middleearthpixie

[middleearthpixie]

The Ties That Bind ~ Chapter Twenty-Four

Summary: Although Erebor is his once more, Thorin knows there is still a great threat to the peace of Middle Earth. Azog is gone, but another has taken his place and has sworn to finish what Azog began. Erebor is back, but it’s sadly lacking in protection and as much as he hates the thought of it, Thorin knows there is one thing that will guarantee the safety and continuation of his line.

War is coming and all Eirlys of Mirkwood wishes to do is fight alongside her brother Legolas and the other elves, united with Men and Dwarves in their attempt to quell the renewed tensions between them and the orc army of the north. But, her father, Thranduíl has other plans. Unite his kingdom with the newly reestablished kingdom of Erebor and use the power of both to defeat the orcs.

An arranged marriage that neither side wants, but both sides need. But what happens when the two sides realize that maybe—just maybe—being together isn't quite as bad as they'd thought...

Pairing: Thorin x ofc Eirlys of Mirkwood

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 2k

Read on AO3

The sun still shone, although it was low on the horizon, but it didn't matter to Eirlys as Thorin led her out onto the rampart high above Erebor’s main gates. A breeze blew, harder than the gentle breeze in the courtyard had been, and the air held the chill that came with a spring evening. She barely felt it, though, as she made her way toward the center of the ramparts and turned toward Dale. The valley between Erebor and Dale was quiet, no travelers made their way along the wide, rutted road that led up into Dale’s main street. 

The plains were so barren, but she thought she spied what might be the beginning of new life and hopefully, it wouldn’t be long before the earth healed itself and the last remnants of war vanished.

Dale, however, showed signs of life as twilight crept in and the street lights softly blazed to life, along with the lights in the homes and businesses. With a soft sigh, she leaned her elbows on the parapet and simply drank in the sights. After a lifetime tucked away in Mirkwood, these sights amazed her, as she never thought things as simple as a village and lights would be so beautiful as well.

“Do you come up here often?” she asked without looking away from Dale.

“A fair amount, yes.” He move to stand alongside her, mimicking her stance by bracing his forearms against the stone. “I find it helps me clear my mind, more so than down below does these days.”

“I’m surprised.” She glanced over at him with a smile. “I would have thought you preferred being down inside.”

“Most dwarves do,” he nodded slowly, “but we’ve spent more time above ground than we have below it, so I’m equally comfortable in both places. But, very few come up here, so if you would like to come up here to escape, know very few will bother you. And you will be safe up here, far more so than you would be out in that courtyard. Especially until that wall is finished.”

“Thorin,” she turned toward him, “what did Bard come to speak to you about?”

He didn't answer at once, and she thought about what Dís had told her, about how Thorin would see her as his equal, as his partner and not only as a pretty face and one day, the mother of the future King Under the Mountain. She wondered if perhaps Dís was mistaken, that Thorin would merely tell her she need not worry about it, that what happened in Erebor was none of her concern and nothing she need trouble herself about. As the silence stretched, she thought of a counterpoint to any reason he might offer for not telling her.

Then, he sighed softly. “He came to warn me.” He looked over at her, his blue eyes far more serious than she’d ever seen. “I told you what happened at Ravenhill. With Azog. ”

“Azog.” A sense of foreboding stole over her as she turned back toward Dale. Just beyond the white stone buildings, she could see the Long Lake, sparkling like a faceted onyx. It all looked so peaceful, one could be forgiven for not believing a massive battle had been fought between that lake and where she stood. “But, didn’t you tell me you’d killed him?”

“I did. But another has apparently taken his place.”

That sense of foreboding grew stronger, a sour taste rising in her throat. She looked back at Thorin. “Another?”

He nodded. “Rildu. That’s why Bard was here. To warn me.”

“Warn you? Warn you of what?”

He drew in a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. “Azog had put a price on my head, one that I thought died with him. But apparently, I was wrong about that. That’s why orcs have been spotted so close to Mirkwood, and now, a second pack has been seen moving south from Gundabad. Your father has sent word that he would like you to return to Mirkwood for your safety.”

“Well, I’m not going back to Mirkwood. You just said yourself that the orc pack was moving closer to Dale. We’d be heading right into it. Surely, we are far safer here.”

“We are, but I just thought you should be given the opportunity to decide for yourself.” He managed a smile then. “Somehow, I thought if I decided for you, you might be unhappy about it.”

Despite her growing unease, she smiled back at him. “I would have been, but in time, I’d have admitted you were right. I mean, we are safer here, aren’t we?”

“More than safe. The gates are fortified and our numbers have grown since the last battle. I’ll send word to my cousin Dáin, in the Iron Hills and am certain he will aid us, should we need it.”

“I’ll send word to my father at once, ask him if he might spare—”

“He has already made the offer, mesmel. He is sending a garrison to Dale. If our need grows, he will send more troops. You have nothing to fear.”

“I’m not afraid.” 

“Eirlys—“

“I’m not.” She met his gaze, shaking her head. “They are the reason I grew up motherless, why my father has been alone all these years. I owe them. And to be completely honest, I’d be lying if I said I didn't want to take part in any fight that might come to our doorstep.”

“You are not facing them.”

“If they show up here, you had best believe I most definitely will be facing them. I’m not afraid of them.”

“You would be wise to be afraid, Eirlys. They will not spare you because you’re a woman, you know. They are vicious and revel in misery and death.”

Her belly kinked, but she tried to shrug off both her unease and his warning. “Still, I would face them if I had to.”

“I know you would, and I suppose we’ll simply have to cross that bridge when and if we reach it. But, I want you to give me your word that you will not venture from Erebor without me. Not one step beyond the gates without me, and I’d rather you not venture out into that courtyard until the wall is fully repaired as well.”

“Thorin—”

“Your word. You may come up here whenever you need to take in some air, or to see the sky, but that’s it. Nowhere else alone.”

His voice brooked no argument and really, she did not wish to fight him on it. She was not so arrogant to think she could take on an orc pack on her own, no matter how she might owe them. Bravado behind the safety of Erebor’s walls was one thing, facing an orc was entirely another. 

“I give you my word,” she told him with a sigh, “but if something should happen, I won’t hesitate to face them.”

“I know you won’t. Which is why I’m making you promise.” 

“I know.” She turned her gaze back to the road leading from Erebor to Dale. It was all so peaceful and calm, with those tree saplings dotting along the wide road. It looked so desolate, despite those saplings, despite the foliage that looked as if it fought to break through the rutted reddish-brown soil. “Did this always look like this? Because it looks as if things are trying to grow across the plains.”

“The landscape?” Thorin shook his head. “No. When I was a boy, this was all lush and green and teemed with life. Plants. Animals. You name it, it could be found here.” 

“And then Smaug came.”

“He did.” Thorin shifted to lean back against the parapet, his back to the plains. “We felt him before we saw him. Have you ever faced a dragon?”

“I can’t say that I have, no.”

“Well, the entire world seemed to shake, with the most ominous ominous rumble. The winds pick up, the air becomes hotter than anything you’ve ever felt. That wind whipped through, like the fiercest storm you could imagine. And it just kept growing hotter, hotter than the hottest summer afternoon. It tore trees from the ground and tossed them about as if they were little more than sticks. 

“Then I saw him as he descended upon Dale, as he set fire to whatever he could. He destroyed buildings and turrets in his path, and then… then he was here.”

She gazed up at him, as his voice took on a faraway note. His eyes appeared trained on Dale, as he continued, “We had ample warning. I sent Balin to summon the guards, to tell them we faced a dragon, and I thought we might be able to hold him at bay. But, we weren’t. He broke through our gates with the same ease as he’d blasted through the trees, through Dale.”

His voice cracked slightly, and he cleared his throat before continuing, “We lost half of the guard in that first assault. I realized my grandfather was missing, and had to go find him, and I also had to get the rest of my people to safety.”

“I know.” She let her hand come to rest against his left shoulder blade, her thumb moving lightly in an arc over it. “My father told me what happened after Smaug attacked.”

“I was angry with him for that,” Thorin admitted softly. “For a very long time. Up until the day we crossed paths with the spiders in Mirkwood and I found myself face to face with him in his throne room. And I let him know it.”

“I know.”

He glanced over at her. “How could you? You weren’t there.”

“I was, actually. I was in the corridor, just outside the throne room.” Without thinking, she leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’d heard the guard captured a group of dwarves and I was curious, so I listened at the door and hoped I wouldn’t be caught.”

“Curious.”

“I had never seen dwarves, only ever heard of you.” She smiled. “And when I saw you… I was smitten. I didn't leave until my father’s guards grabbed you, and even then I didn't wish to go. I just thought it best if I did. My father was furious enough. It wouldn’t have been wise to make him even angrier.”

“Probably wise.” A low chuckle rumbled up from his chest, and she looked up, it was to find him gazing at her as he added, “Smitten, eh?”

She nodded. “Smitten. Very much so, actually.”

“Why don’t I believe that?” He turned toward her. 

“Why wouldn’t you? Like I’ve said, you’re very handsome, you know. Is it so difficult to think I might have thought so even then?” She reached up to lay her hand against his cheek. “And I am a lucky woman, to call you mine, you know.”

His eyes softened as he leaned toward her, his lips coming softly against hers. Eirlys slid an arm about his waist, melting against him as he wrapped both of his about her. The kiss deepened, became slow and teasing and when he pulled back, she whispered, “I was smitten, Thorin. And I still am, if you want the truth.”

“As am I,” he murmured back. 

“We should go back inside,” she told him, tracing her fingertips along his back. “I have this sudden need to have you all to myself.”

“We are the only ones up here, mesmel.”

“I know. But anyone could happen upon us here.” She met his gaze. “And I’d really rather not have that happen.”

A slow smile lifted the corners of his lips. “Then we should go below. Now.”

She leaned in and swept a teasing kiss across his lips. “I like the way you think.”

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[middleearthpixie]

No, app on my phone, I don't want to edit it with AI. I don't want to generate with AI. I don't want to ask the AI. I don't want to make AI wallpapers. I don't want to rewrite with AI. I don't want t-

[middleearthpixie]

A sweet little read...

Strength.

Summary: Elsa’s nightmares revisit her, not long after the Battle of the Five Armies.

Fandom: The Hobbit (post Botfa).

Relationship: Thorin Oakenshield x OFC Elsa

Rating: Teen.

Content: hurt/comfort, nightmares.

Word count: 642

She could only lie there, frozen with fear, as the dark twisted shapes - Azog, his horde, Bolg, and Wargs, accompanied by endless swirling flights of those frightening huge bats- approached her. There wasn’t any escape; she was trapped in the throes of yet another nightmare, probably her worst since the Battle.

A faint whimper- poor shadow of a scream- passed through her clenched lips.

“Elsa? Elsa.”

Thorin’s strong arm was swiftly around her, saving her again, before the shapes descended upon her. With a shaky whimper, Elsa managed to awaken. The phantom shapes vanished into the darkness. She lay still, heart pounding and nerves racing.

With great concern, Thorin sat up, lifting her with little effort and cradling her against him. Mahal, Elsa was shaking, almost as badly as when she’d braved the River Running with the Company so long ago as they escaped Thranduil’s dungeons (her nightmares of the Orc pursuing them had been very bad for at least two or three nights).

Even though all was over, the nightmares had clearly never gone away.

“Elsa, amrâlimê,” he murmured into her hair.

“Thorin, I can’t keep doing this to you!” Elsa pulled away from him. “I’m- I’m broken! I can’t ever recover from the raid on my village long ago. I- it was different when you weren’t in your kingdom, but now- what would people think if they knew your Queen had nightmares? They would despise you for choosing a weak girl of the Race of Men over a woman of your people.” She curled up within herself, sobbing and shivering despite the night being relatively comfortable. “I’m just a broken girl.”

There was a creaking, a sinking of the massive feather bed, and Thorin was beside her. His hand rested ever so gently on her fingers as he spoke, his deep voice a comforting sound in the dark:

“No, you are not, Elsa. You survived terrible things- the raid, the entire journey, Orcs and Goblins, the spiders, Smaug, my accursed Dragon sickness,” he sighed heavily, “and a terrible Battle. I nearly perished in several of those adventures, and was harsh and cruel during the Dragon sickness when I could’ve been a better Dwarf.

“Elsa, I fell in love with a strong, beautiful woman, and made you not only my wife, but my Queen. Never call yourself broken or weak; they’re untrue and do not describe you at all.”

With a shaky sigh, Elsa snuggled up against Thorin, burying her face in his shoulder. “I’m sorry. It’s- it’s that they came back- and I felt so weak in comparison to the women in your family- Dis, your mother, and all.”

“No, Dis thinks very much and highly of you; she’d always wanted a sister.” Thorin’s voice became a trifle grim. “She too had some bad dreams after Erebor was lost, mainly about losing our parents and grandfather to Smaug. She was so young too, a lass at the time.” The grimness faded away. “It never made her any weaker or lesser than the other Dwarven lasses.”

Encouragement at the thought of Dis (a literal force and very supportive of her Human sister by marriage) washed over Elsa in warm waves. She curled up in his embrace, and sighed contentedly as Thorin drew one of the soft wool coverlets around them. “She certainly is a strong woman.”

They sat this for a while, lost in the warmth and each other’s presence, as the minutes slipped by silently. Soon Elsa blinked slowly as sleep returned to her bones. “I think I can sleep now, Thorin,” she whispered, hesitant to break their moment.

Carefully, Thorin laid her down and covered her up snugly. “Don’t hesitate to awaken me if the dream does come back,” he murmured as he lay down beside her.

“You know I always do.” A smile underlined Elsa’s voice.

Reblogs are appreciated.

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[middleearthpixie]

[middleearthpixie]

Incorrect Lord of the Rings Quotes

[middleearthpixie]

[middleearthpixie]

If it ain't broke, Trump'll break it. #immigration

[middleearthpixie]

[middleearthpixie]

My friend said this about AO3 and it’s honestly so true

[middleearthpixie]

Master List

So... I write things. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. If you'd like to be tagged in any of them, let me know!

Also, if you enjoy something, please reblog to your heart's content! Comments are always welcome as well!! <3

You can find my stories here and at AO3.

Fandoms I Write For (So Far) :

Lord of The Rings - Boromir, Éomer, and Haldir (I've not tackled him yet, but want to. hee hee)

The Hobbit - Thorin, Dwalin, Frerin

Marvel Cinematic Universe - Loki

And in the near future - The Boys - Billy Butcher

Please read my note on requests before submitting. 😉😀

Note: All dividers were created by @cafekitsune

Multi-Chapter Works

Damaged Goods - Ray Levine x ofc Theo Bailey (Stay Close AU) Complete

The Hobbit

~ Thorin ~

I'll See You in My Dreams ~ On Hold Indefinitely Thorin x ofc Noelle James (Modern AU, sequel to Where I Belong) Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 12 | 13 | 14 |

The Ties That Bind ~ Thorin x ofc Eirlys of Mirkwood (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |

~ Completed Works ~

Something in the Night ~ Thorin x ofc Nina Carren (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Brilliant Disguise ~ Thorin x ofc Josephine (Sophie) Asharm (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

After the Fire ~ Thorin x ofc Jasna Stoneham (Post- BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Miss Fortune ~ Modern!Thorin x ofc Alex Prescott -

Playing With Fire ~ Modern!Thorin x ofc Leda Andrews - (Pub AU)

Where I Belong ~ Thorin x ofc Noelle James (modern NYC/DoS/BOTFA AU)

More Than Meets the Eye ~ Thorin x ofc Arielle Farran (Post- BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Someone to Watch Over Me ~ Thorin x ofc Seren Gilwynn (The Hobbit, Slight AU)

In Time ~ Thorin x ofc Amara (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

~ Frerin ~

Seven Days ~ Modern!Frerin x ofc Syd Prescott - Complete

Better Days ~ Modern!Frerin x ofc Elena Madison - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |

Lord of the Rings

~ Boromir ~

Promise Me ~ Boromir x ofc Gabriella (LOTR AU Where Everybody Lives) -Complete

Living Proof ~ Boromir x ofc Kaia (LOTR AU Where Everybody Lives) ~ Complete

Letter to You ~ Boromir x ofc Nora (LOTR AU Post-War of the Ring Where Boromir Lives) ~ Coming Soon!

Marvel Cinematic Universe

~ Loki ~

Wanted Man ~ Loki x ofc McKenna Carlin (MCU AU) - Complete

All Over Again - Loki x ofc McKenna Carlin (MCU AU) ~ Book #2 - Complete

This Time Around - Loki x ofc McKenna Carlin (MCU AU) - Book #3 -Complete

Coming Home - Loki x ofc McKenna Carlin (MCU AU) ~ Book #4 -Complete

New Beginnings ~ Loki x ofc McKenna Carlin (MCU AU) - Book #5 - In Progress

~Miscellaneous Shorts~

How Will I Know ~ Thorin, Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, (Modern AU) ~ This ties loosely with In Time, and The Cellar & Other Stories.

~ Dwalin ~

(Oldest to Most Recent )

Durin's Garage AU - Good Trouble - Updated 10/25/2022 - This WILL be updated in the near future!

The One Where Zana & Dwalin Spend Their First Yule Together

The One Where Zana Faceplants

The One Where Dwalin is Totally NOT Jealous

Meet the Fundinsons

The Morning After

The Cellar

~ Thorin x Reader Inserts Master List ~

The Getaway -Modern!Thorin x reader

Monday - Modern!Thorin x reader

Durin's Garage AU ~ The Chance You Take - Modern!Thorin x reader

Yule - AU!Thorin x reader

~ Asks Master List ~

A Walk in the Woods - Thorin x reader (Post-BOTFA Where Everybody Lives)

Absolute Beginners ~ Thorin x reader (Post-BOTFA Where Everybody Lives)

In This Moment ~ Thorin x reader (Desolation of Smaug Slight AU)

Blind Date ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU

Stroll ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU Part 2

Dessert ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU Part 3

Lockdown ~ Guy of Gisborne/ John Porter Crossover AU Part 4

Cake ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU Part 5

Hot Apple Cider ~ Thorin Oakenshield x Reader (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Fireworks ~ John Porter x Reader

The Fountain ~ Lindir x fem!reader

The Escape ~ Thorin x ofc Carys Greenleaf

The Escape, Part Two ~ Thorin x ofc Carys Greenleaf

The Harp ~ Thorin x fem!reader

Fair Enough ~ Éomer x fem!reader

~ Challenges Master List ~

The Courtyard - Dancing/Dipping Partner

A Kiss in the Rain - Kissing in the Rain

Bed of Roses - Rose Petals in the Bedroom

Showstopper ~ Modern!Bard x ofc Aislinn Dale (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2022)

The River ~ Thorin x Fem!dwarf reader (Gates of Summer Exchange 2022)

A Bit of Home ~ Thorin x Fem!Reader (FotFic Pinup Calendar 2023)

Midsummer Night ~ Frerin x Belladonna Took (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2023)

Long Walk Home ~ Boromir x ofc Eleri (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2023)

The Woods ~ Boromir x ofc Kaia (Tolkien Pinup Calendar 2024)

Second Time Around ~ Boromir x ofc Brynne (Tolkien Pinup Calendar 2024)

The River ~ Fíli x ofc Vanessa Adams (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2024)

Two Hearts ~ Boromir x ofc Sarina (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2024)

~ Armitage Summer Splash Master List ~

WEEK 1

Make Me ~ Prompt #1 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Bygones ~ Prompt #2 ~ Lucas North

The Note ~ Prompt #3 ~ Ray Levine

The Other Woman ~ Prompt #4 ~ John Porter

In Vino Veritas ~ Prompt #5 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Now or Never ~ Prompt #6 ~ Ray Levine

Misunderstanding ~ Prompt #7 ~ John Thornton

WEEK 2

The Tavern ~ Prompt #8 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Brewster's Place ~ Prompt #9 ~ John Proctor

Runaway ~ Prompt #10 ~ Raymond de Merville

Middle Earth’s Next Top Model ~ Prompt #11 ~ Moodboard

Stolen Moments ~ Prompt #12 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Waiting ~ Prompt #13 ~ John Porter

Hurt ~ Prompt #14 ~ Lucas North

WEEK 3

The Lake ~ Prompt #15 ~ Raymond de Merville

The Visitor ~ Prompt #16 ~ John Proctor

Quiet ~ Prompt #17 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Angel ~ Prompt #18 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Inked ~ Prompt #19 ~ Lucas North

Vampire ~ Prompt #20 ~ Claude Becker Moodboard

Body Swap ~ Prompt #21 ~ Ray Levine Moodboard

WEEK 4

Family ~ Prompt #22 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Pizza - Prompt #23 ~ Raymond de Merville

Hit & Run ~ Prompt #24 ~ John Proctor

Fifty ~ Prompt #25 ~ Ray Levine

Leap of Faith ~ Prompt #26 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Homecoming ~ Prompt #27 ~ John Porter

Sweet Dreams ~ Prompt #28 ~ Lucas North

WEEK 5

Vacation ~ Prompt #29 ~ John Proctor Moodboard

Magic Kingdom - Prompt #30 ~ Raymond de Merville

[middleearthpixie]

The Ties That Bind ~ Chapter Twenty-Three

Summary: Although Erebor is his once more, Thorin knows there is still a great threat to the peace of Middle Earth. Azog is gone, but another has taken his place and has sworn to finish what Azog began. Erebor is back, but it’s sadly lacking in protection and as much as he hates the thought of it, Thorin knows there is one thing that will guarantee the safety and continuation of his line.

War is coming and all Eirlys of Mirkwood wishes to do is fight alongside her brother Legolas and the other elves, united with Men and Dwarves in their attempt to quell the renewed tensions between them and the orc army of the north. But, her father, Thranduíl has other plans. Unite his kingdom with the newly reestablished kingdom of Erebor and use the power of both to defeat the orcs.

An arranged marriage that neither side wants, but both sides need. But what happens when the two sides realize that maybe—just maybe—being together isn't quite as bad as they'd thought...

Pairing: Thorin x ofc Eirlys of Mirkwood

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 2.6k

Read on AO3

While Thorin was busy with Bard of Dale, Eirlys didn't really know what to do with herself. She didn't know her way around much of Erebor yet, not that it mattered. What business would she have down in the forge or in the laundry or in any part of the kingdom, really? 

Which meant that she had nothing to do. Madris had gone off to the laundry, but since she really had no reason to follow, Eirlys remained in the Great Hall, and with no where to go, she chose a chair in the far corner, where she was certain to be out of the way.

“What are you doing here alone?”

She looked up as Dís came into the Great Hall, her black brows knit as her gaze fell upon her. Although she was the only one in the cavernous room, Eirlys still looked around, then pointed to herself. “Me?”

“Yes,” Dís chuckled, her eyes brightening as she drew near, “you. Did you need something?”

“No,” Eirlys shook her head, “I don’t need anything at all. Am I somewhere I’m not supposed to be?”

“My dear,” Dís drew out the chair across from her and sank into it, “you are the queen. There is nowhere in Erebor you are not supposed to be.”

“Is that so? For it doesn’t quite seem that way to me.”

“Why? Has someone said something to you?”

“No. I mean, Thorin has told me not to go out into the courtyard but other than that, no one speaks to me unless I initiate the conversation and I’m afraid I’m not entirely used to that.”

“You’re their queen.”

���I know that, I was the princess of Mirkwood back home and everyone there always talked to me, even if it was just to bid me a good morning.” Eirlys shrugged. “Here, they only stare and wait until I pass by before whispering about me.”

Dís’ smile wavered, but remained in place. “You are new here, remember. And dwarves are taught to not trust elves, just as I’m certain elves are warned not to trust dwarves.”

“We are warned to take care where anyone non-elven is concerned,” Eirlys replied slowly, tapping her fingertips against the table. “But we rarely stare as if we’ve never seen a dwarf before, even when some of us haven’t.”

“Give them time. First, you are an elven princess. Second, you are an elf. Third, you’ve married the king—a dwarf more than one young dwarrowdam had had her sights set on. You must be patient, for you will, in time, win them over, I’m sure. Just,” a winsome smile rose to Dís’ lips and her blue eyes sparkled, “as you’ve won my brother over.”

Those words sent a strange warmth through Eirlys and she couldn't help but return Dís’ smile. “Have I, won him over, that is?”

“Why wouldn’t you? He seems happy to me, and happy is not something Thorin is altogether familiar with.” Dís rested her clasped hands on the table. “He’s known so much sorrow and grief, it’d wonderful to see him so happy now.”

“He doesn’t speak much of his past.”

“No, I don't imagine he does,” Dís replied softly, the colored glass beads in her beard clacking softly with each word. “I think he’d rather forget it all if it were possible.”

“He took me up to Ravenhill earlier.”

“He did? He normally avoids that place at all costs. I don't think he’s been up there since the battle—” Dís’ eyes grew shiny and she pressed her lips together for a long moment, and Eirlys didn't press her. Her sons had nearly lost their lives at the fortress as well. That memory had to haunt Dís to a certain extent, even though both men had survived.

Still, Eirlys was nothing but sympathetic as she let her hands come down atop Dís’. “We don’t have to speak of it, if you’d rather not.”

“No, it’s fine,” Dís whispered. Then, she cleared her throat and her back straightened. “My boys lived to tell their tales, and for that I shall aways be thankful. But, that doesn’t mean I like thinking about those tales, you know.”

“I can only imagine. But, while we were up there, I offered to erase those memories from his mind, only to have him rebuff my offer.” Eirlys offered up a sheepish smile. “And I was wrong to offer it, even if I meant well.”

“Thorin didn't always learn from his mistakes. Hopefully now, he will.” 

“His mistakes?”

“Oh, yes. He’s made a few, to be sure. At times he can be extremely bullheaded.”

“Is there a man alive who isn’t?”

Dís chuckled. “Fair point, Eirlys. I’m assuming you’ve seen that stubborn side of him, then?”

“I have. But, to be honest, I can be just as bad at times.”

“No one is like Thorin, though. He is stubborn to a fault, although it is usually because he thinks he is acting in the best interests of his people.”

“Then he is no different from other rulers. My father is proof of that. He’s quite stubborn himself.” 

“Well, hopefully he doesn’t drive you too mad with it.” Dís’ expression grew serious once more. “Why did you ask him to go up to Ravenhill?

“I didn't ask him, he offered and would not hear of my saying no. Although, I must confess, I was curious about it. I wasn't allowed to join the battle, you know.”

“It’s just as well. From what I understand, it was an ugly day.”

“I know, but…” Eirlys paused, unsure as to how to explain why she’d wished so badly at the time to join the fray. Dís had almost lost her only two children in that battle, along with her only remaining brother. She might not understand any reason for wanting to join in a brutal fight.

“But what?”

Eirlys sighed softly. “I trained alongside my brother from the time I was old enough to wield a blade. But when the time came…” She shrugged. “I was not allowed to leave Mirkwood. I stood by and watched as even Tauriel was dispatched to Dale. Only my maid remained in the palace with me.”

“Your father probably wished only to keep you safe.”

“Be that as it may, I wanted to stand alongside the others and fight with them, and that’s probably why I was curious about Ravenhill. And as I said, I offered to remove Thorin’s memories of it, but he said no.” Eirlys sat back with another shrug. “But, it was a nice outing, just the same.”

“Until Dwalin appeared.”

Eirlys hesitated, not at all certain she should agree. But then, she nodded. “I know Thorin has his duties and one of them is taking meetings even if they happen at inopportune moments, but I’d be lying if I said it didn't trouble me.”

“Which is understandable, and I’ll wager Thorin wasn't too happy, either. Bard isn’t exactly one of his favorite people.”

“Is there bad blood between them?”

Now it was Dís’ turn to hesitate. “There was, yes, but Thorin was not entirely himself when it happened, so… so I think you should probably ask him about it, for it is not my story to tell, suffice to say that he and Bard managed to bury the hatchet, so to speak, and now are not entirely friends, but I think it safe to say they are allies.”

“My father has had dealings with Bard of Dale, both now and when he was in Esgaroth, but I never heard of anyone aside from the former Master of Esgaroth having trouble with him.”

“I’ve not had much in the way of dealing with him at all,” Dís told her, “and I prefer to keep it that way.”

Eirlys chuckled as she bobbed her head. “You and me, both. Although, it most likely won’t matter, as I don't think Thorin will be including me in much of his royal matters.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure, if I was you,” Dís told her seriously. “In time, I imagine he will see and treat you as an equal partner, if he isn’t already.”

“Why would he? We’ve only just come to know each other, and our courtship was that in name only, as we met and were married within a few days.”

“True, but I know my brother.” Dís offered up a serene smile. “He will be including you in any and all decisions he might make. You might be of Erebor, or of our people, but make no mistake, you are the queen and he would never make a decision without at least consulting you.

“But,” her smile faded and her expression grew serious, “that doesn’t mean he will alway do what you suggest. He will always put the interests of Erebor and his people first.”

“You say that as if I should expect him to bow down to my wishes at every turn,” Eirlys replied, shaking her head, “but I would never expect such a thing. He knows your people far better than I ever will and while I’ve not known him a long time, I would have to be blind to not see how he leads and how seriously he takes that duty. I think it’s why he and my father butted heads. They are very much alike.”

“Don't let Thorin hear you say that.”

Eirlys couldn't help her laugh. “Nor would I let my father hear it, either. But, that doesn’t make it any less true.” She sat back. “Does Bard visit here often? I know you’ve said there was bad blood between them.”

“Often enough. Back when the dwarves first arrived at Esgaroth, my fool brother offered them a share in this mountain’s wealth.” Dís raised her hands to slowly arc them over her head and down. “Very well, I don't suppose it would cause any harm to tell you why there was that bad blood, as it came about in the aftermath of Smaug’s attack, but I assume you know of that? I’d imagine word bus have spread in regards to it.”

“No,” Eirlys confessed softly, “I’m afraid I don’t know much about it, really. My father kept me fairly well sequestered away from what was happening here, too afraid I’d ride off after Legolas and Tauriel and get myself killed.”

Dís hesitated then. “Perhaps you should but ask Thorin about that. It’s a part of his history that he isn’t entirely comfortable with.”

“The dragon sickness?” Eirly offered, keeping her voice low. “No, I don't need to ask him about that, for it was the one thing my father spoke of before he rode out to Dale to offer aid to the survivors of Esgaroth after the town burned.”

Dís nodded slowly. “Yes, Dragon sickness. A terrible thing, that. Smaug had made his home here for nearly a century and that taints gold and treasure unlike anything other in the world. It wasn't his fault, of course, but it clouded his judgement and made him greedy, just as it did our grandfather. 

“But, he’s since recovered, thankfully, and in the process, his greed has waned and he has made good on his promise to help rebuild both Esgaroth and Dale. Which was quite fair, really, when you consider how he and the Company unleashed that blasted dragon upon them to begin with.”

“So, Bard is here because he is in need of more money?”

“No, not likely. Thorin has been more than generous when it comes to that.” The beads in dis’ beard clacked with more force with this shake of her head. “No, it’s probably trouble with vendors or tradesmen. After the fire, so many scattered to the four corners of Middle Earth and left behind were those not quite so skilled, or more interested in making a quick piece than doing actual work. The last time Bard appeared on our doorstep, it was because the lumber man was trying to charge twice his quoted and agreed upon price. He backed down very quickly when Thorin turned up on his doorstep.”

“I can only imagine.”

Dís’ eyes flicked up, above Eirlys’ shoulder, and she smiled. “And seeing as how he doesn’t look ready to pull someone’s head off, I’d say the meeting went well.”

Eirlys twisted about to see Thorin standing in the arched doorway to the Great Hall with a dark-haired man who stood nearly a foot taller. Bard of Dale, no doubt. Both men looked to be in a fair mood, and whatever Thorin was saying to him, the Master of Dale’s white teeth flashed in a smile in response. 

Then Thorin glanced over and Eirlys’ heart skipped a beat at the slow smile that lifted his lips. She couldn't help but return it, a teasing heat rising in her cheeks when Bard glanced over, most likely to see why Thorin smiled the way he did, and he smiled as well.

Man and dwarf parted ways there, with Bard disappearing from view, heading toward the entrance, no doubt, while Thorin came into the Great Hall and crossed over to them. “Dís, tell me you are not interrogating my bride so soon after our arrival.”

“I’m doing no such thing. In fact,” Dís smiled as she rose from her chair, “she and I were just having a lovely chat. And now, I will leave the two of you. I have some correspondence that I need answer.”

“Enjoy. And tell Dáin he still owes me for the two barrels of mead he pilfered the last time he was here.”

“I will. Eirlys, I wholly enjoyed talking with you. I hope we might do it again sometime, perhaps over tea?”

“I’d like that,” she replied with a smile. 

“As would I.” Dís turned to her brother. “Thorin, I’ll see you at supper.”

“Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”

As Dís took herself off, Eirlys turned back to Thorin. “I hope your meet with Bard went well.”

A low sigh leaked through Thorin’s teeth as he sank into the chair next to hers. “It did, but it’s exhausting, working with some of these tradesmen. There are days when I’d gladly like to tell them all where they might go and get them out of my hair for good.”

“Dís has mentioned you’ve had less than pleasant dealings with them.”

“I’ll be glad when Esgaroth and Dale are both restored to their former glory. Then the Bowman will remain in Dale and not show up on our doorstep on a weekly basis.”

“Bowman?”

“That’s who he was when I met him. He only became the Master of Dale when Esgaroth burned and the Master there was killed. He is a competent enough leader, fair and mindful of the needs of his people, but he is also stubborn and not fond of being flexible.”

Without thinking, she leaned her head against his shoulder. “That sounds like someone else I know.”

The low rumble of his chuckle vibrated through her. “You’ve come to know me well, mesmel.”

“What does that mean?”

“What does what mean?”

“Mesmel. You use it so often, but I don't know its meaning.”

“Come,” he told her, rising and holding out a hand, “I promised you a place where you could safely go to see the sun and sky, and I’ll tell you when we get there.”

“When we get there?” She rose alongside him, letting her hand come to rest in his. “Is it far?”

“Not far at all.” His fingers tightened about hers. “You’ll see.” 

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This is a legitimate and damaging cultural shift for all involved parties and it needs to be addressed.

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Found this whilst looking for something else...

hidden treasure

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