Another rough chapter update - It is not exactly to my liking just yet but I tend to over analyze and I wanted to stop the chop shop situation going on here and just post it and wing it. Again, I have taken some liberties with Middle Earth history and I have weaved my characters in.
I hope you enjoy! So excited to start reaching the exciting bits of this story I have stuck in my head!
*** Update - had to re edit since my upload did some weird things to my chapter! Holy hell what a mess! Fixed now! Going to not trust the uploading of edited chapters on this site. So weird!
Chapter 14
*Mistlynn*
Erebor was buzzing with the excitement of the planning. Most were happy that their King had finally found his One, but there were a select few, namely the nobles who traveled from other dwarven kingdoms that had been not so secretly hoping to have their daughters married to the King or his nephews. The room had been full of thunderous applause and smiling faces accompanied by cheers of good wishes.
Thorin was not a king who could be easily manipulated or bought as it were. Once he stated that she was his One, all protests died upon their lips. There was no arguing the 'Pull' ofr dwarven soulmates, and it was a very bitter pill to swallow.
Fili was now in their sights as their last hope to climb further up the social ladder and to be tied forever to the line of Durin, since it was common knowledge that Kili declared the Mirkwood Emissary as his One, and that King Thorin was thinking about giving his blessing on the match. .
Mistlynn knew who the spurned daughters were, for they glared at her every time she walked past them whether it be with Thorin or any other friends from the company. She wasn't surprised, but it didn't stop the ladies in waiting would be selected from this group of Dwarrowdam's, she felt the first grips of fear grab hold of her. How was she supposed to be a queen with the noble women openly showing their disdain towards her?
Her heart to heart with Thorin had helped tremendously, even though she could sense there was more he wanted to discuss. For whatever reason he had left it alone for the time being, and she was greatfulgrateful for that despite hating that the unspoken hung in-between them like an ominous cloud.
With their wedding quickly approaching there wasn't enough time to discuss everything, their times together had been fewer and farther between due to everything. He was so busy with finishing up a lot of paperwork and project authorizations so that he could enjoy their honeymoon. She didn't blame him for his absence, and despite everyone's attempts to keep her busy in the evenings she found herself getting lost in her thoughts, internalizing. She wanted to tell him everything, but the longer it took to broach the subject the harder she found it to bring up.
Today was one of their fittings to fine tune how the dress fit. Normally she would have been talking excitedly with Dori and Dis about all the fine details, but today day she was lost in her thoughts, the guilt that had been gnawing away at her for the past couple weeks having wornwearing her thin.
The wedding dress was another work of art. It was a silvery white silk with a fitted bodice and a sweatheart neckline. Her shoulders were bare with the capped sleeves off the shoulder that were made with effortless layers of silk. Strings of glistening crystals dangled from the edges of the sleeves, the bodice inlaid in intricate patterns of pearl and crystal mimicking the shape and swell of waves. The A-line skirt billowed out in light layers of silver, white and distinctly sapphire blue layers towards the bottom of the skirt.. Fu It had a medium length train within the runes of the line of Durin inlaid with pearl and crystal that bustled into elegant folds.
Dori and Dis designed it based off what she told everyone about the ocean, and the ice that covered the beaches in the White Kkingdom. She had told them she trusted their tastes since she was not accustomed to dresses, let alone a wedding dress and what would be appropriate as a queen. It was so thoughtful, and she found herself actually excited to wear the dress, to see the look on Thorin''s face when he saw her walking towards him.
She was staring unseeingly into her reflection in the giant floor mirror in her room, opposite of her bed. Dis and Dori looked at each other in concern.
Dis clucked her tongue, trying to pull Mistlynn back to the present. "It would be a shame to have your beautiful hair done up, I am thinking half up and half down, show off those gorgeous curls of yours.
Dori nodded exuberantly, "I can have Balin make some hair pins with the extra pearls and crystals too. You will be an absolute vision."
Mistlynn blinked rapidly, trying to dispel her melancholy and flashed a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I trust you both. You have already outdone yourselves with this dress. I could ofhave never imagined such a beautiful gown. And I have always just braided my hair to keep it out of my face, it has a mind of its own I swear. So, I don't have much to contribute when it comes to hair styles. "
"We want to stay as close to who you truly are, and not so much fashion. You will be setting the fashions now, mark my words. Less pomp, more natural beauty. As it should be." Dori smiled as he stood up and back to look over the adjustments he made. "I think that's it. I should be done with it in a week's time. Not a moment too soon if you ask me."
Mistlynn shook her head in wonder. "I can't believe you made this in just 4 weeks Dori, its truly magnificent. I will never be able to express my gratitude for all your hard work."
Dori tutted, blushing slightly at her praise. "It has truly been an honor and pleasure to do this for you and Thorin. After everything that has happened, I'm happy to have part in his wedding wielding a needle instead of a sword in a battle! I need to go grab a few more pins to adjust the sleeves and you will be free of me my dear, just one more moment while I run back to my workshop." Dori walked off briskly, leaving Dis and Mistlynn alone in the room.
Dis walked up behind her and placed her hands on her shoulders, squeezing them gently. "Are you feeling ok? You seem distant today."
Mistlynn nodded, looking away from the mirror and down at the skirt of the dress, touching the fabric in a soothing motion. "I am sorry Dis, I just haven't been sleeping that well."
Dis narrowed her eyes. "You would tell me if anything or anyone was bothering you? We are to be sister-in-laws in just a few days two weeks, but I am hoping you will come to see me as an actual sister."
Mistlynn turned quickly to face her. "I do already see you as a sister. I am so grateful to have you in my life Dis." She sighed, feeling tears spiking in her eyes. "I just miss my family, especially my little brother. I have been thinking a lot about them as the wedding gets close. I never imagined that they wouldn't be present when I got married."
Dis nodded. "I understand. That is perfectly normal. Are you sure you don't want to send them a raven? It's too late for them to make it now, but you can at least communicate with them that way."
"I can't Dis. I am exiled. To them I am no longer amongst the living. Erebor, Thorin, you, Fili, and Kili. You are all my family now."
Dis smiled sadly. "I am truly sorry Mistlynn. I cant imagine how hard it must be for you."
"I am okay. Truly. Don't worry about me. I am happy, I just have my moments." Mistlynn reassured her, squeezing her hand.
"Ok, just promise me you will come to me if anything troubles you at all. I know those busybody harpies have been making a show of their pettiness. But they are harmless I hope you know that." Dis pressed, looking at her friend pointedly.
Mistlynn laughed, her eyes finally getting a spark back in them. "Oh, it would take more than a few petulant dams to ruin my day, I promise you."
Later that evening…
Balin wasn't expecting to see an upset expression on Mistlynn's face when he came to check in on her progress with Ori. Usually, he would find them talking exuberantly about the topic they covered that day. Mistlynn was an eager student and loved to learn and proved to be an avid reader. On this day, however, he found Ori standing at one end of the table, looking disturbed as he flipped through an old, dusty tome.
His eyebrows furrowed in concern, but placed a warm smile on his face as he stepped out of the shadows of the tall bookshelves and into their candle lit sphere. "Good afternoon! I trust lessons went well?"
Ori jumped, too lost in his own thoughts to sense his friend's presence. "Oh Master Balin! We were just concluding our lesson for the day. Lady Mistlynn just had some questions that I was trying to ascertain an answer for." Balin took note of the young scholar's voice, how it cracked and shook with a stress he wasn't accustomed to hearing from him.
"Care to share with me these questions? I may be able to assist you in finding these answers." His tone was warm and comforting, directing the question more towards his future Queen than Ori.
The young scholar breathed out a sigh of relief as he bobbed his head animatedly. "Yes, Master Balin, your assistance would be much appreciated. I find myself struggling to understand what Lady Mistlynn is trying to tell me."
Mistlynn cleared her throat as she squirmed in her seat. She was playing with a strand of her hair, twirling it between her long, pale fingers. A habit, Balin had long taken note of as a nervous tick when she was fighting to find a way to communicate her thoughts.
"I am afraid that you will not be able to assist in this matter, Master Balin. I fear no one can answer my questions." She leaned back further into the stuffed leather seat, her gaze burning a hole into the table before her, fingers still twirling the distressed curled strand of hair.
Balin chuckled as he pulled the seat that was to her left side out and sat down. "There is always an answer to a question, my dear, it just may not be the answer you are seeking."
Mistlynn smiled weakly. "My grandfather used to say something along those lines."
"He sounds like he was a very wise man." Balin smile was soft and kind as he looked at her fondly.
"You remind me a lot of him. That was the first thought I had when I first met you in the throne room." She couldn't help but giggle at the memory and shake her head.
Balin beamed, his eyes twinkling at the memory with a strange fondness. "Aye, I knew you were a special lass, even then."
"I feel like I can trust you, that you will understand what it is I'm trying to figure out. I need your discretion on this matter." Her seriousness came swiftly, her tone hushed as her eyes darted from him to Ori than around the silent, darkened library.
Balin raised his eyebrows, intrigued. "Aye lass. You can trust me. I shall try my best to help you in whatever bothers you."
She looked back at Ori. "You may take notes, but I need you to swear you will not share this with another soul unless I say so." She stressed.
Ori nodded quickly as he sat down in his seat and reached for his parchment and quill. "Yes! Of course. You have my word."
She sighed as she sat back again in her seat and resumed playing with her over teased stand of hair laying discarded over her shoulder. "On my spare time I've looked into the history of Belegost and Nogrod." She began, looking down at her hands. "I have been met with dead ends. A full historical account is nowhere to be found in this library. I asked Ori what he knew of my homeland. And it was upsetting to hear that he knew very little."
Balin nodded thoughtfully. "It was a long time ago lass, and unfortunately with the destruction of those kingdoms a lot of their history was lost, and the survivors where none too eager to document their escape."
Mistlynn's face darkened. "Convenient, don't you think? All historical and political significances lost to the sea and fire of war. One would think that a survivor would want to preserve what happened in every detail, so that the truth was known. So that it could be prevented from happening again in the future?"
The scratch of Ori's quill was the only sound disrupting the heavy silence. "Do you know what happened Mistlynn?" Balin was trying to tread carefully with his words.
Her eyes flashed; jaw firmly set with a fierceness that spoke volumes. "Yes. And I find it very upsetting that my ancestors are absent from every historical account I've seen, as if they were a blight to be eradicated, erased from all living memory as if they never had the right to even exist."
She breathed in deeply, as if trying to control her rising ire. "It was in the First Age, during the Battle of Unnumbered Tears that my ancestor, Lord Azaghal, lost his life after he slayed Glaurung, the father of all dragons. His son, whose name has been since lost, became Lord of Belegost and lived in harmony alongside the Sindar. He oversaw the construction of the Thousand Caves of Menegroth for King Thingol. The Dwarves of Nogrod wereas jealous of the relationship my ancestors held with King Thingol, and it proved to be a point of contention until one day all peace was lost over a necklace, known as Nauglamir. Nogrod dwarves assassinated King Thingol for possession of Nauglamir and proceeded to lay waste to Menegroth. That is where your accounts end. That the survivors of Belegost and Nogrod fled to Khazad-dum, and dwarves and elves were destined to despise oneeach other."
Mistlynn raised her eyes to Balin, seeing his unwavering gaze she continued. "What isn't in your accounts is this. The Lord of Belegost , with his army, tried to stop the sacking of Menegroth, but Nogrod overtook them and branded my ancestors as traitors to their own kin and destroyed Belegost, killing thousands of innocent dwarrowdam's and children. What isn't well known, is that before the assassination of King Thingol, Lord Thormor, grandson of Azaghal, had made his intentions known to wed Ilwe, the youngest daughter of Thingol. Proclaimed her as his 'One.' That only spurned the fire of Nogrod's anger. Thormor and Ilwe fled with the survivors of Belegost and Menegroth into the Northern Wastes, away from the savagery and prejudice of Nogrod. They were both scorned for their love and branded as traitors to their races. Ilwe's name was removed from all accounts as was the name of Lord Thormor. They led my people into the safety of the Northern Wastes, and they thrived. It was a harsh environment, and the elves slowly faded from either the harsh climate or losing their mates and mortal children in death. Soon, all pure elves were buried, joined in the icy waters of the sea, reunited with their loved ones."
Ori's quill was scratching furiously as he endeavored to record every detail of this remarkable tale, not once looking up from his task.
If Mistlynn hadn't been mistaken, Balin's eyes had become slightly watery during her tale. "I am the product of that traitorous union, Master Balin." Mistlynn whispered, looking at him earnestly. "My mother is the direct descendant of Thormor and Ilwe, Grandson of Azaghal, forgotten daughter of King Thingol. I am the living reminder that they once lived in this world. How is it that they didn't even exist according to your accounts?"
Balin let out a shuttered breath as he shook his head, burdened with this newfound sadness. "From my understanding, a lot of wrongs must be made right. And you educating us is the first step in the right direction."
"Your people come from Khazad-dum, Master Balin with all due respect. How can I expect anyone here to believe me? I know a lot of what I have been taught regarding Arda has been proven false, and I have treated most kind and fair by almost everyone here in Erebor. But no one knows of my lineage. I fear that if that came to light, I would be cast out. How do I know that I will be spared the same hate that forced my ancestors to flee from the safety and presence of our own kind?" Mistlynn leaned forward in her chair, fear evident in her eyes as her voice slightly shook.
Balin looked at her with a pained expression. "Do you honestly think any of us would treat you with such a disgusting manner lass? That Thorin would even condone such wickedness that was inflicted upon your people?"
Mistlynn broke her eye contact and looked off into the dark and lengthened shadows of the library. "I would like to think not, Balin. But how can I be sure when I have been raised to think that our own kind will despise us for the mixed blood that runs in our veins, that we are the traitors when, in fact, we were the ones who tried to stop the bloodshed? So many innocent dwarves and elves were wrongfully slain that day uch wretched death was dealt that day, and its effects, the damage and hurt it inflicted to our people is still felt to this day, many just don't know or recognize the source it comes from."
"We are of the line of Durin." Balin was adamant, the most impassioned she had ever seen him be. "We will not turn a blind eye to the crimes that were inflicted. It grieves me that your ancestors' names were removed from our records, and that the truth was twisted regarding the downfall of Belegost and Menegroth. This truth must be brought to light, and I swear to you I will not rest until the truth is known amongst our people. And your fiancé will fight right alongside me."
Mistlynn couldn't help the sigh of emotional relief that escaped her chest through her lips. "In due time Balin. I want to tread carefully and make sure what I've been taught is the truth as well. It seems that we have all been lied to, and I am worried that the truth may be forever lost to us. That such absence of truth will forever keep our people at odds with one another."
Balin shook his head emphatically. "The truth is never truly lost lass. There is always a way to bring buried truths to light. A certain elven King may prove to have further knowledge of what we are trying to seek."
Mistlynn's eyes grew wide in alarm and fear. "No! I do not want to approach King Thranduil with matter until I am certain of his intentions. I worry that he may carry the same prejudices since he more than likely was present during those dark times. I want to make certain of his character."
Understanding dawned upon Balin as he finally understood why Mistlynn had fled the presence of the Elven King the night of their engagement announcement. Her abrupt absence had bothered Thorin, and he had confided in his worries and relayed the sparse information Thranduil had shared with him.
"I understand and respect your caution lass. But I think King Thranduil already has a good idea of your origins and was not upset in the slightest. Rather, he informed Thorin that he was most eager to speak with you. He shared some concerns regarding the White Kingdom with Thorin as well and was urging for the two of you to speak."
Mistlynn swallowed thickly, dread settling heavily in her stomach. "He spoke to Thorin about me?"
"Not of specifics, no. Just suspicions. Have you talked to Thorin about any of this, Lass? He would want to be appraised of this information; it carries an important weight to the future of our kingdom I feel." Balin was hoping he wasn't pushing her too far, but he knew that it had to be said.
Mistlynn looked down at her lap guiltily. "No, I haven't found the right time or place to discuss this with him. We have both been so busy, and it's such a sensitive subject I want to make sure I broach this the right way."
Balin sighed. "He needs to hear it from you Lass. He deserves to know as soon as possible. I can't keep this information from him forever, he is my King."
"I know. I will talk to him soon, I promise." Balin was giving her an unsettling look. He shook his head as he fought to find the right words. "I feel like it my duty to you, as a friend, to stress the importance of communicating with your One, lass. You can't hide things from them, especially important things that have some influence over your lives together. You need to tell him."
Mistlynn couldn't maintain eye contact. "I will tell him soon, I promise."
*Mistlynn*
The Next Day...
She was finally able to get dressed back into her regular clothing. She was taking advantage of wearing her breeches and tunic as much as possible, briskly tied her boots then cinching her leather corset up before turning to towards her mirror and quickly braiding her hair. She smiled at her reflection before reaching for the kohl on her vanity and smoking out her eyes. It had been so long since she did her eye makeup, she didn't realize how much she missed it.
She looked over at Luna who was sleeping on the end of the massive bed. She was sitting up, looking at Mistlynn attentively, tail wagging hopefully. "Should we go for a run?"
Luna bounded off the bed and towards the door before she could even finish asking, making her laugh. It had been so long since her and Luna had been able to run; and now that Luna was fully healed she want going to waste any more time.
"First we need to get my swords, pretty sure I've earned Thorin's trust to have my weapons back."
Hearing a couple gasps and whispers, Dwalin looked over towards the door and saw Mistlynn walking towards his office door as Luna kept pace with her. His eyebrows rose in surprise as he stood quickly from his desk and walked over to meet her. "Lass … what are you doing here? Dressed like that no less?" He grew suspicious with her attire choice, her dark eye makeup adding a level of wildness to her appearance he hadn't seen since he first met her. .
"I would like my armor and weapons back please." Her grin was cat like, as she swayed into his office.
"Och, would ya now?" Dwalin eyed her and Luna suspiciously. "And where are yeou off to lass? In such a state?"
"It's been a while since Luna and I have been able to run. I could use some fresh air after all this wedding planning." Her response was light with a slight hardness underlining her tone. She was not open for argument.
"And ye need yer armor and weapons for that? Have ye discussed this with Thorin?"
Mistlynn's eyes flashed as he turned to look at Dwalin, the smile gone. "It is my armor, and my weapons. And since I am going to be marrying Thorin, soon to be your queen, should I not be allowed to keep them in my possession? Surely, I am considered more than trustworthy to have them on my person?"
Dwalin rolled his eyes, placing his arms across his chest firmly. Thorin truly had met his match. "I dinnae mean yer things lass; I mean leavin the mount'n."
Mistlynn blinked. "I don't need to ask his permission to go on a run, surely., I am a grown woman, and a trained warrior. He is busy besides, and I would hate to bother him with such trivial requests."
Dwalin considered her carefully. She was a stubborn one and, she would not take kindly to being told what to do, especially when he had no direct orders to keep her from leaving Erebor and the like. Thorin probably didn't even think about Mistlynn wanting to leave with all the planning they had to do.
The hardness of her stare softened, and she shed her defensive stance. "Dwalin, I really want need to do this. I have a lot on my mind and a run would help a lot. Please let me go, just for a little bit."
Dwalin sighed as his shoulders loosened. He walked around to the back of his desk and pulled her armor from one of his drawers, before pulling her swords and bow and quiver from a cabinet. Mistlynn reached for them eagerly. "I'd rather ye took someone with ye lass." Dwalin watched her put on her armor quickly. It fit her well, the way the scales glowed in the light of the room made her gleam, beautiful yet lethal.
She sheathed her dual swords gracefully onto her back before she donned her quiver and picked up her bow. "That isn't necessary, it is early in the day I will be back long before sunset. Do you happen to have Luna's saddle and harness?"
Dwalin kept his expression neutral as he reached behind him again and handed over the lightweight harness and saddle. "I'd avegive me peace of mind if someone rode with ye. Bofur or Bifur perhaps?"
Mistlynn swallowed thickly, her nimble fingers fitting Luna's harness theandn her saddle onto her back with practiced ease. "They are busy, everyone has things to see to. I don't want to inconvenience anyone just because I want to go out for a little bit."
Luna was panting excitedly, tail wagging was she trotted eagerly for the door, Mistlynn following her quickly. "Thank you Dwalin. I will be back soon."
Dwalin cursed under his breath as he followed. "Orcs are stil l out n bout, Thorin will be fit ta be tied once he finds out ye left 'ere without an escort."
Mistlynn didn't respond immediately. She listened to Dwalin's footsteps behind her as they walked out into the stables. "Did he specifically tell you specifically that I could not go out?" she finally asked, keeping her voice light and cheery as she swung herself up onto Luna's back gracefully.
Soldiers and stableboys alike stopped and watched her adjust herself on Luna's back, not even trying to hide their shock and awe at seeing her atop her dire-wolf mount. She was a sight out of stories of oldtold to dwarflings.
Dwalin growled. "Not in such terms, but I know 'em and 'e won't like ye going out without anyone. Let me get some guards tao go with ye if ye dinnae want any of the company!"
Mistlynn was annoyed, but she became pensive as she studied athe very concerned and irate Dwalin. She knew she wasn't being fair to him, and she was putting him in a very difficult situation. She was loathe to realize, let alone admit, that he was probably right about the possibility of orcs and testing Thorin's patience. After their spar several weeks past, he didn't deserve her just running off on a ride through the countryside. She had given him enough stress. As his fiancé and future Queen of Erebor, she couldn't just be running off without a care in the world. It just wasn't about her anymore. She sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes before looking at Dwalin with a resigned pout.
"Very well, Master Dwalin. You have forced me to see reason. Perhaps you can gather up some of the remaining company and see if they would like to accompany us on a ride? Everyone has been working so hard it will be good for all of us to get out and spend time. I would very much like to surprise Thorin halfway and persuade him to take the rest of the afternoon off. Maybe even an outing under the stars would do us all some good?" She put on her very best attempt of cordial negotiations. She might as well put to use all of the lessons Dis and Balin had been subjecting her to.
Dwalin's eyebrows raised in surprise. He looked at her skeptically. "Ye suggestin a picnic now lass? With the company, no warnin to Balin or Dis?"
Mistlynn smiled enchantingly. ''A picnic sounds quite droll, although food is very much welcome. But I was thinking more along the lines of running through the countryside swinging our shiny, pointy weapons and putting them to good use. Perhaps a fire afterwards if we are feeling especially festive. It's a week before the wedding after all and I'll be stuck playing a lady wielding a fan and sharp heels after that. Give me a proper send off to my feral ways."
Dwalin smirked, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Aye. Would be a shame ta waste such an opportunity." He looked over his shoulder and gestured to some of the guards to approach. "Now ye promise ta not run off while I go and fetch tha lads?"
Mistlynn grinned as she leaned forward on Luna and stroked her neck. "I swear on my honor, I shall wait patiently for your return with the rest of our band of troublemakers."
*Thorin*
He was exhausted. It had been a taxing, stressful day full of delegating new construction projects and trade agreements. He was trying to get everything situated before the wedding, and the list of what needed to be done seemed never ending. g and deal making delegating He hadn't seen Mistlynn much since the night of their engagement partyir engagement, and it bothered him. His heart ached to see her, but they both had been pulled in every opposite direction from , in the complete opposite ofone each other. He was working out a way to make time to see her tonight, other than just sitting next to her in the dining hall. A nice walk along the turret would be nice, or perhaps some dessert and wine next to a fire so they could sit and catch up. He wasn't picky, he would take any scenario gladygladly. He needed to make sure she was alright.
Fili and Balin shared a look, both smirking as they recognized the faraway glint in Thorin's eyes. "Daydreaming Uncle?" Fili teased.
Thorin snorted. "Hardly. I am simply trying to devise a way to escape the madness that seems to befall Dale and Lake TownEsgaroth constantly."
Balin laughed. "In comparison to Bree, Dale is a walk in the flower fields."
Thorin rolled his eyes, "Thank the Valar we don't have to step foot in that disgusting trench of a town again."
"I wouldn't mind going back to the Shire and actually enjoy staying there." Fili added dreamily. "You should take Mistlynn, I am sure she would love it. And Bilbo for that matter."
Thorin chucked. "Yes, I'm sure they would get along splendidly. Probably gang up on me too over tastes in books and … Is that Luna?" he stared, shocked as a giant white wolf came into view, a rider nearly blending in perfectly into the animals back as it ran at full speed. The armor seemed to glow a silvery blue in the sunlight, and a thick braid of platinum hair rippled in the wind. Even more alarming was the group of riders that followed behind her. As they approached quickly, he soon recognized Luna was in fact accompanied by Dwalin, Kili, Tauriel, Bofur, Bifur, Bombur, Nori, Dori, and Ori.
"Now what do we have here?" Balin was amused as he took in the happy group that approached them. Most of all, appreciating the glow of happiness that radiated from Mistlynn as she rode proudly upon Luna's back.
"Fancy seeing you here, My King." Mistlynn's smile was dazzling, as were the smiles from the rest of her companions.
"Where do you think you are going are you up to Warrior Princess?" Thorin teased.
"I have decided that we have had enough of wedding planning and meetings for today, and that an outing with our closest friends is in order."
"You've have decided? Who put you in charge?" He quirked his eyebrow as his smile got wider, not caring to hide his enjoyment of the effortless exchange banter flowing between them.
"You did, when you put your bead in my hair and announced your intention to wed me." Mistlynn sassed back, guiding Luna to trot slowly around Thorin's black steed that was eyeing the dire wolf suspiciously, yet remained calm under his rider's hand.
The company chuckled heartily at the couple's banter. "She's got a point uncle." Fili laughed.
"Someone is getting comfortable." He growled playfully as he leaned his arms on the saddle horn, thoroughly enjoying this playful side of her.
"I think it's a splendid idea; all of us getting out and about like old times. Ori has been stuck in that infernal library for so long I was beginning to fear that he was going to sprout wings and turn into a bat!" Bofur smiled wickedly.
Ori's mouth gaped open in indignation at Bofur's jest, his face turning scarlet as the rest of his comrades howled in laughter. "Oi, my work in preserving our culture and history is essential to make sure our next generation doesn't turn out like you lot!"
Thorin was now grinning widely as he watched his friends and nephews' bicker amongst themselves, Mistlynn occasionally throwing in a well-aimed retort into the mix. She turned her attention back onto him, eyes agleam with mischievousness.
"I challenge you to a race. Whoever reaches the river first wins." She flashed a grin. Cheers arose around them as they locked eyes. She brought Luna back up alongside Thorin's steed. Luna was slightly shorter, forcing Mistlynn to look up at him through her lashes demurely.
"What are you hoping to accomplish with a race?"
"I want to see how well you can ride your mount. A dam has every right to know what she has to work with." Her flirtatious smirk matched her breathy tone. A raucous roar erupted around them, as Thorin felt the tips of his ears redden.
"Cover yer ears lads!" Gloin crowed. Fili and Kili nearly keeled over in their saddles, faces red with incredulous laughter. Ori looked up at the sky, his face now a bright shade of tomato as Nori punched his arm knowing his younger brother was wishing he could run back to the safety of his library, as Dori fanned himself at the mere insinuation..
"Och, ya got to beat er now!" Dwalin chortled as Balin shook his head, failing to hide his smile.. "Ye cannae stand for tha!"
He recovered quickly from the shock of the suggestive baiting and smirked lecherously. He raised an eyebrow with a daring glint in his eyes. He kicked his steed forward; its rich black coat glistening as rippling muscle propelled him forward. Mistlynn laughed gleefully as she encouraged Luna after him, heading towards what she assumed was a good starting point for their wager.
Balin rode up ahead of them and turned to face Thorin and Mistlynn, who were now ready to start their race. He saw pouches of money flying back and forth behind them as their comrades placed their bets.
Balin chuckled at the competitive looks Thorin and Mistlynn shot each other, both grinning like daredevils. "Let's keep this race fair and square, Aye?e aye? No cheating!" He waggled his finger as he gave Mistlynn a pointed look. He raised his hand high in the air, prompting both riders to tense at the ready. "Ready …and… GO!"
The wind roared in her ears as Luna flew across the field. She could see Thorin in her peripherialperipheral and could hear the thunder of hooves behind her. . She grinnedsmiled, feeling free and light for the first time in what seemed like forevertime in months. "Let's show them fast Luna!."
Luna leapt in response, bolting off like an arrow being shot from a bow. Mistlynn laid herself low, melding herself to Luna's back so the wind cut over her, allowing her to feel the raw power and speed she had become so addicted to. Her heart was soaring, adrenaline pumping through her body giving her the rush she would never stop craving. A streak of black came back up alongside, prompting her to look over. Thorin was an remarkableoutstanding rider, as his horse caught up to her with relative ease.
He shot her a teasing grin. "Is that all you got Pprincess?!"
Her laugh echoed on in the wind. "Be careful what you wish for, My King!" Luna lunged forward with a remarkable ease and sped off. Thorin watched in awe as she seemingly became one with Luna, her hair curling and flowing like silken ribbons as she cut through the wind. She was a sight to behold, and he found himself not caring in the slightest about winning this particular particular racerace.
Later that evening…
The afternoon had been adventurous, a day that Mistlynn was going to treasure for the rest of her days. She was suspicious that Thorin had let her win, even if it was by just a few feet. She had run circles around everyone after, letting Luna show off her agility.
Fili and Kili had begged her to let them ride Luna, and that had been entertaining to say the least. Fili was the only one who managed to stay on the longest. She had explained that Luna was a smaller Dire Wolf, and that usually male warriors had to be paired with male Dire Wolves due to their bigger size.
She didn't catch the look that Thorin, Dwalin and Balin shared at her comment. Everyone else was too enraptured by her tales of her homeland to notice the three dwarves having a very serious conversation with their eyes alone..
Currently, they were now gathered around a fire as dusk descended upon them. Tauriel and Mistlynn were sitting by the fire helping Bombur prepare the grouse they had shot earlier for the spit that Bofur and Bifur had built to roast their dinner over their fire.
Thorin had been sitting on a rock observing everyone as they went about their tasks and bantered amongst themselves. It amazed him how well Mistlynn had immersed herself into his life, and how well she got along with his closest family and friends.
Even Tauriel had become a welcomed member of their group and seemed somewhat relieved that she had another female on her side to even it out. Her and Mistlynn played off each other well. They ganged up on his nephews from the very start of this little excursion and it was immensely entertaining. Mistlynn and Tauriel had a little wager against Fili and Kili on who could shoot more grouse. And the ensuing shenanigans were still the topic of the current bickering session.
"Fili could barely shoot a grazing cow let alone a flying grouse!" Kili was throwing his hands up dramatically trying to defend his loss against their female companions. "Then you have those two, slinging arrows and taking them out as if they were sitting ducks!"
Fili smacked his brother on the back of the head. 'Hey now! Besides Uncle, I am the only one here who can shoot a damn bow! Show some gratitude!"
"I would have had better luck with Ori and his slingshot! At least he can hit whatever he's aiming at!"
"I shot three out of the seven you got! I haven't had to shoot a bow in years!"
Mistlynn and Tauriel exchanged humorous looks as they handed the plucked birds to an eager Bombur who was preparing them for the spit.
"Now, now boys! You both did very well considering who you were up against. It really wasn't a fair wager to begin with." Mistlynn smiled, her tone teasing as she watched Tauriel shoot an exasperated Kili a flirtatious wink.
She snuck a look over in Thorin's direction., He had been silent for most of the evening, as he quietly observed all that happened around him. She didn't fail to notice that Luna was now laying down against Thorin, her body almost circling him, allowing him to lean up against her side and stroke her ears. She smiled fondly, her stomach fluttering with a warm pleasant emotion akin to something between affection and heated desire. She watched Thorin's lips move as he whispered something to the wolf, prompting her raise and turn her head towards the handsome dwarf king. He moved his hand from the top of her head to the bottom of her jaw and he scratched, making her tail 'thump' the ground in approval.
She grabbed a couple of plucked grouse that she had set aside for Luna and approached them. She tossed Luna's meal in-between the wolf's outstretched front legs before nudging Thorin's legs apart with her foot, and sitting down in front of him then leaning back into him.
She felt his chest rumble against her back as he chuckled. Savoring the feeling of his breath on the side of her neck as he nuzzled her while deeply breathing in her scent. "Awfully bold of you, teasing me with your closeness proximity in front of everyone."
She leaned her head back against him so that she could look up into his face. She raised her hand to his cheek, her fingers running along his bearded jaw. The smile on her face was soft as she studied him, taking in every subtle feature of his faceand locking it away, savoring this quiet moment under the stars as the flames of the fire danced in the icy silver shadows of this eyes.
He kept his beard short and neatly trimmed, unlike most Dwarrow's who prided themselves in their long, intricately styled beards. She found herself appreciating its shortness, allowing her full view of his expressive mouth.
She bit her bottom lip, drawing his eyes to the movement. She watched them darken slightly before he returned his gaze to hers, a corner of his mouth curled upwards in a pleased smirk. He was truly handsome, beautiful even in the most masculine sense. That thought made her smile, her heart skipping a few beats as she reveled in the thought that he was soon to be bonded to her fully in every sense possible. "I can't help myself. Seeing how well you ride your mount has me craving your closeness." Her fingers traced his jawline to his chin, silently beckoning him to lean in closer to her. She ran the pad of her thumb across his bottom lip, knowingly testing his resolve as she watched his pupils blow open wide, black as just as obsidian and fathomless as the night sky darkening above them.
She barely noticed his arm come up from behind her to rest upon her shoulders until he was pulling her closer to him. Her hand slid from his jaw into his thick raven waves, effectively pulling him down towards her lips. It was a gentle kiss, slow and tender as they melted into one another, their surroundings fading melting away into a faint hum of faraway laughter and the merry crackling of thea fire.
She breathed him in deeply, inhaling his spicy scent of leather, forge fire and summer wind greedily, not fully realizing how starved she had been for his kisses until that very moment. She nipped his bottom lip, making him gasp in surprise as she took her chance to fully devour him, her tongue dancing languidly with his. She didn't want to acknowledge the terrifying thought of how easy it was to lose herself in him, how he could pull her under, completely submerge her in this state of absolute bliss. . Their lips met softlytenderly, m
They became so lost in one another that they didn't notice their comrades had fallen completely silent. A loud, teasing 'Oooooohhhhhhhhhh!" brought their surroundings back into sharp focus, making them pull apart slowly, breathing heavily as they rested their foreheads together to regain full function of their senses. Shrill whistles and loud clapping surrounded them along with jeering and coy laughter.
"Och now! Save something for after the ceremony aye?!"
"Dinnae know ye could hold yer breathe tha well!"
"Now that's a kiss lads! She probably can't tell which way is up or down!"
Mistlynn felt her cheeks redden and burn as she buried her face into the crook of his neck and shoulder. She released his hair from her grasp and clutched to his thick coat, anchoring herself back to reality. She could feel him chuckling again, his hand rubbing her back comfortingly as she fought to get control of her blush.
"Now that is why I pressed for a short engagement. You two wouldn't be able to keep your hands to yourselves until spring!" She heard Balin chortle, not even trying to hide his amusement. "Spring wedding my beard!"e.
"I've never doubted your wisdom denied or questioned your reasons my friend." Thorin couldn't help the shy yet beaming smile that took over his face. As he scanned the faces of his friends and family, he only saw happiness and fondness mirrored back.
"Dinnae think I ever see ya twitterpated." Dwalin snickered good naturedly. Seeing his cousin and closest friend smiling so freely; so unabashedly smitten and happy with someone gave him, along with everyone else present a hope he had not felt since their younger years, before the claws of death and loss had torn their innocence from them.
"I eagerly await the day when I come across you snogging your 'One', and I can tease you to the brink of insanity." Thorin teased back, wiggling his thick eyebrows suggestively at his friend.
"Oh! I know of a certain dam that owns a in a certain bakery y that can't seem to keep her eyes off him whenever he stops by for those cinnamon rolls of hers. He can't seem to get enough of them!" Nori goaded as he twirled his smaller dagger in his hands as he grinned at Dwalin over the flames of the fire. t never
Dwalin paled slightly as he sent a death glare in Nori's direction as everyone erupted in another bout of teasing and demanding details.
Thorin laughed heartily, "You're not as subtle as you think you are my friend."
"Dwalin is as subtle as a war hammer!" Norisnickered.
"I've seen her, she's very pretty." Tauriel grinned as Kili's arms tightened around her.
"Amralime, My love I am wounded! You've known about Dwalin's lady lovelove, and you did not share your intel?" Kili looked at her incredulously.
'Durin's beard! She's justa friend! Nothin more!" Dwalin sputtered indignantly as he started to sharpen his axe with a renewed vigor, keeping his eyes down.
"No need to be bashful now! There is no shame in it, the likes of us getting the chance to find our Ones and finally settling down and enjoying life!" Bofur skillfully filled his pipe as he spoke, then quickly lit it. He puffed a few smoke circles out into the night sky before he stood up and walked over to Dwalin. He was grinning broadly as he held the pipe out to the embarrassed warrior. "You're not the only one who has found his lady love I'll have you know!"
"Wait…you too?" Fili's eyes were wide, pulling his own pipe out of his mouth in surprise. "How do you know?"
"It hits ye like lightnin." Dwalin growled before taking a deep huff off Bofur's pipe. "There is no denyin it." Bofur nodded with a soft smile on his face.
"But you said she's just a friend." Kili wiggled his eyebrows, earning himself a sharp jab from Tauriel's elbow in his side.
"She is. For now." Was the simple gruff reply.
Fili and Kili frowned. "I mean no disrespect Dwalin, but why? Why not just be with her?" Fili's question was genuine. Watching his uncle fight his pull to Mistlynn for so long had been hard to observe.
"To accept your 'One' and the bond you share with them is no small thingthing, Laddie." Balin answered for his brother, who he knew was struggling to find the right words. "It is life changing. And when you have fought and survived as many battles as some of us it can be a terrifying thing, to allow someone to see those monsters that haunt in the shadows of your dreams. To be that open with someone, even if it is your soulmate, can take some time to accept." As he finished, he looked at Dwalin pointedly before he looked over at Thorin.
Mistlynn was no longer hiding her face in Thorin's neck. She was still snuggled against him, her hands grasped firmly in his as she watched the conversation unfold before her. She had seen such glimpses of those monsters that haunted Thorin, and she couldn't deny they made her realize how sheltered she had been in her homeland. Even she was still fighting with the vulnerability Balin spoke of, and she could only imagine how much harder it had to have been for Thorin. She saw the same pain in Dwalin's eyes.
"I have to make a concious effort to avoid her bakery." Mistlynn spoke up, immediately gaining the attention of everyone. "Dis has informed me that baked goods, if enjoyed too much, can wreak havoc on a dam's waistline." She exaggerated a pout on her lips. "And I'm pretty sure Dori will help Dis braid my hair around my head to cover my mouth if I threaten my ability to fit into my wedding dress."
Laughter filled the air. "You better believe I would!" Dori chuckled as he shook a finger at her. "You will have plenty of time to indulge in baked goods after the wedding."
Mistlynn sighed dreamily. "I look forward to more of her cinnamon buns."
Equally appreciative groans filled the air as everyone started to list off their favorite items from the renowned bakery.. Dwalin was staring at her, a slight smile fighting to make itself known under his thick beard as he chuckled. "So, yer the one who keeps beatin me to em."
Her grin was cat like. "First come first serve my dear fellow." She leaned away from Thorin and closer to Dwalin. "But if you were to ask me about the oneone she sets aside for you just in case you were to come in instead of one of your men, I cannot confirm nor deny such a rumor. But I will say, in strictest confidences she is patiently waiting for you to grace her with your presence. And is eager to accept your invitation to accompany you to the royal wedding."
Dwalin's bushy eyebrows were raised as high as they could go. "My invitation?"
Mistlynn snuggled back into Thorin's chest. "You heard me, you old battle axe. Now what are you going to do about it?"
Thorin's following laughter was the loudest out of all of them.