Hey guys! Here's chapter 16 all done up for you! I hope you all enjoy this one. Also, need some advice, does anyone know how to stop or report the constant reviews or Pms I'm constantly getting about doing collabs and such with "artists". I've done some looking up and know from Reddit, that it's definitely a scam ppl are trying to pull. Thank you in advance xx
Review Responses;
LairaCapulet – Yeah, I'm really loving Sophia's character the more I write her.
I also get that with the other side of the coin on LGBTQ. I'm Pansexual myself – where I got idea for Sophia – and my wife is Trans also (couldn't be more prouder of her) and we both hate how the people in our community can also make things worse with how they react and go off sometimes. It's always the minority that ruins it for the majority unfortunately.
As for Aiden with the bow, I will be taking it into consideration, I assure you. I like to take ideas from other people whether it be my wife or in the reviews and implement them somewhere if I can. So please, keep your thoughts and ideas coming xx
Chapter 16
The next few days pass by quickly during our recovery and relaxation. I have tried spending as much time as I can between each dwarf, wanting to get to know everyone better.
Gloin tells me more stories about his wife Alma and son Gimli. I smile every time he talks about his family, but whenever I hear Gimli's name, I always get a niggling at the back of my mind, the deja vu again that I've been feeling ever since I came here. I know I have never been here before, I don't know anything about this world, but how come I'm having these strange feelings? And understanding Azog. . .how could that happen?
As well as Gloin, I spend time with his older brother Oin, the both of us running through more healing remedies, with me borrowing some parchment and a quill to write them from my tablet. That was the first time I've ever used a quill and ink, it made me feel like I was in Harry Potter or something.
I continue my training with Fili, Kili and Dwalin sometimes joining in. Thorin has also joined us a couple of times. On one of these occasions, he had me do one on one training with just him, to see how far I have come. He seems happy with my progress so far, even though, when we had a mini spar, he disarmed me within a couple of moves, which I was expecting.
Fili has also kept up on his training with Aiden, still using sticks as swords, as he's not at the right stage to use steel blades, which I'm relieved about. Just the thought of him using a real blade. . .it sets me off. I know he had used his dagger to defend me in Goblin Town, but other than that, I'd rather him not have to use a weapon until he is well and truly ready.
I have also watched Kili helping Aiden on how to construct his first bow and when he's not teaching me archery, he's teaching Aiden. Watching him learning archery puts me at ease a little, preferring the ranged weapon to one for up and close combat and watching the two of them is also cute too.
I have also been continuing sign language with Bifur and Aiden,both of the coming along really well and are starting to learn harder signs. As well as this, I start off my morning yoga routine, which I have been lax on since coming here. My therapist said I should do something to calm my mind, so I chose yoga. During these sessions, Bifur has also joined me and I've taught him a few positions.
Aiden has also healed to the point where his stitches have come on and he no longer needs to wear bandages, which he's happy about.
I've also spent quite a lot of time with Bombur, as well as learning more about his wife and children, we have also been cooking together. He asked if there were some things from my world which I could make, so I did.
I had made some oat and honey bars with some dried fruits a few others with nuts, which I did not eat as I do not like nuts, thank god I'm not allergic.
After finding out Beorn had all the ingredients needed to make a sponge cake, I got right to it. Although he didn't have the right cake tins, I was able to improvise. Luckily, due to my eidetic memory, I can remember in detail how to make it and the right ingredients needed. So, seeing there wasn't any caster sugar, I asked Bombur to grind some sugar down until it was almost like sand, taking half and then asked to grind some more down even more than that, so now I have improvised caster sugar and icing sugar.
My only issue with baking in this age, is I have no idea how hot the oven is, so I don't have a timeline to go on for when the cake is done. Thankfully, Bombur, who has told me has baked numerous times before, is a big help for me to figure out when to check and after some time,
I finally pull the perfectly baked cakes out of the oven. Once they have cooled down, I put a jam filling into the middle and dusting with the makeshift icing sugar.
With the amount of people there are, I thankfully made two cakes by the time dinner rolled around and as I serve a slice to each dwarf and Bilbo – Beorn and Gandalf having not been seen the past couple of days – I'm happy that they really enjoy the cake. Aiden, having grown up with my baking, always loves it when I bake, so I'm always happy to see him tucking into it with vigour.
One person's opinion I am after, is Thorin's. I don't know why, but every since I started developing feelings for him, since we realised we liked each other on the mountain, I had had thoughts and such of being content as a housewife. Before, I had always wanted to focus on my career, as well as Aiden, so that never occurred to me. But, now, it's something I wanted.
I watch as he takes a bite of cake, smiling at the crumbs and the powder getting in his moustache and beard.
"Thorin? How is it?"
He finishes his bite before looking to me. "It's good. I believe Bombur has some competition."
I smile at this, feeling my heart full.
Soon enough, the day before the last day of our stay arrives. After breakfast, I stay sitting at the table with Ori, as I help him with his new book, his old one having been left in Goblin Town. I'm really impressed with the scribe, especially with his drawings. I pause at one of his drawings, it's of Thorin, Aiden and I. Aiden is cuddled up to me and Thorin is sitting next to me, with his arms around us, my head on his shoulder. Aiden and I are both asleep and Thorin is giving us both a soft look as he watches us sleep.
"When did you do this?" I ask him.
He blushes slightly as he sees the drawing. "That was the night Aiden had the nightmare. You can keep it if you like."
I smile as I thank him before getting up and going to the area the boys and I sleep in. Sitting in the hay I look at the picture and smile. I know I made the right choice to stay. How could I not? I have a partner that I love, someone that can keep Aiden and I safe, who also loves us both, A strong male figure Aiden can look to. I can start to forget my old life and start anew here, with the family I've found.
I am brought out of my thoughts as I hear Aiden's squealing, so while smiling, I put the picture in my pack before I get up and walk outside.
Following the sound, I stand by a wall and watch as Aiden, Fili, Kili, Bofur, Bifur, Nori and to my surprise, Thorin and Dwalin, are running around and chasing each other. I have no idea how they managed to rope two of the gruffest dwarves of our group into their games, but I'm glad they did. I smile fondly as I watch them running around.
My heart suddenly catches in my throat as I see Thorin chase Aiden, grab him and hold him above his head as he turns around, causing the little boy to squeal and laugh. I immediately feel my heart clench and tears appear in my eyes as I watch this. This is something I have wanted to see, dreamed of seeing. Aiden, running around with a fatherly figure. But, to see it with Thorin. . .it makes my love for Thorin grow.
"Mummy! Mummy, come play with us!" Aiden calls out, drawing me from my thoughts.
I look up to see him in Thorin's arms, looking over. My heart skips as Thorin's gaze meets my own. The emotion I see in those orbs. . .I forget to breathe for a moment.
"Yes, mummy, come join us!" Kili calls out, a teasing grin on his face.
I walk over and wrap an arm around Kili's neck in a headlock, rubbing my knuckles on his head.
"Hey! Gerroff!"
I grin as I hear the others laughing. I lean down to his ear.
"Call me mummy again, and see what happens."
"Alright! Alright! I won't!"
I let him go and he straightens up, fixing his clothing and hair up as he glares at me. However, from the twinkling in his eyes, I can tell he's not truly mad. I reach out and tap him before running off.
"Tag! You're it!"
"Oi! That's not fair!"
"Alls fair in tag Kee! You should know that!" Fili points out as we're running from him.
"Is that right?" he then tears off after Fili.
Our game continues on and soon enough its Thorin who is doing the chasing. After growling when Kili manages to dodge away from him at the last minute, I squeal and run as he catches my gaze and begins to chase after me. I'm smiling away as I run from him, turning back, I give a little squeak as I see him right behind me, a predatory grin on his face. I feel him grab me, but with the force of our running, we fall, rolling a few times before he has me pinned to the ground.
"Got you." He says with a grin.
I smile up at him. "You know, I could get out of this very easily."
"Oh really?"
Remebering the move I did on David, I take his arm, loop a leg over his with the other in between his before thrusting my hips up and shoving him off me with a yell of surprise. I roll into a standing position, standing over him and grinning down.
"See?"
"Aye, I see. Dwalin was right, you have been taught well."
I smile as I reach my hand down to him, which he takes and I help him up, before I boop him on the nose before running off.
"Tag!"
The others laugh as the game begins again.
Once our game ends, the rest of the day is spent getting last minute things prepared for when we leave tomorrow; whether that's Kili checking his bow and arrows, Oin and I checking our medical supplies or any of the others mending any clothes that need it.
After dinner, and once everyone else is settling down to relax for the night, I ask to speak to Gandalf in private. I've been wanting to speak to him about this for a few days, but seeing as he was missing in action, now was as good a time as any to talk. I can feel Thorin's gaze on me as Gandalf and I retreat to the kitchen area and sit at the table.
"Now, what can I do for you, my dear?" he asks as he's packing tobacco into his pipe.
I take a moment before answering. "I. . .I'm not actually sure if there is anything you can do. I'm just confused."
He looks intrigued as he uses his magic to light his fingertips to burn the leaves. Magic is still something I'm getting used to in this world and I just stare at his fingers.
"What has you confused?" he asks, shaking me out of my staring.
"Well, the other night on the cliff, when Azog was talking, even though I couldn't understand him exactly, like as if I also spoke the language, but, somehow, I know exactly what he was saying as if he spoke English. Westron I mean."
He pauses in his puffing at hearing this, his brows raising in surprise.
"That. . .is quite interesting. Do you mind if I tested that out?"
"How?"
"Well, I myself can understand Black Speech, which is their language, so I know what he said. Tell me, what was the translation of his first sentence?"
Thinking back on that night, I had to remember the one sided conversation Azog had.
"Do you smell it? The scent of fear?" I pause before continuing, not really wanting to remember this, not wanting to remember Thorin's heartbreak and devastation, but knowing that Gandalf is wanting proof, I push on. "I remember your father reeked of it, Thorin son of Thrain."
Gandalf listens to everything I am saying, his brows moving further and further towards his hairline the more I speak. He clears his throat when I am done.
"Well, my dear, it appears you can definitely understand him in some way."
"But, how? I know I have never learnt it in my life. It was the same with the elven and dwarven languages. When we first arrived in Rivendell, I know Lindir said to you that they had heard we crossed into the Valley and Thorin telling the others to ready their weapons when the elves arrived and then your conversation with Elrond. Is. . .Is there something wrong with me?"
He puts his hand on mine in comfort. "Of course there isn't, dear. I am not sure how you are able to understand small pieces of languages instead of all of it, but for some reason, you do. Leave this with me, I will see if I can find out anything about it that will help you. Try not to fret too much on it. I am sure it is nothing to be worried about."
I nod. "Okay. Also, as well as the languages, I've been having moments where something in my mind is trying to. . .remember things. Like, I'll go somewhere and I'd feel a tickling sensation in my mind, as if I'm supposed to know something, or, like in Goblin Town, I'd get a headache with the sensation. It's been driving me crazy, because I feel as though it's something I should be able to use to help us, but yet I can't remember."
He takes a puff from his pipe as he mulls this over.
"Hm. . .I wonder if it has something to do with how you came here. Maybe, whatever it was that brought you here has caused amnesia in certain areas of your mind, forcing you to forget things. Again, leave this with me. Once this quest is over, I will consult with Elrond about it and see if we can think of what it could be. It seems as though you will be staying with us, given your budding romance with Thorin."
I blush as I look away, though I am smiling. "Yes, Aiden and I will be staying. I have been wrestling with the idea for a while now, since Rivendell actually, but. . .this is the first time I have felt at home in quite a long time. First time I have felt safety and peace, even if we are in the middle of a dangerous quest." I look back to the dwarves as I hear laughing coming from that direction, my smile softening, my heart skipping, as I see Aiden in Thorin's lap, the dwarf wrapping his arms around my little boy. "This is the first time I have had a true family in so long. . .I couldn't bare to part with it."
Gandalf smiles. "You have chosen wisely, Sophia. One thing I know about dwarves, they are loyal to those they deem friends and family. They will look after you and Aiden for the rest of your days. You also have a friend in me to look to, should you need another."
I give a soft chuckle as I look to him. "Can't have too many friends. I appreciate that, Gandalf. Thank you."
Leaving him to his smoking, I get up and make my way back to the dwarves, placing myself next to Thorin, who instantly wraps his arm around me once I am settled.
"Is everything alright?" he asks me.
I smile and nod. "Yes, I just needed Gandalf's advice on something, that is all."
He nods as he holds me close, allowing me to snuggle into him, laying my head on his shoulder. Not long after, the dwarves take out musical instruments to play, Thorin pulling out a small harp.
Holding Aiden close to me as he sits on my lap, I listen as they begin to sing, their voices sending shivers all through my body. But yet, as the first few words are sung, I have another moment of deja vu; I have heard this song before, I know I have. In fact, I am pretty sure it is a favourite of mine and I used to sing all the time. . .but how could I know it? As the song continues, I ignore those feelings and focus on how the song gives me hope for this quest.
"Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away, ere break of day
To seek our pale enchanted gold.
The dwarves of yore made mighty spells
While hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep, where dark things sleep
In hollow halls beneath the fells.
For ancient king and elvish lord
There many a gleaming golden hoard
They shaped and wrought, and light they caught
To hide in gems on hilt of sword.
On silver necklaces they strung
The flowering stars on crowns they hung
The dragon-fire in twisted wire
They meshed the light of moon and sun.
Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away, ere break of day
To claim our long-forgotten gold.
Goblets they carved there for themselves
And harps of gold, where no man delves
There lay they long, and many a song
Was sung unheard by men or elves.
The pines were roaring on the heights
The winds was moaning in the night
The fire was red, it flaming spread
The trees like torches blazed with light.
The bells were ringing in the dale
And men looked up with faces pale
The dragon's ire, more fierce than fire
Laid low their towers and houses frail.
The mountain smoked beneath the moon
The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom (tramp of doom)
They fled their hall to dying fall
Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.
Far over the misty mountains grim
To dungeons deep and caverns dim
We must away, ere break of day
To win our harps and gold from him
Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old."
I wipe a few stray tears and take some deep breaths once they finish their song.
"Wow. . .that was. . .that was beautiful."
"It is what keeps our hopes up lass," Balin begins. "Hope of reclaiming our home."
I smile. "I felt it. The hope for the future."
"What about you lass, do you have any songs of inspiration from where you come from?" Nori asks as he lounges back, leaning on his elbow.
"Oh, of course. We have plenty."
"Would you sing one for us?" Ori asks.
"Hmm. . .a song of inspiration. . .Oh! I know just the one."
Getting up from my spot beside Thorin, I walk over to where I laid my pack and pull out my phone after rummaging around in it. I unlock it and scroll through it as I sit besides Thorin again.
"This song is one of my favorites, one that has helped me get through some issues I had before."
Pressing play, I turn up the volume and the beginning notes of This is Me from The Greatest Showman begin to play.
"I am not a stranger to the dark,
Hide away, they say.
'Cause we don't want your broken parts,
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars.
Run away, they say,
No one'll love you as you are.
But I won't let them break me down to dust,
I know that there's a place for us.
For we are glorious.
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down,
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out.
I am brave, I am bruised,
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me.
Look out 'cause here I come,
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum.
I'm not scared to be seen,
I make no apologies, this is me.
Oh-oh-oh-oh.
Oh-oh-oh-oh.
Oh-oh-oh-oh.
Oh-oh-oh-oh.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh,
oh-oh-oh, oh, oh.
Another round of arrows hits my skin,
Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in.
We are bursting through the barricades and
Reaching for the sun, (we are warriors).
Yeah, that's what we've become, (yeah, that's what we've become).
I won't let them break me down to dust,
I know that there's a place for us.
For we are glorious.
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down,
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out.
I am brave, I am bruised,
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me.
Look out 'cause here I come,
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum.
I'm not scared to be seen,
I make no apologies, this is me.
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh,
oh-oh-oh, oh, oh.
This is me.
And I know that I deserve your love.
There's nothing I'm not worthy of.
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down,
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out.
This is brave, this is bruised,
This is who I'm meant to be, this is me.
Look out 'cause here I come.
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum.
I'm not scared to be seen,
I make no apologies, this is me.
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I'm gonna send a flood
Gonna drown 'em out
Oh, oh, oh.
This is me."
As I was singing, I noticed some of the words seem to strike a nerve with some of the dwarves. Can't really say I blame them. After hearing how they were treated within human cities after they were driven out of Erebor. . .this would definitely be a song I could see being relatable to them.
As the music picked up, I smiled as most would dance in their seats, seeming to enjoy themselves. Even Bilbo was looking like he was enjoying himself.
"That was a really good song." Kili says once it is over.
I smile. "It is. It's a song that is often heard within the LGBTQ community."
Bofur nods. "I can see why. After what you told us with how they are treated, I can understand why it would be popular."
"Did Aiden enjoy the song?" Thorin asks me.
Knowing he's talking about my brother and not my son, I shake my head. "Unfortunately he died before the movie came out."
He nods as he holds me close. Seeing the looks of confusion on the others faces as they look between my son and I, I smile as I explain.
"The Aiden we are talking about is my brother, my son's namesake."
Having cleared this up, they now nod in understanding.
"Didn't know you had a brother, lass." Dwalin says.
"It's a sensitive topic for me. Like I said, he's passed on. I was ten at the time."
"What happened? If you don't mind me asking." Fili asks gently, after sitting closer to Kili.
I pause for a moment. "Do you remember the night at the Carrock, when I told you about how some people in the LGBTQ community are treated? And how some are killed?"
They nod before the realisation sinks in and they look horrified.
"He was killed?" Bombur asks, looking distressed.
I nod and tell them what I told Thorin the other day, although making it as child friendly as I can, what with little ears listening in. After I finish and have shown them the scar I was given, the dwarves are positively bristling with anger, Thorin is holding me close, giving me some encouragement and comfort.
"That's awful!" Bilbo pipes up, also angry. "To do that to not only your brother but to hurt a ten year old child!"
"Unfortunately, some people don't care." I say sadly.
Hearing my sadness, Aiden turns around and snuggles into me, wrapping his arms around my waist to hold me close. I just smile as I wrap my own around him, placing a gentle kiss on his head.
"I'm alright, sweetheart. I promise."
He just continues to snuggle. For the rest of the night, we continue to relax and talk until we go to bed not long after. That night, I lay next to Thorin, him holding Aiden and I close to him. I smile as I feel him against my back. I have not felt this safe and loved in such a long time.
"Goodnight, sanâzyung."
I turn my head to him slightly in confusion, causing him to smile at me.
"It means true love."
Smiling, I snuggle back into him. "Goodnight, mi rey."
It's now his turn to look at me in confusion as I speak in Spanish, causing me to giggle.
"My king."
He blinks for a moment before smiling and chuckling as he places a kiss on my temple.
"You'll have to teach me some of your strange language."
"If you will teach me some of yours. I know your language is sacred, and I understand if you can't-"
"As our future queen, it would be wise if you were to learn it. I will ask Balin to begin tutoring you on our language tomorrow."
I smile and lean up to kiss him before turning back to snuggle down into the cot Thorin, Aiden and I are sharing. Yes. . .this is exactly how life should be.
The next morning is a flurry of activity. After getting up and having breakfast, we clear up and get ourselves ready to leave. Thorin has me sitting in front of him so he can braid my hair again, one long braid down my back. Also redoing the courting braid and I do the same to his.
I am so thankful for Beorn's help. He has provided us with provisions; food, water, all of us – apart from Aiden - getting bows and Oin and I getting a pack each of extra healing supplies.
The dwarves, Bilbo and I get on the ponies Beorn provides for us while he and Gandalf are standing aside, talking. After asking him, Thorin allows Aiden to ride in front of him.
I hop up onto a pony before pulling Bilbo up behind me, since most of us are sharing.
"You alright back there, Bilbo?" I ask the hobbit as I take the reins of the black and white pony.
"Yes, yes. I think I'm getting the hang of this riding business."
The pony makes a sudden move, causing Bilbo to quickly wrap his arms around me tightly so he doesn't fall. I have to giggle at this as I pull the reins gently to calm the pony down.
"Sure about that?"
He just grumbles, which causes me to giggle more.
"Gandalf! Time is wasting!" Thorin calls from ahead.
Looking up, I see Gandalf making his way over before Beorn stops him to say something. Watching them, I get that niggling feeling again. Whatever they're talking about is important, I know it is.
I move my pony up to Thorin and I smile at Aiden's big grin.
"Everything alright, my love?" I ask him.
Aiden's grin turns to me. "I'm on a horse again!"
I grin as Thorin and Bilbo chuckle at his excitement. "Pony, my dear. And yes, you are."
He smiles wide before looking up to Thorin. "You won't let me fall, will you?"
Thorin smiles down at him. "Of course I won't. You'll be safe with me."
He smiles before snuggling back into his chest, causing me to smile as Thorin wraps an arm around him, pressing a kiss to his head. That's when Gandalf joins us, mounting his horse and we all ride off, Beorn watching over us.
Well, there we have it. Chapter 15 done and dusted. I hope you all enjoyed this, please keep your reviews coming, I love hearing from you all xxxx
Translations:
sanâzyung - true love
mi rey - My king