Chapter Seventeen

Rivendell And Feelings

"Yes that is what Bilbo said," said Loki walking up to Thorin and I "Why do you ask?"

"I spoke to Zeus again."

Loki frowned and watched me carefully.

"He was not rude to you, was he?"

I shook my head.

"No, he just explained what those dark riders are," Loki sat at the end of the bed while I continued "Their real name are The Messengers and they have all been searching for a 'light!'"

"What kind of light?" queried Loki.

"I have no idea," I reply "Which is why I have to speak with this Lord Elrond. Apparently he knows more about it than Zeus does!"

"You are not seeing him alone!" exclaimed Thorin.

Despite myself, I chuckle, earning a growl from him.

"There is nothing to laugh about Elaina. You know full well I hate elves."

"Yes I agree with Thorin, Elaina," remarked Loki "There are elves out there who are power hungry."

I saw the look of triumph on Thorin's face and I rolled my eyes before catching Loki's gaze. He looked sad and I wondered what had caused that.

"Are you alright Loki?"

"Just thinking about my past," Loki caught my concerned face and he tried to smile at me "I'm alright, really I am."

I knew differently. His smile never reached his eyes.

'I wish he would tell me what's troubling him!' I thought to myself.

"All in good time Elaina," smiled Loki, standing up and headed for the door "The last time I cheeked, Lord Elrond was with the others speaking with Gandalf, but that was a while ago."

With that Loki walked out of the room.

"What was that about?" asked Thorin, watching the closed door.

"I believe it was something we said," I surmised "something about elves. Loki looked a little lost."

I watch Thorin and wonder why he was frowning. He catches me looking at him and his face softens. He then leaned forward and gently caressed my cheek, which I lean into. He gently touched my hair and tucked it behind my ear before his blue eyes bore into mine.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

Thorin grins.

"You know why," he whispers "Men lananubukhs menu."

Those endearing words again. I wished I could speak fluently in Khuzdul so I could really understand what Thorin says. I smiled as Thorin's thumb runs along my lower lip. He closes the gap and kissed me softly on the lips. I haven't known him for long but, I have never felt like this before.

For a few blissful moments, we were lost in each others embrace. When we reluctantly broke the kiss, I felt Thorin trace my cheek before placing his foreheard on mine.

"I love you too." I whispered to him, opening my eyes, noticing his smile.

"I'm glad to hear it," chuckled Thorin brushing his lips over mine "Now should we meet the others?"

I start laughing, which made Thorin chuckle too.

o0o

After Thorin had left me to change my clothes, I got out of bed, and winched a little from the sudden movement, my ribs were not hurting me badly like they were before but, they still very sore.

Seeing a blue dress I slowly grabbed it and gasped. This dress was made of satin, not only was it blue, it had little white flowers on the side of the helm. It was a beautiful dress. I don't nornally wear dresses but seeing as my travel clothes had disappered, I had no choice but to wear this.

Before I would put the dress on, I noticed another room. I got out of bed and walked towards the room. I was relieved to see a sink in the far corner of the room. I went over and quickly washed my face and body. I then dried myself of before putting the dress on. It fit snugly. Whoever made this, certainly knew my size.

Seeing a brush on a dresser, I brushed my hair and decided against tying my hair. I sighed again as I placed the brush back against the dressing table. I then went to the door and opened it.

Standing with his back turned, was Thorin. He had his hands behind his back and appeared to be in deep thought. However when I slowly approched him, he turned around and was watching me intently.

~~Thorin's POV~

As I waited for Elaina, my thoughts went back to seeing her and that bright light. I remember seeing many Wargs and that dark rider get caught up in a blinding white light, trying desperately to get free. I knew the Wargs had no chance of staying alive but that dark rider or 'The Messengers' was really putting up a fight.

I suddenly knew I was not alone, I smiled to myself, I knew it was my angel. I slowly turn around and swallow hard, she was breathtaking. She was wearing an blue elven dress which showed her curves. I noticed her chestnut hair was down and I really wanted to run my fingers through her hair.

I stepped towards her and I couldn't help it, I captured her mouth in a hungry kiss. I massaged her tongue with my own, my own feelings coming out with this kiss. I growled as she theaded her fingers through my hair. All my thoughts were on Elaina, no one else.

Slowly, we broke the kiss and she placed her arms around my waist, while I did the same, making sure I did not hurt her ribs.

"You look beautiful in that dress Elaina." I whispered.

"Even if it is made by elves?" Elaina challenged me.

My eyes narrow slighly until I saw her smirk at me.

"Elaina," I growled "Much as I loathe the elves, I am thankful they let you rest in peace!"

She looked back at me in shock.

"I had no idea."

I chucked.

"Lord Elrond, guided me to here." I looked over her shoulder where Elaina was staying for the time being "I watched him as he checked your ribs while you were asleep. He was very gentle with your ribcage. Which I am thankful for."

Loosening my hold of her, I gently ran my fingers through Elaina's hair before gently kissing her forehead.

"Come, let's meet the others. I expect they'll will be pleased to see you." I said to her, taking her hand in mine.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

Leaning against the rail, I noticed Kili had shifted closer to me. He was looking at the waterfall where down below were several elves swimming, enjoying themselves. This place was beautiful but I really miss The Shire.

Where everything is simple and tranquil. Seeing all this danger around us was not what I was expecting and I hated it. I was in two minds as to whether to stay here or carry on with this quest. I would have to ask Bilbo for advice, I really had no idea what to do.

I glanced at Kili and was surprised to see he was watching me with a strange look on his face. I frowned and returned my attention back on the swimming elves. Kili was confusing me, why was he looking at me like that?

~~Kili's POV~~

The silence was disturbed when I heard splashing below us and I watch many elves swimming. I felt Hetti move and my attention shifts to her. Again she had this effect on me that wants me to reach out and protect her.

I could see she looked troubled as she realised I was watching her, I noticed her frown and despite myself, I smile at the way she returned her attention to the waterfall.

"Are you hungry?" I asked her, my stomach started making noises.

"Not really!" Hetti looked at me and smiled "But I can tell you are."

All I could do was shrug and grin.

"Shall we?" I held my arm out for her.

She rolled her green eyes but laced her arm through mine which I was grateful for. We headed for the balcony where I hoped there would be prober food this time.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

I walk alongside Thorin, who is holding my hand tenderly. From time to time, I felt his own fingers stroke mine. Finally we come to a balcony that has a lot of food on the table. I was not at all hungry and trying to think of something else, I wondered where the others had gotten too.

I haven't seen them since the ambush with those Wargs dog things and that Messenger. I really hoped they were alright, especially Hetti, I knew she was not used to all this either. Following Thorin, we sit down side by side and still I refuse to look at the food, I look away from the food, feeling sick.

I was willing myself not to be ill. I think the reason I felt like this was because of what transpired this past day. Finding out my father lived high in a cloud, this strange light that suddenly came out of my hand and that dark rider.

"Elaina!"

I wish I could get my head around all this.

"Elaina!"

I hope I did not go back on that cloud. It was true I was now speaking to Zeus but I just could not trust him. I was just glad I had Bilbo and Hetti by my side and now Thorin. I just hoped this Lord Elrond could tell me more about this 'light.' I also wondered if he might know more on these Messengers.

"Elaina!"

I jump when I felt a hand on my shoulder and I instinctively finch at the touch. I look at Thorin who still had his arm around my shoulder, seeing the look of horror on his face.

"I'm so sorry!" I whispered.

"No, it is me that should be apologising," breathed Thorin, gently pulling me towards him and embraced me "I should not have touched you li-,"

I stop his talking by brushing my lips on his and find him returning my kiss by deeping the kiss. I may have started the kiss, but Thorin soon took control as the kiss deepened even more as he gently carressed my backside.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, realising this felt right, kissing Thorin was bringing new hope to my heart. A hope I thought would never come for me. The kiss breaks up and Thorin places his forehead on mine.

"You have no idea what you are doing to me Elaina." whispered Thorin, his eyes were still closed.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," began Thorin, opening his eyes, watching me lovingly. "Since that dragon stole my home, I have been so bitter with everyone, that is not of my culture well, with the exception with Gandalf of course. Then I see you at the hobbits hole."

Despite myself I smirk at the way Thorin called Bilbo's home a hole.

"And change my perception of outsiders," continued Thorin "Not only have my men taken to you, you have taken my heart as well."

I watch him dumbfounded. I had no idea the others liked me, to me I thought I was just a burden that went on this quest like an outsider. Not really knowing where tomorrow would bring us.

"Never in my entire life, have I felt like this, when I first saw you, I knew even then, you are my one."

I frown.

"One what?" I asked him, clearly puzzled.

Thorin chuckles.

"My one true mate," he whispered "My soulmate. The love of my life."

Thorin then kissed me again before continuing.

"When Gandalf filled me in about your real father Zeus, and saw what happened to you, my heart clenched. I will always be there for you and I shall cherish you a way a man should treat his love. Never again are you going to live in fear from your past," Thorin paused and cupped my left cheek "We will face these Messengers together."

"Thorin, I-,"

Thorin interrupted me.

"Elaina, I have noticed that you are hesitating about eating again!"

I had no idea that Thorin and I were not alone anymore as Thorin continues speaking,

"You have got to eat. Food is not your enemy Elaina!"

"Thorin, I'm really not all tha-,"

"Elaina," growled Thorin "The last thing you ate was before the trouble started and I know you were struggling even then. Your have got to eat, I don't want you getting weak."

I know what Thorin was saying was true but, I really had no appetite at the moment. Watching Thorin with his piecing blue eyes, made me realise he would never let this die down. Truth of the matter was, my ribs were starting to hurt again.

"Men lananubukhs menu." whispered Thorin who brushed a tear that had a escaped from my eye "You mean everything to me."

"I'll eat something later." I whispered.

Thorin frowned.

"Elaina, you need to eat!"

"My ribs are hurting a little." I confessed to him.

~~Thorin's POV~~

My eyes grew wide.

"Do you want me to take you to the house of healing?" I asked her.

"No, I just want to try and relax for a while."

"If the pain gets to much, let me know straight away," Elaina nods her head "and promise me you'll try and eat something later?"

"I promise!" whispered Elaina, leaning on my shoulder.

I watch her quietly. I will have to make sure she always eats something. I will let it slide for now, since her injury could be the course of her not eating today. Tonight however, will be a different story.

"Elaina, is the chair not comfortable enough?" smirked Kili looking at my angel.

Elaina glanced at Kili before glaring at him, which I smile at as did Loki and Hetti.

"Kili, leave the lass alone." snapped Dwalin.

I gave him a knowing nod as I knew Dwalin and Loki had overheard what I had said to Elaina about eating, as did Fili who looked at her in sympathy at her. Yes despite Kili's comment, I know my men liked Elaina and Hetti. I would protect my goddess with my life.

"Try it. Just a mouthful." I heard Dori say, seeing Bilbo and Gandalf walk towards us.

"I don't like green food!" snapped Ori.

I watched Dwalin play with his own salad.

"Where's the meat?"

That set Elaina of, her laughter set me of at Dwalin's expense. Elaina gently slide from my lap to her own chair but our hands stayed together under the table. I heard movement and saw that elf Linder and Lord Elrond walking towards us all.

"That is Lord Elrond." I whispered in Elaina's ear and I saw her turn around and watch him sit next to me while Linder stood by his right side.

"He looks noble!" I heard Elaina say and I roll my eyes.

There was nothing noble about elves. They only cared about themselves. I knew Elaina needed answers for her own problems. I only hoped Lord Elrond could help her out.

'Time will tell I suppose.' I thought taking a sip of elven wine 'Time will tell!'