Chapter 34

Teleports And Promises

I must have dozed off as movement against me woke me up. Opening my eyes, I realised I was leaning on Thorin's chest. I glanced up at him and saw that he was sound asleep.

Without wanting to wake him up, I gently move of him, placing his arm on his middle. I edge near the bed and quietly got up, holding my waist as it was still sore. Turning my head, I glanced down at Thorin who was still sleeping, before I made my way towards the door.

The door opened without a noise to which I was thankful for as I knew Thorin doesn't sleep as often as he should. I crept out of the room and wondered which way to go. Both sides of the hallway looked exactly the same and I was not in the right frame of mind last night to see where I was. Shrugging, I took a chance and turned to my right and hoped it lead to a familiar surrounding.

I saw a few dogs walking about but I tried not to take to much notice of that as I passed one along the way. Opening another door, I realised I was now outside and I relished in the morning breeze as it gently blew in my face.

Sighing, I walked towards a balcony and leaned against the wooden panelling, taking everything in. The garden was immaculate. How I missed this last night is anyone's guest. It was so large and tidy, with flowers of all sorts sticking out of the ground.

There was a little pathway leading towards a wood and I was curious to venture in there, but that very thought went out of my mind, considering that those Messengers are after me.

I return my attention back to the garden and if we are staying here for a little while, I would try and sketch this garden as I hadn't drawn anything important to me for a while now.

"How are you my lady?" came a voice behind me, causing me to jump a little.

I turned around and saw Thor there, gracing me with a smile.

"Much better thank you. Though I thought I told you to call me Elaina?"

Thor just smiled at me. I watch him carefully and I came to the conclusion that both Loki and Thor are two complete opposites of each other. With Loki you could see at once that he had a cocky attitude with everything around him, though several times, I had seen a vulnerable side to him.

Even though we had only just met, I could see that Thor was a thoughtful person, helping those that need it. I had a feeling we would be good friends but I only hope he won't be to hard on Loki. I return my attention to the garden in front of me and my thoughts instantly go to my father. Just how was I going to summon him?

"Are you alright? You look troubled."

"I'm just thinking about my father," I admitted to him "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I need his advice."

"You don't get on with your father?" asked Thor walking up to me now.

I grace him with a smile before I briefly explain how I met Zeus in the first place.

"It's not that I don't get on with him, it's just the way he came for me," I sigh, taking no notice of the banging doors behind me "to me, my father is Bilbo. He's been there for Hetti and I for twenty years. I will never abandon him."

"You have two fathers?" grinned Thor "Isn't that a little greedy?"

Despite myself I burst out laughing, remembering that was what Thorin had more or less said. I caught Thor's grinning face.

"I've known Bilbo a lot longer than Zeus," I said after a moment of silence "I completely trust him."

"And yet you would like some advice from your real father?"

"Well, yes. Though I have no idea on how to reach him."

I saw Thor frown and I sighed.

"Since meeting him, it has always been my father who has brought me to him. I have no idea on how to get up a cloud to speak to him."

"You want to know how to teleport to him." came a voice behind me.

I turn around and saw Loki approaching Thor and I. He had a smirk on his face and I wondered what set that off.

"What's with that look?" I asked him, noticing his smirk turn into a grin.

"Thorin is currently searching for you."

My eyes widen. When I had left Thorin, he was sound asleep. I knew I hadn't been gone long.

"He is banging doors looking everywhere for you," carried on Loki, his smile slowly fading "he really cares about you."

"I know," I nodded my head "I best go and look for him."

I start to turn around but was stopped by Loki.

"You wanted to know about teleporting?" He finally asked when I gave him a quizzical look.

"Yes," I nodded my head "I need to speak to my father and yet I have no idea on how to reach him."

"There are two alternatives," Loki stepped a little closer "you can either call out his name or try and teleport yourself. After all, you are a goddess."

I was no goddess. I am just a girl trying to blend in, but the way Loki and even Thor was watching me, told me a different story. I did not want to be treated any differently. I just wanted to be myself, that is all.

"I am not a goddess, Loki."

I roll my eyes at him when Loki grinned back at me.

"Oh but you are. You can't keep pretending that your life is simple now Elaina. You have always been a goddess."

We watch one another and Loki's face softened.

"Would you like me to be there for you when you summon Zeus?"

I did notice the change of subject and I was grateful for that. No words were needed as I slowly nod my head. I had no idea on how to summon him. All of this was new to me and I only hoped my father Zeus would answer my questions I had to know.

"I too would like to speak to your father," said Thor and I look at him with raised eyebrows "would you mind if I escort you too?"

I caught the scowl on Loki's face but I didn't have the heart to say no. Instead I nod my head while my eyes stayed on Loki.

"No, I don't mind. I just hope he's in a good mood."

"Wasn't he before?" asked Thor.

"He was alright, though I barely said a word until later." I replied.

I looked at both of the brothers, Thor smiled at me whlie Loki was looking at the ground.

"I best go and search for Thorin then."

I smile at both Loki and Thor before turning around.

"Let me know when you are ready to visit your father Elaina." I heard Loki say.

"Will do." I replied walking back the way I came.

Even though I had seen my father several times, I was a little nervous to what he would say to me. I wanted to know more about this prophecy and what it really meant. Just as I was about to open the door to where Thorin and I had stayed last night, I heard heavy footsteps coming towards me. Turning around, I saw Thorin with a somber expression on his face.

"Thorin, I didn't have the heart to wake you and I know I should apologise for that but you really looked so peaceful."

He didn't say anything, we just watched one another. Thorin then cupped my cheek before pulling me to him, rendering me speechless. Though he appeared calm, his azure eyes told me another story. I could see the worry in them and I instantly felt so guilty for leaving him.

Before I could finally find my voice, Thorin's lips descended on my own and I momentarily lost all of my senses, as he's free arm went around my waist holding me tightly.

It was like he was frightened that I would disappear should he let go of me. At first the kiss was soft and gentle but as soon as I relaxed in his arms, Thorin kissed me hard. I found myself placing my arms around his neck as the kiss deepened. Even though I could delve in his mind, I refuse to do that. It was up to Thorin to tell me his troubles.

"Never, ever scare me like that again," He whispered against my lips, giving me gentle kisses on my jawline and neck "I was worried sick about you."

"Thorin, I was looking for Loki. He-," but I was cut of by Thorin's kiss once more.

This kiss felt different than the others. This had an urgency to it. This kiss was very drugging and I welcomed it by holding onto him. Thorin broke the kiss to which I was very disappointed about, until I opened my eyes and saw the way he was watching me. He had a small smile on his lips yet his eyes had many emotions in them that I found myself taking a deep breath.

"I don't think I can wait until we reclaim Erebor." Thorin finally said, his voice a little harsh than intended.

I furrowed my brows wondering what he was referring too. He closed his eyes and placed his forehead on mine. I could hear little noises coming from somewhere but my eyes never left Thorin's face.

He opened his eyes and we watched one another and the penny finally dropped. I now knew what he was talking about and a small smile came on my face as I ran my fingers through his dark hair.

"Only if you want to Elaina. I would never-," I shut him up by kissing him.

"Is that a yes?" He asked softly.

All I could do was nod my head. Thorin then shocked me by lifting me up with ease. His other hand opened the door before he walked in the room, holding me protectively. He then slammed the door behind us with his foot.

Thorin kissed me softly as he walked to the bed and gently placed me on the bed, never breaking the kiss. Though I was a little nervous to what was about to happen, I knew Thorin would take care of me and I found myself relaxing, as his hands slowly undo my buttons of my shirt.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

Hearing a door slam woke me up and I opened my eyes seeing a lot of hay on the floor around me. It took me a second or two to realise where I was. I remembered Kili and I confess our feelings for each other. Then Elaina running in the room vomiting in the sink, before leaving her alone with Thorin. I tried sitting up but an arm around me tightened around me.

"Where are you going?"

I turned my head a little watching Kili. He had his eyes closed, though he had a smile on his face.

"I'm wondering what that noise was."

"It's Uncle. Elaina walked out of the room a little while ago and its only now that he has realised this." explained Kili trying not to laugh.

I didn't find this funny. I was now worried for my sister. Elaina should not be walking around after seeing her last night. She should be resting.

"Where did she go?"

I finally managed to sit up and was about to get up only Kili stopped me by grabbing hold of my wrist.

"Relax, Uncle is currently looking for her. Elaina probably needed some air. Now, why don't you get comfortable and relax yourself."

"Kili, Elaina was ill last night and until I see for myself on how she really is, I will not relax."

Snatching my wrist from Kili's grasp, I crawled over to the ladder and was about to climb down when I spotted Elaina walking toward the room she was in last night. Heavy footsteps could be heard and I glanced to the source seeing Thorin walk towards Elaina.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when an arm went around me pulling me back a little. I glared at Kili who only grinned back at me. He then craftily stole a kiss from me holding me gently.

"Thorin, I didn't have the heart to wake you and I know I should apologise for that but you really looked so peaceful."

This caused me to return my attention to Elaina and Thorin. Even Kili was watching them. It was strange that Thorin never said a word though. All he was doing was watching Elaina. He then touched her face and I was curious to know what was about to happen.

"Maybe we should stop staring at them." whispered Kili against my ear.

"No, this is interesting."

Kili snorted out a laugh and I instantly dunked my head down on the floor hoping Elaina and Thorin had not seen us. I glared at Kili who was still trying to control his laughter. Slowly I looked at Thorin who was now kissing Elaina.

A smile came to me seeing this. I was really happy for my sister. Even though Thorin barely says a word to me, I could see that he loved her very much. Glancing back at Kili, I was a little surprised to see him smile back at me.

"You're beautiful," Kili whispered scooting closer to me "especially when you smile like that."

"Never, ever scare me like that again," We both heard Thorin say, though I was still watching Kili to notice what Thorin was doing "I was worried sick about you."

"Thorin, I was looking for Loki. He-,"

I glanced down at the two love birds seeing Thorin kiss her again. I decided to look away now, knowing their love should be between them. I felt Kili place his arm around my middle and I found myself leaning on him a little while I looked at the hay on the floor.

"I don't think I can wait until we reclaim Erebor." I heard Thorin say and I wondered what he was talking about.

Despite my better judgement, I watched Thorin as he leaned toward Elaina and I felt Kili run his fingers down my spine causing me to make a little noise. I glared at him, who had a huge grin on his face.

"Only if you want to Elaina. I would never-,"

This caught my attention and I watched Thorin and Elaina with keen interest. Of course they were kissing again but that soon stopped when I heard Thorin say,

"Is that a yes?"

My eyes went wide when I saw Thorin pick Elaina up.

"I feel a wager coming on."

"Don't you dare," I hissed at Kili watching him with disgust "Elaina has been through a lot lately. She doesn't need a betting scam going on."

I jumped when I heard the door slam from below us and I was relieved the little show we had just witnessed had ended.

"I won't you know."

I look back at Kili not understanding.

"You won't what?"

"I won't place any wagers on what we both have witnessed just now."

"Glad to hear it."

"On one condition though."

Kili's trademark grin came back then and I roll my eyes.

"What's the condition?"

Kili leaned close to me, cupping my face.

"You make me breakfast."

"Kili, make your own bre-,"

He cut me off with a kiss and I soon forgot what I was saying to him as Kili deepened the kiss, wrapping his arms around me.

o0o

~~Bilbo's POV~~

I had barely slept at all last night. Here I was, sitting alone in the massive hallway thinking about Elaina. I was really worried about her. In all the years since Elaina has been in my life, she has never been ill at all. Seeing her run of like that, made me realise that I loved both Elaina and Hetti like they were my own children and I would try with all my might to protect them both.

I had seen the way Thorin had run after Elaina last night, which is why I hadn't followed her myself. I knew he loved her and would take great care of her. I would check up on her later, I decided. Sighing, I went to my pocket and took out the ring.

Since finding this ring, I feel a little confident with this gold band. When I first realised I could be invisible I was shocked. It was only when Elaina wondered where I was back in that cave that I realised what this ring could do.

I knew this magic ring would come in handy but I would only use its power in extreme circumstances. Other than Elaina, no one knew of this ring and that is the way I liked it. I didn't want to say anything about how I found this ring, at least not yet anyway.

I liked having this little secret and I knew Elaina wouldn't say anything either. Even though she didn't like the fact that I had decided to keep the ring, it was my choice as I now knew what this ring could do.

Hearing footsteps, I quickly placed the ring back in my pocket and grabbed a bread roll that was on the table. I broke a piece of when I saw Loki and the newcomer Thor sit opposite me gracing me with a smile.

Well Thor did, Loki refused to look at me. Instead he was busy grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl to pay any heed to me. There was another sound and I glanced to my right, seeing Gandalf walk up to the table that was now occupied.

"Ahh, you are awake Bilbo. Good," smiled Gandalf sitting besides me "I would like you to keep an eye on Elaina and Hetti when I leave the company for a while."

I just look at Gandalf with a frown. I knew Elaina could take care of herself as could Hetti. So why was he telling me to keep an eye on them both? It made no sense.

"Why do you want to me to keep an eye on Elaina and Hetti?" I finally asked, watching Gandalf place honey on a piece of bread.

"Hmm. Oh well, because you are their father to them and they might need a friendly face when things get a little too much for them."

That made no sense to me and it showed on my face.

"I believe they can look after themselves Gandalf." remarked Loki biting into his green apple.

I nodded in agreement. I knew Elaina now had a power within her to help her out and with Hetti, I knew she too could handle a weapon. I had a feeling there was something bothering Gandalf, yet I knew he would not say a thing about that.

"That may be true Loki, but it would ease my mind if Bilbo keeps an eye on them while I am gone. After all," Gandalf placed the knife he was using on the plate and looked at Loki with a somber expression "trouble could be around the corner and I would be most assured that Bilbo here will continue to look after them like he has done these past twenty years."

"Elaina has Thorin now Gandalf," points out Loki before he looks at me "no offence Bilbo."

"N-No you are quite right. She is with the one she loves. It is how it should be." I replied, gracing Loki with a weak smile.

I heard Gandalf grunt which caused me to look back at him.

"Thorin could still get the gold sickness." Gandalf remarked and I frowned.

"He might not," came Loki's response "He's love for Elaina is strong. I actually think this gold sickness will pass on to somebody else."

That caused Gandalf to watch Loki with wide eyes. Gandalf never said anything. He just watched Loki as the words he had said slowly sink in. Slowly, Gandalf nods his head.

"Yes, I believe you may be right," Gandalf finally said "we will have to wait and see on this new theory. Until that time comes," Gandalf looked back at me "please keep an eye on Elaina and Hetti."

I nodded my head noticing Gandalf's smile.

"Good." was all he said as he bit into his honey sandwich.

"What is gold sickness?" asked Thor looking at each of us.

While Gandalf explained Thor's question, I was mulling out my own thoughts as to what lay ahead of us. The way Gandalf had asked me to keep an eye on Elaina and Hetti made me realise that something dangerous was lurking in the background. I was not looking forward to going down that road, that was for sure.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

While I was waiting for my heart to return to normal, Thorin gets off me before he wrapped the covers around us both. He then sighs as he lays down next to me while I place my head on his chest hearing his own beating heart. Thorin placed his arm around me, stroking my back in a circular motion.

"What just happened?" I finally ask, shifting a little to get more comfortable.

"We just made love Elaina." chuckled Thorin.

"That was unexpected."

"Do you regret making love to me?" asked Thorin.

I was dumbfounded and looked up at him before I leaned towards him and kissed him, feeling him respond back.

"Did I ever stop you?" I asked to him.

"No."

"Or push you of?"

"No you never did." smiled Thorin stroking my cheek.

"Which means, I don't regret making love to you Thor-," Thorin stopped my talking by crashing his lips on mine "Thorin," I began seeing him frown that I stopped the kiss "where did all this come from?"

Thorin smiles at me lovingly.

"From the heart," whispered Thorin "when I woke up earlier and found that you wasn't here, I was worried sick. After seeing you ill last night, I wasn't sure if you were fully well again."

Thorin shifted a little holding me tightly, he then brushed his lips over mine.

"I did apologise," I sighed, placing my hand on his hairy chest, running my fingers through it "I was looking for Loki."

"Did you find him?"

"Not at first no. I bumped into Thor and got talking about Bilbo and my father, then Loki did turn up."

"And?" asked Thorin, running his fingers up and down my back causing me to shiver from his touch.

"He told me there are two ways to reach my father," Thorin just watched me, waiting for me to continue "I could either call out his name or just teleport myself there."

"Interesting. So what are you going to do?"

I shrug which caused Thorin to smirk at me.

"Both brothers will be coming with me when I do decide to visit my father."

"Would you like me there too?" asked Thorin, his lips near mine "for moral support."

"You don't have to."

"I would like to. He will be part of the family in due cause," He reasoned "I would rather your father be told of our engagement before someone else does."

We watch one another before I nod my head.

"As you wish." I whispered, smiling sweetly at him.

Thorin smiled back at me and edged closer to me.

"I love you." He murmured against my lips.

"I love you too."

I had a feeling we would be here for a while and for the first time, I welcomed the solitude with the man I love.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

I was sitting in the hallway finishing of my breakfast. Kili was currently searching for his brother, which left me to my own devices. Balin, Gloin and Ori were a little further up from where I was sitting, but I did not want to break up their discussions about the quest at hand. Instead, I just kept to myself.

'Kili may have you now, Hetti,' I heard a voice inside my mind 'but you are mine.'

I recognised the voice and look around, searching for Loki. He was nowhere to be seen but I could still feel his presence.

'When you least except it, you will be by my side. That is a promise!'

"Are you alright lass?"

I glanced at Balin who was watching me with concern. I smile at him, though even to my standards, it was not a genuine smile. In truth, I could still feel Loki's presence inside my head and even though he was not saying anything, I was waiting for his next weird comment.

"I'm fine Balin. Just tired. I've been worried about Elaina." I replied holding onto the goblet with water inside of it.

"She'll be fine lass," reassured Balin, smiling at me "Elaina is stronger than she looks."

I nodded my head, knowing that was the truth. Turning my attention back to my empty plate, I was startled when someone sat besides me. Glancing to my left, I saw a grinning Loki watching me back.

"Is this what you had meant? That I will be by your side?" I hissed at him, noticing his grin broaden.

"No," He whispered "you will be by my side soon enough my dove."

Loki leaned forward and pressed his forehead on mine. He's blue/green eyes lock on to mine and I can't seem to look away from him.

"You belong to me."

"Kili and I-,"

"Are doomed!" interrupted Loki.

I sucked in my breath. How dare he say such things.

"You know nothing!" I spat "Leave me alone!"

All Loki did was grin and shake his head.

"You'll learn the hard way then." He remarked pulling away from me and acted like nothing had happened.

I just watch him as he grabbed a jug of water and poured some into a goblet. He was really confusing me and I wasn't certain if that was a good or bad thing.

"You must be Hetti."

I faintly heard someone say my name and I managed to break free from Loki's strange little game he seemed to be playing. Turning my attention to the voice I had just heard, I saw the man from last night smiling back ar me.

"Yes, that is me," I replied politely "you're Thor, correct?"

"Aye," He smiled at me "and you're Elaina's sister."

"You could say that," I smiled back at him "we're not blood related though."

Thor nodded.

"I know. Gandalf has been filling me in on things since I'll be staying for a while."

"Hmmm." I heard Loki say and I glanced back at him.

He was watching Thor with narrowed eyes and I wondered what the problem was. Loki then turned and caught me staring at him and his face softened. I felt his cold hand on mine under the table and he gently squeezed it.

'In time you will realise that the right god will win.'

I glared at him, standing up, pulling my hand free from his.

"I am not a prize. I am a human being! Just stay out of my head and my life!" I shouted at him, noticing he still had a smirk on his face.

Before he could counter my outburst, I quickly ran in the direction where the loft was and hoped I would calm down my beating heart. I loved Kili and there was no way I was going to be with Loki.

Climbing up the ladder however, all I could see in my mind's eye was a pair of blue/green eyes, ever watchful and I sighed in frustration not liking this at all.

~~Loki's POV~~

A smile played on my lips as I had watched Hetti run off. Yes, she was definitely worth fighting for. I knew Kili had told her he loved her but I could still see the hesitation in her heart. At this present time, she didn't know what she really wanted, but I aimed to change that.

"What have you done now brother?"

I glanced at Thor, noticing him narrow his eyes. I shrug and smile at him.

"I have not done anything. Hetti is just upset about her sister." I lied.

I could tell Thor didn't really believe me but I was past caring. Several footsteps could be heard and I looked to the source, seeing both Elaina and Thorin walk up to us.

"I'm ready when you are," She said, taking hold of Thorin's hand "Thorin's coming too."

I raised my eyebrows at them both. Something was different about them but I couldn't pinpoint what that was at this present time.

"I'm ready, are you?" I turned to Thor who was eating an apple.

"Aye, I'm ready." Thor replied, standing up.

Standing up myself, I ushered for them to follow me a little further away from the table and I then turned to Elaina.

"The ball is in your corner." I say to her.

Elaina sighed and took several breaths before she said,

"Father, we wish to see you."

A blinding light came down on us and then we were instantly teleported to Mount Olympus. Even though Zeus and I were not on friendly terms, I really hoped he would keep his opinions to himself about me. Me being here was for Elaina's benefit and I only hoped he would answer her questions without a showdown of some sort.