Chapter 9
*Mistlynn*
She sighed as she put down the breastplate she was currently working on. She was now located in her new workstation in Erebor, just like Fili and Kili had promised. The Tannery she now had was nothing like the one in Dale, she had every tool she could imagine working with and was able to choose what she made more freely.
Dis had given her a stern lecture on trusting men and selling herself too short. After the events in Dale, she realized just how much she didn't know about this world. She knew her knowledge was limited but she never realized it was that limited. She tried not to feel like such a fool for being taken advantage of like she was. After much debating, even though she knew she needed the knowledge she couldn't help but still be stubborn, she finally gave in to Dis and Balin's wishes and agreed to let Balin and Ori teach her the necessary knowledge and history of Arda and all its kingdoms. She knew she needed to learn to survive in this new way of life.
The other dwarves were welcoming, far more so than she had expected them to be. The dwarves of Erebor were happy and content, their businesses were flourishing, and their home nearly rebuilt to its former glory before Smaug's inhabitance. She was now allowed to have Luna at her side, it may have taken a few days, but the fear quickly turned into awe and curiosity. Luna had always been a ham, and sensing her owners ease she took full advantage of the ear scratches and endless parade of treats. She did her classes with Balin and Ori in the mornings learning the history of Arda before working down in the tannery and then spending time in the evenings with Luna. Mistlynn found herself getting comfortable, and in a steady routine much to her dismay. She stayed busy, never idle for long. But it was in the moments in-between that she found herself thinking about him and what happened between them that night.
It had been two weeks since their kiss and Mistlynn did whatever she could to try and forget it ever happened. A moment of weakness was all it was, she kept telling herself. It was becoming a very pathetic daily mantra. It was an imposition that could not happen again, yet as soon as she thought about that night, heat immediately pooled between her legs and the longing for more rose through her body in a way she had never felt yet desired so badly. She shouldn't be wanting this; nothing would ever come of it.
She locked her knees together trying to think of anything to make it stop 'Fili and Kili's ale bellies shaking in the pub!' She closed her eyes, trying to summon up the imagine in her mind.
Except Fili had his uncles disarming blue eyes and that one dimpled cheek, while Kili possessed that smile, she knew he hid so well. They had the same brows, the same lips. 'Oh, may the Valar deliver my soul from this hell.' She was beginning to suspect the Line of Durin was to be her undoing.
Before her mind could wander back to the feel of Thorin's mouth against hers; the radiating heated memory of his big hands wrapping around her waist, rolling her back against the cold stone wall making her want nothing more than to rip the clothing from their bodies. Desperately, she thought of the most repulsing thing she could,
"My ex-employer, dancing naked on the pub tables while pouring cider down his front.' She shuddered, revulsion making her eye twitch. "Yes, that will do it."
She had been so caught up in her thoughts she didn't hear Dis approaching, nor notice Luna moving from her favorite spot on the floor to meet Dis with her happy tail wagging in greeting. Dis scratched Luna's ears as she observed Mistlynn's faraway expression. "My, my, someone is off skipping in their daydreams today." She teased, her voice making Mistlynn jump and clutched her chest with her hand.
"I thought you were supposed to be a seasoned warrior. For shame, I didn't even try to sneak in." Dis laughed as she patted her friend soothingly on her shoulders. "What has you in such turmoil, my dear?"
"Oh, nothing of importance. Just a lot on my mind. A lot has changed in just the past couple weeks."
Dis's sky blue eyes sparkled mischievously. "Uh huh. Yes, its most definitely the change of scenery that has you in the clouds. It couldn't be anything to do with a certain brother of mine,"
Mistlynn let out an audible gasp of shock while Dis just smirked at her "You forget I have eyes and ears everywhere. I've been waiting for you to confide in me these past weeks, but my patience has worn out. But that is not why I am here today so I will give you a little more time before I pry harder." She said with a wink.
Mistlynn groaned as she got out of her chair and pushed it up under her worktable. "You really should get another project Dis. I'm quite dull."
"Sweetie, you're clothing is the only thing dull around here, not you." Dis smiled. "Which brings me too exactly why I'm here. I ordered a collection of dresses for you from Dori; they have arrived and been placed in your room. I'd like to help you pick one for the dinner tonight. My cousin Dain Ironfoot of the Iron Hills has just arrived today and is eager to meet your acquaintance."
"Oh Dis, I really don't feel like going." Mistlynn averted her eyes as she started to walk, Luna following briskly alongside her. "I appreciate all the thought and effort going into those dresses, but I am not built for beautiful gowns. Is there another time I can be introduced to him? Training grounds perchance?"
Dis rolled her eyes while grimacing in exaggerated pain. "Mistlynn, that is the beauty of having a seamstress and tailor take your measurements like I did, these gowns will fit you impeccably. I will not allow you to hide out any longer. You are a princess and as your host it is my prerogative to introduce you to everyone formally."
"Exiled. I am an exiled princess. Hardly anyone of note." Mistlynn grumbled petulantly.
The friends walked in silence for a few moments. Mistlynn was just desperate to let Luna out to take care of her business and then return to her room and the books Ori had lent her. She snuck a look over at Dis. It was incredible how nearly identical her and Thorin were. She loved and appreciated Dis, but it sometimes made a pang of loss and sadness shoot through her when she looked at her friend.
Dis knew what her friend was thinking. And she was bound and determined to bring her stubborn, grumpy goat of a brother and her hardheaded friend together, to finally bring an end to weeks of tension and pining.
Little did her brother and friend know, she was in cahoots with the entirety of her brothers original dwarven company, she had even roped in her cousin Dain. They had been thick as thieves as children, since they were closer in age, and he was just as eager as Dis to see Thorin settled down and happy at last. They had been exchanging ravens for weeks now, and he was very much eager to come to their assistance.
Dwalin had the perfect plan to draw Thorin out, since he was convinced, it was Thorin's stoic and cold demeanor that kept Mistlynn from truly bonding with him.
Dwalin, Bofur, Gloin, and her sons had given her the full account of what happened that night at the pub in Dale. And she had been inclined to agree with his conclusion. They couldn't keep allowing them to avoid one another. They had to be pushed together in every circumstance possible.
The dresses were just the beginning of drawing her brother's eye. He wouldn't be able to ignore her dressed in these gowns. And neither would any other dwarf in the dining hall, as Bofur had so eloquently pointed out. She was going to stand out like the Arkenstone in a sea of sapphire, emerald and rubies. And if Dis knew her brother, he was not the sharing type. Mistlynn attracting the admiration of other male dwarves would force his hand. He would be a force to be reckoned with. Dis smirked. Their plan was coming along nicely.
*Mistlynn*
Later that night…
Mistlynn couldn't tear her eyes off her reflection. She struggled to find the right words to describe this gown. Seeing herself in such a gown made her feel exposed and vulnerable, almost unworthy of wearing such a piece of art. She ran her hands down the front of the skirt, enjoying the feel of the silken material, tracing the crystals with trembling fingers. She didn't like herself in a dress.
She didn't even recognize herself. Instead, Dis had helped her with darkening her eyelashes so that their true length and thickness was on full display, framing her unique eyes by enhancing their sea green color. Her high cheekbones were dusted with a slight rose blush, and her full rosebud lips were glossy with a luxurious lip oil.
"I feel like an imposter in my own body. This isn't me Dis." She fought to keep her breathing under control. It had occurred to her that Thorin was going to be present at the dinner, and it made her stomach flutter as if full of moths.
Dis was standing behind her, her hands clasped, pleased with her handiwork. "Oh nonsense! You are breathtaking! I barely used any makeup; this is your natural beauty just enhanced a smidge." She ran her hands once again through her friend's hair, trying to comfort her. "Just hold your chin high like that mighty warrior princess you are. This dress is supposed to add to your confidence, to embellish your power. You are a truly beautiful woman. Don't be ashamed of that. Show it proudly, what your mother and your grandmothers have bestowed upon you. That is their greatest gift to you."
Mistlynn swallowed her the nervous energy that was threatening to bubble up and overtake her. "And I must say I am truly envious of your amazing figure, slender yet curvy all wrapped up in the perfect package. I took after my Adad's side of the family rather than my Amad's." Dis sighed dramatically as she came to stand beside her.
Dis was taller than Mistlynn by a couple inches, and her hourglass shape was fully flaunted in the dark blue gown enhanced by polished onyx stones sewn on the bust and skirt. She was a vision of the deepest sapphire twilight, the icy blue eyes she shared with her brother amplified by their house colors.
Mistlynn was pure starlight, glowing and radiant with her graceful yet unyielding figure. She knew full well that Thorin wasn't going to know what hit him, and that most, if not all, Mistlynn's anxiety was from the prospect of seeing Thorin while dressed in such a fashion.
Mistlynn shifted nervously, feeling the awkward heeled slippers on her feet while fervently missing the comfort of her boots. She couldn't look Dis in the eyes, even if was through the reflection of the mirror. She knew that she could read her like a book. She had never had a mother, let alone a sister figure in her life.
Her mom had died in childbirth with her younger brother, and she only just turned 10 years when that happened. Her father had been heartbroken, and he never fully recovered from losing her. He never remarried and never spoke of her. They didn't have the paintings to capture the likeliness of loved ones like they did here. She just knew that her and her twin brother Valinn had taken after her, which explained her father's aloofness, with her especially. He threw all his attention to her older twin and her younger brother.
She had to learn to keep up with her brothers to get just a moment of her father's attention, and that meant she had to be able to outfight, outhunt, outshoot anyone and everyone just to have him look upon her as if she was not the living ghost of her mother. Even if gowns had been the normal attire in the White Kingdom, she knew she would have avoided wearing them at all costs, to spare her father that pain.
And now with Thorin in the picture, she wasn't sure how this was going to come across to him, dressing up in such a fashion. "Dis, can I put on a gown that is simpler? I feel as if this is a little inappropriate given the circumstances."
Dis could not hide her shock. "Oh Mistlynn, I would never lead you astray when it comes to what is appropriate! Trust me, this gown is perfect to introduce you formally." Her eyes gained a glint of mischievousness. "Besides, I know my brother is going to appreciate the distraction from the normal dinner politics."
Mistlynn flushed. "That is exactly what I am afraid of. I don't want him even aware of my presence."
Dis threw her head back and laughed. "Even if you were dressed in a potato sack his eyes would find you in a crowded room. You are the only dam I've seen draw his eye and attention the way you do."
Mistlynn's blush deepened. "I can't do this Dis … I…" She was interrupted by a sharp but cheery knock at the door.
"That would be my sons, here to escort us." Dis smiled while grabbing her friend's hand and leading her to the door. "You will be just fine, Mist. I promise you. You will have your friends surrounding you, you will not be left alone."
Mistlynn nodded, still not fully convinced. Dis opened the door to show Fili and Kili standing tall and handsome in some of their best attire, Durin's blue with black breaches and polished black boots, They were smiling broadly, eager for the evening's frivolities. "Amad, you look beautiful as always." Fili grinned while Kili took his mom's hand and kissed the back of it lovingly.
When their eyes landed on Mistlynn, their smiles faded as their mouths opened in awe. "Mist … You look…" Fili stammered,
"Stunning." Kili finished for his brother. They both looked quickly at their mom, respect, and humor evident with a shared mischievous look that was apparently a trait shared with their mother. 'Well done!" Kili grinned.
"Amad, you are brilliantly evil." Fili praised, as he held his arm out for Mistlynn to grasp.
Dis laughed fondly as she looped her arm through Kili's. "I don't know what it is your insinuating, but I'll take the reverence all the same."
Mistlynn linked her arm through Fili's as she took a deep breath, trying to steady her rapid heartbeat. He looked at her encouragingly as he led her out of the room after his mom and brother. "You truly look beautiful Mist. I want you to relax and enjoy yourself. Dain is a lot of fun."
Mistlynn tried to laugh but it came out as nervous huff. "Enjoy myself. You better not leave me alone or I swear on the Valar, I will pummel you in the training ring."
Fili laughed merrily. "Lest you forget my dear Uncle has forbidden you from partaking in any sparring until you gain his trust, since someone has the tendency to hold innocent dwarves at knifepoint."
Dis and Kili start snickering as they walk ahead of them. "Oh, I can think of a couple different ways you can gain Uncle's … trust as it were." The young prince teased, making Dis laugh louder and Mistlynn scowl while shooting glares at the back of their heads. As she glared, they knew, and they didn't care.
*Thorin*
"We might want to consider giving Mirkwood aid to clear out the diseased trees and eradicate those loathsome creatures." Balin was giving him a pointed look. He couldn't help but shiver slightly at the thought of those cursed spiders. "There have been reports of seeing them lingering near the borders of their forests and our lands.
"They wouldn't move without the shelter of the forest." He growled only to pause as he second guessed himself. "Would they?"
Balin shook his head. "I don't know Laddie. They have traveled to these lands from dark, menacing places. As the darkness grows, so will the influence."
"I don't want to reach out to Gandalf about this, but I feel like we are running out of options. Thranduil is stretched thin trying to clear those forests. He all but said so in our last meeting."
Balin's lips were pressed into a thin line. "Better for us to get ahead of this before it becomes a bigger problem. We don't want to be caught off-guard, especially since we are the stronghold of the North."
As Thorin started to reply to Balin, he heard the dining hall go quiet around him. He turned his head towards the massive stone staircase, seeing Dis and Kili enter the dinner hall first but then the whole room went still as he gazed upon the dam behind his sister, being escorted by Fili. She drew the very air from his lungs causing his heart to skip in a way he had never felt. He heard Balin chuckle faintly accompanied by a firm pat on his shoulder. He knew that Thorin was enraptured by her exotic beauty, and all other talk of politics was a lost cause. "We will continue this at a later time." His eyes twinkled knowingly, seeing the starstruck look on Thorin's face before he walked off in search of his other companions.
Mistlynn's hair was down in tamed curls cascading like a pale waterfall down her back. The top portion of her hair was braided intricately and wrapped as if it were a crown. Her dress was of the palest blue, threaded with silver embroidery with crystals sowed in intricate patterns, like a beautiful piece of art that shimmered and glistened like the heavens on a cold winter's morning. Her figure was normally hidden by the bulk of her leather trousers, thick shirt, and whalebone corset. In this gown, her wasp like curves were flaunted in the most graceful way. Her ample chest tapered down into her petite yet strong waist, showing how her torso was longer than the typical dam, which added to the slope and curve of her bounteous hips and butt from all the muscle she had built in her relentless years as life of a fighter.
The curve of her breasts were fully displayed to show her alabaster skin was perfectly complimented by the gown color. Her loose hair softened her features in a more angelic form; her usual choice of kohl liner contrasting her glittering green eyes was absent which made him notice the small touches Dis must have added.
It didn't take away from her natural beauty, rather it amplified it. He knew from the very first moment he saw her that she was beautiful, even when she had been beaten and bruised. But in that dress, with her hair and makeup done just so, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
He didn't even realize that he was walking towards her, as if in a dream. He saw no one else but her, all voices drowned out, leaving only the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. He couldn't take his eyes off her, it had been weeks since he had seen her. Before he could reach out his hand to touch hers, someone stepped directly in front of him, breaking him abruptly from his reverie.
He blinked, and all his senses came roaring back as if he was no longer submerged underwater. He blinked, his outstretched hand returned to his side stiffly and becoming a fist. It was Dain; his ostentatious, boisterous, insufferable cousin. The most annoying trifecta that had plagued him since they were dwarflings, running around these halls attempting to wreak havoc under his father and grandfather's nose.
"Well now. I've been chomping at the bit to meet you lass." Dain was grinning from ear to ear, as he bowed to Mistlynn. She smiled brightly and curtsied gracefully while still holding onto Fili's arm.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She holds her free hand out in greeting, making Dain grin even wider.
"Och Lass, we are practically family no need for such civilities." He pulled her into energetic embrace, freeing Fili from her deathlike grip.
Thorin's jaw clenched as he watched the exchange, willing himself not to tear her from Dain's arms, knowing that if he did so his true feelings would be exposed to everyone. "Where is Sindri?" He growled, hinting at the fact that Dain had a wife and he needed to back away from his future queen. The thought of her being his queen threw him back, 'Where did that come from?' He thought to himself. This sudden, aggressive possessiveness startled him. But he couldn't bring himself to fight or question it. It was devouring him like a fed flame. Just a moment in her presence and every bit of resolve he had has now disappeared.
"THORIN! There ye are ye ole bastard!" He exclaimed as he placed Mistlynn on her feet ever so carefully and then wrapped his massive hands around Thorin's fist. "Ya aged terrible cousin; tha gray is takin over yer mane…what's yer secret?"
Just as Thorin was about to come back with his own snide remark he felt a soft touch to his shoulder. "I am right here Thorin, it is so good to see you dear cousin, it has been far too long." Thorin turned slowly with a smirk teasing the side of his mouth. Sindri embraced Thorin in a chaste hug before giving him a small peck on the cheek, causing Mistlynn's breath to catch as a small stir of misplaced jealousy curled in her belly. "The grey makes you look so distinguished and regal."
Mistlynn felt her envy coil tighter, snaking up into her throat threatening to choke her as she heard a profound laugh rumble loudly from his chest. She couldn't help the thought that she wished he could laugh with her in that way, that she was the source of giving him something to laugh about.
Despite that, she found herself smiling. His laugh was that contagious. She heard Dain grumble good naturedly and she looked over at the fiery redheaded Lord who was watching his cousin and wife with fondness filling his eyes. "Och now, wife! You should be saying such pretty words to me, not this pompous King of blithering hotheads."
Thorin crossed his arms across his chest, still grinning at Dain's feigned insult. "You're one to talk."
"Oh, I've graced you with plenty of pretty words these last 70 years of marriage, not to mention the brood of dwarflings I've given ya." Sindri tsked, giving her husband a teasing look.
Mistlynn leaned over to whisper in Fili's ear, who was laughing along with everyone else on the pleasant banter unfolding in front of them. "Are they always like this? You're formal dinners?"
Fili smirked, his eyes twinkling at her. "Lord Dain is always a load of fun, but just wait until the ale starts flowing."
Dis walked up from where she was visiting to embrace Dain than Sindri in a gracious hug. "I've missed you both. So glad you could make it."
"Where is your younger pup of son?" Dain chuckles, eager to tease his younger cousin about his love life.
Dis sniffs with fake disapproval. "Oh, he found Tauriel and flounced off with her somewhere. You know, as one's who are drawn to one another do when they aren't fighting their pull." She gave her brother a pointed look, making everyone but Mistlynn and Thorin chuckle.
Mistlynn looked between Dis and Thorin in confusion. She kept hearing certain hints and words being dropped in a very passive aggressive manner but was oblivious to what they meant. They had been directed towards her and Thorin, she was sure that they all knew about their night behind the pub. That had to be what they were alluding to but at the same time she felt as though they had a deeper meaning in their tones, she just didn't know what it could be.
Thorin's response to his sister was a snarky one. "What was that dear sister? I couldn't hear a word you said over that infernal whining pitch coming from your mouth."
Dis laughed raucously. "Oh, bring it on brother. I've been waiting for a good roasting spar."
Thorin smirked at his sister, nodding towards her while cocking his eyebrow. "Be careful what you wish for." He then turned towards Mistlynn holding out his hand to her. Her eyes widen in surprise. "Would you accompany me to our seats?
*Mistlynn*
She nodded quickly, masking her surprise with a polite indifference. "Of course." She took his hand, unprepared for the bolts of current that tingled sharply through her body as their hands touched. She looked up into his eyes and saw that he had felt something as well although she wasn't sure what it meant. He cleared his throat and nodded towards the head of their table.
As he escorted her towards their seats, she felt hundreds of eyes fall upon her. Whispers moved throughout the crowd as they passed, the guests bowing their heads in respect and honor towards their King. Her heart was beating rapidly like a frightened bird trying to escape the trap that was her ribcage. She had been around hundreds of people before, but never as exposed as this becoming ever more aware of how her dress accentuated all the features, the one's she loathed the most, giving her another reason why she never wore gowns.
Thorin led her to a seat closer to his than she originally anticipated. She was seated in-between Dis and Fili, with Balin on the other side while she was facing Dain, Sindri, Kili and Dwalin. The rest of the dwarves she recognized as some of Thorin's original company sat in seats of honor as well, all within talking distance from one another. Everyone stood waiting for Thorin to sit down, and as soon as he did, she heard hundreds of chairs scratching the stone floors as everyone sat down, eager to dig into the food.
She sat back and observed everything around her. Everyone at the table were talking to each other in good spirits, laughing and joking around as they enjoyed good food and drink. This feast was unlike any other she had ever attended. Her people would gather around large fires and share their kills on the firepit. But never had she seen this level of playfulness and comradery. She knew that Dis and the princes were close to the King, that he considered and treated his original company that helped him take back Erebor as family, but she was surprised how close he seemed to be with his cousin Dain and his wife as well. Normally cousins were seen as a threat to one's power and were in constant competition in the White Kingdom.
Argos had been her only kin she was truly close to. Her father kept his distance from her out of grief, and Valinn she kept away out of necessity. He had always been competitive, not the normal kind of sibling rivalry but she felt like if he ever had a chance to truly hurt her, he would take it.
She had never witnessed a large family group interact in such a loving, jovial way. She never realized just how much she craved that kind of family life. It was something she had never experienced and all she wanted was more of it. That feeling terrified her as much as she craved it. There had to be a catch; there had to be something that she was missing.
All her life she had been told that they were the Kingdom that was above all the rest, both in intellect and morality. It was in that very moment she started to realize that she had been misled, she had been lied to. In that moment her world seemed to spiral, how could everything she know be a lie?
Dis looked over at her friend, concern evident in her eyes at the expression that was now on her face. Mistlynn looked troubled, eyes focused unseeingly on her plate that was barely touched while her breathing became shallow and rapid. Dis looked and nodded pointedly at her companions seated closest to her. Thorin shifted in his seat, ready to escort her out if need be and eradicate whatever it was that was causing her such distress, but It was Sindri that acted first.
"So Mistlynn, my dear, I hear that your kingdom hails from farther north. I've always wondered what it was like, being next to the ice ocean?"
Mistlynn blinked, coming out of her chaotic thoughts. She looked up to see Sindri smiling gently at her. "I'm sorry? I fear my mind was wandering. What was your question?" she blushed in embarrassment, horrified that she had let herself get that distracted.
"Oh, don't fret. I was just asking what your kingdom was like. I've always wanted to see the ice ocean and the giant mountains of ice that float in it. I've heard about the giant sea creatures that live up there as well that are seen nowhere else."
Mistlynn smiled slightly while nodding in acknowledgment. "I must confess I miss being so close to the ocean, I miss the sound of the waves and smell of the sea. Whales are the creatures you are speaking of. They are gentle giants really, but there are the sea wolves though that hunt and act much like the wolves you know on land."
As soon as she was done speaking, she realized she had their entire tables attention. Even Oin had his ear trumpet directed towards her.
"What is it like, livin in constant winter? How dinnae survive such a climate?" It was Dain's turn to draw her out, his eyes keen on her.
She paused, thinking about how much she should share, but she was at the point where she didn't feel the need to protect her kingdom anymore. She had been lied to, there was no denying that. Why should she keep the truth from these people who have shown her nothing but friendship and kindness? She picked up her goblet and took a big, unladylike gulp before setting it back down with firm resolution.
"We never stay in one place long. We move, following our herds of reindeer to their grazing grounds. In that time, we also fish, hunt small game and gather roots and berries during our short summer seasons. Between the ice bears and the frost drakes that are constantly hunting us we don't get a lot of down time as it were."
She finishes the last of her wine from her goblet in one more big drink and passes it towards Fili. "Could you refill this for me please?" She asked quietly.
Fili grabbed her goblet and quickly filled it. She didn't realize how quiet the table was until she accepted it back from Fili and faced forward again, all eyes staring at her.
It was Thorin who broke the brief silence. "They hunt you?" his voice was deep and soothing.
She nodded. "Yes. Ice bears, if we are closer to the ocean, try to pick off our weak and our young. Most families only have one child that make it into adulthood, and unless they are skilled warriors unplagued with injuries or disease, our older ones sadly don't make it past 350 years."
Shock covered everyone's faces. She continued, trying to not read too deep into their reactions.
"Frost drakes are more drawn to our livestock, even though that doesn't mean they are not a threat to us. They tend to favor our goats, since the reindeer horns tend to be more of a choking hazard than anything else. We had a young drake once choke and die on some antlers, unfortunate for him but sure made it easier on us. We harvested some of the best scales and hide off him. That took place a year before my own Proving which was beneficial for me. I was able to prepare myself as much as possible."
"Proving?" Fili pressed.
"Yes. Do you not host them for when your young warriors come of age?"
"Never 'eard of a provin Lass." Dwalin confirmed.
"Oh. Well, I apologize I just assumed that would be a standard practice in our culture. When our warriors are of age, we go out in groups usually of only 5 or 6 that have come of age with one elder and several seasoned warriors to watch our progress but not interfere, to track, hunt and kill a frost drake. We make our armor and weapons from their bone, skin, and scales. Metals are precious and are more likely to be heirloom items. My weapons were my mothers, so I was better equipped than most during my Proving."
"How old were you, Lass?" Balin asked gently, trying to not let sorrow and pity show in his face.
"We come of age at 20 years."
Gasps sounded around the table, mutterings of awe and outrage mingled in with the noise. She looks around, nervous about the reaction she received.
"Ye were just a wee babe!" Gloin thundered in indignation from his seat in the middle of the table, his wife Gemlinn covering her mouth with her hand in shock, their own son Gimli sitting next to them was just mere decades older than that.
She raised her eyebrows in shock, before turning to look at Fili and Dis who shared Gloin's horror before her eyes landed on Thorin. He looked extremely uncomfortable, his lips pressed in a thin line as he studied her, as if seeing her in a different light.
"Now, now everyone! Remember she is from an entirely different kingdom than ours; there are things we probably do that shock her." Balin reasoned, raising his hand to calm the mutters of shock and outrage. "It is good for us to learn of how our fellow race survive in this world. We can all learn from one another."
Mistlynn nodded in gratitude to Balin. "Thank you Master Balin. I didn't mean to upset anyone; I apologize for any offense."
"Nonsense!" Dain thundered. "It's just unheard of here, letting one's dwarflings go into battle so young. Not to mention with a drake! We consider twenty to still be an adolescent who just then starts combat training with real weapons."
"Speaking of adolescents!" Dis chimed in loudly, eager for a subject change. "Dain, you must help me with the telling of this story."
Dain sat forward eagerly in his seat. "Och yes, which one cousin? We have so many good ones to tell."
"Dain." Thorin warned with a disapproving growl.
Dain and Dis ignore him, both looking at each other with matching hilarity.
"Oh, you know which one." Dis teased, as she picks up her own drink and smirks over the rim. "Gamul Amad's missing knitting needles?"
Dain cackled. "Och yes! Yyyeesss! I nearly forgot about that one!" Everyone was now giving their prompt attention to them.
Thorin's eyes grew wide as it clicked which childhood memory they were talking about. "No Dis! Dain! Don't you even think about it."
"Oh, why not dear brother? You're the main protagonist of our story. You will appreciate this one, as I'm sure everyone else will."
"It was a bonny, sunny day." Dain crooned. "And our beloved King at this time was a wee prince of 17 years." Dain blatantly ignored the daggered glares Thorin was shooting at the side of his face. "Our antagonist would be Frerin, our dearly departed cousin and sibling. He had succeeded in getting Thorin disciplined for an adventure gone wrong."
Thorin huffed indignantly. "Gone wrong? It was he who stole Lord Girion's horse! I was trying to return it to save his miserable hide and I got the blame!"
"Anyways," Dis grins, once again ignoring her brother. "As one could imagine, that doesn't sit well with my dear older brother. He despised being in trouble with Gamul Adad and Adad. So naturally, he seeks retribution for this grievous injustice."
"Dissssss." Thorin groans, running his hands over his face.
Mistlynn, curious to hear more of this, realizes that Fili and Kili are leaning forward in their seats, most eager for the rest of the story as Dwalin snorts in amusement and takes a generous sip of his ale.
"It was the four of us, mind you. Normally Frerin was within our ranks, but we couldn't pass up watching Thorin get even. Their fights were epic, you see." Dain continues. "So, he enlists Dis to go get some of our dear 'ole Gamul Amad's knitting needles that she kept by her rocking chair, while he, Dwalin and I manage to 'borrow' a small trainin bow from the armory.
Thorin started to rub his forehead his with hands in embarrassed exasperation.
"So, in a clever show of his skills, he manages to make arrows out of the needles, and fletching's from raven's feathers that we gathered from Raven Hill." Dis looks at her brother's evident distress, enjoying the power she held immensely.
"I used rounded tips. Don't forget that detail you heathens." Thorin grumbled, reaching for his wine while failing to hide his growing mortification. Dwalin threw his head back and laughed, obviously enjoying the memory. "Traitor!" Thorin spats, pointing at him accusingly, much to Dwalin and the rest of the table's amusement.
Dain and Dis had to get their laughter under control before they could continue. "So, it takes a few days before Thorin gets his chance to enact his plan. Frerin had private lessons with Lady Stonebridge, and she had a nice window that looked out into the courtyard gardens."
Balin let out a gasp of realization, which made Dwalin snicker harder. Dis shooshed him, hardly mad at him since she was fighting laughter herself.
"Aye, my dear cousin 'ere has a wicked aim," Dain was thoroughly animated with the storytelling. 'He perched, all stealthy like on the branches of our Gamul Amad's big apple tree in the center of the courtyard. He had the perfect shot of Frerin's thick noggin! He drew back that bow and took his shot; and fly true, it did!" It was getting harder for him to speak clearly between his bursts of laughter.
"Except Frerin had been expecting Thorin to do something." Dis smiled fondly at the memory, her giggling slightly more under control. "He ducked last minute, having heard the bow string after it had been released. And when he ducked, he saved his head from a sharp little tap, but he also let that arrow fly right past him and into the generous backside of Lady Stonebridge!"
Dwalin didn't miss a beat. Apparently, the memory had been a fond one of his. He let out a shrieking wail, like that of an older dwarrowdam in a surprised outrage, clearly mimicking the noise that the poor teacher had squealed that day while mock flailing his arms.
That was the final part of the story that had the whole table roaring with laughter. After hearing his childhood friend's impression of the teacher getting shot in the butt with one of his arrows, the laughter Thorin was attempting to keep buried couldn't be contained anymore. His eyes met Dwalin's and he burst out in thunderous laughter. "Durin's beard! You sound just like her!" His kingly disposition dissolved into gut splitting laughter.
"It was you four this entire time!" Balin exclaimed in-between fits of laughter. "I remember my Adad tearing this mountain apart looking for the bow! He thought Frerin did it! You're Adad was furious!" He pointed at Thorin accusingly. "You lied straight to his face!"
Thorin had tears running down his face as he leaned forward, holding his aching stomach with his hand. Mistlynn couldn't help but join in on the laughter. Seeing Thorin laugh as hard as he was with his kin was refreshing, and it made her momentarily forget the internal battle she was facing herself. His laughter made the moths in her stomach flutter again. She could picture the young dwarf prince pulling an outrageous prank on his younger brother in retaliation for being wrongly accused of a stunt he did not do and poised just enough to not even get caught.
"E knew it was ye too!" Dwalin wheezed, trying to get his voice back while gasping for breath.
This made Thorin laugh harder. "Aye! I know he did. Drove him mad! He was so furious with me!""
Dis was laughing merrily along with everyone, but she quietly appreciated seeing her brother laughing again. It seemed like it had been a century since she last saw him laugh in this way. She glanced to her side, watching Mistlynn laugh while watching Thorin with a new appreciation, and dare she say it, attraction glinting in her eyes. She shot a look over at her cousin, whose face was a brilliant shade of red from laughter and winked at him. Their plan was working. He grabbed his goblet and toasted her subtly before turning to acknowledge a thoroughly humored Balin.
"Oi! I can't believe you never told us this story Amad!" Fili wiped his eyes, finally getting his laughter under control.
"You said it brother! After all these years you have the gall to call us troublemakers! Bloody hell I couldn't imagine what would have happened to me if you had caught me doin that!" Kili looked incredulous, as if he just realized he had been cheated out of a very mischievous uncle in his youth.
Thorin rested his head on the back of his chair, trying to catch his breath. "I didn't get caught, otherwise I would have lost my hide." Thorin snickered, reaching for his goblet to get a desperately needed drink.
"He would have buried you, not for trying to get Frerin back but for the fact you hit the teacher in the behind." Dis snickered.
"You wouldn't of been able to even make that shot Dis! Frerin's hearing be damned, I swear he had better hearing than an elf. Cheeky asshole." Thorin didn't sound mad in the slightest, rather he spoke with fondness evident not only in his tone, but in his eyes.
Dis's laugh quieted down to a chuckle. "It feels good, remembering him. He would be laughing along with all of us."
Thorin nodded as he placed a hand on his sisters comfortingly. "We should try to speak of him more often."
Dis nodded, aware that Mistlynn was watching her and Thorin's exchange, understanding that their brother was no longer amongst the living.
"Please cousin, tell me you have more stories about you guys causing trouble." Kili pleaded, looking down and Dain and Dwalin imploringly.
"Aye there are plenty, but none of them will be heard by your ears. I'll take them to my grave." Thorin growled playfully.
"My entire childhood is a lie! There I was, believing you had not a fun bone in your body, and you were causin a ruckus with your siblings and cousins."
"Och! Now tha Erebor has been restored and alliances drawn perhaps ye may be at the receiving end of yer Uncle's shenanigans." Dain teased as he elbowed Dwalin, "Him and Dwalin gave, Frerin, Dis and I a run for our money they did! Rascals both of em!"
"Ye all were hellions and ye deserved all that ye got!" Dwalin gave Dis an accusing glare. "Especially your mum, she dinnae know when ta quit!"
Dis sniffed daintily. "I have no idea of what you're talking about Dwalin. You just were an unlucky dwarfling."
"Yer the one who carved the nude elves on mae axe I know it!"
Thorin snorted at that particular memory and threw his hands up in the air. "Alright now! That's enough stories for one evening or we are going to have a civil war on our hands in here." He pointedly looked at his sister and friend. Mistlynn was able to catch Dis spitting her tongue out to Dwalin, who scowled playfully back at her.
Thorin stood up from his seat, and the room fell silent almost immediately.
"Let the dancing begin!"
*Mistlynn*
It was loud. Loud and lively were the two words Mistlynn associated with the gathering that unfolded in front of her. The feasting hall had an enormous dance floor, and it was filled with guests dancing and twirling around. Bofur was playing his fiddle while one of Dain's entourage was playing the bagpipes in a vigorous tune.
She had been spellbound by the small wooden instrument of Bofur's, and asked Dis what it was called. The word 'fiddle' pleased her immensely. It was such a fitting name, going along with the beautiful sounds that emitted from the vibrations in its wooden body and strings. She was standing with her back against the wall as she took everything in. The dams in their beautiful dresses being twisted around gracefully by their partners made her desperately wish she knew the dances, let alone the courage to jump out and join in with everyone. She could feel the steady beat of the dancer's feet thrumming through the floor and the air around her was charged with the spirited music.
The dwarves who were not dancing were standing off to the sides, clapping and stomping their feet in time. It was truly an amazing experience she would never forget. They had dancing in her Kingdom, when the drums and bone flutes inspired dancing around the fires, but they used it more for storytelling and to mourn and honor the death of a warrior, not at all like the jovial and jubilant merry making this dancing was.
Every face had a smile or heartfelt laugh, twinkling eyes, and joyful spirits. She could see Kili and his beautiful Tauriel dancing in some complicated jig, while Fili had pulled Dis out as his partner. She spotted Dain spinning his gorgeous wife around, and just seeing how in love they were even after all their years of marriage made her smile widen, and she found herself wishing she could have a love like that.
It was then, when the dancers revolved in the complicated routine that she couldn't for the life of her figure out, she saw him, dancing with a younger redheaded dam. Seeing the young girl's fiery red hair, she guessed it was probably one of Dain and Sandri's daughters he was dancing with. Watching them laugh and dance with such joy took her breath away for the umpteenth time that night.
The dance had come to an end, and she watched Thorin twirl the young girl, who was smiling gleefully, for the last time before he bowed to her, giving her a dazzling grin as he clapped his hands in applause for the musicians.
She found herself clapping and laughing along with everyone else as she watched Sandri walk up to Thorin and whispered something in his ear before nodding in her direction. Her smile faltered slightly as Thorin's head turned in her direction and his sparkling blue eyes found her. He said something to Sandri and her daughter before he began walking in her direction.
She stopped her clapping when she realized he was walking towards her. "Shite." She cursed under her breath as she attempted to turn quickly and slink off into the crowd of onlookers; but found herself running into the rock-solid body of Dwalin.
The gruff warrior's eyes were twinkling impishly. "And where dinnae think yer goin lass?" He teased knowingly. She stammered, desperate to make a clean escape before she heard a throat being cleared behind her.
She turned slowly, only to look up at a clearly amused Thorin. She felt the deep thrum of the bagpipes starting up, making the stone floor thrum underneath her feet, adding to the shudder that ran up her spine when Thorin gave her a charming grin.
He had shed his fancy black dress coat; and was now just in a dark blue tunic with simple rune designs in silver thread adorning the lapels. He held his hand out to her, rendering her breathless again. "Would you honor me with a dance?"
She swallowed thickly and licked her lips nervously. "I am sorry, I don't know any of these dances. I would make a very poor dance partner."
She heard Dwalin snort out a muffled laugh behind her as Thorin chuckled. "Oh, I doubt that. Just follow my lead and your feet will find the steps. Trust me."
"I don't want to embarrass you in front of everyone." She squeaked, her eyes growing wide with fear as she watched couples flooding back to the dancefloor.
She felt Dwalin gently push her towards Thorin, allowing him to capture her hand. His hand was warm and firm, and that familiar sensation of tingling fire shot up from her fingertips up to her ears to the very tips of her toes. "You won't'." He smiled at her gently, his low rumbling promise making her knees shake for a moment.
He guided her through the crowd of onlookers who looked at her and Thorin, grinning as they watched their king pull the captivating dam onto the dancefloor.
"Oh Mahal." She found herself gasping as she found herself trembling as Bofur joined in with his fiddle's spry chorus.
"Don't be nervous." Thorin soothed as he pulled her closer to him, "We will have to get closer, like so." He instructed as he pulled her to his chest, laying a guiding hand to the small of her back. She breathed in sharply at the sudden, intoxicating closeness of him, the scent that was so uniquely him now enveloping her. He grabbed her hand and positioned it on his shoulder then grasped her hand finally in his. "Now just follow me, listen to the beat. Don't overthink it. Just move with me."
"I don't think I can do this." She started to panic as the music started in with an upscale beat, her eyes affixed on the floor between her staggering feet and his confident ones."
"Look at me, don't look down. Just go with the beat. Don't overthink." He encouraged, still smiling warmly at her. She looked up at him, the fear in her eyes darkening their color to a light jade. His eyes were bright and serene, like a calm sea on a sunny day. "Don't look away. Just move with me. Don't fight it."
She laughed nervously, as she let him take the lead and they joined the tempo with the rest of the dancers.
He was a very skilled dancer she soon discovered, and probably the best dance partner a dam could wish for. He was guiding her effortlessly across the dance floor, and soon she forgot about the nervousness that had previously hindered her steps.
Her steps soon fell in sync with his, and she gave in fully to the wonderful feeling of being held and twirled around in his arms. She was soon laughing and shrieking as he twirled her suddenly, making her sparkling skirt fan out beautifully around her legs as she spun.
Unlike the other dances she watched before this, the tempo was steadily increasing in pace. Shrieks of delight escaped her lips as they kept up, and when he suddenly put both hands on her waist and lifted her up and spun her around in the air effortlessly. She than looked about her and saw all the other dams were being twirled in the air as well, as laughs and shrieks joined in with the music. They all were guided back to the ground in perfect synchronization and were pulled into an even faster tempo. As they spun quickly around, she closed her eyes and laughed joyously, tilting her head back letting her long locks to twirl in a beautiful arc behind her.
*Thorin*
Thorin was laughing, immensely enjoying the look of absolute bliss on her face as she gave in to the music, fully trusting him to guide her around the dance floor in his arms. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and he knew almost everyone was watching her dance.
Her laugh was melodic and airy as she let him twirl her; her body following his lead flawlessly. She was a natural, her ability to quickly familiarize herself with this style of dance was impressive. It was as if she had been doing it her entire life after she had given into confidence.
As the tempo quickened into an almost breathless pace, he pulled her lithe body closer as they moved in sync with the other couples. He looked over quickly to the dancers closest to him and saw it was Dis and Fili who were grinning widely at Mistlynn's enjoyment. Dain let out a jovial whoop as they all swirled and glided around each other. Bofur, whose deft fingers were lightening across his fiddle's strings was beaming at them, and he winked shamelessly at Thorin they swiftly twirled past him in the vast colorful sea of the dancefloor.
"You finally joined us!" Kili shouted over the roaring music and laughter as he and Tauriel glided alongside them.
Mistlynn giggled in delight, "Your uncle makes it look like I know what I'm doing!"
Thorin laughed loudly. "Such flattery won't buy you out of the next dance." He jested, lifting her up again and spinning her in the air in time. He savored the feeling of her warm hands firmly placed on his shoulders as he looked up at her. She giggled, her gaze not leaving his even as he spun her back to the ground and guided her flawlessly as the music reached the climax of its chorus. "Ready for the final spin?"
She was laughing breathlessly, her eyes still gazing into his as she nodded eagerly. "Lead on." In perfect time with music and the rest of the dancers, he placed his hands into hers and held them tightly and he threw them into a dizzying spin. Their arms were perfectly entwined as they straighten and gave into the spin, making the room around them blur with the speed. "Oh no!" she squealed in elation as they spun around.
He found himself laughing exuberantly at her reaction, taking in and locking away the vision of her spinning, her elegant hands locked firmly in his. As the music stopped abruptly in conclusion, he pulled her back to him. She was laughing breathlessly as her hands came up to rest on his chest as she leaned against him, her heaving chest moving in tangent with his as his hands came to rest of her lower back.
Her eyes were twinkling as she looked up at him, her smile bright and alluring.
The room once again disappeared from around them, making it feel like they were the only ones in the room. He found himself lost in her eyes, lost in the feeling of her body fitting perfectly against his. In flashes he remembered their kiss in the alleyway, and his chest tightened. The urge to kiss her again, to feel her sweet, full lips moving against his became all-consuming.
He watched her eyes darken, her pupils blowing wide, becoming pools of molten lust as if she could read his thoughts. It was difficult to forget the eagerness in which she had returned his kiss, how her body had hungrily molded tightly against his as if she had been shaped to fit exclusively against him by Mahal himself.
"Mistlynn." He whispered lowly, hunger and something deeper making his voice gravely. Her eyelashes fluttered in response as her fingers tighten their grip on his shirt. Durin's beard! The overpowering desire to claim her as his and his alone surged through him.
"Thorin." His name was released as a sigh from her lips. "What is happening?"
He started to lean his head down towards hers, his hands gliding up her back and onto her arms, slowly moving to cup her face, to answer her in a way that only a searing kiss could convey. The sound of raucous applause erupted from around them, and the moment was lost.
As if cold water had been dumped on them, they stepped back from one another, their eyes still locked in a silent battle as they fought to regain their breath.
That fearful look flooded back into his eyes, making her feel like she had to be the one to back away this time instead of him. Before she could step back fully, his hand grasped ahold of hers, anchoring her. Not releasing his gaze from hers, he slowly raised her hand up and tenderly kissed the back, savoring the taste of her soft and salty skin against his lips. He caught the slight motion of her breath hitching at the feeling of his lips touching her skin.
He swallowed thickly, realizing how far he had let his guard down. "My lady." He bowed his head to her, released her hand as he drew himself up to his full height and brushed passed her, leaving the dance floor.
Dis growled in frustration as she watched her brother flee the dining hall.
"Poor dears! Why do they keep fighting it?" Sindri sighed, hating to see Thorin and Mistlynn fight what was so obvious to everyone else.
"Because he is a stubborn git." Dis seethed. "I'm going to go smack some sense into him."
"Don't be too harsh now, eh?" Dain called after her as he patted his wife's arm comfortingly. "He always has a reason for fighting things. Try to talk him through it."
Dis nodded begrudgingly. She knew her cousin was right. He wasn't a complete blockhead.