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blankdblank · 4 years

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Acorn Castles Pt 2

All –

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @sweeticedtea, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @here2have-fun, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore, @mariannetora, @shes-a-killer-kween, @ggbbhehe4455

Hobbit/LotR – @abiwim, @jotink78, @pastelhexmaniac

x Thorin – @evyiione, @deepestfirefun, @queenoferebor

@bun-bun-the-rabbit

On watch with Dori for the first shift you sat uselessly keeping watch of the small mirror tucked behind a rock the cover was propped up in front of with Dori occasionally sharing that there was still nothing as you could only search for more light sources in the vast darkness. Hours ticked on and from watch to curling up between Bilbo and Ori to the spot Bo had been keeping warm for you, you moved to be covered by the dog in a heavy plop onto your back after. Lowly by your ear however at what was meant to be morning in the growing light of the formerly dying fire Thorin rumbled, “Morning, Gloin is heading the toilet escort if you need it.”

Deeply you sighed and asked, “What are the chances of me not having to squat in the dark and possibly get licked or bitten on my butt cheek?” Lowly he chuckled lowering his head to press his fingers into the ground to keep from rocking forward onto you to Bo’s exaggerated leg stretches above your body.

“There are hidden toilets all through this pass.”

Rolling onto your side you shifted to look his over with hair being pushed from your face to fall back in it again in a frizzy loosening mess of curls sure to take hours to comb out again once you found a suitable place to wash it. “Ok, I am going to trust your definition of toilet and hope I don’t find a hole in the ground of a dark crevice.” Onto your feet you straightened up grumbling to a pop of your back, “Nature calls.” Thorin chuckled through your stroll to the entrance where Gloin gladly offered his arm to escort poor blind you and Bombur to the hidden toilets.

Breakfast came with a skillet of bacon and a curious snorting flat faced creature something close to a dog and wombat Dwalin tossed a piece from his portion out through the front flap only to lure a pair of tiny fox cubs you gasped and cuddled up to as you waited for your plate. Mother called however and you sighed again in their dart off to answer her call. Curiously Balin said, “Amad calling for her cubs. They have to answer.”

Kili asked, “What do your parents call you?”

Catching his eye after a grin to Nori you thanked for the plate he passed you, you answered, “My parents called me Sili.”

Again their brows clenched and Dwalin said, “That’s no tender name for your pebble to feel cherished by.”

“Oh, no, with an I, not a Y.” That had brows and you said, “Not Sili like funny, like Kili or Fili, but with an S.”

Fili grinned saying, “We could be mistaken for triplets with that. What does Sili mean in your tongue?”

“It doesn’t have a meaning. The Magma Spirit told my Mother to name me Silmaril,” That had eyes on you flinching wider a moment casing you to look over them all wondering if that was a curse word or insult. “But they didn’t like it, so they called me Sili, but I prefer Pluto, or Miss Pear, if that term is an insult.”

Gloin, “No insult...”

Thorin wet his lips and asked, “Silmaril, you are certain of that term exactly?”

“Yes, why are you acting like that?”

Balin cleared his throat and shared the history of the three stones then your eyes fell to the locket on your chest now being lifted to your palm, “You think that’s what this is?”

Thorin, “If it is, it is yours. None may claim rights if you are destined for it. We will ensure none dare to try you for it. Noldor be damned, that stone is yours alone.”

Shadows, a sea of red eyed shadows far from what the others described the orca and goblins to be. Avoiding a pack of wargs you kept a wall of flames to keep from snapping at the ponies or wagon you were standing on the back of. The Company charged full speed into an open doorway that once inside the dark hall it fed into the Lin brothers eased around your flame wall to press the monstrously heavy door sealing you inside. Torches from either side of the door were gathered and quickly the pair held the pair of torches up into the flames you morphed around to try and get a glimpse of the hall you were in. Bones and discarded armor from Men, orc and goblin alike coated the ground had you inching down timidly not really wishing to be down there only to have to easing the weight of the wagon Gandalf had enchanted to be indestructible and light weight not needing the ease as the Dwarves said they could easily juggle your petite self.

Beside Nori you crept closer making him smirk and adjust his pace to keep close by. Eerily quiet Moria stretched on and on until inside an endless hall of pillars fading into shadows you paused for lunch with stomachs growling. Around a small pop up stove you rested your legs with fish from the stream set out to be carved to your right, all chatting quietly until a tarnished gold chain fell far from above. Tightly your eyes clenched and you muttered, “Of course, up.”

Scattered sounds of creatures from above rippled through the hall to the deep breath you drew in with hands covering your eyes in a moment to draw your focus.

Fili and Kili grouped together with Ori at Oin’s nudge and subtly all the men eased their hands to their weapons. Lowly in a gravely whisper Thorin rumbled, “Pluto,” on his cushion he eased closer to Dwalin’s side saying, “Give Bilbo your stone.”

Dwalin, “They hate light.”

Lowering your hand from your face it went to your necklace you opened stirring screeches to the brilliant stream of light. Clasped in your palm it was switched to Bilbo’s open palm and their eyes followed your rise, each catching hints of a familiar rumble of flames through a deep inhale reminding them of Smaug. Rightly so as to Bilbo’s palm opening to reveal the light from your open mouth a stream of flames erupted, lasting only a few moments yet in the rise of your hands those flames exploded in ripples all around the group destroying the last of the debris falling from your first attack. Facing away from you the guys ensured to not be blinded readying as the goblins began to crawl down the pillars to attack.

Under your feet distant tremors had your eyes lowering with Bilbo’s until a distant roar drew your eye to a now alight doorway. “What is that?” You asked to the frightened chittering of the goblins turning to flee.

Balin cleared his throat in a try to find his voice, “Durin’s Bane.”

“That doesn’t help,” you said hearing the beast moving closer only to narrow your eyes seeing a ball of flames flickering down and out up through what must have been its mouth, “All I see is flames.”

Thorin looked at you, “What?”

Nori, “Well, it’s sort of got goat legs, and the chest of a bull and large arms,”

Kili, “And those curved horns on its nose-less face.”

Fili, “Don’t forget the wings.”

The crack of a whip wreathed in flames and the group flinched back making you step forward. Somewhere in the fall of a group goblins to a flick of the flaming whip crouched down you rolled forward away from the flames whizzing over your back. Tugging your arm back from the whip a wall of flames erupted around the flipping kick taking down the goblins hoping to sneak up on the lone creature facing down the Balrog. More and more to its attacks you avoided them blasting flames higher and higher to the unreachable ceiling making you shout, “How tall is this damn hall?!”

Dori, “Bout a mile to go,” his called out answer made you huff and roll again to avoid the whip once again, this time gaining a wince from the painful bruise forming on your thigh.

From the lips of the Balrog flames were being drawn out by your attacks staggering its steps in the withering of the whip now without flame to coat it from the strength you were drawing out of the Balrog post lightning strike to its shoulder to drop its only weapon. At you it charged and tugging again in the same pendulum spin motion around you the flames gathered to the last ember out of the crumbling Balrog’s body, light around your ball of flames exploded through the kingdom like intertwining vines escaping for room to grow with roots seeping into the stone below. Up and up the branches grew to the Balrog’s dying roar even out of the mountain now the focus of the guards of Lothlorien with a clear view, into the stars the branches spread above the trunk like mountain. And as soon as the glimmering reminder of Teleperion of old the endless silvery white tree of light had appeared it was gone again in the drop of your body to its knees.

Heavy and hard the ash of the Balrog collapsed coming clearer into the view of the Company lowering their hands, dim again the halls settled with a faint figure in your place collapsing forward. Across the hall the men raced turning you over onto your back to Bilbo holding the stone above you to see if you had any injuries only revealing the branch like veins under your skin glittering with every beat of your heart. Inside the circle of light the Silmaril was giving off the men moved you to the camp to let you rest as they returned to readying supper with four still on guard of the freshly polished glowing city. Right by your side Oin sat dabbing a damp cloth watching the sizzle of each drop on your still boiling skin that might harm them if not for their thick skin used to working hot metal into weapons and jewelry.

“Perhaps if you took off her outer robe she might cool down,” Kili said with eyes flinching wider to the glares in response. “It’s already open, is all I meant.”

Fili, “She has been in her under shirt in front of us before.”

Oin huffed shifting the shirt to inspect your belly your hand kept smoothing over in your sleep only to take hold of your hip leaning over in a gentle lift where his lips parted seeing the burn hidden by the thick cloth robe. “Robe off, Lass has a burn.”

Bofur, “Burn?” Joining Balin in easing the shoulder of the robe off your arm revealing the burn on your lower back from the whip. Onto your belly you were settled with the robe tucked for a pillow granting them full range of your back under the rib covering vest. That on hot days you had a wrap to loop from your back crossing your chest to seem more decent with cleavage out of sight from the men who could easily strip shirtless to lounge at their leisure. Special creams from their kin helped to soothe the burn beginning to heal stirring out grins, even more at your stirring breaths to your temperature dropping.

Oin murmured in another test of your skin, “Cooling down nicely.” His eyes shifted to Thorin eyeing the burn and small scrapes down the side and arm he could see. “Burn is the worst of it, past some coming bruises no doubt,” another tin of salve was brought to coat the scrapes he dabbed clean. The final scrape on your hand came with a flinch making him grin and say, “Just a scrape Miss Pluto.”

“Are they gone?” You asked encouraging smiles to spread through the group.

Fili blurted out before the others. “Gone? You disintegrated them! Whole of Moria is empty now it seems.”

Thorin hummed, “Just rest, you got a fair burn on your back, we can rest more tomorrow give you time to heal.”

“Should be able to walk fine,” turning your head Bo crept closer from his former job keeping the ponies with the group calming at your hand rubbing his head causing his tail to wag in relief.

Until supper you relaxed letting Oin flit around you ensuring no fur or dust got into your creams or salves and a bowl and a half later with the spare bit able to be sent your way to rebuild your strength. Back to bed you went however leaving the stone out in the palm of the Ri brothers on watch even with the fires still fed and glowing.

A grumble from you came in a climb to your knees and glancing around the hall Bilbo, still awake himself at his shared dilemma joined you in following Balin’s earlier directions to the young Princes. Stretching from his awakening pillow Bo bounded after the pair of you in the circle of light from your stone revealing the path ahead.

Into the public toilet you sighed out, “Least there’s stalls,” hurrying in through the broken door leaving the stone resting on Bo’s head seated between the pair of open stalls chosen.

Bilbo hurried into his glad the Company had cleaned then earlier knowing of the lingering here a day at least. Seated the both of you content sighs came out in relief of the cramped bellies holding your bladders for the long trot. Just a moment your eyes closed and a faint raspy breath came opening them again, “Pluto please tell me that was you.”

Bo’s growl to a shadow in the doorway found you both finishing up and dressing promptly to creep out. Bilbo’s sword was drawn and next to Bo you stepped over his tail taking the stone in your hand so he could stand again readying to attack. Glowing eyes came into the doorway and growling out lowly the creature spoke, “Fresh meats,” A throaty growl came to an end when and arrow came out through its chest and Bo’s snarl halted seeing Kili lowering his bow.

The young Prince with Ori who hurried in to claim a stall with torch in hand said, “Alright there you two?”

“Ya,” you said, “Guess I missed one.”

Kili looked him over coming closer, “He’s no goblin. They’d not have let him stay here. Must have found a door to sneak in like we did.”

“What’s this?” Bilbo asked crouching down to lift the ring that had skidded to his foot, up in his palm he settled the ring you brought the Silmaril close to only making it hiss and crumble to dust parting your lips.

“Oh, I’m sorry Bilbo. I can make you a gold ring to replace it.”

He shook his head grinning at you in a wiping of palms to cast off the ashes, “No need. Don’t think I would want a ring that turns to ash in the first place. Nor would any respectable Hobbit I’d wager.”

“If you do change your mind,”

Bilbo eyed your necklace and said, “You might just tempt me to a bracelet like that, if it does trouble you so. Lovely tree to remind me of home.” With a giggle you nodded and joined the group in heading back past the body Kili eased out into the hall from the doorway. The pair on watch were warned of a possible second door open and kept the notice to pass onto the others when it was their turn to wake.

Long and dark surely a second crevice was found and using a large boulder and some spare iron frames from what might have been a lounge was used by you to seal it shut comforting the Dwarves at least there was a chance to have it still empty when reinforcements would come. On and on you went following up with routines of the creams for the next week until the kingdom was crossed and another closed doorway was reached. “Oh look, another door, can’t imagine how you manage to live here day to day when it takes a week from one door to the next.”

Thorin chuckled and Bofur replied, “It’s a mining city, more for digging up Mithril than keeping house and home. Monthly breaks here from home are taken while the family waits back in the Blue Mountains, or Erebor, even Iron Hills on occasion.”

“Can’t imagine the patience of your mothers,” stirring smirks to Thorin and Dwalin working the mechanics to open the door, “Then again I suppose I would be a bit selfish expecting a husband to be at home to help with the demanded trio.”

Balin sighed patting your arm in your move to secure your outer robe with the sash and buttons holding the course cardigan of a cover reaching your mid thigh, “Our Amad gave Adad something fierce of an earful after each roaming bout, you are not alone in that and it was just Dwalin and I. Our aunt Diaa with Thorin and her other two bairns on the other hand you could hear her roaring once uncle Thrain got within ear shot of the front gates.”

Thorin rolled his eyes, “Frerin and I were not half bad, Dis was the hassle.”

Fili and Kili chuckled out, “Amad says otherwise.”

Thorin and Dwalin chuckled, “She would.” Leading the way out of the vast kingdom the ponies perked up along with the two horses at the sight of a forest your eyes scanned over.

“Look at the size of those trees,” you mused easing your stone back into your necklace.

Across the rocky path you led the wagon pulled by your horse and two ponies once the gates were sealed again. Up and up the trees stretched the closer you drew to the edge of the forest that was named for you and explained you would travel on the outer ring to keep away from the Witch living further in.

Training like in the past week had picked up again since your burn had healed and for days began a part of making camp before the ample baths taken in the large amount of streams. Cold and clear the waters ran with ample room for more towns to build. Though in a still moment to the sound of the young Princes training your eyes shifted from your reflection in wringing out your long curls another figure peering down at you had you freeze and lower the curls to your shoulder to drip down your vest to your lap.

Up to the empty trees your eyes turned finding the figure gone. All over they scanned until a splash of cold water came to Bo’s pounce after a pair of bunnies he was tracking, not to eat but merely to play with the curious little creatures wondering what the large bear sized dog was doing in these woods. Onto your feet you stood grabbing your comb and outer robe to head back to the Company continuing to glance upwards between paths of your comb working out any hidden knots in search of more of the strangers dwelling in these woods. Sleep however came soon enough and with more strangers far above stealing glimpses of the practically glowing woman in the midst of Dwarves and a shimmering Hobbit in a stream of moonlight.

Just past the edge of the forest was a bridge that led to another forest, though this one darker and atop your horse while Gandalf’s headed the wagon you followed Bofur at the front of the line under your rain cloak to cover you in the stretch of drizzle. Cautious of being in the open again eyes swiveled and in a bit of a trot even at the urging of the ponies the distance was crossed with a pause at the edge of the forest. Under its shadow the group paused turning to head for an open archway to the entering path Gloin pointed out to Bofur. All the way to lunch silence clung to the group in the comfortably noisy shadowed wood.

The Southern wood sat lonelier yet noisier than here in the Northern wood. On foot with Bo you walked close to the Bur brothers wondering at the eerie silence in each nightfall. Streams here were different, enchanted to be untouchable and unfriendly to those wishing for a drink. Scattered branches shifting had you on constant edge though nothing could have prepared you to suddenly seeing the men get picked up or knocked over. “What is it?!” Stepping away from invisible barriers once touched had you smoothing your palms over your pants, “Why is everything sticky?!”

Turning in circles your fists were wreathed in flames with Bilbo at your side equally as frightened, answering your question, “Spiders, giant spiders.”

Blindly to Bilbo and the Dwarves’ shouts you fired off flames rippling waves of burning webbing and drawing out pained shrieks from the spiders that Bilbo kept away from your back with his sword. Out of nowhere however tall armed strangers leapt and fired off arrows to the invisible foes. On your right the blonde in the midst of redheads and brunettes stood wide eyed clenching his fist around his bow to your loud shriek in a leap up onto his shoulder clutching his hair. With a leg draped down his chest and a knee on the harness holding his quiver and twin swords you perched wide eyed staring at the massive spider now dead in front of you. “Oh that’s big,” Panting for breath to calm down the hand of the Elf you were seated on rested on your thigh with a sigh realizing you weren’t going to let go any time soon and were genuinely terrified and not trying to harm him, albeit successful in ruining his braid no doubt.

Trying not to chuckle the Dwarves once under view of the tall group relaxed that you were at least safe in your silence. And they gathered the reigns of the steeds to keep the Company moving forward under its new guard.

Near to an hour you sat now with both legs dangling over the chest of the Elf comfortably keeping you on his left shoulder thanks to your release of his hair and had taken hold of the strap between your thigh and his neck. He couldn’t get a word out of you as your eyes kept traveling upwards finding more Elves curiously eyeing their Prince with a stranger on his shoulder. Once in the sight of a bridge he paused and lowered to a crouch with the redhead coming over to help you down. To Bo’s fur you clung walking at his side crossing the rail-less bridge passing the confused guards glancing at their Prince who merely shook his head a tick and followed your clearly still frightened self and once inside the kingdom guided you the right way all the way to the Throne Room.

“Something must be done! You must put aside the past and move onwards.” Gandalf’s voice echoed through the hall and in your upward gaze to the winding paths and stained glass streams of colored light down upon the stretch ahead with scattered butterflies and hummingbirds feeding from dangling plant pots above.

Low and velvety another voice replied from the raised throne above the Wizard and other Elf Lords in council with the Elf King, “Do not mistake my invitation for a stay within my walls Mithrandir as a right to direct my path and that of my people. I will not spare another drop of Elvish blood for the gain of that hoard.”

Another voice sounded out in agreement with Thranduil before Gandalf stated, “You have heard from Gondor as we all have, Mordor has collapsed with only Angmar and Cirith Ungul to hold the remaining-,”

“I will not awaken that beast.” His eyes shifted to the sound of a guard turning to bow to the nearing Prince to whom he spoke in Doriathian, “Who is this you have found on our doorstep, Little Leaf?”

The Prince behind you answered, “A company of Dwarves among a Hobbit and one rather frightened woman with a rather large dog.”

The Lords turned all looking to the Dwarves first while the Elf King’s eyes traveled to the woman who in Bo’s path to sniff the Lords gripped his son’s belt in crossing another bridge. Onto his feet Thranduil rose wide eyed beginning to descend his steps knowing your face right away to Gandalf’s chuckling greeting of Bo before saying, “There you are Thorin, which passage did you take, we have beaten you by a fortnight.”

Thorin huffed noticing his glance your way and answered, “We passed through Moria.”

Gandalf, “Moria, what in Arda drove you there?” Around him Celeborn took notice of you alongside Lord Glorfindel while Elrond looked to Thorin. His adopted uncles reborn Maglor and Maedhros stood with eyes fixed right on your still upward glancing self who flashed a quick grin to Legolas at his subtle clearing of his throat to be released on the other side of the bridge.

Thorin replied, “The door was open.”

Celeborn, “What of Durin’s Bane?”

Thorin, “Dead.”

Glorfindel looked from you in Thranduil’s passing between him and his view of you to Thorin, “You killed a Balrog?”

Thorin, “No, our Dragon Slayer has.” His eyes shifting to Thranduil who stopped a couple of feet in front of you.

“You’re real,” the King murmured to himself in Doriathian.

To which you replied, “You’re wearing silver.” Uncertain of how else to answer other than in sarcasm.

“Ada? You know this woman?”

His icy blue eyes scanned over your opal light curls littered with leaves and silver flecked purple eyes with cheeks sporting patches of dirt, sap and leaf crumbled pieces. “Silmaril,” he whispered.

“I prefer Pluto, or Miss Pear.”

“Rightfully so, my apologies, Miss Pear.” Up and down his eyes took in the disheveled state he found you and he stated plainly, “Tauriel, accompany our guests to the bathhouse and guest quarters while we await supper, clearly Miss Pear is in need of a proper meal.”

Still peering up at him you said, “The longer you stare the more it makes me think there’s a spider on me. Is there? Because I will scream.”

Shaking his had he replied, “No, my apologies, there is nothing on you past leaves and dirt. I will try my best not to stare, Miss Pear.”

You nodded and moved past him following the Princes who guided you behind Tauriel stealing a glance back to the curious King who silenced Gandalf’s argument on his try to keep you all there for more questions. “Leave them be Mithrandir. Wait for supper.” Once turned around fully he eyed the Feanoreans saying, “And you two keep where I can see you far from the young Maiden.” Narrowing their gazes at him only finding a fiery one from him in return.

Glorfindel muttered, “She’s alive. Truly alive.”

Thranduil, “Yes she is.”

Gandalf looking between them asked, “Alive? The pair of you have seen Miss Pear before?”

Celeborn stated plainly, “Yes, dwelling inside one of the Silmarils.” Open mouthed the Feanoreans gawked at the blonde trio who had been mocked by others among a notable few also mocked for ages in stating Feanor had trapped something sacred to Teleperion and Laurelin upon extracting materials from the Two Trees to form his precious three stones. One of which rumored to have held the face of the ethereal creature now alive and in Middle Earth clarifying why the brothers had been warned against bothering said creature.

“Ada,” Legolas came closer stating, “She was rather frightened, as if she could not see the spiders. It was not until one was killed that she leapt to my shoulder in fear.”

That had Thranduil shifting to face his son fully realizing just why his hair had been disturbed and Gandalf said, “Miss Pear could not see the Trolls she faced either, not until they turned to stone. This is imperative to find the source of her blindness.”

Lord Glorfindel, “Is it not obvious? Truly were she born from The Two Trees her eyes never fell on the foul creatures alive today. They cannot fathom such darkness. I should rather enjoy hearing how the Balrog was brought down.”

Privately you were sent to bathe after being told by Thorin to put on your finest as they would try to manage. In the most vibrant hues possible each Dwarf and even Bilbo was dressed and smiled seeing you with curls loose over your shoulder pooling into your face over the crème lace midriff and arm bearing top with a matching floor length skirt. The outfit was tucked away with matching flats for the day you were to be taken to the Fire Nation Capitol again to meet your Betrothed. Seeing the group taking in your appearance you said, “Everything else has dirt stains. My transfer dress should be fit for a supper here?”

Kindly Thorin’s hand settled on your arm saying, “What you are wearing is lovely.”

Kili asked, “Transfer dress?”

“For when I was to be taken to,”

Thorin inched closer, “You are not to be taken anywhere, we will not let you out of our sight. It is a lovely dress, should the style be comfortable for you I have seen Elleths wear it in these lands before. We might barter more for your supply.”

Dori said, “A wrap or two as well could do wonders, some nice silk designs stitched. Could make quite a lovely touch to any outfit.”

The Elf entering with a bow of their head led you all to the waiting supper where all the Elf Lords and Gandalf were waiting and Thorin’s hand on your upper back guided you to the chair beside his after your pause to guess where you would be wanted. Underneath you the chair was eased in and all but the Kings sat down with the pair to follow. Wine was poured next and the curious Elf who had stared at you asked, “Miss Pear, other than our unfortunate spider infestation was your voyage otherwise tolerable through our lands?”

“What’s his name?” You whispered to Thorin making him smirk and whisper back, “King Thranduil.”

You turned your head forcing out a quick grin, “Well, Your Majesty, other than the enchanted streams and those odd mushrooms it had some lovely groups of animals who crossed our path.”

“You enjoy animals?”

“Yes, well, I didn’t have much experience with them in my childhood until my parents were ordered to the Water Tribe. Only then all the creatures mostly try to eat or attack people for retaining territory. I did have Bo though.”

Elrond, “Bo?”

Thorin replied, “Her dog.”

Elrond nodded, “Ah, yes, I am Lord Elrond Master of Imladris, I have heard much of you from Mithrandir, however he did not share much of your childhood.”

“Mithrandir?” you asked Thorin who clarified that was the Elvish name for Gandalf.

Looking to Elrond in the arrival of your first course of a small salad you replied, “To be honest the question of my childhood hadn’t been brought up until after Gandalf had left to try and find Rivendell.”

Elrond, “Yes, now, Mithrandir stated he found you, your dog Bo and your wagon then took you with him to Master Baggins’ home. Might you remember how you arrived in his path?”

Subtly you shook your head, “I had guessed the other children in the village had taken me while I slept and my things and left me on the ice. I woke up after it drifted into the ocean. I don’t know how long I drifted just that I fell asleep and when I woke up Gandalf was tapping the wagon with his staff.”

Thranduil, “Why would the children leave you on the ice while you slept?”

“Because I’m from the Fire Nation, they’re a Water Tribe. As close to sworn enemies there could be.”

Gandalf, “Fire Nation?”

You nodded, “Yes. There are Fire, Earth, Water and Air Nation Tribes. All with those who can control those elements. The balance is upheld by the Avatar, who can control all four elements, only, the next one after Avatar Roku was wiped out with the destruction of the Air Nomad Temples allowing the Fire Lord to expand his territories, and starting the war.”

Gandalf, “With the Trolls, it was stated you created fire bright enough to turn the Trolls to stone.”

“Fire is light, to an extent fire is a living thing. Burning with fire is quite simple, but those who study find it has other uses while these candles prove the obvious one.”

Gandalf, “Could you do it again?”

Thorin rumbled out, “Miss Pear is not a show pony, she will not be demonstrating tricks with her abilities. Every use of it wears on her strength, case in point our crossing Moria we rested a full extra day to allow ample rest to recover her strength. I made my point clear I had imagined before you abandoned our Company near Rivendell.”

Gandalf huffed and you rolled your eyes inhaling only to puff out a lick of flames from your lips in the shape of a bird that flew to the candle in front of you to join the flames glowing a blue a moment then fading cooler to yellow again. Weakly Gandalf murmured, “Breathing flames,”

“Lighting candles and lanterns were the easiest to practice on my own and keep to myself.”

Maglor, “Keep to yourself?”

“My parents weren’t benders, hated them really for how they were treated at not being able to. Especially after being sent to that village. Really didn’t look forward to my being taken by benders.”

Maedhros asked, “You were to be taken by these benders?”

Slicing your first bite of salad you replied feeling Thorin struggling not to tense up, “Yes, when I was a child I was spotted and found to be a suitable match, the General spoke to the Fire Lord who proclaimed his son and I were betrothed. Before I was brought to these lands it was only a matter of months until I was to be taken to meet my betrothed.”

That had all the Lords sharply looking to you with Celeborn asking, “You had never met?”

“No. That is not the way. We meet in on the week of our wedding rehearsals.”

Thranduil, “That is absurd.”

Thorin rumbled out, “Apparently in her lands it is customary for every one of notable birth to have their mate chosen by the Fire Lord.”

“For the good of the nation we obey our Fire Lord’s commands and bear our allotted children before we are allowed to take our second house to dwell separately. Unless of course our husbands are in the army then they simply are allowed to be sent back to active duty abroad and the contact is quite limited for years at a time.”

Tears seemed to be filling the eyes of the Elves as Legolas said, “How terribly cruel.”

Forcing out a grin you replied, “My barter in life to be born female. Were I a son my parents’ lives would have been simpler. And they might yet have survived my disappearance.”

Elrond, “I do not follow, how would they have not survived, surely Mithrandir might find a way to return you yet, should you truly wish it.”

Thorin, “Miss Pear is never going back!” He barked out protectively with the rest of the Company making you grin to your plate after you had chewed and swallowed your small bite.

“Even if he could, once it was discovered I was gone no doubt the village would have been burned.”

Elrond, “I don’t-,”

“Upon the day of my betrothal proclamation I became the General’s property. Were I to go missing any aiding my flight or behind my kidnapping would be put to death, including my parents for shaming the Fire Lord for mistrusting his decision on my match for a husband. And further, were I to return, I was kept under such scrutiny as to ensure my purity, I have been out of sight for more than five minutes beyond windowless rooms with only one door my parents alone kept the key to. I would be put to death for breaking the Fire Lord’s word on delivering a pure bride to my betrothed.”

Two knives were bent in Elven hands and you looked to Thranduil hearing his silver goblet creaking between his fingers he set down to keep from splitting it open. “Thank you, for the sentiment. However King Thorin has been very kind in offering me a place in Erebor once Smaug is defeated.”

Celeborn, “Surely, your parents would have chosen better for you had they the chance.”

“The son of a General would have ample resources to shower on me with what he would inherit and his starting position in the Army for his connections. Besides any man choosing me would be after a spectacle for their children to inherit.”

Maedhros, “Spectacle?”

“I was born in the path of an exploding volcano, my mother took refuge in a Magma Spirit’s temple that is why my eyes and hair look like this, and the spirit chose my name in return for protecting me. My hair is why the General chose me.”

Maedhros, “The Spirit chose Pluto for your name?”

“No, Silmaril, I chose Pluto.” You said taking another bite while the duo stared at you intensely then to Thranduil who gave them a challenging glance as they now realized some possible truth to those rumors of a living creature trapped inside the Silmaril Maedhros had hurled into a volcano he then leapt into.

Maglor, “Why Pluto?”

“Because it’s my favorite planet. Truly beautiful and mysterious while being the celestial marker of rebirth and transformation.”

Glorfindel asked after clearing his throat softly, “Miss Pear, how much experience do you have in facing Dragons?”

“None. Beyond the obvious childhood dreams.”

That had Elrond looking to Gandalf, “And yet you were hired to face Smaug?”

“Well, I’ve read about dragons. Most of our Princes and Fire Lords as a sign of strength brought one down. If they can do it I’m certain I can find a way.”

The Elves wanted to say something only for Dwalin to say, “We have faith in you.”

Inhaling sharply inspecting your sentimental grin lowering from the Dwarves to your plate Thranduil stated, “For now let us speak of pleasanter topics, the Feast of Starlight for instance.” That had you glance sideways to Thorin a moment, “You and your Company shall be our guests of honor. My Seamstresses shall get to work on any gown of your choosing, while we still have ample Dwarven clothing to clothe your friends, and young Master Baggins should you wish a new outfit of choosing can be worked up as well. Hobbits have not dwelled in our forests for some time though we often wish to encourage more of your kin to possibly return one day.” His eyes shifted to you again, “Perhaps a night of feasting and dancing may grant you a nice change from your lengthy travels.”

Thorin subtly inched his arm closer to yours stating, “I will show you the dances, should you wish it.”

Legolas, “I am certain with a leap like yours mastering our dances should take no time at all.”

“I would doubt that, dancing is forbidden back home until the lessons the week of our wedding.”

Thranduil, “You are forbidden to dance? I could not imagine how dreary it must have been for you without celebrations. Even as a merchant’s child my parents and I were invited to ample public balls and festivals. Once you have mastered our dances we shall shower you with invitation to all our celebrations.”

Pt 3

#Fallen to Middle Earth #Thorin x Reader OC #Hobbit #lotr #Fire Bender

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