|
Ammie, and the rest of the company, collectively gasped as Thorin, not Fili, was the one to catch Naerwyn before she fell. It was the last person they had all expected to spring to action, even Gandalf. Ammie suddenly clasped her hands to her chest, eyes sparkling. Thorin had been so amazing right then—she couldn't help herself! Even if he pretended not to care about the elf woman, he did! His reflexes had given him away!
Fili's heart fluttered with relief that Uncle Thorin had caught her. He would have done so himself if she was not several steps away already! “Uncle,” he gushed with admiration, beaming. He glanced at Kili and grinned. Perhaps things would work out, after all! But then it hit him as Elrond passed Naerwyn into Lindir's arms—would he ever see the elf woman again? Fili's brow wrinkled with worry and he unwittingly stepped forward. “Naerwyn,” he called before he could stop himself. “When shall I see you?” Elrond babbled something in his native tongue, mischief glittering in his eyes. The majority of the dwarves took offense simply because they did not comprehend his works. “Does he mean us insult?!” one of them shouted, and his comrades brandished their arms menacingly. Gandalf chuckled. “No, my dear fellows. Lord Elrond offers you a meal, and beds to sleep in.” “Oh.” The dwarves hushed and began whispering frantically amongst themselves. The same dwarf replied. “Then we accept. Lead on.” Bilbo grinned and nodded excitedly. He wanted more than anything to see the inside of Rivendell, and perhaps peruse the elve's libraries! ~~~ Ammie revealed her gender to some of the female elves, and they immediately confiscated her from the group for the remainder of the afternoon. They tittered over her dirtied garments and removed them, bathed her despite ardent protests of “being able to do it on her own”, and clothed her in a long, burgundy gown with gold embroidery. Since she was so tiny compared to elf women, she supposed they'd given her a child's dress to borrow for the evening. Following that, the elves combed and decorated her hair with tiny white blossoms. At the conclusion of her torture, the women shoved Ammie in front of mirror. She barely recognized the reflection staring back at her. Even in the Shire, as a member of the well-off Took family, she'd never worn finer clothes. On purpose. It was quite irritating, really, since Ammie didn't think she did the gown justice. She felt silly, more than anything; especially since its bodice caused her cleavage to pop out in a particularly noticeable manner. Ammie managed to escape before the elf women could do any more damage to her appearance, and located her uncle in the elven libraries. After all, she, too, bore an enormous passion for books and knowledge. Maybe they had texts regarding the stones they could find along the river and in the mountains? She beamed, and as she scanned the book's titles she trailed her fingers across their spines. She'd seen her first mountains that day, and her heart warmed at the prospect. In fact, she'd heard some of the dwarves saying they would cross the Misty Mountains after leaving Rivendell! She'd be able to see the mountains up close and take samples! |
Naerwyn found comfort in Lindir's arms, but not like Fili's. She felt safe, but not protected. There was a deep sense of loss filling her chest. Lindir was warm, but not nearly as warm as Fili's arms were. And masculinity? Don't get her started on comparing the two's masculinity. Or rather, Lindir's lack thereof.
He turned and made to carry her away, but halted when Fili's voice rang out. He turned again and allowed Naerwyn to look upon Fili. She shook her head, her brow knitting with slight worry, "I do not know." And with that, Lindir hurried away. Naerwyn needed the healers and couldn't wait any longer. The entire Company, Thorin included, was grateful to be offered food and a warm, dry place to sleep for the night. They were taken through the city to large, luxurious guest quarters. Thorin was given a room to himself, but the rest shared a room together. Not that they minded, they preferred each other's company. It was merely out of respect that Thorin was offered a little more privacy. He took the time to wash up. Water and oils were brought for him and even a change of clothes. He snorted at the clothes and chose to keep his own. He accepted the oils, however. Even he had to admit it. He stank. He couldn't have cared less what the Elves thought of that fact, but he didn't want to go to dinner, seated next to a certain....ahem....Hobbit....and smell like an Orc. He used the water and soaps to scrub away the dirt and grime of the road, then rubbed some of the oil into his skin. He chose the manliest scent he could find, soaked a cloth with it, and dabbed his clothes with the cloth. He even combed some through his hair! He was determined to smell a little more..pleasant for dinner that evening. Kili dropped his things in a spot tucked away in a corner in their shared room. He stripped off his coat and his various belts and plopped down, happy to take some rest without having to worry about jumping up at a moment's notice. But there was one thing he noticed. Fili's restlessness. Kili gave an agitated sigh and went to his brother. He put a hand on Fili's shoulder and looked his brother in the eye, "What has gotten into you? Brother, is there something wrong?" |
Fili, snapped out of his depressed reverie by his brother's voice, turned to Kili with a sigh of his own. “Sorry... I know I should be my cheery self, as per usual, but I...” He clasped Kili's free hand and lowered his eyes. “Earlier, when they were taking Naerwyn away, I realized that I might never see her again. Now that we have transported her safely to her people, she'll want to stay here. We have no use for her on our journey and you know Uncle will not allow her to come along even if she asked.”
Fili wanted to punch his fist into the wall with frustration. How could a woman, and an elf woman at that, make him feel so vulnerable?! He'd had infatuations before. Young men, dwarf or not, were frequently interested in women even if they'd never spoken. Naerwyn was beautiful, as most elves were, but it wasn't that necessarily. There was something about her that he could not get out of his head, no matter how he tried nor how much he drank from his flask. “There's something about her,” he groaned. He was glad to have his brother to vent to. Kili was always so understanding about these things. It helped that it had happened to Kili in the past as well. “We haven't spoken at length, but I believe that if we were to...You know, talk, we would be similar somehow.” He looked up at his brother with ardent determination. “I must see her again, Kili. I don't know how, but I must.” After a couple of hours perusing books with Bilbo, an elf came into the library to announce dinner. Bilbo got up to follow the elf to the dining hall, but noticed Ammie lingering behind. “Ammie, what's wrong?” he asked. Ammie wrung her hands together nervously, brows disappearing under her auburn bangs. “Uncle Bilbo,” she said. “I'm embarrassed.” She gestured to the dress. Bilbo laughed, smiling and shaking his head in disbelief. “Ammie, you look lovely. I promise.” “No, I don't!” she wailed, but Bilbo seized her hand and dragged her out into the hallway. She wriggled free and ran to a window, grasping the end of a curtain and cocooning it around her body. “You go,” she insisted. “I'll be there later, when there are fewer... Witnesses.” She thought of a certain...Dwarf... And found herself on the verge of hyperventilating. She had no idea why. Dressing like a boy in front of him gave her courage, but the concept of appearing at all womanly to him now terrified her. Bilbo gave an aggravated sigh and threw up his hands in surrender. He stomped off down the hall to join the others. He did not understand Ammie's reticence. What sane hobbit procrastinated eating?! |
Kili listened while Fili explained the inner war waging inside of him. Kili understood exactly what Fili was going through and for a moment, it brought up the memories from his own experience with a woman. He gave a sigh and shook his head, "You are right about that, Fili. Bringing her along is out of the question. It's down right absurd."
It wasn't until Fili mentioned seeing her again did Kili truly know just how serious Fili was. He glanced over his shoulder at the others while they waited, quite impatiently, for dinner. He huffed and contemplated what he was about to say. Once he was sure about it, he let it spill, "Well, it would seem, brother, that you aren't really needed here. ....Go find her, Fili. I'll cover for you." He clapped a hand down on his older brother's shoulder and gave him a warm smile. Thorin anxiously anticipated dinner and when it was finally announced, he hurried down the hall, looking this way and that for Ammie. When eh didn't see her, his heart sunk a little. He didn't see Gandalf just yet, either, so he figured he had a little time. Catching Bilbo, he looked down at the Hobbit and gave him a serious look, "Where is Ammie? Was she not with you?" |
Bilbo Baggins, before arriving at the dining hall, ran into the leader of their quest. At first he thought the king had something important or dire to ask of him, and he stiffened noticeably. But no. Instead, Mr. Oakenshield inquired as to the whereabouts of his niece. H gave Thorin a peculiar look, and the gears in his little head began to turn. Just what was Thorin's interest in Ammie? Was it fatherly? Had she done something wrong? He suspected another sentiment entirely, but Bilbo had only one way of being certain.
“Oh, I last saw her in the library when an elf announced dinner,” he said. He angled himself in the direction he'd come from, pointing. “But she's hiding down the hall someplace. She's a tad embarrassed over the dress the elves put her in. Can't imagine why. I think she looks nice. Well, see you inside?” Bilbo gave a curt nod to the dwarf and breezed into the dining room. He'd told the truth to Thorin, in the most manipulative of fashions. If his instincts were correct, Bilbo could expect Ammie's presence sooner rather than later. Fili's blue eyes brightened with excitement at Kili's suggestion. “Y-Yes!” he cried eagerly, clasping his brother's shoulders firmly. “Yes, I think I will! Thank you, brother. You are a lifesaver, and the best brother a man could hope for!” He shot up to his feet and warily glanced towards the other grumbling dwarves. He'd taken the majority of his ungainly armor off, so dressed only in a simple brown tunic and fur vest he could slip by his comrades unnoticed. He would put his stealth to further use! Once in the corridors of Elrond's palace, he asked the first elf he met for the location of Rivendell's infirmary. Unless elf healers worked exceedingly quickly, he would assuredly find Naerwyn there. It was quite a walk from the palace, but when he arrived he took a deep breath. He realized that his stomach was twisting itself into anxious knots. Would she be there? Would he be allowed to see her tonight, before he and his companions departed on the next piece of their journey? Fili went inside the structure and did it. He asked for Naerwyn's room. |
Thorin glanced down the hallway, raising a brow at the notion of her hiding. It sounded ridiculous, her hiding over a silly dress. Thorin thanked Bilbo curtly and went down the hall. Checking his clothes and giving his hair a toss, he looked around for her. He hadn't been expecting her to be wrapped in a curtain by the library.
Amused, Thorin crossed his arms and leaned his weight onto one foot. He tapped the other quietly and cleared his throat quite loudly, "Just what are you doing?" Naerwyn was indeed still in the infirmary and with how her healing was going, she wouldn't be leaving until at least the following day. Although, due to her wounds lacking poisons or witchcraft of any kind, most of them had closed and caused her no more pain. The only thing left, for the time being, were reddish-pink welts on her skin. All except her hip, of course. The wound was closed, but still very tender. Blacks and blues swirled together under her skin, creating quite an unsightly bruise on her otherwise flawless skin. she had been bathed while in the infirmary, which pleased her greatly. Her pale blonde hair had been washed, combed, then dried and braided. Her skin was free of grime and dried blood and a new gown covered her formerly injured skin. It was green with gold embroidered accents. It was a nice color against her pale skin. The neckline swooped down over her chest, but revealed nothing. The top of the gown was very tasteful. The bottom, however, was not. The gown was slit clear to her hip, but it had a very useful purpose. While it wouldn't be proper dinner attire, the slit gave the Healer's easy access to her wound. Naerwyn had been relaxing in her bed when she was informed that she had a visitor. A visitor? Her brow knit in confusion. Who would be visiting her? She told the elf to let whomever it was in right away and she stood up to greet them. She was able to put more pressure on her leg than she could before, but she still hobbled slightly. |
Ammie pouted her lips over the chance of missing food (or rather, delaying food; no hobbit missed a meal entirely). If it weren't for this stupid dress she would be sitting there, in the dining hall with her uncle and the rest of the party, indulging in elven cuisine! She had no inkling of what elven cuisine tasted like, but she thought it had to be sublime.
In the midst of waiting, Ammie pressed her face against the window in an uncomely manner. She made faces at passing elves in the hopes that one might look up and see her. Their appalled reaction would be worth her troubles, she thought. But a familiar, quiet voice spoke from behind her. “Just what are you doing?” The female squeaked with surprise (she did that often) and twitched, grasping wildly at the curtain she'd wrapped around herself. Well, now Ammie had no choice, did she? How was she supposed to explain her compromising position to the king of dwarves? “T-Terrorizing elves?” she offered uncertainly, reluctantly letting the curtain fall away from her silly dress. She blushed, averting her eyes and plucking nervously at her skirt. ~~~ Fili's spirits soared—he'd been admitted into the infirmary without question. Naerwyn was still here and she had agreed to see him. He checked his reflection in the window, quickly fixing his hair and beard, and followed the elf who would lead him to her. Fili burst into the chamber with boundless enthusiasm. “Fair one!” he greeted, beaming, but his blue eyes widened as he took in the sight of her. They raked down slowly from her clean face and hair to her feet. Truthfully, he had not expected her to be standing when he arrived...And certainly not wearing such an attractive gown. Fili loved green; it was his favorite color. But he loved it all the more now, adorning Naerwyn and embellished with gold. What he loved most about it was the revealing slit in the skirt revealing the elf woman's long and shapely leg. It hardly mattered to him that she stood taller than himself. “I...I had to see you again,” he gushed. He thought to move to her, and take her hands in his, but something held him back. Was he anxious over her reception of him? Perhaps she did not see him in the way he saw her. They barely knew one another, in the end. |
Thorin let out an uncharacteristic laugh and stepped up to her. He looked down at her and studied the dress she wore. It was very different from her other clothes and it would take a little getting used to, but it wasn't an unpleasant sight.
Thorin cupped her chin and brought her eyes up to meet his own. He gave her a small smile and spoke softly, "Your Uncle told me you've been hiding. What are you hiding from?" When Fili burst into the room, Naerwyn smiled brightly. "Hello, Fili." Naerwyn stood still, taking in the sight of him as well. She realized very quickly that he gave her legs a lingering look and she suddenly felt very self conscious. It was not an appropriate garment to wear in front of a man she hardly knew. But as they stood still, she became aware of something else. When flat footed, Naerwyn barely stood taller than Fili. It was not a trait she was proud of. She was either a very short elf or he was a very tall Dwarf. Judging by the size of his Uncle, he figured Fili's blood allowed him to grow taller than what was considered normal, but she still worried that Fili would suddenly find her odd. Unlike the rest. Not a 'real' elf. She kenw better than the think such things, but she couldn't read him. He didn't move. Was he regretting coming to her? |
Ammie sincerely wondered how she did not faint. She felt Thorin's eyes roaming over her dress and her cheeks flushed fiercely with color. He had been the one that she felt... Self-conscious over seeing. But before she knew what was happening, she felt the dwarf's fingers on her chin again. He lifted her face, causing her wide hazel eyes to lock with his piercing blue ones.
She trembled slightly. It was so, so incredibly difficult to look at Thorin directly. Especially up close, he was...The hobbit girl could never, ever deny it...He was terribly handsome. Liking gazing into the sun! 'Auugggh!' Ammie's mind shrieked. It was an enormous struggle to even speak...Actual...Words... “My d-dress,” she stammered. “It looks...Stupid...Didn't want anyone to s-see me.” She didn't mean to be, but she was subconsciously clutching Thorin's sleeve tightly between her fingers...As if holding on for dear life. ~~~ Fili found himself confused by Naerwyn's reaction. She smiled brightly and greeted him. But once she caught him staring at her leg, her face fell. The dwarf metally slapped himself in the face. This was an elven maiden! Of course! He remembered something about...About elven propriety, and behaving properly in the presence of a woman. Even if it was fine for his people, to be more crass or openly admit their desire for someone... That was frowned upon here, wasn't it? He was an idiot. “I'm sorry,” he apologized. “I didn't mean to look. Please forgive me.” The expression on the fair elf's face caused him to recoil somewhat. Perhaps apologizing had drawn further, unnecessary attention to his mistake. He floundered to change the subject. “H-How are you feeling, fair one? Have the healers attended you well?” He found his legs carrying him towards her despite himself. He stood about a foot away, his hands itching to take hers and bring them to his lips. But he had to refrain. He had to be a gentleman...Didn't he? He did not want to make Naerwyn uncomfortable...Even if all he wanted was to tell her that he did not want to leave Rivendell, never to lay eyes on her again. |
Thorin smiled down at her again and very gently stroked her cheek, "Why would you ever think that? You look wonderful. The color suits you very well." Thorin gave a little mocking sigh and stepped back slightly, "I was going to ask for you to accompany me to dinner, but...I suppose if you'd rather stay here..." Thorin was teasing? He could do that? ......Who was this man?! And what did he do with their King?!
Naerwyn looked up to him when he apologized for looking at her in such a hungry way. She gave him a small smile, a blush rising in her cheeks. Her leg had grown tired and she sat down, slowly onto the bed. Patting the space beside her, she smiled, "They have treated me very well. I feel no pain, save for a dull ache where the arrow hit me. I understand that, though. One can't expect to be free of pain in such a few short hours. But the other wounds are gone, save for a red mark here or there. And those, too, will fade with time." Naerwyn tried her best to keep her leg covered, but the way the dress was cut, it was difficult to get it to stay put. She shivered lightly when a cool breeze from the window hit her exposed flesh. She blushed deeply and squirmed awkwardly. |
Ammie could not have possibly blushed harder than she did after Thorin's compliment, as it had been paired with his fingers stroking across her cheek. This...Could not be... Could he possibly find her....Appealing? Physically, in the way that women were supposed to be? No, he couldn't. It was impossible! Or...Was it? “I suppose it matches my hair,” she muttered shyly.
Ammie chewed on her lower lip, taken aback by the dwarf's teasing. She felt as though the man had been replaced by an almost younger, more flirtatious twin. She did not know how to respond, immediately. And yet, she wanted to. Oh, she really, really wanted to go with him. The hobbit female caught the dwarf's sleeve again before he could walk away. “I-If I go with you,” she asked cautiously. “A-Am I to sit beside you? For the e-entire evening?” Oh,what a heavenly, horrifying thought! ~~~ Fili's blue eyes flickered to the space on the bed beside Naerwyn, that she indicated to him. A bed. Fili cleared his throat and seated himself next to the elf woman abruptly. Before he could overthink the situation. “I am glad to hear it,” he admitted sincerely. “I am only happy that we were able to transport you here, to Rivendell, on time. You will be ship-shape in no time, I'd wager.” He laughed, though with a touch of nervousness. “Elf healers... They are something, I must admit. No dwarf healer I've heard of is nearly as skilled.” He slid his hand across the bed covers, allowing it to creep closer and closer to Naerwyn's. Would she reject him? No, no, he had to try! There was no time!! The blond-haired dwarf placed his hand over the elf woman's and pulled it gently into his lap. He rested his other hand on top of it. “Azbud men Naerwyn,” he said seriously. “You must tell me.” A breeze teased the woman's dress up and he tried to keep his gaze from wandering down to her leg again. He had to continue. “...Do I imagine this?” he asked finally, with some effort. “This attraction? Please...Tell me I am not alone. What do you think of me, fair one?” |
Thorin nodded gently, "Yes, you will be seated with me." He made a note of how nervous she was, finding it rather endearing. Thorin made to offer her his arm, but hesitated. He had something to say before they went to dinner.
"Ammie?" he began, "I wanted to apologize to you. I never meant to upset you. Back there in the woods. I hope you can forgive me somehow." Naerwyn smiled lightly when Fili spoke of how grateful he was for their speed. A blush rose in her cheeks, "I must thank you, Fili. Your kindness saved me. Yours, your brother's, and your Hobbit friend, Ammie. Truly, Fili, I thank you from the bottom of my heart." She smiled at his mention of Dwarf healers, "I am sure they are quite skilled in their own way." Naerwyn's heart fluttered when Fili took her hand. Blushing, she watched him closely. His tenderness was astounding. She never expected tenderness from a Dwarf. He looked so gruff and yet, he was so soft. When he asked what she thought of him, though, she found herself speechless. She thought for a long moment about his question. What did she think? She met him only that morning. She took a careful breath, "Fili. I have just met you, but in that time, I have seen a very kind, tender, caring male in you. And I would be a liar to call you anything, but very handsome." She looked up to him, shivering against the cool breeze that once again sailed through the windows. |
Ammie wanted to squeal with joy! If she was seated next to the king of dwarves, she could pester him with as many questions as she wanted regarding dwarven mines, and mountains, and rocks! Surely someone like Thorin knew about those things? She'd read that all dwarves were trained in forges from a young age.
He had been just about to offer her his arm, when the dwarf said something else that shocked Ammie greatly. He apologized over his behavior in the woods earlier that day. Had it been weighing on his mind all this time? Such humility...What a wonderful quality in a king! Ammie shyly curled her hand around Thorin's elbow, blushing, and allowed him to walk her to the dining area. “I forgave you when you caught her on the bridge,” she admitted. “You pretend to be cruel, but I think it is just your painful memories that haunt you. You aren't truly cruel. What changed your mind about her?” ~~~ Fili's chest puffed with pride when Naerwyn expressed her gratitude towards himself, his brother, and Ammie. In the back of his mind he worried that, had he not been so taken with her, or if she had been a make of her kind, he would have cared far less... But in reality, things had occurred in this fashion and their paths had crossed. He had saved her, and he was very glad for that. “I did what any honorable person would do,” he said dismissively, but grinned. “My brother is a good man and Ammie... Well, she's a hobbit. I figure hobbits are pretty reliable in that aspect. Her uncle is an incredible host for parties.” However, once the elf maiden began to describe her feelings towards Kili, the dwarf felt very overwhelmed indeed. Particularly since she did not retract her hand from his. He absentmindedly—or deliberately—stroked his fingers over hand as she spoke. Her pallid complexion was startlingly more appealing with a rosy tinge coloring her cheeks. So, she admired him. She admired him in all the correct ways. A soaring sensation rose in his chest. Why follow her words with more words? His confidence had returned. Fili lifted a hand, allowing it to drift along Naerwyn's jawline tenderly. He turned her face towards him and brushed his lips gently across hers. |
Thorin walked with her toward the dining hall. He listened to her carefully as they walked together. Perhaps he wasn't as cruel as he let on. When she asked him what had changed his mind, he wanted to tell her what she wanted to hear. That he had realized that Naerwyn was not to blame for Thranduil's betrayal. And maybe that was one of the reasons, but instead, he told her of another one.
"Fili," he began, "Something has him completely enthralled and I do not believe that it is Elf magic. As much as I wanted it not to be true, I think, perhaps, it might be love at first sight." He took a slow breath and let out a long sigh, "I promised his mother that I would take care of him. I can't allow him to go around with a broken heart." As they reached the dining hall, he murmured quietly to her, "All he would do is whine and cry." He cracked a small smirk, but it fell when they entered the hall. Naerwyn breathed a small laugh when she mentioned Ammie's Uncle's party prowess. He was right, of course. Kili was a good man, even if she only saw a small bit of him. She watched his fingers stroke her hand while she explained what she was feeling for him. Her heart pounded in her chest and she felt a tad faint. Fili had quieted down after his mention of his comrades. He just listened to what she had to say. When she finished, however, his actions surprised Naerwyn. He had reached up tenderly and turned her face toward his own. But a moment passed and Fili's lips were against Naerwyn's. She didn't know what to do. It wasn't as if the feeling was unpleasant! It was quite the opposite. But what was she to do? Kiss him in return? Should she touch his face? Tilt her head? She had never been kissed before and had no idea what to do! In the end, she just leaned into the kiss, her eyes falling closed. She had expected his beard to be scratchy and uncomfortable, but it was almost...gosh, dare she even think it? ...Arousing. The way it brushed against her sensitive skin. It was enough to drive her wild. |
Love at first sight? Ammie supposed it made sense, given Fili's initial reaction to Naerwyn. She had assumed it was due to her beauty and nothing more. Naerwyn was astoundingly pretty, Ammie thought. She'd never seen a dwarf woman, but she imagined an elf woman had to be better. Elf women were better than everyone. And men were highly attached to the physical. But love at first sight? Did that even exist? Her thoughts drifted to the majestic dwarf on her arm. She found him vastly appealing to be certain, but Ammie felt she could never truly love someone without knowing them.
“I see,” she murmured, squinting her eyes. But she didn't. “I thought 'love at first sight' was just... Infatuation. Or...” Her voice became very tiny. “Lust.” She coughed and immediately tried to cover up that awkward word. “Though I understand Fili would be difficult to adventure with if he was heartsick.” It was bizarre to be discussing this subject with Thorin. It felt like an indirect reference to her own situation, somehow, but she dared not mention anything and herself. Ammie caught Thorin's final smirk as they entered the dining room, which quickly dissapated. Most of the dwarves were present, save for Fili. Gandalf and Elrond had not yet entered. She locked eyes with her own uncle from across the table. Bilbo appeared pleased with himself over something. ~~~ Fili immensely enjoyed kissing Naerwyn, but something troubled him. She leaned heavily into the kiss, but remained perfectly still as his lips moved against hers. Perhaps she was very shy? The blond dwarf took her face into his hands and deepened the kiss to coax a different reaction. He teased her bottom lip with the tip of his tongue, combing a hand back through her platinum-colored hair. It occurred to him, after a moment, that perhaps Naerwyn genuinely had no idea what she was doing. It was very sweet and endearing, the idea of her innocence...But it also made Fili nervous. Had he been too forward? Too forceful? Fili slowly broke from her lips with a wistful sigh, dragging his eyelids open. His hand had, at some point, came to rest on the curve of her neck. Her lovely, pale, feminine neck that he longed to kiss. “Too soon?” he breathed with an anxious grin. |
Thorin thought about her statement. It could have just been lust. It wasn't an outrageous idea. He nodded lightly, but gave a small shrug along with it, "This is true, it could be. I hadn't thought of that. For his sake, I do hope it is lust." When he stepped up to the table, he released Ammie's arm and pulled her chair out for her. "Lust is easier to over come. Although, if I know Fili as well as I think I do, he isn't one to throw his heart around like a piece of meat. He's always been rather...guarded when it came to that sort of thing. I think he'll be just fine."
Naerwyn's mind was racing, her heart felt like it was going to explode, and her stomach was twisted in painful, nervous knots. She was absolutely astounded that a man would make her feel as if she would die at any moment. Her hands found their way to his chest, threading through the fur of his collar and clutching at the leather underneath. Her body relaxed against him and she found herself mimicking his actions. Her lips moved, hesitantly at first, along with his. When Fili deepened his kiss, Naerwyn's mind had ceased attempting to grasp thought. His hands had come up to her face, then went back into her hair. And for the love of Eru, he used his tongue! Naerwyn took a gasping breath through her nose and shivered against him. When he pulled back, there was a pause, then her blue yes fluttered open and looked deep into his. Her lips tingled and her heart still pounded beneath her breast. When she asked her the question, it didn't even register that he spoke. She blinked upon realizing she looked like a fool and shook her head. It was then that a wide grin spread across her pink lips. She looked down and a very girlish giggle escaped her. It was light and musical, but silly all the same. Her face had gone a deep red and she found it hard making eye contact with him. She glanced up to his perfect eyes and said in a light voice, barely above a whisper, "I never took you for a thief, Fili." |
Ammie sat down in the chair that Thorin produced for her. She chewed on her lower lip, mulling over the man's words. Perhaps he was correct. She hardly knew Fili, whereas Thorin was Fili's uncle. But it hardly mattered right now. Ammie was still trying to wrap her head around her own emotions. What did she know about infatuations, lust, or love? She'd had no experience with those topics beyond the company of her books. They were foreign concepts that happened to other people, not her.
“If he truly is in love,” she murmured, “How will he be fine? After all, he'll have to leave Naerwyn here when we continue on to Greenwood...” Ammie dared not look at Thorin after that comment. Even if he repented over his mistreatment of Naerwyn, Thorin would never allow the elf to come along. Not without a fight, anyway. “...You don't need any more burdens,” she continued, changing the subject. “Uncle Bilbo and I have been enough trouble for you. I will ask Kili to teach me to fight tomorrow, so you won't have to worry about me anymore.” ~~~ Fili twitched, startled by Naerwyn's sudden girlish giggle. Her teasing words confirmed his suspicious, and the blonde dwarf blushed...In the manliest way possible. He took his hand off her neck and covered his mouth. He didn't want her to see his face turning that red, so he angled himself away from her on the bed. “S-Sorry,” he muttered, his voice coming out slightly muffled. “I didn't know...” Regardless of any guilt he might have felt over this being her first experience with a man, Fili did not regret confessing his attraction to the elf. And he certainly did not regret kissing her, even if perhaps it would have been more gentlemanly to wait until they were better acquainted. “I hope you... Enjoyed it, as least,” he teased after a moment, in an effort to regain his composure. Fili took Naerwyn's hands into his hands again and smiled. No matter! He was content to simply look at her. “I will be sad to leave you,” he said mournfully, after a moment. “Although I know you will need time to recover. There are so many questions I want to ask about you.” |
Thorin sat down next to her, glancing to Gandalf and Lord Elrond as they joined the table. He leaned back in the chair and gave the tiniest of shrugs, "He won't be. There lies the issue. I am praying he hasn't fallen for her. He won't be able to bare leaving her, never to set eyes on her again."
Thorin gave a nod of thanks to an elf woman that leaned in and poured him a glass of wine. She moved down and poured a glass for Ammie as well, then moved on down the table. Thorin looked to her as they were served their supper, "Only if that is what you wish. I would not ask you to do something you didn't wish to do just to suit me better." He would not admit out loud that yes, it would help. It would help a lot, in fact, but he wasn't going to force that upon her. This had to be her choice. She had to want to do it. Elrond looked down the table and mentally noted something. One of Thorin's company was missing. He glanced to Gandalf, then looked to Thorin as they began to eat. "Thorin, I do not wish to pry, but I have noticed one of your men are missing. Was he not feeling well? Is there anything we could do?" Naerwyn's neck felt strangely cold when he removed his hand from her skin. She frowned lightly and reached up, turning his face back toward her. She noted the blush, but would make no mention of it, "You needn't be sorry, Fili. I would rather have had it stolen by a Prince, than claimed by an ordinary man." She blushed some when he asked if she enjoyed it. She most certainly did and she longed to ask him to kiss her again, but she couldn't bring herself to. She smiled when he took her hands, "I did enjoy it. Very much. It was wonderful." She tilted her head slightly when he mentioned not wanting to leave her. For a moment, she thought of only leaving her to rest. Then she remembered, he would be leaving soon. Off home, she imagined. She hadn't known why he was out to begin with. And they would most likely never see each other again. The thought almost brought tears to her eyes. She wasn't sure, but Fili was special somehow. It wasn't his Princely title, it was more than that. Something about him, even in the few hours she'd known him, made her blood run hot, her legs turn to jelly, and her heart race. "You may ask me anything. You could ask me questions until dawn, I wouldn't mind. Whatever you wish to know, you need only ask." |
Gandalf, unlike Elrond, did not seem concerned over Fili's absence. He smiled in Thorin's direction, almost secretively, and then his gray-blue eyes drifted in Kili's direction. He stared at Fili's brother casually, but did not look away for some time.
Ammie was confused by Gandalf's behavior, but decided to ignore it and continue her conversation. “I don't want to be useless,” Ammie mumbled. A sudden tension affected her as she thought of how pathetic she must have seemed to the king, in comparison to the others seated at the table. “I wanted to come on this adventure in the first place, so... It follows that I ought to be prepared for bad things to happen. For instance, we didn't expect the trolls, but we still crossed paths.” She took the glass of wine the elf had poured and, in her nervousness, downed the entire thing within a few seconds. It was a large glass of wine for someone of her size. She returned the glass to the table and began putting away her dinner with Bombur's level of enthusiasm. The elf woman from before refilled her glass, and Ammie, shy about making small talk with the dwarf king, emptied it yet again. She probably should have watched the amount of elven wine she'd been consuming, particularly with a normal-sized (not hobbit-sized) glass in front of her. A couple of glasses later, Ammie's insides had turned to jelly. Her head had grown foggy and the more she looked at Thorin, the more majestic he became... And all the more appealing. Her inhibitions slowly began to crumble away. Soon she was ranting about how much she liked mountains, rocks, and mining...And how from a young age, she had always wanted to visit a dwarf kingdom to see how things were done there. “Your people are so fascinating,” she declared, and boldly reaching for one of the braids laced into Thorin's hair, held it across her upper lip as a makeshift mustache. “How do I look?” she giggled. “Do I look like a dwarf?” The female allowed Thorin's hair to drop and she laughed silently, smacking the surface of the table a couple of times. The other dwarves were starting to notice Ammie's bizarre conduct, and immediately took to asking her funny questions about herself or the Shire... Eventually Bofur asked if she could share some hobbit music with them. Bilbo was terribly worried watching her, but all his panic culminated when the female agreed and actually climbed onto the table to perform a song and dance! “Hey! Ho! To the bottle I go! To heal my heart and drown my woe. Rain may fall and wind may blow, But there still be many miles to go!” Bilbo was on the verge of pulling out his hair in clumps. Gandalf laughed goodnaturedly, his eyes twinkling. He could only imagine what Lord Elrond thought of the strange sight! ~~~ Fili laughed at that, smirking playfully. Yes, he always had that going for him. He may not have been an elf male--impressively tall, immortal, and marvelously beautiful... But at least in his Uncle's eyes, he was a prince of Erebor, of the line of Durin. He had a beard, he knew how to work in a forge, and he could fight. He fulfilled all the requirements of manliness by his people's standards. It had been a long time since he doubted his appeal to a woman. Naerwyn's beauty, perhaps, made him feel unworthy. She was so striking to behold. The blonde dwarf leaned towards her and stole another kiss, but a chaste one. He drew back and wetted his lips eagerly with a smile. So many questions to ask...Where to begin? Since first laying eyes on her this morning, he felt Naerwyn had to be remarkable somehow... But it would be interesting to hear just how in her own words. He could only guess what sort of stories the elf maiden had to tell. For starters, her height hinted that perhaps she did not have pure elf lineage. Which one of her parents had been mortal, and was the topic sensitive to her? Fili did not want to ask something that would cause her suffering or offense. He absentmindedly glanced behind Naerwyn at the window, due to her mention of dawn, and at that point he realized that he was terribly late to dinner. The blonde dwarf's face twisted into panic. His uncle would want to know where he was and what he was doing away from their group, out here in the “filthy elven city”. If he were to find Naerwyn with him like this, sitting on a bed with her so scantily clad... Uncle Thorin would throw a fit, and Naerwyn would not be on the fair end of it! “Hold that thought,” Fili said, releasing the girl's hands and standing abruptly. “I lament to inform you of this, but I am horrendously late to dinner with my uncle and the rest of my company.” He paced a couple of times across the room, trying to think of a solution. “I will have to get back,” he said, “But we can meet again later tonight when my companions are asleep. Would you meet me, azbadu men Naerwyn?” He moved to the window and gestured outside, to a large tree growing on the edge of the walkway outside the infirmary. “There? At midnight? Then, truly, I can ask you questions until dawn.” |
Kili had noticed the wizard staring at him, but tried as best he could to ignore it. He wouldn't rat on Fili. He wouldn't. So what if he wasn't at dinner? So what if he went to see a pretty girl? It wasn't anyone's business except Fili's. ..Well, that was his story and he was sticking to it!
He tried to eat in peace, but the wizard's eyes kept on him. He knew! Gandalf knew! This was awful! He fidgeted and squirmed in his seat, ready to burst! "Gaah! He went to see the elf!!" Kili clapped a hand over his mouth, ashamed that he had cracked so easily. He lifted his eyes wearily to Gandalf's, then to Thorin's. Thorin looked down the table, noting Fili's absence. His brow knit tightly and he felt a sharp pain in his temple. Where was he?! Fili was never one to be late for anything, let alone dinner! Thorin noticed Gandalf looking down the table at Kili and Kili's ever increasing nerves. He also noticed something else. Ammie's sudden urge to talk. A lot. Constantly. Non stop. Then she started playing with his hair. Oh, goodness, what had she done? "I think you've had enough wine for this evening." He moved the glass away from her and turned away the serving maiden when she tried to give Ammie more wine. He tried to calm her, but to no avail. Shamelessly, his companions goaded her on with silly questions, suggestions, and even song requests. And to make matters worse, Kili had opened his big mouth about where his brother was! With the elf?! Of all the stupid things Fili could do! What on earth could he possibly need from her?! Their association was over the minute she was turned over to Elrond and his people! Damn him! When she climbed up onto the table, he had certainly seen enough! Muttering a quick apology to Elrond, Thorin got up from the table and took Ammie's arm. He turned her toward himself, then gently pulled her down to lay over his shoulder. Carrying her like a sack of potatoes, he hurried from the dining hall. He dared give her thigh a pinch as he dashed toward his room, "Are you satisfied?! First the scare in the woods, then the elf, now this! You are getting to be quite a handful! ..Literally." Naerwyn's cheeks flushed when he kissed her again and she found herself disappointed that it didn't last longer than a moment. She waited quietly, watching him think of a question to ask her. She tried to brace herself in case he asked anything particularly unexpected. Only, no questions came. Just an excuse to leave. Naerwyn frowned deeply and her lips pouted. He was leaving her. Leaving to go to dinner with his Uncle. The same Uncle that would have left her to die without Ammie and Fili's protests. When he gestured out the window and asked her to meet him there, she got up and limped over to see where. She looked at the large tree and committed it o memory. She nodded and smiled to him, "Of course I will come. I will meet you there at midnight." |
A soon as Kili confessed his brother's location, Gandalf had looked away with yet another secretive smile. The rest of the party didn't seem too thrilled by it, however. In fact, some of the dwarves began to curse over the thought of Thorin's nephew associating with she-elves and scolding Kili over it. Perhaps they thought Thorin would have a harsh word or two about it as well...But he already had his hands full with the drunken Ammie. Bilbo shrank into his seat, covering his ears so he would not have to listen to the chaos at the table. He glanced up just in time to see Thorin Oakenshield slinging his niece over his shoulder and carrying her off down the hall. Bilbo stood up abruptly, reaching his hand out in the direction of Ammie and yelled, trying to ask where Thorin was taking her..But he could not be heard amidst the shouts of the other dwarves.
Ammie was vaguely aware of being turned and moved, and then suddenly she was dangling over someone's shoulder. She looked down the man's back at the ground passing beneath them. The elves had pretty tile-work. After watching the floor for a bit she tried to identify who exactly it was who was carrying her, and she recognized the clothing. It was Thorin carrying her somewhere! After he spoke, and suddenly pinched her leg, Ammie let out a squeak and then giggled. Was Ammie in trouble? She found the prospect even more amusing somehow, and giggled some more. “Where are we going?” she asked between giggles. “Where are you taking me?” A few moments later she found herself dropping backgrounds onto something soft for once, and looking up at the ceiling instead of the floor. Thorin had laid her carefully down on a bed. The hobbit female wriggled around on the blankets a bit, glad for the cushioned feeling after two long, very tiring days. She yawned against the back of her hand, and then turned her head on the pillow to stare up at Thorin. The room started spinning a little. At least, it did when she did not concentrate her gaze on the dwarf. Her dress had slipped down her shoulder somewhat, and her skirt had hiked up to her knees from twisting around so much. “Come here,” she said dreamily, beckoning with her hand. She smirked. “I want to tell you something... Mr. Kiinng.” (( ooc: OH MY GOD AMMIE WHAT ARE YOU DOING )) ~~~ Fili grinned when Naerwyn agreed to meed him at midnight under the tree. This would not be goodbye! He refused to allow it to be goodbye. Not yet. Even if he had to journey to Erebor with his uncle, brother, and company... He would see her again. Even if Smaug could very well crush him or burn him alive, he would not die. She would serve as a reason to survive all the hardships he would assuredly face out there in the wilderneess. He would come back to her. But for now, Fili intended to prolong his time with Naerwyn as much as possible. The blond dwarf prince pulled Naerwayn into an embrace, careful of her injured him. He buried his face in her platinum-colored hair and breathed in her lovely floral and feminine scent. “Farewell for now,” he breathed. “I will meet you without fail.” He released her then, albeit reluctantly, and then dashed from the chamber. It was though he'd forgotten his heart there with Naerwyn. He arrived at the palace fifteen minutes after that, flustered and panting heavily. The prince stopped just outside the dining room, trying to straighten out his clothing and hair, and overall appear more composed (or less suspicious). If Kili had covered him, he had nothing to fear. That, of course, being the key point. The moment he stepped inside Dwalin flung his personal mug at Fili's head. He yelped and dodged smoothly, the cup breaking harmlessly on the wall. “How fortunate for you,” Dwalin growled, “That your body is not as slow as your mind...” The dwarf warrior reseated himself, but continued to glare even as Fili moved to sit next to his brother. |
Kili didn't bother trying to explain himself. He sat back and hung his head, trying to ignore the yelling and the arguing. He found it very difficult to eat while being berated and pushed his plate away. He didn't say a word and didn't look up at his brother. He was not only ashamed that he spilled Fili's secret, but that he had been foolish enough to suggest Fili sneak off in the first place. He had disappointed his elders and when Fili found out that he blabbed on him, he will have disappointed Fili, too. Suddenly, he had a deep yearning for a hole in the ground. One he could crawl into and die inside.
Thorin ignored the gawking from elves he passed and went straight to his room. She squirmed like an excited squirrel and never ceased her giggling. It was almost comical, when he thought about it. It took quite a bit of maneuvering to get her from his shoulder to the bed without dropping her. He went about attempting to tuck her into bed, but she stopped him and very drunkenly told him that she had something to tell him. He sighed and sat down next to her. He leaned over only slightly, "Yes, Ammie?" Elrond could barely believe Ammie's particular actions after indulging in, what he thought, was only a little wine. He had chosen to lower his head and cover his eyes until the madness stopped by Thorin's hand. When Fili arrived, Elrond wasn't quite as shocked by his companions actions. He expected that after what the other dwarf had blurted out. Elrond expected it of Fili, though. With the way he acted before she was taken to be healed gave it away. He would attempt to see her. It was a fact. They all should have expected it. He gave a slight smirk and looked down the table, "So, Master Dwarf, how did Naerwyn fair when you saw her? It was my understanding that she took quite well to the healing." |
Ammie sat upright, albeit it with effort, and actually hugged Thorin. Yes. She hugged him. In the morning she would recall this moment with panic, embarrassment, and dread. But right now, it seemed like a good idea. She held onto him for a good, long time. He was surprisingly comfortable for a broad, tall dwarf. He smelled very manly, too. "You're a nice man," she said to him with another giggle. "A nice, majestic dwarf. I hope you get your kingdom back. I'll try to be helpful from now on."
The hobbit female released Thorin, dropping back onto the bed with another yawn. She gathered up some of the blankets and drew them up against her with a happy smile. Her wide hazel eyes studied the king's face for a moment, and then she wrinkled her nose. She grimaced comically with intense concentration, perhaps trying to decide if she wanted to say something more... And she did, but it was more to herself than him. "I probably have a crush on you. Good night." With that, the hobbit girl flung herself over onto her side in the most unladylike of fashions and fell straight to sleep. ~~~ Fili had, by now, realized that someone had coaxed the truth out of Kili. It was his own fault, of course. He'd come very late to dinner, and questions would have followed. Kili, being his brother, would have been forced to answer those questions. Even if he'd claimed not to know a thing, he did, and eventually the pressure of their stares and interrogations would have forced Kili to reveal his location. Still, even if the others judged him...And, particularly, if Uncle Thorin judged him, Fili did not care. He cared about Naerwyn and he would see her if he so chose. That was why he saw no issue discussing her with Elrond when he asked. He met Lord Elrond's gaze unfalteringly, holding his head up high and smiling as if he were a child with a toy that everyone envied. "She is almost entirely recovered," he replied. Various members of his company growled and scolded him in unison. Fili ignored them. "Since we were the ones who found her in the woods, half-dead, I thought it was our responsibility to make certain she'd be all right. I have determined that. She is a kind woman and I am glad that we were able to bring her to Rivendell on time." Fili stopped and glanced at his brother, whose eyes were glued to the table with shame. He clapped his hand on Kili's shoulder and grinned. "I am not angry with you, Brother. Is the wine any good?" |
Thorin was surprised when she hugged him. He wasn't expecting a hug. Another braid mustache, maybe, but a hug? Despite himself, a wide smile broke out across his face and his arms snaked around her. He held her gently and even breathed a laugh at her comment about him being such a majestic dwarf. She certainly was odd, this young Hobbit.
When she let go of him, he, too, let go of her and watched her flop back on the bed. She gathered the blankets to cover herself, which he assisted with and made quite a goofy face. He let out a small laugh, "What is it, dear one?" He had expected her to say something silly, but not proclaim that she had a crush on him. His brow knit tightly and he found himself speechless. What did one say to that? How would you follow that? Luckily, he didn't have to. Ammie flopped over onto her side and, thankyfully, went right to sleep. Thorin waited a short while, making sure she would stay asleep and be comfortable, then left the room to find Balin. They would need to speak to Elrond quite soon. Kili remained quiet for a while, trying to force down some bread, but his stomach was still in knots. He couldn't bring himself to eat. When Fili spoke to Elrond of Naerwyn's progress, he looked up to his brother. He was shocked that Fili would be so brave as to speak so highly of Naerwyn in front of the others and a new found respect for Fili grew in his chest. When Fili turned to him and explained that he harbored no ill feelings toward him, Kili smiled, "Thank you, brother. I am sorry." The question about the wine, though, caused a wide, devious grin to spread across Kili's face. He gave a little shrug and glanced around the table, "Perhaps, brother, you should ask Ammie what she thinks of the wine." Elrond smiled and nodded, "I am glad to hear that she fairs well." He was proud of Fili. He had, without causing more trouble or being outwardly challenging, stood up for himself against his comrades. It was always heartwarming to see such things. At the mention of checking on her after being the one to find her, he nodded again, "Yes, I quite agree. It is very honorable if you to ensure she was not only safe, but on the mend." It was then that he smirked, wide and mischievously, and gave him a knowing look, "You had best not be late tonight." |
Fili gave Lord Elrond a perplexed look when he mentioned "not being late tonight". What did that mean? His memory flashed back to his meeting with Naerwyn, but how would Elrond know about that? Elrond had, to his knowledge, been here at dinner with Gandalf and the others. No one had been in the room with himself and Naerwyn, and even if an elf had overheard surely they would have been unable to pass the information on to Elrond in the time it took Fili to arrive at the palace. Furthermore, Fili had not seen an elf coming in to whisper anything to Elrond at all. The blond dwarf narrowed his eyes at the elf king. Did he know Naerwyn? Had they met before this occasion? Or was it magic?
Fili did not have time to ponder these questions, since his brother answered him regarding the wine. Becoming distracted, Fili asked, "What do you mean, ask Ammie?" He glanced around the table for the small hobbit, but only her uncle Bilbo remained. "Where is Ammie?" And, on that note, where was Uncle Thorin? The other dwarves began to laugh at the question. Something had happened with her, clearly. Bofur grinned, shaking his head. His winged hat bounced to and fro. "Oh, Ammie had too much of the wine, laddie," he said. "Popped back four glasses, she did. She was chatting away, laughing, and dancing on the table, even." Bilbo's head dropped to the table and he groaned with embarrassment. "She's much funner than her uncle," Nori agreed. "Oh, for goodness sake," Bilbo snapped, "There's a time for drunken fun, and now was not the time." "I think she was nervous," Bofur continued. "She came in with the king and they sat together." With Uncle Thorin? Really?! Fili's jaw dropped, although he recovered quickly. He looked at Kili, astonished. "No, with Uncle?!" He had not noticed anything going on between Ammie and Thorin. Not once. He had seen them talking a couple of times, certainly, but nothing more than that! "Mr. Oakenshield carried her off after she danced on the table," Bilbo moaned with despair. "Where was he taking her!?" "Be calm, Mr. Baggins," Bofur said. "I am sure he was just laying Ammie down so she could rest. She did have a wee bit too much." Just then, said uncle returned to the room. Fili flushed slightly and tried to make himself look busy. He put his head down and began to eat. He filled his mouth so that he would not have to speak if Thorin thought to inquire about his lateness or his whereabouts before dinner. At least, not yet. He washed down the first mouthful of food with wine, which was rather good he had to admit, and then continued to eat. He ate ravenously. He hadn't realized how hungry he was, although...Where was the meat? Gandalf stood as Thorin entered the room, clearing his throat. "Thorin, you're back. Good. Lord Elrond has agreed to look at your map. If you will come this way. Balin? You as well." Bilbo appeared suddenly interested. "May I come along? I like old maps." "Of course," Gandalf replied. |
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