Chapter Thirty-Nine
Block, Anger And Onwards
When I spotted Loki a little while later in the garden, I had to ask Thorin to leave me. Of course Thorin hated that idea, until I explained that I needed Loki's help with controlling my power. Before Thorin went, he cupped my face and kissed me.
"Be careful my angel," He whispered against my lips "I'll be with Dwalin again, should you need me."
I just nodded, then watched Thorin leave me. Sighing, I walked up to Loki who seemed to be in deep thought.
"Are you alright?" I asked him.
Loki turned and looked at me with startled blue/green eyes. He quickly recovered and gave me his trademark grin.
"What can I do you for Elaina?"
"Well, grumpy Gandalf said-,"
"Ahh," Loki's grin broadened "then you are here for my help."
"I just want to stop teleporting into dream mode."
Loki's smile faltered a little as he watched me.
"I can't stop that Elaina. That is part of your main power."
"But I don't want it!" I protested "It feels wrong roaming in a place I have no knowledge about."
"You seemed to be at ease when we were at Erebor!" pointed out Loki.
"That's different. Erebor is part of this quest," I shook my head, momentarily closing my eyes "I do not want to be inside anyone's head. Until Smaug's little outburst earlier, I had no idea I was walking on his brain cells."
I opened my eyes when Loki burst out laughing to which I found myself frowning at.
"It is not funny!"
"The way you come out with words."
I don't say anything, I just arch my eyebrow watching him.
"Walking on brain cells...Oh I was not expecting that."
Loki finally composed himself though he still had that grin on his face.
"Well, at least someone is happy about this," I was fuming "because if this is part of my power, then I bloody well don't want it."
I turned on my heel thinking perhaps Apollo could help me instead, only Loki grabbed hold my arm halting my attempt of leaving.
"Wait! I will help in all that I can but to do that," began Loki turning me around "you have to get rid of all this negative energy."
"What are you-,"
"Since returning, your emotions are all over the place, yes?"
I couldn't find the words as to how Loki knew that. Since speaking to Gandalf, my anger had refused to leave.
"I noticed it when you and Gandalf were having a debate," Loki surprised me even more when he placed his slightly cold hand on my right cheek, gently stroking it "you need to let the anger out."
We watched one another as I took on board to what he had said.
"How?" I finally say.
"By using your power."
"But that will tire me out." I point out, remembering the last time I had used my power.
"No, not this time...When you used this power before, you were unaware that it had strengthened. Which is why you were so ill. That won't happen again, your body will have adapted by now."
I was still unsure. I did not want to be sick again.
"What are you doing brother?" came Thor's voice, causing Loki to let go of my cheek.
"Elaina needs help in dealing with her anger." explained Loki, never taking his eyes of me.
"Why? What have you done now?"
"Thor," I turn and face him "Loki has done nothing. Why do you keep doubting him?"
I sighed, taking a deep breath.
"Thorin does it too, always having little digs at his expense," I could feel my temper flare up again and that bothered me "if it isn't Loki, its Bilbo and quite frankly, I am getting rather peeved off with it all. "
A warm tingly feeling went through my veins and without any warning, a bright light shot out through my hands. I watch on hopelessly as the light that had come out, darts around the garden like it was looking for something in particular.
"W-What the-," I just could not find the words to what I had just done.
"And there is the anger!" smirked Loki "Focus on it, and destroy it."
Like an idiot, I just watched as the light whizzed everywhere, causing most of the animals to have an effect by making whining noises. I had no idea what to do. In truth, I was a little scared that another ball would come out of my palm if I did anything.
"Elaina, believe in yourself," I heard Loki say "focus!
"What's going on?" came another voice, but my eyes stayed on the strange ball of light.
Slowly I raised my right hand not really knowing what to do and waited for the longest moments.
"You can do it," encouraged Loki "just think of something you really hate and hit it."
"Maybe we should inform that wizard."
It was when Thor had said wizard, my anger flared up again. That tingly feeling had returned only this time, I was prepared. Closing my eyes, I visualised the ball hovering high in the air. No noise could be heard as I mentally prepared to strike.
Clenching my right hand, I did what Loki had suggested and focused. When my eyes reopened, I unclenched my hand and another white light came out of my palm hitting the previous ball of light head on.
"That's it," shouted Loki sounding pleased with himself "you got it."
The ball then exploded leaving in its wake, little clusters of stars falling to the ground. When the stars hit the surface, they instinctively disappeared. My hand was still raised in front of me as I watched what I'd have done in stunned silence.
"Elaina!"
An arm took hold of my raised arm, bringing it down which brought me back to my senses. Turning my head slightly, I saw Thorin look at me with worry etched on his face.
"What have you done to her?" sneered Thorin, now glaring at Loki.
"I did nothing. I just helped Elaina with her power." replied Loki.
"It's true," I finally say "Loki helped me. I had so much anger burning inside of me, I didn't know what was happening to me," I sighed turning my head to look back at Loki "so with Loki's guidance, he helped me to unleash it."
"Elaina."
I turned fully when I felt Thorin's fingers stroke my own fingers, again seeing his concerned face once more.
"I'm fine," I reassured him "the anger has gone and I actually feel like myself once more."
A thought stuck me then.
"That anger wasn't mine in the first place."
I nod my head knowing that was true.
"What are you talking about?" asked Dwalin, holding his axe tightly.
"It is part of the curse inside Smaug's mind...It all makes sense now."
"Well lass," carried on Dwalin, "I'm glad someone knows what is going on here. All I saw was a ball of light heading towards Thorin and I."
"Oh my!" I exclaimed looking at Dwalin then at Thorin with a mortified look on my face "It didn't hit you both did it?"
"No, my angel. Though it did make Dwalin fall on his behind."
"He is jesting lass." said Dwalin now glaring at his old friend.
"Am I indeed?" smirked Thorin.
Though I smiled at the two of them, my thoughts soon went back on how to block anyone from entering my mind. I had no idea how to shut that part of me, this was still all so new to me.
"Elaina."
My eyes instantly went on Loki's blue/green eyes and I instantly felt weird.
Instead of Thorin and everyone else being in Beorn's garden with me, I knew I was somewhere else now. For one thing it was night time here and there were a lot of people all looking at the same thing.
Being curious, I too looked and saw a man with a helmet on his head. The helmet was strange to look at. It seemed to have two horns coming out of the helmet itself. It was gold in colour. For something so strange, I found it completely fascinating, that was until I saw who was wearing it.
Loki.
The way he was looking at everyone actually made my stomach knot together. The anger and smugness was clear to see and when I saw that he was holding onto a weapon that looked like something Gandalf would have, I flinched.
"Kneel!" Loki demanded.
I watch as everyone does not do as he commanded.
"I said-,"
I watch in stunned silence as he stamps his weapon on the ground, which caused blue lights to appear from nowhere, before disappearing once more.
"Kneel!" shouted Loki.
When he had said that, everyone that was around me, kneeled on the ground. I watch on in horror realising all at once that this was part of Loki's memory and I wondered what was happening here.
"Is not this simpler?" carried on Loki looking at everyone on the floor "Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel."
I didn't want to see this but I had no idea on how to escape Loki's past memories.
"Not to men like you!" came a voice with an accent with it.
I looked around until I saw an old man stand back up, watching Loki with weary eyes. This seemed to delight Loki as he now had a smile on his face.
"There are no men like me." corrected Loki, his smile broadened.
"There are always men like you!" scorned the man.
This man was either very stupid or very clever to stand up to Loki, while the god of mischief was acting this way. It seemed Loki agreed to what was running through my own mind, as I heard him say,
"Look to your elder, people. Let him be an example."
My eyes went wide as Loki prepared to use that strange looking weapon he was holding onto. He aims this weapon at the old man and a blast came out of the top of it but it never hurt the old man.
Another man in red, white and blue came from nowhere and deflected Loki's blast with his shield, causing Loki to stumble and get knocked down. Just as Loki got up, I felt the scene change around me.
'Now what is going on?' I thought to myself.
The scene changed to a place that I had only recently re-discovered. The playground. My feet were rooted to the spot as I watched my younger self playing in the sandpit with Hetti knowing for a fact now, that a lone Messenger was watching my younger self.
I did not want to see this but again, I had no idea on how to stop this memory from showing itself to me. The orange eyes watched on and I really had the urge to warn my younger self to go inside the home but I knew that could never be.
I look at how I used to look like, not a care in the world while my younger self happily played with her best friend Hetti. This little girl had no idea on the danger that was going to take place several nights later.
'Wait! How did I know that?'
My eyes went back on the Messenger and I gasped out loud. No longer was this thing looking at mini me. No, this thing was now looking directly at me.
o0o
~~Thorin's POV~~
At first I didn't realise that something was not quite right with Elaina. I just thought she was speaking to Loki through this mind link between them. It was when I spotted Loki's worried face, I looked back at Elaina. My eyes went wide as blood seeped out of her nose. Elaina was doing nothing but gaze back at Loki without blinking as was Loki himself.
"Elaina!"
I gently pushed her to get a reaction. Nothing. I tried turning her around so that she would stop staring back at Loki but to no avail.
"Someone get that blasted wizard," I shouted "something has happened to Elaina."
"What has my brother done now?" I heard Thor say, but I take no notice of him.
I could hear running but my own eyes stayed on my hearts own eyes. Just what was going on between this idiot Loki and my angel. Just as suddenly, Gandalf pushed me away to which I growled at, but the wizard was now looking at Loki then back at Elaina to pay heed to me.
"Do not move her!" said Gandalf "She has to figure this out for herself."
"What do you mean?" I asked him.
"This is my fault," Gandalf muttered to himself "I thought she would be ready."
"Your fault?" I sneered at him.
I wanted answers now.
"Yes, she has to control these mind blocks and yet, I was not expecting this!"
"Will she," I stalled knowing I would not like the answer "be alright?"
Gandalf's silence was my answer. Whatever was going on between Loki and Elaina, I hoped she would come back to me. Pulling a hankie from his robe, Gandalf handed it over to me and I tried to clear the blood from her nose, though it was still bleeding.
"Come back to me." I whispered to her.
o0o
~~Elaina's POV~~
Somehow I knew this Messenger knew it was me, as I watched it straighten itself up and started to head towards me. By know, I was panicking. I had to do something. Looking back at my younger self and Hetti anger suddenly flared up.
How dare this revolting thing watch me and Hetti like a peeping tom. How dare this awful thing be here at all. These Messengers should never have existed. Just as i was about to try and defend myself, I momentarily closed my eyes, thinking of...flowers?!
A warmth then enveloped around me and as I slowly reopened my eyes, there was no Messenger walking towards me, no younger Hetti or myself playing in the sandpit, just millions of flowers around me.
The smell of them filled me with hope knowing that this was the way to block out any thoughts that dared tried to attach themselves to me. The flowers were what I had remembered back in the Shire. Red roses, tulips and even sun flowers could be seen, plus many more. Just as suddenly, the flowers disappear before I too return to the garden of Beorn's.
Taking a sharp intake of breath, I felt my waist being squeezed, being me back to the present. I noticed instantly that my nose was running and I instinctively wiped it with the back of my hand and gasped out loud when I saw blood on my hand.
"Elaina," I heard Thorin say but I continued to look at my bloodied hand "oh thank Mahal that you have returned."
He gently kissed my temple and finally I tore my eyes from my hand and looked at a very worried looking Thorin.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled "I have no idea what just happened."
"I do," sneered Thorin, using a cloth on my bleeding nose "this has something to do with Loki. He did something to you, rendering you immobile."
I gently pushed Thorin so that I could look at Loki. His blue/green eyes watch me back with so much remorse, that it made me feel guilty for entering his mind in the first place.
"It is not Loki's fault, it is mine entirely."
I turned my attention to Gandalf himself. He was standing between Thor and Dwalin looking at me then at Loki, shaking his head to what had recently transpired.
"I thought you were ready child," carried on Gandalf now returning his attention to me "and I am deeply sorry for what ha-,"
"To little to late!" I interrupted him, pushing Thorin away, as I walked away from everyone.
"Elaina!" I heard Gandalf say "I am sorry."
I stopped walking and turned around facing the wizard once more.
"That's just it though, you are not!" I walked up to him, my eyes watch his every movement "You told me to ask Loki for help, which I did. Then look what happened!"
"Elaina-,"
"Don't you dare say you are sorry," I hissed back at Gandalf "After what I have just seen, I will never trust you again...You mean nothing to me!"
I turned away from the wizard suddenly feeling a little drained and I could even feel tears well up from my eyes, though I refused to let him know that he had really upset me.
"But my brother was the one-," began Thor but stopped when I looked back at him.
"Oh my! For the last time, this was not Loki's doing. It was all this wizard's fault...Now if you all would excuse me, I would like to be left alone!"
Before any more words could be spoken, I turned on my heel and headed back inside the hall. I could see Bilbo, Kili, Fili and even Hetti around the table joking around, though I refused to go to them. I had to much on my mind.
Seeing Loki with all those people completely threw me. Just what was going on there? I could hear several footsteps behind me, but still I walked on, taking no notice to who was behind me.
'Though what Gandalf did was uncalled for,' came Zeus's booming voice inside my head 'he was trying to be helpful.'
"Hmmm." was my reply.
'It is true daughter and in time, you will realise that...I would like you to thank Loki for me. It was him that created the image of those flowers to block out any more memories for you. That was fast thinking...Always remember flowers Elaina, flowers.'
By now I had stopped walking, trying to get my head around to what Zeus had said.
"Elaina."
Slowly I found myself turning around, now knowing that Loki was right behind me. As was Thorin who quickly pulled me towards him burying his nose in my hair holding me tightly.
"I take it you both heard what Zeus had just said." I ask them both.
While Loki nodded his head watching me intently, Thorin held me tight saying nothing.
"Elaina I-," began Loki but I cut him off.
"It is not your fault."
"Actually, it is."
"I knew it." hissed Thorin, turning a little to glare at Loki.
"I did it because you have to be prepared to what you could face," carried on Loki "though I wasn't expecting you to see some of my own past. After all, there is still much to tell you."
"What were you doing to all those people?" I finally asked him "Why did you make them kneel before you?"
Loki sighed and looked at the floor.
"I will tell you everything Elaina, but in my own time."
"Alright, just one question to what I saw."
He looked back at me and nodded his head.
"Who was the red, white and blue man that knocked you down?"
Despite himself, Loki roared with laughter, causing Bilbo and Fili to glance back at us.
"That is a man that has spend the past seventy years frozen solid until he was found. He goes by the name 'Captain America'."
"Frozen?" Loki tilts his head and smiles at me.
"Yes...another tale to tell you in time...I'll leave you two alone."
Loki then turned the way he had come and left me with Thorin.
"Come," Thorin whispered "lets get you cleaned up."
I didn't say anything more as Thorin tenderly took hold of my left hand and led me away towards the room we have been sharing. Though the anger from before had all but left me, I felt completely numb.
Remembering that lost memory was worrying me now. That Messenger knew I had been there. If that thing had managed to get to me, what would have happened? I found myself shuddering at that thought as Thorin opened the door leading to the bedroom pulling me gently inside the room.
Once inside, Thorin momentarily let go of my hand while I headed towards the window, looking at nothing in particular. Thorin brought me back to the present when he turned me around before cleaning the dried blood from my nose. In fairness, I had completely forgotten about this weird nose bleed.
"I can do that." I finally say to him.
"No, allow me." Thorin replied, as he continued cleaning me up
"Thorin, I am not a child."
"Oh that I know," Thorin smiled at me with a twinkle in his blue eyes, causing me to blush and look away from him "last night our bodies were joined together while we-,"
"Thorin!"
Thorin only laughed while I could feel my cheeks burn even more as he wiped away the blood on my skin. I knew he was trying to humour me, to which I was thankful for.
"Perhaps you should take your clothes off as well." points out Thorin, now looking down at my clothes.
"Thorin now is not the time for-,"
I watched him as he pointed at my top. Looking down, I groaned out loud. The blood from my nose had dripped onto my shirt.
"Brilliant," I muttered to myself "clean on today as well. Have to find a bloody lake now and clean this mess up."
"Or you could just throw it away or burn it."
I narrowed my eyes at him who now had a crooked smile on his face.
"What's come over you?" I finally asked him "Normally you're so..."
"Caring and loving."
"Actually I was about to say, serious and always alert."
Thorin stopped dapping my face with the wet cloth and cupped my face with his free hand. His blue eyes had many emotions in them that I suddenly felt very small in comparison.
"Can I not care for you?"
"Of course you can."
"Seeing you like that, watching Loki," Thorin sighed "I felt so helpless."
I wrapped my arms around his torso as we both watched one another.
"I can not lose you as well Elaina."
"You are not going to lose me," I reassured him "for one thing, I think I know how to block any unwanted intruders when they try to get inside my mind."
"Oh?"
"I just think of flowers."
Thorin's looked at me with a baffled look on his face causing me to snort out a laugh.
"Flowers?" I just nodded my head "Well, at least that is something at least."
"Apart from that Gandalf business, that anger has gone."
"Maybe you should speak to-,"
"No!" I interrupted Thorin "Gandalf has made his bed, now he can lie in it...I will never speak to him again."
"Aren't you a little hasty my angel? He was trying to help you in his own way."
I shook my head. If it wasn't for him, this mess would never have happened. I could still see those evil orange eyes as the Messenger turned his/her attention to me. A shiver went down my spine causing me to shake a little. No, there would be no more talking to that wizard Gandalf.
Warm lips went on mine, bringing me back to the present. The kiss deepened when I felt Thorin's hand go around my waist. He momentarily stopped kissing me and was now in the process of taking of my top.
"Take this bloody thing off and bin it."
"So commanding," I chuckled hearing him growl, though I did as he asked "I will not bin this. I will wash this when I come across a lake."
"Will you indeed?"
Just as I took of my top, Thorin promptly grabbed hold of my shirt and opened the window. My eyes went wide as he threw my bloody garment out of the window, before shutting the window once more.
"There, much better." was his response with a triumphant smile on his face.
Pushing Thorin aside, I looked out the window not seeing my top anywhere. I turned and faced the dwarf that had stolen my heart who now had a lopsided grin on his face, while I narrowed my eyes at him clearly not impressed.
"Well, I know what you will be doing, while I get my things together."
Thorin shook his head.
"No my angel. If I retrieved that shirt of yours, it would remind me what just happened to you."
I just look at him in stunned silence as he continued.
"I never want to see that shirt ever again."
"Well it seems you have gotten your wish," I muse, placing my arms around his neck as he held me quite tight against him "though if you ever do that again, I won't be responsible for my actions."
"Promises, promises." replied Thorin, brushing his lips against my own.
o0o
~~Gandalf's POV~~
Holding onto my staff as I gazed across the garden, my mind was on another matter entirely, Elaina. I had misjudged her. I really thought she was ready, clearly she was not. Though I was a little sad when she had said those words to me, I knew that in time things would be back to normal in due course.
"Are you alright?"
I turned a little, seeing Thor walk up to me.
"Truthfully, not really," I returned my attention to the bees. "I miscalculated. Though Elaina's power is growing, I had no idea that would happen."
"It was Loki's doing, my lord. Do not take it to heart."
"It was not your brother's fault. It was my fault entirely," I sighed "when I'm gone, I would like you to look out for Elaina. Which means no arguing with Loki."
I heard Thor walk towards me but said nothing.
"Loki and Elaina have become firm friends and I would like that to continue. She has calmed him down Thor, as a friend should do. Please don't jeopardise that."
"After what he did in Manhattan and then thinking he had died, it will take time but I will do as you ask. If however he keeps taunting me, I won't back down from him."
"Thor," I turned a little looking at this god "just ignore his jibes. Loki certainly loves winding people up, don't let him get to you. In time, you, Loki and even Elaina will have to join forces soon enough."
I caught the concern on Thor's face and I instantly regretted revealing a little of what was to come.
"What do you mean?"
"All in good time."
A storm was brewing slowly I might add, but it was heading towards Elaina. I only hoped she would be ready when that time came.
o0o
~~Elaina's POV~~
After finishing packing my bag, I knew it was time to leave, especially when Gandalf had informed us all that it was now time to move on. I would miss this place and of course Beorn himself. I would like to come back here when everything was settled, this house was really peaceful.
"Are you ready?" asked Thorin.
"Yes. Are you?"
I looked at him just as I grabbed hold of my bag from the bed.
"Aye, the sooner we leave, the sooner we will get to Erebor."
I walked up to Thorin and pressed my lips on his.
"Though we still have a long way to go, things will be alright." I reasoned, hoping that was true.
To be honest, I had no idea what was going to happen next. I knew Gandalf was going to leave us soon, leaving us to decide on what path to chose.
"I hope you are right my heart," replied Thorin "but with Azog and those...Messengers around, we will have to be extra careful now."
Opening the bedroom door I glanced back at the room we had been sharing, suddenly feeling very sad to be leaving. With a heavy heart, I walked alongside Thorin to our next destination.
o0o
It was nice riding on a horse once again. I fondly remembered Midna and hoped that she and every other pony from the start of the quest were all right. I was riding in the back with Bilbo and Loki side by side of me, Thorin was at the front speaking to Gandalf about something.
Apollo was ahead of me as was Thor, I was a little surprised seeing Apollo with us but never asked him on why he was with us. It was up to him if he wanted to tell me himself. Hetti and Kili were laughing among themselves on the same horse I might add, causing me to look back at Loki. I was taken back however when I found he was not staring at the antics of Hetti and Kili but was watching me. Just as I was about to say something to Loki Bilbo said,
"I heard what happened Elaina," I looked at him seeing the concern on his face "why didn't you tell me yourself?"
"Yes dear sister," agreed Apollo pulling his reins so that his horse kept in line with Bilbo's own pony "why didn't you?"
"I didn't want to worry anyone," I admitted looking ahead of me now "it's not something that can easily be placed in a conversation."
"But you had a nose bleed that refused to stop bleeding! I was actually rather worried when Gandalf informed me of that." said Bilbo with a hint of hurt in his voice.
I never said a word, not knowing what to say.
"You and Hetti are all that I have," carried on Bilbo "and I know you have a god up on a cloud as your real father, but to me, you and Hetti are my daughters."
I was touched with what Bilbo had just said. I watched him with a smile on my face.
"I feel the same Bilbo. You mean the world to me."
Bilbo leaned to his side and managed to grab hold of my arm squeezing it.
"Next time something like that happens, do let me know, alright?"
"There won't be a next time," I replied "but you will be the first to know."
"After Thorin of course." chimed in Loki with a laugh.
Despite myself I laughed with him, knowing that was true.
"What's so funny?" asked Fili turning his head and looking at each of us.
"Is it a dirty joke?" asked Bofur with a smile.
"No Bofur, no dirty jokes this time."
"Awww, Tis a shame, a good joke would certainly cheer me up." remarked Bofur.
I smile at him but say nothing.
"I'll tell you what I found funny, well not funny ha ha, but funny peculiar," began Fili with a smile on his face "I was having a little sparring match with Gloin earlier, keeping away from those two love birds over there."
My eyes instantly went on Hetti and Kili who seemed to be in their own little world to notice what was happening around them.
"One of Beorn's dogs actually started barking," carried on Fili "which caught Gloin's and mine attention. We both walked in the direction to where the barking was taking place, when we saw the dog had something on his head and was in the process of walking backwards."
"What was on the dog's head?" asked Bilbo.
"When I reached the dog, I pulled the material of him and looked at it. It was a white top. Mahal knows where it came from, though it did have a stain on it."
I could feel my cheeks go red now knowing that Fili was talking about the shirt that Thorin had thrown out the window. I found myself shifting a little on my horse, feeling very uncomfortable and embarrassed.
"A stain?"" asked Bilbo.
"Aye, a stain. I believe it was blood but I can't be certain on that." replied Fili.
"Blood?" asked Bilbo followed by a nervous sigh.
"Aye, it looked suspiciously like blood but Gloin thinks someone had a meal with some tomatoes and made a mess of the shirt."
'Please let the ground swallow me up!' I thought to myself, completely forgetting that both Thorin and Loki could hear my thoughts.
I was actually relieved when Gandalf stopped his horse, meaning it was time to part ways with him and now travel on foot, leaving the horses to return to Beorn's home.
"Well, this is where I shall leave you all," began Gandalf as I got of my own horse, stroking his mane before walking towards Thorin "keep to the path at all times, never stray. I will return when I am able."
I could feel Gandalf's blue eyes look at me, though I refused to acknowledge him in any way. I meant what I had said, I would never speak to him again.
"Elaina." I heard him say, but I just walk past him never saying a word.
Gandalf may think I was being very childish, but he never saw what I had seen. Two orange eyes staring back at me as that Messengers headed towards me. I was just thankful for that scene change, I would have to thank Loki for that. Sighing, I continued walking, taking no notice of the mumbles that had started when I purposely blanked Gandalf.
"Take care dear sister," came Apollo's voice, causing me to turn around "I'm going with Gandalf. I can sense danger where he is going, he should not go alone."
Before I could say anything, Apollo pulled me to him, embracing me.
"In time, you will forgive Gandalf," He whispered in my ear "don't shut him out."
We watched one another. We haven't known each other long but already I felt close to him.
"You will see me again Elaina."
He then kissed my temple, letting me go.
"Take care of her for me." Apollo said to Thorin.
"I will do just that." replied Thorin, gracing my brother with a smile.
I watched Apollo leave with Gandalf to a place filled with danger. I hoped everything would be easy on them, that there wouldn't be any obstacles hindering their own journey. Even though I was still angry at Gandalf, I didn't want him to get hurt. I prayed for both of their safety.
o0o
We were now inside the forest and had decided to camp here tonight. I wasn't really hungry but did sit besides the fire, quietly listening in to the banter around me. I stoked the fire with a stick trying to forget this day ever existed.
"What's wrong Elaina?" asked Fili, walking up to me "Have you and Gandalf had a falling out?"
I looked at him expecting to see his usual cockiness but my eyes widened a little by the way he was looking at me. He looked worried. I had not known him for long and yet, I had never seen him look so serious before.
"You could say that." I admitted to him, as Fili sat besides me.
"Care to talk about it? I promise I won't breathe a word to anyone else, including Kili."
I took in a deep breath watching the others joking away. Even Thorin was laughing at something Dwalin had just said. Slowly, I explained to Fili what had happened earlier, (minus the Loki memory of course) telling him what I had seen in that memory.
"That Messenger knew it was me and advanced towards me. I was about to use my power but then the scene changed again...That is why I did not speak to Gandalf, in fact I doubt I ever will."
"Does uncle know about this?" asked Fili now looking at Thorin himself.
"Most of it...expect for the part of that Messenger."
Fili turned and looked at the fire taking everything in.
"Just what are these Messengers?"
"I have no idea but they crave power, my power it seems."
"We will keep you safe Elaina," smiled Fili, placing his hand over my own "after all, you will be part of the family soon, won't you?"
Again my eyes widened. Did Thorin tell Fili and Kili of our engagement?
"The way uncle looks at you, reminds me when my father looked at my mother. It's nice to see uncle smile and be at ease."
My eyes instantly went on Thorin while Fili was speaking. It was like Thorin knew we were talking about him as he caught me staring and so excused himself with Dwalin before walking towards Fili and I.
"For too long he has been so distant but now he is approachable, thanks to you." carried on Fili, completely oblivious that Thorin was on his way over.
Fill patted my hand, before letting go of it.
"You belong with him Elaina and I welcome you into my family...We will find a way in disposing those Messengers...Auntie." grinned Fili getting up and walking away once more.
He turned back with a soft smile and said,
"Your secret is safe with me, though I do think you should tell uncle everything."
I just watch him walk off in stunned silence.
"Tell me what?" asked Thorin taking Fili's place as he sat down next to me.
"It matters not. It's all in the past."
"Elaina."
I sighed, rubbing my temple, knowing a headache was forming.
"Fili guessed that something was wrong and listened to my woes." I replied stoking the fire with the stick once more.
"Because of what happened?" I nodded my head "Fili really takes after Dis. Always finds the time in listening to others, helping them out."
"I look forward in meeting your sister," I whispered feeling Thorin's arm go around my waist "even though I'm not a dwarf."
"Hey."
Thorin took the stick out of my hand and turned me around so I was now facing him fully.
"Dis will love you. She has never had a bad word to say about anyone. Stop doubting yourself."
"I'm-,"
Thorin stopped what I was about to say by crashing his lips against my own. For a few blissful moments, it was just Thorin and I.
"Oi, get a room."
"That's going to be difficult, don't you think Gloin," chuckled Hetti "we are in the middle of a forest."
Several chuckles could be heard while I wrapped my arms around Thorin's waist. I knew this very forest would cause us trouble soon. I still remember seeing those spiders in my mind who were around Bilbo as he used his little sword to fight them off. There was something dangerous about this forest and I had a feeling these spiders were just part of this problem.
There was music in the air and I looked to the source of it, noticing Bofur play a very familiar tune. I groaned knowing this song all too well. Moving my head a little I saw Hetti giggling while Bofur was playing on his flute. She then dragged Bilbo up from the log he was currently sitting on. He had a reluctant look on his face.
"Come on Bilbo, you know you love this song as much as me." laughed Hetti, pulling Bilbo away from the comforts of the fire.
"I don't like singing in front of people." admitted Bilbo who now had red cheeks.
"Oh Pfft...Elaina will help too, won't you dear sis?"
"Uh...No!" was my reply, causing the rest of the company to laugh.
"Oh come on, we need some cheering up. The atmosphere is horrible."
I knew Hetti did have a point, but I really wasn't in the mood to sing. I just shook my head, seeing Hetti frown at me.
"We need three people to sing this Elaina...Please!" pleaded Hetti, but again I shook my head.
"Leave her be Hetti," said Bilbo gracing me with a smile "Elaina looks tired."
I winked at him telling him in my own way my thanks. I felt Thorin squeeze my middle while I watch Hetti. She did not look happy at all.
"Fine, Bilbo, we will have to do this together then."
"Hetti-," began Bilbo but she had already started singing by then.
'There's an inn of old renown
Where they brew a beer so brown
Moon came rolling down the hill
One hevensday night to drink his fill.'
I was must surprised when Bilbo actually joined in with the next bit.
'On a three-stringed fiddle there
Played the ostler's cat so fair
The hornéd cow that night was seen
To dance a jig upon the green.
Called by the fiddle to the
Middle of the muddle where the
Cow with a caper sent the
Small dog squealing.
Moon in a fuddle went to
Huddle by the griddle but he
Slipped in a puddle and the
World went reeling.'
I watched everyone around Bilbo and Hetti as most of the company were now clapping to the tune. I rested my head on Thorin's chest, closing my eyes, listening to my two dearest friends sing this lively song.
'Downsides went up,
Hey!
Outsides went wide.
As the fiddle
Played a twiddle
And the moon slept till Sterrenday.
Upsides went west
Hey!
Broadsides went boom.
With a twiddle on the fiddle
In the middle by the griddle
And the moon slept till Sterrenday.
/
(Hetti)
Dish from off the dresser pranced,
Found a spoon and gaily danced.
(Bilbo)
Horses neighed and champed their bits
For the bloodshot Moon had lost his wits.'
By now even Bilbo seemed to have relaxed a little. He had definitely come along way since being in the Shire and I loved him even more for being himself.
(Hetti)
'Well, cow jumped over, Dog barked wild,
Moon lay prone and sweetly smiled.
(Bilbo)
Ostler cried, "Play faster, Cat!
(Both)
Because we all want to dance like that.
/
Gambol and totter till you're
Hotter than a hatter and you
Spin all akimbo
Like a windmill flailing.
Whirl with a clatter till you
Scatter every cotter and the
Strings start a-pinging as the
World goes sailing.
/
Downsides go up
Hey!
Outsides go wide.
You can clatter
With your platter
But the moon slept till Sterrenday.
Upsides go west
Hey!
Broadsides go boom.
With a batter and a clatter
You can shatter every platter
But the moon slept till Sterrenday.'
~~Thorin's POV~~
By now all my men including myself were laughing and stomping their feet on the ground as Hetti and Bilbo start dancing around the camp fire. The song was quite catchy, though I was surprised Bilbo was actually singing and prancing around.
(Both)
Fi-fo-fiddle-diddle
Fi-fo-fiddle-diddle,'
Everyone expect, Elaina, Loki, Thor and myself repeated what Hetti and Bilbo just did which went for a while.
(Both plus the company of my kin)
'Hey-yey-yey-yey-oh-ho
Hey-yey-yey-yey-oh-ho
Hey-hey-din-gen-do
Hey-hey-din-geli-do
Hoo-rye-and-hott-a-cott-a ho
Hoo-rye-and-hott-a-cott-a ho ho
Hott-a-cott-a-hotta-ko
Hott-a-cott-a-ko-cott-a-ko-ho
Fi-fo-fiddle-diddle-hi-ho
Fi-fo-fiddle-diddle-hi-ho
Ho fiddlee-ding-galli-do
Ho fiddlee-ding-galli-do
Hoo-rye-hoo-rye oops-oops- ay!
Hoo-rye-hoo-rye oops-oops- ay!
Hotta-cotta-hotta-cotta-mi-fo-fo
Hotta-cotta-hotta-cotta-mi-fo-fo
Hotta-cotta-hotta-cotta-hotta-cotta-mi-fo-fo!
/
Downsides go up
Hey!
Outsides go wide.
With a twiddle on the fiddle
In the middle by the griddle
And the moon slept till Sterrenday.
Upsides go west
Hey!
Broadsides go boom.
With a batter and a clatter
You can shatter every platter
But the moon slept till Sterrenday.'
There was a loud round of applause when the song had finished. Hetti even made Bilbo bow before she too did the same. Glancing down I saw Elaina sound asleep on my chest. It was understandable that she would be so tired after what she has recently been through.
Holding onto Elaina, I got up and headed towards our bedroll. Laughter and talking could still be heard but my eyes stayed on my angels sleeping form as I gently placed her on her bedroll before laying down next to her.
The image of her frozen form was still fresh in my mind. Never have I felt so helpless. Even though she blamed Gandalf, I myself think Loki should never have tricked her. It was his fault that this had happened.
Somehow I would have to keep Loki and Elaina apart. He is a bad influence on her. She has enough on her mind as it is. I placed my arm around her, holding her against my chest, hoping that the next day won't be another disaster, completely oblivious of Loki watching me with narrowed eyes.
A/N: The song 'The Cat And The Moon' is taken from the musical version of The Lord Of The Rings.