Chapter Thirty-Six

Pride And Stubborness.

I went back to the window as Thorin shut the door behind him. I was still trying to find a way in explaining what Apollo and Loki had said to me. I knew that Thorin would find this all hard to believe, but I knew he had to be told the truth.

Thorin wrapped his arms around my middle from behind as I glanced at the garden. I could see many beehives around the garden, several dogs walking around and a few birds sitting on the fences.

"Elaina, you wanted to say something to me."

I nodded.

"You won't like what I have to say to you."

"Try me." He whispered, brushing my hair aside so he could kiss my neck.

"It's about the prophecy."

"Hmm."

Thorin was distracting me with his skillful mouth, though I was adamant that I would tell him. I swallowed hard, willing myself to just spit it out.

"It's about Smaug."

"I'm listening."

"Um, I'm to help him."

Thorin trailed kisses on the side of my neck to my collarbone. I wasn't to certain if he had even heard me.

"Thorin, did you hear me?"

"Aye, I heard you. You are to help kill that blasted dragon."

This was not going the way I had wanted.

"Actually no," I paused, trying to find the right words "I'm to help free Smaug from a curse that is around him."

Thorin's kisses stopped and I could feel him tighten his hold on my waist.

"Do what?"

Swallowing hard, I then explained to him what had been said to me. All the while, Thorin's grip on my middle had tightened even more.

"Thorin, you are hurting me."

It was like he was not even listening. I tried prying my fingers on his, but he was holding me so tightly, that I found myself gasping out in pain.

"Thorin, let go of me!" I demanded.

He didn't and no amount of wriggling didn't loosen his hold of me. By this point, I was getting angry and without any warning, I felt my power come to the fore and hit Thorin. He cursed in Khuzdul as he finally let go of me.

I quickly sprinted to the other side of the room, watching him through narrow eyes. Thorin was now pacing and I could tell that he was also angry.

"When I tell you to let go of me," I began trying to control my anger "you do well to do that!"

"That dragon stole my home, killed many of my kin." snapped Thorin, obviously not listening to what I just said.

He was now frowning as he walked across the room. His posture stiff as he had his arms behind his back. Normally I found this quite endearing when I see him like this, today however, I was angry at the way things were turning out between us.

"No, that was The Messengers doing. I've already told you this. They made a duplicate of Smaug and used his image to terrorise everyone."

Thorin was still pacing, though I could understand what he was going through. I was just the same when I was told this information.

"You and Balin only saw the real mccoy while he was searching for a place to stop the curse that was coursing through him. Those Messengers have really done a number on him."

Thorin finally stopped pacing and watched me with a somber expression on his face.

"You can't honestly expect me to believe this, can you?" He said after a while "I saw with my own eyes what carnage that dragon did to my home, to my kin."

"Have you not been listening to a word I've said?"

"Oh I've heard it," hissed Thorin "I just find it very hard to believe. I know what I saw that day."

This was getting ridiculous. We were going round in circles. It was quite obvious that he refused to believe Smaug's innocence. I now knew how right Gandalf was, Thorin was a very stubborn dwarf.

"You will not help that despicable dragon Elaina. I forbid it!"

Despite myself, I snort out a laugh.

"You forbid me?"

"Aye, I do."

I just watch him, dumbfounded.

"One way or the another, that dragon will be destroyed."

"He will not be destroyed Thorin. I will help Smaug, in any way I can. He is innocent."

"Innocent?" hissed Thorin "More like a murderous, treacherous leech that stole my home because he wanted my gold!"

I shook my head. There was no reasoning to him. It was a mistake telling him this. I walked towards the door. I knew he would not listen, at least not while he was in a foul mood.

"Where are you going?"

I glanced back at him and said,

"While you are in this mood, I think it would be wise if I leave you to your thoughts."

"Elaina-," began Thorin, stepping towards me, but I interrupted him.

"No, it is clear to me that you won't believe what I say on this matter. So for now, I shall leave you alone."

Before I had a chance to open the door, Thorin dashed towards me and grabbed hold of me, pinning me against the wall.

"I never said I didn't believe you. I just know the story you say is fabricated."

"Fabricated?" Thorin nodded as I manage to push him of me "Are you saying both Apollo and Loki were lying then?"

"They could have just said all of that to start a conversation with you."

"Do what?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing "Even Zeus and Gandalf knew about this. Maybe you should speak to Gandalf yourself, see if my story does match his."

"Elaina."

"No, just leave me alone for a while," I opened the door and stepped outside "I need to clear my head."

Before he had a chance to retaliate, I walked away from him, clearly hurt that he thought I was just telling him a story. If this was how he was going to be, I can not see us being together anymore.

'I will help Smaug!' I thought to myself 'Everyone deserves a second chance and I aim to heal him in any way I can.'

Turning the corner, I went past several sheep and headed for the doors that lead outside. I sat down on the porch steps trying to control my own anger. This quest was really taking a toll on me and I had no idea what to do.

"There you are."

I turn my head and saw Bilbo and Thor heading towards me. They both had a smile on their faces, which went when they saw the somber expression of my own.

"What's wrong?" asked Bilbo

"How long have you got?" I whispered, taking in a deep breath.

"Should I leave, my lady?"

I looked at Thor and smiled.

"No, stay. Though please stop calling me 'my lady'. Elaina will do."

Bilbo sat down next to me and placed his hand on mine.

"I've always got time for you Elaina," He replied "what has happened?"

Taking another deep breath, I explained what had recently happened. Bilbo had every right to know, after all, he will also be there. However, I could tell he was a little shocked when I told him about Smaug.

"So the dragon is like Beorn then?" asked Bilbo after I had finished "A skin changer?"

I nod my head.

"Yes. The Messengers have placed a curse on him, which is why I have to help him. Of course when I explained all of this to Thorin, he took it the wrong way."

"Well, I can see his point," I just watch Bilbo with raised eyebrows "and I can see your point too. If the dragon is indeed innocent."

"He is."

Bilbo patted my hand and continued speaking,

"Then you do what you have to do. Thorin will have to take on board that you are to help out a massive dragon. Don't let him bully you Elaina. You do what you think is right. I'll help you as much as I can."

I placed my head on his shoulder, clearly touched that he would help me out. Though I had no idea on how I could get rid of Smaug's curse. I only hoped that I would have an answer for that when the time came.

"I too will help you, my," I just look at Thor with a hint of a smile "Elaina."

"You are staying?" I asked him.

"Aye, someone has to keep an eye on my brother." smiled Thor.

"Loki isn't that bad." I reply, noticing the grin on Thor's lips.

"He certainly likes you." replied Thor with a knowing smile.

"And Hetti." points out Bilbo, looking at the bees that were hovering nearby.

I just smile, knowing the love triangle between Kili, Hetti and Loki were their business and not ours. Though my thoughts soon went back on Thorin. What would convince him that I was speaking the truth. I wish I knew the answer to that.

o0o

~~Thorin's POV~~

I just couldn't get my head around this whole story. Smaug innocent? I close my eyes remembering what that dragon did. Not only did he steal my home, he used his brute strength and fire breath on everything that was in its way.

Now Elaina tells me that this dragon was not to blame, that those Messengers created another dragon. I knew Elaina was not lying, I could see it in her eyes as she explained what was told to her.

I wasn't angry at her. No, I was angry with her brother Apollo for feeding her this tale of claptrap. It was time to speak to him. He had to be told that Elaina was to trusting, that she would stop at nothing in helping others.

Sighing, I opened my eyes and headed for the door. Just as my hand reached the knob on the door, a voice behind me said,

"You really are a stubborn dwarf!"

Turning around, I saw Zeus looking back at me with a frown on his face. I narrowed my eyes at him. How dare he insult me!

"I suppose you heard everything that was said in this room?" I finally ask him.

"Of course."

"Don't you believe in privacy?"

"Not when it is common knowledge," replied Zeus walking toward the window "Elaina speaks the truth. Smaug is not the guilty party here. That would be The Messengers. As well you know that fact."

"I find this very hard to believe." I muttered under my breath.

Zeus turned and faced me with a somber expression on his face.

"What exactly did you see that day?" He finally asked.

I then explained that the air around Erebor felt weird. That before spotting the dragon, there were many kites high in the air, which quickly were destroyed when he showed himself.

I can still remember pulling my grandfather away when that dragon flew inside the treasury room. Many lives were lost that day and I have never forgotten, especially when no one would help us.

"Hmm, interesting and yet you still refuse to believe he is innocent!" smirked Zeus "Just keep an open mind Thorin. You will see the truth soon enough."

With that, Zeus disappeared, leaving me confused than what I was before. Sighing, I opened the door and stepped out. I hated this strange atmosphere and I wanted answers now. Apollo had to be here somewhere.

I walked down the long hallway in an extremely foul mood. I heard footsteps heading towards me and I glance up seeing Balin head this way.

"What is it?" He asked me.

I did wonder why he was around this area but was not in the mood for idle chatter.

"It does not matter." I replied to my old friend.

"Come now Thorin, I can tell you have something on your mind. What is it?"

Glancing around the hallway, I return my attention to Balin and sighed.

"It's something that Elaina has informed me about."

"Oh?" asked Balin with a small smile "What's that then?"

"Not here." I replied turning around and heading for the room that I had just vacated.

Once we were both inside, I explained everything Elaina had told me. I wondered how Balin would take this kind of news, after all, he was also there that horrible day. Time will tell on what my friend would think of this new development.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

I had followed Thor and Bilbo around the garden. I watched Bilbo's face become animated when we approached the beehives. I stayed well away of them but Bilbo walked a little further watching the bees come and go as they pleased.

"Maybe I should have my own bees," remarked Bilbo turning to face me "when this quest is over of course. Think of all the honey I could have."

I just grin at him as our host Beorn was heading our way. He was holding onto a lot of chopped up wood and seemed to be in deep thought.

"Honey on toasted bread," grinned Bilbo oblivious to who was now behind him "hmm, that would be very nice indeed."

"Would it now?" remarked Beorn.

Bilbo jumped a little before slowly turning around.

"I meant getting my own b-bees. I would never-," Bilbo trails off, his cheeks going red.

"You would never do what?" asked Beorn, dropping the wood on the ground.

"T-take any your bees." whispered Bilbo, now looking at the ground.

I instinctively place my arm around Bilbo's shoulder. I did not like seeing him like this. Even though he had gained confidence in himself, seeing him act like this, in front of Beorn, broke my heart.

"That is good to know," smiled Beorn, looking at Bilbo then at me "you really look like her you know?"

I frown, not understanding.

"Who?"

"Your mother."

I was stumped and it clearly showed as it was now Bilbo's turn to place his arm around my waist.

"You knew my mother?" I finally ask him.

"Aye I did."

"What was she like?"

I really wanted to know everything about her. The good and the bad. He took the time in discussing what my mother was like. Beorn explained that before she met Zeus, she would take the time and travel around Middle-earth helping anyone in need. She was a healer and her skills were known throughout.

As Beorn carried on, I momentarily closed my eyes, visualising her tending to the injured and sick. Though it was only recently that I knew of her existence, I could feel her presence nearby and I actually welcomed that.

"Alasse was a kind and compassionate lady. Always had the time to listen to others. She was quite close to the elven king Thranduil." carried on Beorn.

I opened my eyes, with raised eyebrows.

"Who?" I asked him.

"King Thranduil. He lives deep in Mirkwood forest."

Beorn stopped talking as he turned around, looking ahead.

"I have only met him once," said Beorn after a while of silence "Thranduil more or less keeps to himself, though he did travel out here with Alasse when-,"

I look at Beorn wondering why he had stopped talking. His features changed to a frown and I wondered what had caused that. I caught Thor's somber expression and I had a feeling he too, knew what was the matter.

"No," Beorn turned and faced me once more, though his frown was still there "I shall only tell you about Alasse's good deeds. The trouble that followed her, is still painful to mention."

I hesitantly placed my hand on Beorn's arm which startled him. He graced me with a small smile and I could tell he had thought very highly of my mother. Though I did want to know what had happened, I did not press him to tell me.

I had a feeling this trouble that had followed her, was connected to the Messengers and a deep hatred filled my body revolving them. They were part of the reason my mother had died.

While Beorn continued speaking about Alasse, I made a solemn promise to myself that these Messengers would get what is coming to them. There had to be a weakness to them. It was time to look for answers on how to destroy them.

o0o

~~Thorin's POV~~

"I did wonder why Elaina was asking about Smaug earlier."

I had been looking out of the window as I explained everything to Balin. I turned around and looked at my old friend with shock.

"She did?"

"Aye, she wanted to know where I was when Smaug attacked us."

"And what do you make of all of this?" I asked him, crossing my arms around my chest.

Balin sighed and walked up to me.

"Honestly?"

I nodded my head.

"I think you and Elaina need to discuss this yourselves. It is not my place to pick sides."

Balin placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled at me.

"However, seeing as her father, brother and even Loki are insisting that Smaug is innocent, maybe there is a ring of truth to it. There are two sides to every story, is there not? Perhaps it is time to hear Smaug's version."

"Me, speak to a dragon?" I scoffed.

"Thorin, you did ask for my advice."

"Aye, I did," I grace him with a smile "it's just a lot to take in."

"Hmm, then search for your lady, Thorin. You both need to talk about this."

Balin walked towards the door and placed his hand on the doorknob. Before pulling the door open he added,

"Don't shut Elaina out."

"I would never!" I exclaimed.

"Before you met Elaina," Balin turned and faced me, though his hand was still on the doorknob "you were very closely guarded around others, but seeing you with her, you are more approachable."

"Balin!"

"You know it is the truth," smirked Balin pulling the door open "now go and find her."

Before I could say anything, Balin walked out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts. Even though I was still suspicious of Smaug being innocent, I knew Balin was right. I needed to calm down and speak to Elaina and sort this out.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

"Are you really alright, Elaina?" asked Thor, breaking me out of my thoughts.

He was currently sitting besides me, while I watched Bilbo helping Beorn plant flowers in his garden. While I was thinking of Thorin and this argument we had. I had no idea on how to rectify this.

"I am fine." I reassured him, gracing Thor with a smile.

I could tell at once that he did not believe me, which caused me to sigh in defeat.

"Maybe Gandalf's right, maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. I know I have hurt Thorin."

"No my lady, you did the right thing."

"I did?"

I turned and faced Thor fully, noticing him smile back at me.

"Aye you did."

"It doesn't feel like it."

"You did the right thing," Thor confirmed "keeping secrets will only lead to trouble. Thorin will come round. Finding out that Smaug is really a victim and not the instigator is a lot to take on board for him."

"I know, though he is very stubborn."

Thor laughed while I quietly watch Bilbo, while I process what Thor had said. I knew he was right, I too had been the same when I discovered the full story. Though I did hope Thorin would listen to reason, but of course he hadn't.

I listen to Beorn who answered Bilbo's questions about his trimmed garden, on how to keep it neat and tidy. I could tell that Bilbo was feeling homesick. He tried to act like he was happy travelling with Thorin and his kin, but even I knew he missed home. Come to think of it, I did too.

Bag End had been my home for twenty years and I had felt completely safe. Then this quest came along and I found myself being curious to what was out there. So I willingly accepted this adventure. I don't regret coming along, especially as I now class everyone as my friends.

"Thank you for befriending Loki," Thor said after a while "I know he can be very annoying at time."

"Naw, Loki is alright. I liked him straight away," I admitted, watching Bilbo plant a few seeds in the soil "he's actually been very helpful to me."

I turn my head a fraction, noticing Thor watching me with interest. So I quickly explained that he was the one that came to my aid when I first discovered who my real father was.

"I know Loki has done bad things," I continued, returning my attention to Bilbo "but as I keep saying, everyone deserves a second chance."

"I hope you are right Elaina, but I know from experience he can be very unpredictable."

I didn't say anything. I knew there was some unfinished business between Loki and himself and it wasn't my place to say anything on that matter. I heard the doors behind us open, but I try not to take any notice to who was either stepping in or out of Beorn's home, that was, until I heard his voice.

"Elaina."

Turning a little, I saw Thorin standing there, closing the door behind him. He acknowledged Thor who stood up and graced him with a smile.

"I'll leave you too alone." Thor said, walking away from us now.

I return my attention to Bilbo. I had no idea what to say. After all, the last time I had spoken to Thorin, was when we were disagreeing about Smaug.

"Elaina, could we perhaps go for a walk?"

Getting up from the steps, I turned and faced Thorin with a small smile. I knew he was trying to make amends to what had recently happened.

"Of course." I replied, walking up to him.

I could see the relief on his face when I had accepted his offer. Taking hold of his right hand, we silently walked away from Bilbo and Beorn and headed towards the massive garden.

"Don't get lost!" shouted out Bilbo.

"Bilbo!" I scorned at him, glancing back at him.

He had a lopsided grin on his face and I found myself grinning back.

"How can we get lost in a garden?" I asked him.

"Well, you are with Thorin-," Bilbo trailed off when Thorin stopped walking and turned and faced him.

"Go on." replied Thorin, clearly interested where this was heading.

"I-I-I mean, you did get lost twice while you were in the," Bilbo swallowed hard "Shire. I should just be quiet."

"Bilbo," began Thorin, glancing at me then back at the hobbit "I do not get lost."

I gently pulled Thorin away from Bilbo and began walking away from a laughing Bilbo.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

While everyone was keeping themselves to themselves, I was pondering on what Loki had said.

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

I narrowed my eyes. How dare he treat me like this. I am not a toy, I am a human being, for crying out loud. Climbing down the ladder, I made my way back to the hall, noticing Fili and Kili helping themselves to the food that was on the table.

"Hetti," grinned Kili, walking up to me "where have you been?"

"Nowhere. I just wanted to be alone for a while." I admitted.

"Oh."

I could see the hurt in Kili's brown eyes and I instinctively cupped his cheek.

"I didn't mean it that way. Blame Loki." I whispered to him.

Kili narrowed his eyes as he watched me.

"What has he done now?"

"Nothing, he just wound me up."

"You are alright though, aren't you?" He asked, taking my hand away from his cheek.

"I'm fine," I reassured him "I just walked away from him."

"Good." murmured Kili, leaning towards me and brushing his lips on mine.

"Can you do that elsewhere," I heard Fili say "I would like to eat this meal without the sound of smooching, thank you very much."

Despite myself, I snort out a laugh, breaking away from Kili and watching his brother who looked very uncomfortable.

"Why should I, dear brother? I'm just showing my affection."

Kili walked away from me and slapped his hand hard on Fili's back.

"Perhaps you should find your own lass, then you would understand."

"I do not need a lass, Kili."

"Who doesn't need a lass?" asked Thor, walking through the double doors at the far end of the room.

"Fili, he hasn't got anyone to-,"

"Just stop it!" I demanded, noticing six pairs of eyes watching me with disdain "Who cares if Fili hasn't got a lass or whatever you call us. It is entirely up to him. Do not fight amongst yourselves, because it will only lead to conflict."

With that, I just walked out of the hall, not liking the behaviour of Kili. Just what was the matter with him?

o0o

~~Thor's POW~~

As I watch Lady Hetti walk out of the hall, my eyes went back to Kili. I haven't known these dwarves for long, but I could tell there was something off with him. Fili stood up, taking his plate with him.

"I have no idea what is up with you today Kee, but please leave me out of your little disputes with Hetti. I am not amused by it and I can safely say, either is Hetti herself."

Fili gave me a nod with his head before leaving the hall. My eyes narrowed as I watched Kili, grab hold of an apple.

"Morph back, right this second!"

Kili, looked over to me with a stupid grin on his face.

"I know it is you Loki, I am not stupid."

A green mist went around Kili/Loki and then I saw a grinning Loki biting into his apple.

"What gave it away?"

"Your lack of charm!" I replied, walking up to him "Why are you doing this?"

Loki sighed and dropped the apple on the table.

"I was bored."

My eyes widened.

"You were bored?"

"Did I stutter?" Loki sat back down, placing his legs on the table, watching me with amusement "I am just helping Hetti out, by showing her that Kili is an idiot."

"This is not the way to charm a girl, Loki...Hetti seems clearly interested in Kili, why are you doing this?"

Loki sighed, looking at the door that Hetti vacated.

"She belongs to me."

"Does she indeed?" I walked over to the other side of the table and sat down "This is the wrong way of wooing her."

"Wooing?" smirked Loki "not a word I would use."

"No, your word is cunning. Perhaps you should leave her heart alone." I advised him.

"Never! Hetti belongs to me. She is just blind at the moment. There will come a time when she will see that prat Kili for who he really is."

"You leave her alone brother. She is not a play thing."

"I will leave her alone," replied Loki "but will she be able to leave me alone?"

While he was in this mood, it was impossible to speak to him. It is just as well that I am staying. I will have to keep an extra eye on my dear brother and of course the others, just in case Loki started morphing into them as well.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

We walked for a while in our own thoughts. I was thinking of my mother. Beorn had explained that she came here several times in her life time. I really wanted to know everything about her. I wondered if I would ever met the elven king Thranduil. my mother's friend.

"Elaina," I heard Thorin say, breaking me out of my thoughts "I wish to apologise for hurting you and being-,"

"Stubborn?" I interrupted, with a smile.

"Elaina," growled Thorin, pulling me to him "I am trying to say I'm sorry."

"As am I," I whispered, "I hope I didn't hurt you with my power."

Thorin shook his head.

"No, though I did deserve it."

"No you didn't. You have every right to be angry."

"Hmm, and yet this tale of Smaug being innocent, is still a lot to take in."

I nod my head.

"We will soon see whether the dragon is innocent or not," carried on Thorin "but until that time comes, can we not discuss this matter?"

I watch Thorin and I could tell someone had spoken to him since. I just nod my head, noticing the relief on his face. It had been a very long day and I would be relieved when this day had ended.

I initiated the kiss which some what surprised Thorin, but he soon got over that as we both deepened the kiss. I was glad that he had opened his eyes regarding Smaug, even if it was just a little bit. Smaug needed rescuing and I would see it through to help him out as best as I could.