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Chapter Thirty-Eight
Darkness And Disagreements
~~Elaina's POV~~
I rolled over on to my side waking up finally when I realised Thorin was not besides me. Opening my eyes, I looked to where he had rested and found a note on the pillow. Smiling to myself, I sat up and picked up the note and began reading it.
My angel,
Seeing as you were busy dealing with that...dragon last night, I thought you should sleep for as long as you wanted. I will be with Dwalin in the garden duelling with him, should you need me.
Yours always,
Thorin.
Sighing, I stretched my limbs before getting out of the bed. There was no way I was staying in bed all day, even though it was tempting. As I grabbed hold of my clothes that were in different parts of the room, a wave of nausea hit me and I quickly ran towards the sink to vomit, but nothing came up.
Just as suddenly, the nausea vanished, leaving me baffled. I tried not to think about it to much, thinking that I had gotten up to soon or something. I put my clothes back on and then decided to see what the rest of the company were doing.
o0o
~~Hetti's POV~~
After Thor had left me, I kept pondering on what he had meant. Why would Loki hurt those he loved? I wondered what he had done. To get a warning from Thor was not what I was expecting. While my mind was on what Thor had said, I kept walking, until I reached the main hall.
I realise that I was on my own and to be thankful, I was actually relieved about that. The last time I was here, Kili was acting strange around his brother and I really wasn't in the mood for another scene to unfold.
Sitting down on a chair, I reached across the table and grabbed hold of a jug of water. It was when I did that, that I heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind me. Trying not to take no notice, I poured the contents in to a goblet.
"Well, this is a pleasant surprise."
I inwardly groan. I knew that voice all to well now.
Loki.
The god himself decided to sit right next to me while I placed the jug back on the table. Taking hold of the goblet, I was about to get up when I felt his cold hand go around my wrist, stopping my attempt of escape.
"Please Hetti, stay."
This caught me off guard and I turned my head and watched him with wide eyes. Loki was staring back at me with a somber expression on his face. Even I could tell something was bothering him, though I would not ask what that was.
"Stay," He repeated, pulling my wrist so that I had no choice but to sit back down "You do know that Kili is wrong for you."
I rolled my eyes. He had no right to say that about Kili.
"It is true, little dove. He may like you now, but there will come a time when his brown eyes will stray and fall for someone else."
I didn't have to listen to this. I tried to pry my wrist from his grasp, but he only held onto to it tighter.
"I speak the truth."
"Ha!" I retort, glaring at him "Coming from the god of lies."
"I am not lying about this, Kili will only hurt you."
I could feel my anger course through me. How dare he say such things.
"Funny, that is exactly what your brother said about you!"
Loki's green/blue eyes widened, before he narrowed them.
"He knows nothing!" He sneered.
"Thor told me that you would hurt those you love," I admitted "is he wrong?"
"He knows nothing!" Loki repeated, now turning his head, so I couldn't see his reaction anymore.
I had no idea why Loki and Thor hated one another or I should point out, Loki hated Thor and it wasn't my place in asking either brother. It must have been major whatever that was. My eyes went back on the goblet I was holding, trying to get rid of this strange air between us.
o0o
~~Elaina's POV~~
I walked down the hallway wondering where everyone was, when I suddenly felt very dizzy. I stopped walking and held onto the wall, trying to let this feeling wash over me. First the nausea, now this. I knew something was a miss.
Taking steady breaths, willing myself to be well again, I tried walking again but I suddenly felt so lightheaded that I found myself collapsing onto the wooden floor. I tried getting up, but I just had no strength left.
'What is wrong with me?' I thought to myself.
Just as I was about to try and get up once more, I could hear faint footsteps coming from somewhere, though I was more concerned in getting up from the floor.
"My lady."
I suddenly felt myself being lifted up from the ground and being carried. By now, my head was pounding and I had to will myself to look to who was carrying me. With great difficulty, I glanced up and saw Thor holding me protectivly.
"Thor-," was all I said, before the darkness claimed me.
o0o
~~Hetti's POV~~
I could feel Loki's hold of me tighten and I frowned. I did not like this one bit.
"You have no right to treat me like this." I said at last.
"I have every right," was Loki's reply "you belong to me."
I shook my head.
"No, I belong to Kili and deep down you know this to be true."
Averting my eyes to his ever watchful gaze, he whispered as he drew near to me,
"You belong with me and if it wasn't for that obstacle that is hindering our time together-,"
"Kili is not an obstacle," I interrupted him, narrowing my eyes at Loki "he is a kind, loving dwarf who-,"
"Who nearly killed you," pointed out Loki with a smirk on his face "or did you forget that you nearly drowned?"
Without any warning, my free hand connected with his check. My hand was now stinging from the blow that had slapped him, though I chose to ignore that. How dare he always ridicule Kili. Now glaring at Loki, I realised he now had a massive grin on his face, which really angered me even more.
"There she is, the feisty woman who always sticks up for riff raff!"
Before I could tell him where to go, Loki pulled me to him and kissed me. At first I tried to push him off, but the more I did that, the more demanding this kiss was. He held me tightly as his mouth moved over mine and I really tried to resist him though it was clear to me, that I was losing this fight.
Slowly my own lips worked against his and the air around me suddenly changed. Loki loosened his hold of me and I felt his cold hand go up and down my back as the kiss deepened. Though this felt wrong, I couldn't seem to stop this kiss.
"Quickly get out of the way." came a very frantic voice.
Breaking the kiss, I turned in the direction of the voice and saw Thor walking up to us. He was holding someone in his arms.
"Make room on the table." Thor said.
Without saying a word, both Loki and I pushed the plates and goblets aside as I finally saw who Thor was holding and my heart nearly stopped beating in my chest.
"Elaina?" I looked at Thor with concern on my face "What has happened to her?"
By now even Loki was looking at Elaina. He had a look of worry etched on his face, which was understandable, as I felt the same.
"I do not know. I saw her on the floor, trying to get back up."
Thor gently placed Elaina on the table.
"Could you stay by her side while I look for Zeus or Gandalf?" asked Thor, glancing at Loki.
"Of course." replied Loki.
I wondered what had happened to my dear friend. The last I saw of her was when she was talking to Thorin, by the bedroom door. Thinking that though, she did vomit last night. Maybe she was still getting over that.
Never taking my eyes of Elaina, Thor quickly ran to look for help. I then glanced at Loki quietly as he hesitantly placed his hand on her forehead. It was the way he was watching her that I came to the sudden realisation.
It wasn't me he was in love with, it was Elaina herself. It all made sense to me now. As Elaina was now with Thorin, Loki knew he had lost her. So I was the next best thing. I watch as he gently stroked her hair, noticing the worry in his blue/green eyes of his.
"It's all making sense now." I began, my green eyes never leaving his face.
"What is?" Loki asked, catching me staring at him, the concern he had for Elaina was plain to see.
"This obsession with me."
"You want to talk about this now?" snapped Loki, while I silently nod my head, as he sighed "It is not an obsession."
"Yes it is. I've just realised, that it is not me you want. It is someone else entirely."
Loki turned and faced me fully. His lips curled up with bemusement, while his fingers were absently playing with Elaina's hair.
"Oh this I have to hear."
I nod my head then continued with my theory.
"It's not me you love," I emphasised the 'love' with my fingers noticing Loki roll his eyes at me "it is someone quite closer to home."
Loki watched me with raised eyebrows before bursting into laughter.
"And who am I supposed to really love?" Loki asked me with an amused twinkle in his eyes "Surely you are not suggesting I have feelings for that...that dwarf?"
Despite myself I snorted out a laugh, then slowly shook my head.
"No, not Kili, he's already spoken for."
I heard a sound from across the hallway and glanced in that direction, thinking Thor was returning with help. There was no one there, but I had this feeling we were being watched and that unnerved me a little.
"The person you have true feelings for," I continued, returning my attention to Loki, who was watching me with his trademark grin on his face "is Elaina."
o0o
~~Elaina's POV~~
Everything was dark. I couldn't see what was in front of me. When a loud noise came from nowhere I gasped out loud, wondering what was going on.
"I know your there, siren." came a voice in the dark.
I knew that voice and despite myself, I sighed in relief.
"Smaug, why can't I see you?"
"Pfft, Welcome to my world."
"You didn't answer my question." I point out, shivering when I felt warm air on my face.
I knew Smaug was close to me, I could sense his presence, though I had no idea where he was. I really wished I could see what was going on. Though, I hated not being able to watch what was happening around me. It made me very uneasy, that was for sure.
"The curse is still here." I whispered, more to myself, though I had a feeling he had heard me.
"Though the voice in my head has gone," I heard Smaug sigh before continuing "there is still a trace of this curse here."
"How do we get rid of this curse then?"
"I thought you knew what you were doing?" snapped Smaug.
I did find it a little strange that his anger didn't bother me, normally I would retaliate and tell any rude person where to go, but I knew Smaug was still dangerous. I didn't want him to start attacking me, even though the dark was actually my cover right now.
"All I did was sing and then use my power," I admitted to him "there must be something I missed, but what?"
"You tell me siren!?"
I furrow my eyebrows, not understanding why he was calling me siren. A low chuckle came from Smaug which echoed around the place my soul was currently held in.
"W-What's so funny?"
"You want to know why I keep calling you siren, don't you...Elaina?"
"How did-," I trailed of but Smaug quickly carried on.
"It seems we are now connected. Whatever you did before, created this mind link. Which is annoying. I would like to keep my thoughts to myself, thank you very much."
With the exception of Thorin and even Loki, I did not really like having another voice inside my head. I was beginning to see what Zeus was getting at, I had to start blocking out everything inside my mind, though I still had no idea on how to do that.
Come to think of it though, I never sensed Smaug's thoughts in my mind, which should have raised an alarm or something. Maybe feeling ill was his way of getting inside my head, it did make sense. Feeling sick, the light-headedness, now this.
"I'm sorry about that Smaug," I swallow hard, trying to get my bearings around this strange place we were both currently in "I'm still new to my power."
"Oh wonderful!" sneered Smaug "A novice witch. This day can not get any better."
"Um, I'm not a witch," I point out "apparently I'm a goddess."
"Right and should that mean anything to me?"
"I, um, er."
I coughed trying to figure out what to say and do.
"Great, a goddess with a speech impediment. How lucky am I!"
His rudeness was really getting on my nerves.
"Listen you, I haven't got a speech problem. I just don't have any idea on what to do at present."
"Hmm, then we are doomed aren't we?" replied Smaug.
I was about to give him a piece of my mind when I thought I heard my name being called out.
"Did you hear that?" I asked Smaug.
"Hear what?"
"Elaina." came the voice again.
"That!"
"I heard something," admitted Smaug, "aren't you going to answer the voice? Or do you expect me to roar?"
If this was what Smaug was really like, sarcastic and rude, I was not looking forward in helping him out when we finally did reach Erebor.
"Must you be so rude?"
"Yes." came his short reply.
I exhaled, trying to calm my anger down. Now was not the time in arguing with a massive dragon. I had to think on what to do next.
"Elaina, just say something!" The voice said again.
That voice sounded like it was close to us now.
"Who is that?" I called out.
"Oh thank the stars. It is I Thor. Just keep talking while we try and reach you."
"We?"
"Yes, Loki is with me."
"Oh goodie," I heard Smaug say "more people to enter my dark mind."
I furrowed my brows. I had thought we were in a place, but by the way Smaug was talking, it sounded like we were inside his head. If that was the case, that was creepy. I inwardly shudder at this thought, hoping Smaug was just being sarcastic once more.
o0o
A few minutes earlier...
~~Hetti's POV~~
The look on Loki's face was priceless. One moment he was grinning like he had won a game, now he was staring back at me with a shocked expression on his face. His blue/green eyes searching my face for any sign of a lie. I knew I wasn't lying, in fact, I was 100% certain I had hit the nail on the head.
"Think about it," I carried on before he could "other than Thorin, you have always been by Elaina's side."
"As a friend." Loki finally said, though he was now avoiding looking at me.
His gaze fell back on Elaina herself.
"At first, I think that was the case, but as time went by, your feelings for Elaina grew stronger. You could not do anything about it, knowing that Thorin felt the same way about her. Which is why, you then decided to turn your attention to me."
"You have got this all wrong, little dove," Loki surprised me by cupping my cheek with his free hand "I only see Elaina as a friend nothing more, whereas with you-," Loki trailed of, grinning back at me.
"I haven't got this wrong Loki. You are in love with Elaina, while I love Kili."
"Love? He doesn't know the first thing about love!" sneered Loki, taking his hand off my cheek.
I did notice that he didn't argue his case against Elaina. Which made me realise my hunch was correct, he did love my sister, but I knew he would never admit that to me.
"Yes he does and I know he loves me back. Whereas with you, you just want to chase anyone you can get because the one you really want, is out of reach."
Again Loki looked at the unconscious form of Elaina while I sighed before I continued, watching him carefully.
"I am certain that you have feelings for Elaina, not me. So please stop pretending that you and I will live happily ever after, because my happy ever after belongs with Kili."
"That kiss we just shared proved otherwise." smirked Loki, though I just shook my head.
"That kiss was nice, but we both know where our hearts really lie."
For the first time since meeting Loki, I could see the uncertainty in his eyes.
"You love Elaina, not me."
I stepped back from him, now glancing at Elaina.
"Now if you would excuse me, I will now look for Bilbo. He'll want to know what is happening to Elaina."
As I walked away from him, I felt the relief wash over me. I knew Kili was for me, I was certain of that. Just as I turned a corner, a hand grabbed hold of my wrist, pulling me in a dark corner. Before I could scream, lips descent on mine and I instantly relax, knowing Kili was the one holding me.
"I do love you Hetti." He whispered, his nose, nuzzling against my own.
I realised he must have seen what had recently transpired with Loki and I and I instantly felt very guilty about that.
"I'm sorry Kili, I-," I began but his lips were on mine again.
He kissed me slowly and tenderly as my arms went around his neck. This kiss was how it should be and I relished in this blissful moment. All to soon, Kili broke up the kiss, though he did have a smile on his face.
"You chose me over him," Kili started laughing "that will dent Loki's pride."
"Kili," I scorned him "it is not funny."
"Oh, it is," grinned Kili, watching me with love in his eyes "so, he loves Elaina does he?"
I groan, knowing Kili will start winding Loki up about this.
"I have a feeling that is the case, yes," I admitted "but he is in denial. He knows Elaina is with Thorin, which is why he started chasing me."
"Uncle should be told of this."
"No," I urged him, playing with his soft locks "I do not think anything will happen. For one thing, Elaina will soon tell him to back off, should he come between Elaina and Thorin."
"Hmm, you do have a point," replied Kili, brushing his lips over mine "thank you for coming to your senses."
"Kili-,"
He quickly kissed me, stopping me from telling him off. Truth of the matter was, I was happy being in the arms to a dwarf that loved me wholeheartedly. That is until I remembered why I walked off in the first place. Breaking the kiss I said,
"I need to find Bilbo."
"Why?"
"Because Elaina is unconscious on the table over there. Didn't you notice?"
Kili shook his head, clearly shocked.
"No, I was too busy watching Loki trying to take the women I love from me...We should inform Uncle as well."
"Good idea." I replied.
I hoped Elaina would be alright. Seeing her like that, brought back the foster home again and I hated that. Sighing, Kili and I headed outside, where I knew Bilbo was. I hoped Thorin would be easy to find though.
o0o
~~Loki's POV~~
All these thoughts swirled inside my head. I was certain Hetti was wrong, I was not in love with Elaina. I only saw her as a friend. Though thinking that, she was the first person who has really listened to me, since mother. Elaina had even said that everyone deserves a second chance. I remember feeling relieved when I told her part of my past thus far.
"Smaug!" I heard Elaina whisper to herself.
I returned my attention to the very person I was thinking about and I frowned. I knew then that she was back with that dragon. My fingers gently touched her forehead once more and my frown increased.
She was cold to the touch. Just what was going on here? It was like before, when she first encountered her real father. Only I knew that was not the reason why she was like this now. Footsteps could be heard from behind me, but I refused to look. I was more concerned about Elaina.
"How long has she been like this?"
I finally glanced up and saw Gandalf leaning over Elaina with worry etched on his face, noticing Thor also had the same look .
"She's been like this for a while," I replied, before Thor could "she did mention the name Smaug though."
Gandalf's head suddenly looked up at me with wide eyes.
"Tell me you didn't solve the curse yourself, Loki?"
I shook my head.
"I didn't have to. Elaina went to Erebor on her own accord. She used her power on him."
Gandalf straightened up and glared at me. I wasn't at all intimidated by this. Gandalf had never frightened me in the least, in fact, nothing frightened me.
"Are you quite mad?" snapped Gandalf "Those Messengers could have been there."
"Other than Smaug and his second voice, there-,"
"Do what?" interrupted the wizard "What voice?"
I rolled my eyes, not liking the wizard's tone of voice.
"It looked like Smaug was having a discussion with himself, so Elaina got rid of that voice. It was the curse after all, causing him to have a split personality."
"You fool. You should have waited for me. This is all making sense now. We need to bring Elaina back...She is in danger!"
Both Thor and I looked at Gandalf with shocked faces. What did he mean that Elaina was in danger? When we were there last time, it was just Smaug.
"Is the dragon the threat?" asked Thor, breaking me out of my thoughts.
"No, he is just as innocent as Elaina is," Gandalf looked down at Elaina before going on "you say there was a voice besides Smaug."
"Yes, that is correct." I replied.
"Then we have little time in bringing her back. Thor-,"
Sudden footsteps could be heard which made Gandalf stop talking. Turning around, I saw Dwalin, Thorin and Bilbo heading our way and despite myself, I rolled my eyes, knowing the hobbit would make a scene.
"What has happened?" asked Bilbo, now running up to Elaina "Is it her power?"
"Hmm," remarked Gandalf "No, Elaina is back with the dragon it seems."
"What?" spat Thorin "I thought she dealt with that...-,"
"Dragon?" I finished for him, when he refused to finish his sentence.
"Exactly, the dragon."
"As I was saying," Gandalf now glared at Bilbo. Dwalin and even Thorin before he returned his attention at Elaina "Thor and Loki, I want you both to see whereabouts' Elaina is and bring her back. The longer she stays there, the more danger she is in. In fact, I have a feeling she is inside Smaug's head."
"Sorry what?" Thorin asked with a frown "Smaug's head, I don't understand."
"I'll explain later Thorin," replied Gandalf "right now she needs to return to us, before The Messengers get wind of her appearance."
Without saying anything, I took hold of Elaina's right hand and begrudgingly grabbed hold of my dear brother. It only took me a few seconds to sense where she was and without further ado, I teleported Thor and myself inside Smaug's mind.
o0o
I should have realised it was going to be pitch darkness here. Tuting, I used my magic causing a green light to appear around Thor and myself.
"Do you think that is wise brother?"
"Relax, no one other then us can see this light," I replied "do you really want to walk around in complete darkness?"
"That is besides the point. You have no idea what else could be lurking inside this dragon's head."
"Oh perish the thought that we might run into a stray thought from Smaug's memory bank." I retort, already getting annoyed that Thor is here with me.
For a while neither of us spoke, which I was thankful for. All I wanted to do was quickly find Elaina and get out of here. Truth of the matter was, I was getting worried for her well being.
I had this feeling we were being followed and nothing would make me happier than to attack this nuisance, but until we find Elaina, this was not going to happen. Again, my thoughts went back to what Hetti had said earlier, I knew I only saw Elaina as a friend nothing more, so why was Hetti so insistent that I had feelings for Elaina?
"Elaina, can you hear me?" shouted Thor suddenly, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I just rolled my eyes, not saying anything. I was now on full alert. Whatever was behind us, was slowly edging near the both of us and I did not like that at all.
"Listen you, I haven't got a speech problem. I just don't have any idea on what to do at present." came a very familiar voice.
"Did you hear that?" asked Thor.
"Yes, Elaina's voice was quite close by." I admitted to him.
Both Thor and myself stopped walking and slowly looked around. Though everything was dark, the green hue from my magic made things a little easier to navigate the area we were currently in. Why did Elaina have to jump right into a blasted dragon's head, I'll never know.
"Hmm, then we are doomed aren't we?" came another voice.
Thor turned and looked at me with one raised eyebrow.
"Smaug I presume?"
"The one and the same," I replied "though he does sound a little different, but that could be what Elaina did to him previously."
"Hmm, Anyhow, let us find her quickly," said Thor walking ahead of me "Elaina, just say something!"
"What do you want her to say," I piped in "a story?"
"Loki, you are not helping." snapped Thor.
A small smile came as I watched him, taking great delight in winding my dear brother up.
"Who is that?" Elaina called out.
"Oh thank the stars. It is I, Thor. Just keep talking while we try and reach you."
"We?"
"Yes, Loki is with me."
"Oh goodie," I heard Smaug say "more people to enter my dark mind."
Despite myself, I chuckled at the dragon's response. It seems Smaug has developed a sense of humour.
"Elaina," I finally shouted out "Sing to us."
"I beg your pardon!? came her response "Now is not the time to sing a song Loki!"
I sighed, knowing this was going to be a long night/day/whatever, being inside a massive dragon's head.
"Sing, then we will establish where you are situated."
"My brother makes a fair point," I rolled my eyes at Thor "talk or sing, so that we can reach you."
"Fine," snapped Elaina "but I am not singing...I shall ask you all a riddle which Gollum could not answer correctly. Perhaps you three can."
"Good grief." I muttered as I looked around, knowing that something was definitely near us now.
"Have you a better idea Loki?" came Elaina's voice.
"No...Just get on with it."
"I can not be felt, seen or touched, yet I can be found in everybody. My existence is always in debate, yet I have my own style of music."
I grinned, already knowing the answer but I kept my lips sealed for the time being. I wanted to know what Thor would say on this riddle.
"Any idea my dear brother."
"I'm thinking." replied Thor.
"We haven't got all day." I remarked, my grin broadened when Thor glared back at me.
"What is a Gollum?" asked Smaug.
"Um," I heard Elaina reply "it is a creature that lives inside another mountain. I think once upon a time, Gollum was a hobbit, though I am not certain on that."
"What is a hobbit?"
Again I rolled my eyes.
"Can we get back to this stupid riddle?" I asked rather rudely I might add, but that presence behind us was edging closer to us and I wanted to deal with that before Elaina got hurt.
While Smaug and Thor were shouting out wrong answers, I was gearing myself up for a fight. I knew now that Gandalf was right, I could sense a Messenger behind me and I wanted to stun it before it could inflict its own power on any of us.
"Oh for crying out loud," I snapped, knocking into something "the answer is a soul!"
"Ouch!" remarked Elaina "Do you mind not stepping on my foot?"
"I would say sorry," I replied, relieved to have finally located her "but we have a pressing matter at hand."
Raising my right hand, I extended my green light and cast it around Elaina. She blinked several times, getting used to the sudden light around her.
"What pressing matter?" She asked when she could focus probably once more.
"Since being here," I began, watching her intently "I have had a feeling we were being followed."
"Now you tell me!" hissed Thor, grabbing hold of Elaina "We need to leave right this second."
"What's been following you both?" asked Elaina, looking at Thor and myself.
"One of the Messengers!" I replied, glancing over my shoulder, knowing it was heading towards us.
"What about Smaug?"
Was Elaina serious? There was no way I could bring a massive dragon back at Beorn's house.
"I will be fine, siren. I am used to this hindrance. I shall see to this intruder myself."
"Wait, what about the trace of this curse?" Elaina glanced up to the darkness "Surely, I could aid you with something."
"Pfft...you are called siren for a reason," I heard Smaug reply "when you return to your real world, hymn or sing from time to time. Though your singing does irritate me, it does knock these idiots away for a while."
"She will do that." said Thor, holding Elaina a little tighter now.
Thor then turned his head and looked at me.
"Ready when you are."
Without any warning, I turned around and threw a concealed dagger at the Messenger that had slowly crept up to us. It hissed out in pain as I watched the Messenger try and dislodge the dagger I threw at it. Did this thing really think I hadn't noticed its presence? The smell alone was a dead give away, for one thing.
The Messenger hissed out in pain again, as I threw another dagger at it. I then quickly grabbed hold of Elaina and Thor, before this lone Messenger called for backup. A sudden roar came from above, but I wasn't wasting time to see what was about to happen next. Holding my brother and Elaina, I quickly teleported us out of there.
"We will meet again siren." I heard Smaug say, as we finally get out of the dragon's head.
o0o
~~Elaina's POV~~
Everything felt a little hazy. I knew I was back in Beorn's home but the feeling that Smaug was still in danger worried me. How and why were one of those nasty Messengers inside Smaug's mind? It made no sense at all.
"Elaina."
I gingerly opened one eye before opening the other. I knew I was lying on something hard and I knew that my back would not appreciate that later. I momentarily closed my eyes only for them to open again, when I felt warm fingers touch my face.
"My angel." whispered Thorin.
I could clearly see the worry in his blue eyes, to which I felt incredibly guilty about.
"I'm sorry." I whispered back.
"Do not apologise, I know this was not your fault," smiled Thorin "I'm just glad you are back safe and sound."
"I-,"
"Ahem!"
I tried looking at Gandalf, but Thorin was currently in the way.
"Yes, well, before you both get intimate with each other," I heard Gandalf say, causing me to go red in the face "I want to ask you some questions Elaina."
"Can't this wait?" snapped Thorin, moving a little so that I could finally see Gandalf for myself "As you can clearly see, Elaina has been through a lot."
"Thorin," I slowly got up, noticing there was quite a crowd around me "it's fine. I can answer a question or two?"
I could tell that Thorin was not amused by my answer, but he never said anything. He simply sat beside me on the table that I now realised I was on and placed his arm around my middle, holding me protectively.
"She means only two questions Gandalf," said Bilbo, narrowing his eyes at the wizard "anymore than that, then Thorin will automatically take her away, to rest."
A smile formed on my lips at Bilbo's words. I always knew he would finally open up and speak his mind. Long may that continue.
"Bilbo-," began Gandalf but Loki interrupted.
"No, the hobbit is right. Two questions, that is all."
Gandalf huffed a little then nodded his head. He then turned his attention to me and I suddenly felt very small. What was he about to say to me? That was the question.
"How did you get to Smaug?"
"You mean, the first time?" I asked him, Gandalf nodded "I fell asleep and suddenly I was in Erebor."
"Erebor?" shouted Dwalin "Could this be true?"
I nodded.
"I was there," I turned my attention to Loki, who was watching me intently "with Loki."
"Hmm." I heard Gandalf say.
"Don't!" I say to him, now returning my attention back to Gandalf.
"Don't what?"
"Don't blame Loki for this. This happened on its own accord. As I said before, one minute I was with Thorin, then the next...Erebor."
I watched Gandalf as he suddenly started pacing the floor. I could tell he did not like what had recently happened, but why? That was a question I really wanted to know. Would I get it though? Probably not.
"Loki should have taken you back," snapped Gandalf, now glaing at me, "do you realise how dangerous this could have been for you Elaina."
"Well, perhaps if you had informed me of my heritage, then this sorry mess may have been prevented!" I snapped back at him, feeling Thorin stroke my back, trying to calm me down.
"I was protecting you, child."
"Maybe so, but you should have warned me about all of this. Instead, I met a strange man on a cloud, telling me he was my real father," I sighed shaking my head "now I have this weird power inside of me. This is all new to me...You should have warned me about all of this!"
"I had my reasons," replied Gandalf, now looking anywhere but me.
"So," I continued, feeling my anger come to the service "how could I have stopped myself from venturing in dream mode 'Erebor' when no one and I do mean no one, told me that I could bloody travel like that in the first place!"
I heard a familiar 'ehehehe' laugh, though I did not find this at all funny. I knew that Gandalf should have opened up to me from the beginning, but did he? No! Instead, all of this had to happen.
"I understand that you are upset." said Gandalf after a while.
"Oh no, I'm actually ecstatic. Can't you tell?" I replied sarcastically, before glancing at everyone in the room "Where is my dear old father anyhow? He should be here!"
"He had something to do," admitted Gandalf "though your brother Apollo is currently speaking to our host. Do you wish to see him?"
I shook my head. In truth, I wanted to be left alone. Meeting Smaug twice in one day was a lot to take in, especially when I have just discovered one of those Messengers lurking in Smaug's head. I knew that would have to be dealt with as well, but I had no idea what to do at this present time.
"Elaina," I heard Thorin say, before he sighed "I think it is time Elaina be left alone. She's been through enough for one day. Come my angel, let's go somewhere private so you can rest."
As I turned and looked at Thorin, I suddenly felt very drained and fed up. My anger that I recently had, had ebbed away, to which I was greatful for. I turned my head and caught Loki silently watching me. Though he graced me with a smile, I could see the turmoil in his eyes and I found I did not like that one bit.
"Without Loki's help," I said after a while, still looking at Loki "Smaug would have gotten worse...Thankfully that part is over now."
"Can someone please explain what you are babbling on about?" asked Dwalin "Why would the dragon Smaug get worse. It will be killed, won't he?"
I just shook my head, finally looking at the floor. I could hear Thorin sigh and I knew that he had some explaining to do.
"We'll will speak soon, Dwalin." replied Thorin watching me with concern, his hand running up and down my back.
I didn't see the little nod that Dwalin did, as my eyes finally went back on Gandalf. He was looking at nothing in particular and I wondered what was going through his mind.
"You need to control your power Elaina," Gandalf said with a frown on his face "today you were lucky that nothing bad had happened to you. Next time, it could be your downfall."
The wizard sighed, rubbing his forehead with his hand, while Thorin now held me to him. The sound of his heartbeat and his warmth, relaxed me.
"Loki, from tomorrow onwards, I want you to teach Elaina on how to control her power." carried on Gandalf.
I rolled my eyes. We were going in circles again.
"It was an accident, for crying out loud! I had no control over this!" I looked at Loki, then back at Gandalf, not liking the way things were now going.
"Which is why Loki will help you channel your power to your advantage."
I frowned, knowing that would be difficult now.
"Um, not that I don't need the help, but, er," a nervous giggle escaped my lips before I could stop it "I have a mind link with Smaug now."
"I'm sorry?" whispered Thorin, looking down at me.
"It's true," I nodded my head "he told me himself. Plus it makes sense as to why I felt so ill in the first place."
"My angel, what am I going to do with you?"
Though I could tell Thorin was not happy with this latest development, I knew there was a reason why Smaug and I were connected, though at this moment in time, I had no idea why that was.
"The innocence of fools." muttered Gandalf, under his breath, but I heard him and I narrowed my eyes.
"You should know about that!" I snapped back, gently moving Thorin, so I could get off the table.
Gandalf didn't seem shocked that I spoke back to him, he just looked at me with a determined look on his face.
"We will have to shatter that mind link." said Gandalf.
"Nope, not going to happen."
"Elaina, until you come face to face with Smaug in the flesh, it is not safe to speak to him through mind thoughts."
"I'm getting confused," came Bilbo's voice "what mind thoughts?"
I turned and gave Bilbo a small smile.
"I will explain everything to you, when I have regained my strength."
Though Bilbo had a pained look on his face, he graced me with a small smile as he slowly nodded his head.
"As for you Gandalf, I will not be erasing any mind links to people I know."
"People?" spat out Dwalin "It's a bloody dragon, for Mahal's sake."
"Um about that-," I began, looking back at Dwalin with a sheepish grin on my face.
"Now is not the time Elaina." snapped Gandalf, glaring at me.
I haven't known Gandalf long but I had never seen him look so angry before. I should have been shocked and upset, but I found that I was not. In fact, I was past caring at this moment in time. Before I could retaliate however, Thorin picked me up and then looked back at Gandalf.
"Elaina needs rest. Whatever you have to say to her, will now have to wait...Excuse us." said Thorin, who then walked away from the rest of the little crowd with me in his arms.
"I can walk you know." I point out to him.
"No, you have been through a lot today."
I sighed, while resting my head on his shoulder as Thorin took me back to the bedroom where we had been staying in. Seeing the bed, made me shudder a little, which caused Thorin to look at me.
"Are you cold?" He whispered.
"No, not cold," I replied, forcing myself to look back at Thorin "just a little apprehensive."
Thorin sat on the bed while I made myself comfortable on his lap. We watched one another and I could clearly see the worry in his blue eyes.
"About what?" He finally asked me.
"This power inside of me, for one thing," I sighed before nesting my head on his shoulder once more "I don't like it...I wish things were like they were."
"Go on."
"I miss my old life...I miss The Shire, Bag End, the picnic's in the wood, even the other hobbits."
A stray tear came from nowhere but I quickly brushed it aside, hoping Thorin hadn't noticed.
"Do you regret joining this quest?"
The words that had come out of Thorin's mouth shocked me and I moved a little so that I could see him fully. He was looking anywhere but me. With my free hand, I placed it on his cheek, forcing him to look at me, though his eyes refused to meet my own.
"No never," I placed my forehead against his, feeling his hands tighten around my middle "all I'm trying to say is, everything has changed. Some bad, but mainly good," I whispered against his lips "especially with you."
I pressed my lips against his and let him know in my own way that he meant the world to me. One of Thorin's arms slackened around me and I felt his warm hand against my jawline.
"This quest is fine," I whispered, my eyes closed as I felt his thumb brush a strand of hair from out of my face "it's just this power I have, it is beginning to frighten me."
"Elaina?"
Taking a deep breath, I don't say anything more. What could I say? That I was frightened on what would happen next. That if I fall asleep again, would I wake up in real life mode, or dream mode?
"Elaina?"
I realised I must have zoned out and I instinctively placed my hand on Thorin's beard, before I slowly explained this to him.
"You are not alone," Thorin said, after I had finished "you have me and everyone else to rally around you. Never forget that."
"I know," I opened my eyes and looked at Thorin "hopefully Loki will help me out."
"Hmm." was Thorin's response, causing me to chuckle at him.
"There is no need to be jealous." I point out to him.
"I am not jealous. I just do not trust him."
"You may not might trust him now but soon, you will...In time at least."
I meant that too. I knew Loki still had some explaining to do regarding his past, but I knew that whatever he has done, he has atoned his sins. I could clearly see in his eyes that he has had a very difficult life and I hoped that Loki would be alright.
"We will see, my angel. At least his brother seems to have some sense with him."
I arch my eyebrow at Thorin, noticing him watch me back, with his own bemused look.
"You only like him because his name is like yours," I teased, "Thor."
Thorin's response was to gently pull me of his lap so that I landed on the bed. He instantly got on top of me with a grin on his face.
"Is that so?" I just nodded "You are a strange lady."
"I know, you told me that already, but like it or not, you're stuck me with."
"Which I'm thankful for," whispered Thorin, leaning closer to me now "when you feel ill or troubled, please come to me. Seeing you unconscious again, made me very nervous."
"I promise," I nodded, knowing that I meant that "you are my future now. No secrets."
"Good."
Thorin closed the gap and kissed me and for the moment, I could forget what had recently happened. Although seeing Gandalf like that, was not what I was expecting. I was used to seeing a carefree wizard that didn't take anything for granted. Now though, I saw a side to him that I did not particularly like.
For the time being, I would just stay away from him, as he had brought forth my own anger and that troubled me even more. I wasn't normally an argumentative person, yet when Gandalf belittled Loki, I actually felt the anger inside of me well up, ready to explode with rage. No, that was not me. That anger had something to do with this power that was inside of me and I hated it with a passion.