparent that the wolf felt no threat coming from their uninvited guest, and to the shock of her owner she wagged her tail weakly, so that it 'thumped' on the stone floor. And then, to everyone's surprise Luna started to move to stand up. Mistlynn gasped. "Luna no." she admonished softly, trying to soothe her by stroking her neck. Luna ignored her and pushed herself up on her feet, her injured front paw now held in a sling. She started to hop towards the cell bars, her head bowed low as her eyes held the gaze of their visitor.
Thorin watched in shock as the massive, injured wolf approached him. If standing to its full height, the wolf's head would easily be the same height as his. Instead, it approached with its neck lowered as if in submission. The wolf came as far as it could go, its molten gold eyes boring into his. It was unnerving to say the least, but at the same time he felt no fear or threat coming from the animal. Questioning his own sanity, he slowly slipped his hand through the bars, hovering it over the wolf's head. He heard a gasp from Dis and Balin as the wolf raised its head until Thorin's palm was resting between its ears. Thorin slowly ran his fingers thru the beast's hair taking in the softness of her fur.
Mistlynn felt her jaw go slack, her mouth slightly agape in shock. Thorin was gently petting her wolf! And Luna appeared to be enjoying the attention. To see her accept him with unwavering certainty scared her. Thorin cleared his throat before speaking softly. "I see that she…or he… is recovering nicely."
Mistlynn nodded, shocked that he was speaking to her. "Y-yes, yes thank you, she should be good in the next week or two. The healer that saw to her was very capable."
Thorin nodded, unsure how to continue or what to say next. "That is very good to hear." He continued to pet the soft fur, his gaze still on the wolf. Not once did he look up at her. She shifted from one foot to another, trying to disperse her nervous energy.
Dis and Balin looked at each other, pained with the awkwardness of the situation. Dis threw up her hands in resignation. How did a good-looking dwarf, such as her brother, struggle so with talking to a female? Especially so when this female was supposed to be his soul mate one that Mahal himself crafted for him.
Thorin cleared his throat, seeing his sister's impatient gesture of acute social duress, and gently pulled his hand away from the wolf. He stepped back slightly before bringing his eyes up to meet hers. "There is the matter of where you will be staying for your duration of your… visit, that we must discuss. Since you are recovering from your injuries and…the like." His voice was gruff as he struggled to formulate a plan in his head on the spot.
He, at first, had pictured tossing her out and pointing her towards the little cozy inn in Dale. But after hearing her heartfelt confession to her … pet? He couldn't bring himself to follow through with the plan, The thought of her alone in Dale did not sit well in his mind the more he thought about it. She wasn't from here, and a dam could not just be removed from his kingdom in such a state. Never mind his distaste of her? Was that what he was feeling? Surely it was, that must be what the unease he was feeling was… distaste. She at least needed somewhere safe and under his eye to recover. This way he could make sure she recovered properly before she took her leave. And leave she must he thought to himself, but not too soon of course, he would not want to be seen as inhospitable and barbaric to his neighbors. A room wouldn't be out of the question, since Oin undoubtedly wasn't keen on the idea of having her back in the infirmary for obvious reasons. Normal housing was out of the question. She would draw way too much attention living amongst the residents of Erebor.
That left the royal quarters. She was technically a princess. It wouldn't be odd for him to give her a room fitting of her station. "Yes, the Royal Quarters would be the sensible option" he thought to himself.
"I think it may be prudent to just forget our prior…disagreement." His lips twisted in a humorless smirk. 'Since it is befitting your station, you will be given one of the rooms in the royal quarters until you are well enough to continue on your way."
Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I don't expect you to go out of your way to place me in such quarters. I appreciate your offer, but it would please me to stay here with Luna until we are healed enough."
Thorin's eyebrows raised in disbelief. "That is out of the question. I will not allow a guest of our kingdom to sleep on the floor of the dungeons like a prisoner."
Her stance became defensive and was tensing to deliver a quick retort, but an exasperated sigh interrupted her thought.
"That is just preposterous! For once I agree with my brother." Mistlynn watched as Dis walked out from behind the wall, poise and confidence gave her a commanding presence, adding to her striking, natural beauty. If she hadn't known better, she would have thought Dis and Thorin to be twins. Dis shot her bother an unamused glower before looking at Mistlynn, her face instantly brightening with a dazzling smile. "Mistlynn, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I was hoping to meet you earlier, but you were otherwise detained." That last word was dripping with accusing sarcasm, directed once again at her sibling, who only rolled his eyes in response while leaning against the cell bars, his one arm above his head, the other coming to rest on his hip. Mistlynn's eyes widened at his pose, before licking her dry lips, quickly turning her gaze to Dis, eager for distraction. This reaction wasn't missed by Dis, or Balin who had come out to stand alongside her.
"I must insist you come stay in the the royal quarters with us. I would feel better as your host to see to your speedy recovery and ensure proper rest and nourishment. I promise your wolf will be seen to most intently. You will have unlimited access to her daily." Dis encouraged, yet her tone not giving any room for argument.
Mistlynn crossed her arms over her chest. However, not in retaliation but insecurity. Thorin's frown deepened. He was starting to get whiplash from her abrupt changes of attitude.
Luna had gone back to Mistlynn, and gingerly laid down on the straw-filled mat that had been provided for her placed in the back of the cell.
"It grieves me to leave her down here. She is of no threat to anyone, especially in her state. Could she at least stay in my quarters while we are here?"
"I beg you understand that the presence of your Dire-Wolf among our citizens would cause alarm. She is a creature of legend, not seen for many centuries in our lands. Let us see how the situation proceeds before we consider moving her anywhere else. She will be well taken care of here, safe from prying eyes while she recovers. I give you my word." Dis was a good diplomat, Mistlynn would give her that. She could not find fault with her logic. She pursed her lips together as she looked at Luna, worry and fear still evident in her eyes. Luna looked at her for a long moment, before letting out a huff and closing them, looking comfortable laying on her side.
Mistlynn sighed. "Very well. I shall come back to check on her tomorrow."
Thorin grunted, pleased with his sisters take over. "Very well. Have a good evening."
Dis looked at his retreating form in exasperation before looking back at her guest. "Thank you for indulging my wishes. I, for one, am very eager to learn more about you. It has been a very long time since we've had such exciting company."
Mistlynn couldn't help but smile at Dis as Balin began to unlock the cell door, allowing her to step out and join them. It was comforting to be in the presence of another female.
'Come on Lassie. Let's get you settled in and fed." Balin gently touched her arm, guiding her out to walk in-between him and Dis.
*Mistlynn*
Her jaw dropped the moment Balin opened the door to what was now her quarters. She had never imagined such luxury existed. The 4-poster bed was intricately carved dark wood, jewel tone blankets of deep emerald and sapphire made up the bed with thick black furs arranged at the end. Settees, plush armchairs of similar make and color were arranged tastefully throughout the room, in front of a whimsical writing desk in the corner by the massive stone fireplace. A fire had been lit prior her arrival, and it blazed merrily as warm radiated from the hearth.
A dining table of the likes she had never seen before had food set upon it, steaming invitingly. The smell coming from the food made her mouth instantly water.
"I took the initiative to have some food brought. I can only imagine how long it has been since you have had a proper meal. You are skin and bones my dear, I hope you don't mind me saying." Dis chatted as she swept around the room, making sure that everything was in place for her. "I have also had a bath drawn for you. I had them bring hot water so that you could eat at your leisure."
Mistlynn nodded as she slowly approached the table of food. "You are very kind, my Lady."
"Oh, hush. Please, call me Dis. It has been far too long since I've had a friend. The dwarrowdam's of the court I keep at arm's length, but I feel like I can trust you to be a confidant. True friends are few and far between."
Mistlynn looked over at her sharply, surprise written all over her face. "I am honored you think of me as such."
Dis smiled at her warmly. "My instincts have never been wrong. We will be great friends, you and I." She watched Mistlynn smile spread shyly across her face. "Oh, don't let me stop you I am sure you are famished."
Mistlynn looked back at the table of food. "I am, actually." But she paused as she looked at the foreign food in front of her. "I don't even know what to start with."
Balin gestured towards the small basket covered with a cloth napkin. "Bombur's rolls are divine, especially when you dip it in the stew. If it wasn't so late, we would have had more of a dinner course available to you, but he has the kitchen closed down until the early morning…."
"Oh no this is more than sufficient I assure you!" Mistlynn assured him quickly. She reached for the basket of bread and lifted the napkin, seeing the most curious little golden balls she had ever seen. She picked up one, surprised to see it was still warm. "What is a roll?" she asked, still looking at the soft object in her hand curiously.
Balin and Dis were genuinely surprised. "It is bread." Dis explained, confused.
"Bread?" she lifted it up to her nose and sniffed it. It was a pleasantly warm with a slightly sweet aroma.
Dis and Balin looked at each other. "You've never had bread?" Dis asked, trying to mask her astonishment.
"No. I've never heard, seen, or even smelled something such as this." She looked up at her companions, bashful at the realization she was once again at a distinct disadvantage.
Balin smiled encouragingly. "Well then Lass, there is no better time than the present! Take a bite, tell us what you think."
She sniffed it again, savoring the mouth-watering smell, taking a tentative bite. Her eyes widened in pleasant surprise. She couldn't help but sigh with the explosion of soft, sweet bread that seemed to just melt in her mouth. "This is amazing!" she gushed, her eyes alight with happiness.
Dis stepped forward lifting a small dish filled with little golden spheres that glistened in the firelight. "Here, if you think they are good alone, you should try it with butter."
"Butter?"
Dis nodded, a pleased smile on her face. She picked up the knife and put some on it for Mistlynn. "Here, just spread it across the bread." She did as Dis instructed, the golden substance spread smoothly on the top of her roll. As she took a bite her eyes fell shut in bliss. "This is incredible." Her voice was filled with awe.
Dis and Balin watched, fascinated with her child like joy of discovering a new favorite food. They never thought that a simple roll could be so lifechanging for one.
Mistlynn sat down in front of the bowl of stew promptly dipping the small remainder of her bread into its gravy like broth. "I've never tasted anything like this, it is amazing." The stew was rich and hearty with tender meat and other root like vegetables she had never seen or tasted before. This meal was truly delightful.
"Well, you have truly made my evening Lassie." Balin beamed, "I am glad you are enjoying your meal."
Mistlynn nodded her head gratefully, her mouth full of stew, finally over her shyness as she began to devour the delicious meal before her.
"Your dressing maid will be in shortly to help with your bath and to turn down your bed. Let her know if there are any special requests you need, we have a selection of oils and perfumes that can be added, especially to help you sleep." Dis stated her voice soft and loving,
"Oh that won't be necessary, I have already had my monthly bath a week ago and truthfully I'm not sure what a dressing maid or perfumed oils are."
"Monthly bath? Oh dear, that won't work here my dear the weather alone won't allow for you to go any longer than a week without smelling like a goat's behind. A dressing maid is someone who will help you undress, dress, draw your baths and set up your bed before and after sleep."
Mistlynn stared at Dis as though the words she spoke were that of a foreign tongue. "I really don't believe that will be necessary but I will accept your kindness.
"Do you not have maids in the White Kingdom?" Dis asked, surpised that a princess would not have a maid charged with her care.
"We have those to assist us, but I have never had a person to assist with my sleeping routine. As the princess there are ones to take care of my dirtied leathers and replace them with clean ones. We have ones that cook or clean after others but since we are a nomadic people everyone must do their part and assist in the keeping of the village."
Balin simply shook his head as he watched Dis struggle with trying to find the right words. 'It seems we have a lot to learn about you lass, and you will be learning a whole new way of life as well. It will be intereting to say the least."
Mistlynn smiled as she reached for another roll. "I look forward to it Master Balin."
